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Podiatrist - Cromwell
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Cromwell, CT 06416

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Posts for tag: ingrown toenail

By Feet First Foot Care Specialists, LLC
December 03, 2019
Category: Toe conditions
Tags: ingrown toenail  

At Feet First Foot Care Specialists, we know that, if you’ve ever had an ingrown toenail, you won’t likely soon forget what it felt like. It’s amazing that something as tiny as a toenail can cause such excruciating pain! When a toenail starts to grow back into the skin surrounding the nail, the area will become red, swollen and hard. Left untreated, it can also become infected. We urge all our Fairfield County patients not to delay if they notice pus or other discharge around the nail, a foul smell or they have a fever. Contact our Cromwell office immediately by calling: (860) 632-5499.

Below are some causes of ingrown toenails and what you can do to prevent this condition:

Improper Nail Trimming—this is the most frequent reason toenails become ingrown. Always cut your nails straight across but do not make them too short, especially on the sides. This makes it easy for the skin to overlap the nail and the nail to start to grow into the skin. Never file toenails with a rounded or curved edge.

Too Tight Shoes—another common cause of ingrown toenails is shoes that squeeze the toes together. If your shoes are too small, the toe box is exceedingly narrow or you spend lots of time in high heels which force the toes down and together, you’re increasing your risk for an ingrown toenail. Choose styles with lots of space in the front to freely wiggle your toes and keep heels to two inches or less.

Fungal Infections Run Amok—if you have a fungal infection such as athlete’s foot or toenail fungus and don’t seek treatment promptly, the infection can spread. It can damage your skin and help create a scenario where an ingrown nail can form.

An Inherited Tendency—in some cases, ingrown toenails can be hereditary. If you have a chronic issue with a toenail becoming ingrown, our podiatrist, Dr. Adam Mucinskas can perform a simple procedure that will prevent a section of the nail from re-growing and permanently eliminate the problem.

If you have an ingrown nail, you can try soaking it in warm, soapy water or an Epsom salt bath several times a day. If this does not allow the nail to gently move out of the skin, contact us for an appointment.

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By Feet First Foot Care Specialists, LLC
December 18, 2018
Category: Foot Care

We are all incredibly busy people – especially now around the holidays! Our busy schedules often see us shirking other routine things, or pushing them further to the bottom of our to-do list. One incredibly important item that should stay constant on that list is foot care! During the holidays, feet can often feel neglected! Considering how important and complex your feet are, however, it’s incredibly important to keep them happy and healthy! Through the holiday season and any time of the year, a great idea is to get in the habit of performing regular foot self-examinations.

What is the best method of examining my feet?

Whenever it fits in your routine, use your eyes and hands to check over and feel all the surfaces of your feet and ankles. Make sure you check between each toe and under the heel. If you need help checking a certain area of your feet, grab a hand mirror, or ask a friend or family member.

What should I be looking for?

  • Redness. Color change, especially redness, could be a sign of decreased circulation, an infection, a rash, or too much pressure in an area from your footwear.
  • Toenail issues. Your nails are prone to fungal infections, and if they’re not properly cut, you could suffer from a painful ingrown toenail.
  • Swelling. If you notice swelling out of the blue, or if swelling has increased in an area since previous checks, or if it is only one foot, those are causes for alarm.
  • Blisters. Friction or pressure from ill-fitting shoes can often cause blisters. These can lead to painful ulcers or dangerous infections, especially if you are a patient with diabetes.
  • Cuts, scratches, bleeding, or abrasions. Breaks in the skin can quickly lead to infections. If you notice a cut that is not healing, it could be a sign of a something bigger going on internally.

Everyone can benefit from foot self-exams! For people with poor circulation, neuropathy, diabetes, or compromised systems in any other way, self-examinations should be done frequently and should be coupled with annual visits to the podiatrist.

If you notice any of the aforementioned issues or anything else out of the ordinary during a self-examination, it’s time to give us a call! Our podiatrist Dr. Adam Mucinskas here at Feet First Foot Care Specialists, LLC keeps up to date on all the latest podiatric health issues and utilizes state-of-the-art diagnostics and treatment techniques. Please give us a call today to schedule an appointment at our conveniently-located office in the Cromwell, Connecticut area: (860) 632-5499.

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162 West St Ste K
Cromwell, CT 06416