Toenail surgery is used when conditions like ingrown, thickened, or curved toenails do not improve with routine care. A podiatrist may remove part or all of the toenail to relieve pain and reduce the chance of infection. A chemical is often applied to the nail bed to prevent regrowth of the problem area. The procedure is done under local anesthetic, which numbs the toe, and typically there are no skin incisions or stitches that are involved. After the surgery, a large dressing is applied, and patients are usually able to walk in open-toed sandals or flip-flops. Healing times vary, but most people recover within three months depending on how much of the nail is removed. Risk factors include infection, delayed healing, or nail regrowth. A podiatrist will monitor your recovery and provide dressing instructions to help ensure proper healing. If you have painful or problematic toenails, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam and appropriate treatment, which may include surgery.
Foot and ankle surgery is generally reserved for cases in which less invasive, conservative procedures have failed to alleviate the problem. Some of the cases in which surgery may be necessary include:
Removing foot deformities like bunions and bone spurs
Severe arthritis that has caused bone issues
Cosmetic reconstruction
What Types of Surgery Are There?
The type of surgery you receive will depend on the nature of the problem you have. Some of the possible surgeries include:
Bunionectomy for painful bunions
Surgical fusion for realignment of bones
Neuropathy decompression surgery to treat nerve damage
Benefits of Surgery
Although surgery is usually a last resort, it can provide more complete pain relief compared to non-surgical methods and may allow you to finally resume full activity.
Surgical techniques have also become increasingly sophisticated. Techniques like endoscopic surgery allow for smaller incisions and faster recovery times.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Duryeaand Bangor, PA. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
Caring for feet becomes even more important with age. Seniors often experience thinning skin, reduced circulation, and changes in foot shape that make them more vulnerable to discomfort, injury, and infection. Even simple tasks like trimming toenails or checking for calluses can become more difficult. Regular foot care helps prevent complications such as fungal infections, ulcers, and falls caused by poor balance. Wearing supportive footwear and clean, dry socks can also make a big difference in maintaining foot health. Daily checks for changes in skin color, swelling, or pain are especially important for seniors with diabetes or circulatory issues. If walking becomes uncomfortable, if nails appear thickened or discolored, or if wounds take longer to heal, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for appropriate treatment.
Geriatrics and Podiatry When people age, some common issues that may occur are bone density loss, dry skin, poor circulation, and rough brittle nails. These issues may also affect your foot health if the necessary steps are not taken to alleviate the problems.
It is important to take care of your feet because feet that are injured or diseased can affect your overall health. Having painful feet hinders your ability to do daily activities or may decrease your willingness to do the things that you need to do.
Visiting Your Geriatrician As we age, health problems become more likely, so it is essential to visit your doctor for check-ups to ensure that you are doing the best you can to take care of your health. It is recommended to check your feet frequently for any possible cuts, bruises, swelling, corns or any other irregularities.
Taking Care of Elderly Feet Cracked or dry feet can be treated by applying moisturizer often. It is also important not to wear old socks because the older the sock is, the higher the possibility there will be that there is bacteria there. Wear fresh socks and make sure they fit properly.
Proper foot health means that you can have a more active lifestyle and you will not be bogged down by pain. Foot health also leads to good circulation, which is paramount for overall health.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Duryeaand Bangor, PA. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
Custom orthotics, or shoe inserts, should be periodically replaced. Orthotics must fit properly to give you the best results. Protect your feet and ankles!
Peripheral artery disease, or PAD, is a condition where the arteries that carry blood to the legs and feet become narrowed by a buildup of fatty deposits. This limits blood flow, especially when walking. A common symptom of peripheral artery disease is cramping or aching in the calves after a short distance, which usually stops with rest. This happens because the muscles are not getting enough oxygen-rich blood. People with PAD may also notice slower toenail growth, less hair on the lower legs, or feet that feel cool to the touch. In more serious cases, pain can develop in the feet even at rest, particularly at night, and sores may appear on the toes or feet due to poor blood supply. A podiatrist can check for weak blood flow in the feet and may use a simple ankle pressure test to help diagnose the problem. If you are experiencing circulation problems affecting the feet, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam and appropriate treatment options.
Peripheral artery disease can pose a serious risk to your health. It can increase the risk of stroke and heart attack. If you have symptoms of peripheral artery disease, consult with one of our podiatrists from David A. Scalzo, DPM, PC and Associates. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.
Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is when arteries are constricted due to plaque (fatty deposits) build-up. This results in less blood flow to the legs and other extremities. The main cause of PAD is atherosclerosis, in which plaque builds up in the arteries.
Symptoms
Symptoms of PAD include:
Claudication (leg pain from walking)
Numbness in legs
Decrease in growth of leg hair and toenails
Paleness of the skin
Erectile dysfunction
Sores and wounds on legs and feet that won’t heal
Coldness in one leg
It is important to note that a majority of individuals never show any symptoms of PAD.
Diagnosis
While PAD occurs in the legs and arteries, Podiatrists can diagnose PAD. Podiatrists utilize a test called an ankle-brachial index (ABI). An ABI test compares blood pressure in your arm to you ankle to see if any abnormality occurs. Ultrasound and imaging devices may also be used.
Treatment
Fortunately, lifestyle changes such as maintaining a healthy diet, exercising, managing cholesterol and blood sugar levels, and quitting smoking, can all treat PAD. Medications that prevent clots from occurring can be prescribed. Finally, in some cases, surgery may be recommended.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Duryeaand Bangor, PA. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
