5 Signs of Ingrown Toenail Infection in the Pediatric Foot
This week I have noticed an increase in ingrown toenail infections in my pediatric patients. Both boys and girls with an age range from 5 to 14 yrs old. The ingrown toenail infections in 2 cases were being treated by the patients physician but unresponsive to oral antibiotics alone.
Ingrown nails are nails whose corners or sides curve and dig painfully into soft tissue of nail grooves. This commonly leads to irritation ,redness and swelling. Generally, toenails grow straight out. The big toe is the most common location for ingrown toenail,but other toes can be affected. I recommend that parents pay attention to the following 5 signs at the least
- Pain at corners of toenail,especially with activity such as sports.
- Redness at skin surrounding toenail.
- Swelling at borders of toe.
- Drainage is yellow or discolored.
- Odor is foul.
For more information or to set up an appointment,you can visit our website at www.drantonioknowles.comor give our office a call at (901)537-0078.
Dr. Antonio Knowles,DPM is a Memphis podiatrist ,who is dedicated to your foot health.
7 Things You Need to Know About Black Friday and Your Feet
Last holiday season, I treated one of my established patients for painful ingrown toenail pain. Before leaving the treatment room he looked at me, smiled and said “now I can go shopping at the mall with my wife.” Yes, holiday shopping at the mall is fun, but foot pain is not. Before you visit the mall, I want you to follow these foot prints.
1.Excessive walking in shoegear can aggravate ingrown toenails and thick toenails.
2.Wear comfortable shoes with good arch supports.
3. Wear orthotics if you own them ,to help relieve stress on feet.
4.Purchase shoes in the afternoon to avoid buying shoes too small.
5. Improper shoegear can aggravate arch and heel pain. Recommend the right shoe for the activity.
6. Compression socks/stockings can help with swelling feet.
7.Always try shoes on before purchasing them. All manufactures are not the same fit.
Remember foot pain does not take a holiday.
For more information or to set up an appointment, you can visit our website at www.drantonioknowles.com or give our office a call at (901)537-0078.Dr.Antonio Knowles,DPM,Memphis podiatrist. Dedicated to your foot health.
What can I do about my child’s flat feet?
Flat feet is one of the most common foot problems that I see and treat in my pediatric patient population. This foot structure is usually hereditary. Flat feet can be described as decreased, low or collapsed medial arch when standing. This foot type is also known as a pronated foot. The amount of pronation can appear mild,moderate,or severe.
Some parents will tell me “he does not complain of pain” I just noticed difficulty in walking,limping after playing sports,difficulty shoe selection due to wide foot. Common over-the-counter treatments include heel cups,arch supports,and high top shoes.
First,we examine the foot. Second, take x-rays and review findings with you. The foot has 26 bones. This diagnostic test helps you to visualize bone abnormalities and structure associated with this foot type. Third, we will observe how your child walks. Fourth, perform a non-invasive diagnostic 3-D scan of the foot. This detail information will be very helpful and educational regarding benefits of custom orthotics.
For more information or to set up an appointment,you can visit our website at www.drantonioknowles.comor give our office a call at (901)537-0078.
Dr. Antonio L. Knowles,DPM
Dedicated to your foot health
What’s the connection between diabetes and feet?
If you are diabetic and experienced foot problems, then you know the connection! During the initial office visit with my diabetic patient population I purposely talk about the most common foot complications connected to diabetes. Diabetic patients are at risk for the following:
Neuropathy: causes numbness,burning,or tingling and diminishes sensation in the feet. An example,a diabetic who is unable to feel an object such as, a piece of glass penetrates the bottom of the foot while walking barefoot.
Ulcers: a break in the skin on the foot. Slow to heal and commonly results in infection. An example, a diabetic patient with an untreated callus on the bottom of the foot . This often connects with loss of protective sensation in feet.
Angiopathy: causes poor circulation,poor healing,swelling and cold feet,absent digital hair,dry skin. An example, a diabetic patient with an infected toe that’s unresponsive to treatment.This often connects with limb loss due to infected non-healing foot wounds.
A simple foot exam by a podiatrist can reveal the connection between diabetes and foot complications. This also connects with reducing the risk of lower-limb loss.
For more information or to set up an appointment, you can visit our website at www.drantonioknowles.comor give our office a call at (901) 537-0078.
Dedicated to your foot health,
Dr. Antonio L. Knowles,DPM
Myths About Ingrown Toenails
For the past few weeks I have noticed an increase in ingrown toenail problems. The ages have ranged from today’s 16y/o patient to an 80y/o patient last week. I would like to dispel some of the myths that I have heard about ingrown toenails.
1.Myth: My pedicurist can treat my ingrown toenail for me every 2-4 weeks.
Fact: A podiatrist is licensed to treat the pathology of ingrown toenails.
2.Myth: If I cut my toenails short, then my ingrown toenails will go away.
Fact:Cutting toenails too short can cause ingrown toenails. Recommend cutting toenails straight across.
3.Myth: Bathroom surgery works with my toenail clippers,pocket knife, peroxide,alcohol,witch hazel,and Dr. Scholl’s ingrown toenail product.
Fact: I have treated hundreds of infected ingrown toenails as a result of bathroom surgery.
4.Myth: Ingrown toenail procedures are painful.
Fact:Local anesthesia is used so that the procedure is painless.
For more information or to set up an appointment,you can visit our website at www.drantonioknowles.comor give our office a call at (901) 537-0078.
Dedicated to your foot health,
Dr. Antonio L. Knowles,DPM
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