Because our feet can be easily hidden away, we often avoid seeking treatment for the annoying but unsightly conditions that can affect the skin or nails of the feet. While some of these problems can be ignored for weeks or even months without affecting your daily activities, others will get progressively worse until the pain or discomfort becomes unbearable. Don’t wait for a simple problem to become a major nuisance—or worse, a debilitating condition. Call Center Grove Foot & Ankle Care to schedule an appointment with our board-certified podiatrist as soon as you discover the plantar wart, ingrown toenail, or other problem. We will treat your condition to get you feeling your best again.
Common Skin and Nail Problems
Some of the people we see have been fighting a long-term battle with a condition that never seems to completely clear up. Diagnosing themselves on the internet and buying one over-the-counter remedy after another has sent them into a vicious cycle that offers no relief. Other patients have no idea what’s wrong and are frightened of what the diagnosis and treatment may be. Some of the conditions we commonly see and successfully treat in our office include the following:
- Plantar warts. These are benign growths on the sole, heel, or ball of the foot. They often begin as a small lump on the bottom of the foot that may feel like there is a small stone in your shoe. Left untreated, plantar warts can grow to be nearly a half-inch in diameter and may spread into clusters, called mosaic warts. In severe cases, plantar warts can make it difficult to walk and lead to leg and back pain. Depending on the severity of the case, we can treat plantar warts with topical medications or with a simple in-office procedure.
- Ingrown toenail. When a segment of toenail becomes embedded in the skin surrounding the nail, the result can be painful. An ingrown toenail causes redness and swelling and can easily become infected. This condition can be caused by improper nail trimming or by repeated impact or stubbing the toe. If you are not able to loosen the ingrown nail by soaking and massaging it, you should schedule an appointment in our office. If you suspect infection, it is even more important that you see Dr. Runkle for treatment.
- Athlete’s foot. A fungal growth contracted by walking barefoot in damp public areas like showers or pool decks, this itchy rash usually starts between the toes but can develop into a painful condition affecting the entire foot if not treated promptly. Over-the-counter anti-fungal medications may be effective in the early stages of athlete’s foot, but because the condition can lead to a more serious infection and because it is highly contagious, you should call our office if the rash spreads or begins to produce a discharge.
- Toenail fungus. Many people live with thick, discolored, and split toenails without realizing that the condition is actually a fungal infection that is treatable. Onychomycosis usually does not cause pain or discomfort, but should be treated before the nails thicken to the point of causing other problems. There are no over-the-counter remedies for this condition, but Dr. Runkle will discuss a variety of treatment options with you.
- Allergic contact dermatitis. Stepping in poison ivy or reacting to a dye or chemical in your footwear can lead to an allergic reaction that is itchy and painful. Allergic dermatitis can be confused with fungal infections, so an in-office evaluation is vital to getting the right treatment and clearing up the reaction.
- Infections. It is very difficult to keep feet clean and to avoid exposure to dirt and bacteria, particularly when you are already treating a cut, athlete’s foot, or dermatitis. However, an infection that is not treated could leave you unable to walk. A podiatrist will be able to identify the source of infection and provide a treatment that prevents this.
Several of these conditions resemble each other and it is important that you get a proper diagnosis and begin effective treatment as soon as possible.
Connect With Us Today
We encourage you to take your skin or nail condition seriously before it develops into something much worse. Call our office or connect with us through the contact form on this page to make an appointment at Center Grove Foot & Ankle Care. Our goal is to keep you ON your feet and doing the things you love!