May 2024

Podiatrists are highly trained foot and ankle specialists capable of addressing a wide array of foot conditions. These range from common issues like nail infections to more complex problems like broken bones or diabetes-related complications. The feet are intricate structures composed of bones, joints, tendons, ligaments, and muscles, all working in harmony to support your body weight and facilitate movement. When foot pain strikes, it can severely limit your mobility and impede your ability to carry out daily activities. That's where contacting a podiatrist comes in. These foot doctors can diagnose and treat all types of foot, toe, and ankle ailments. Whether you have a nail infection, arthritis, flat feet, or diabetic foot complications, seeking medical help is essential. A podiatrist can provide tailored treatment plans, including medication, custom orthotics, and other types of treatment to alleviate symptoms to prevent further damage. If you are experiencing persistent foot, toe and ankle pain, or swelling, numbness, and other concerning symptoms, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for evaluation and care. 

If you are experiencing pain in the feet or ankles, don’t join the stubborn majority refusing treatment. Feel free to contact one of our podiatrists from Plaza Podiatry. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is a Podiatrist?

Someone would seek the care of a podiatrist if they have suffered a foot injury or have common foot ailments such as heal spurs, bunions, arch problems, deformities, ingrown toenails, corns, foot and ankle problems, etc.

Podiatric Treatment

A podiatrist will treat the problematic areas of the feet, ankle or lower leg by prescribing the following:

• Physical therapy
• Drugs
• Orthotic inserts or soles
• Surgery on lower extremity fractures

A common podiatric procedure a podiatrist will use is a scanner or force plate which will allow the podiatrist to know the designs of orthotics. Patients are then told to follow a series of tasks to complete the treatment. The computer will scan the foot a see which areas show weight distribution and pressure points. The podiatrist will read the analysis and then determine which treatment plans are available.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Baltimore, Lutherville, and Dundalk, MD . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Recognizing an ingrown toenail early is important for timely treatment and prevention of complications. This condition occurs when the edge of a toenail grows into the surrounding skin, leading to inflammation, pain, and potential infection. Common causes of an ingrown toenail include improper nail trimming, wearing tight footwear, or genetic predisposition. Symptoms of an ingrown toenail can consist of redness, swelling, and tenderness along the nail border. In severe cases, pus or drainage may occur. Diagnosis typically involves a physical examination by a podiatrist. Treatment options include remedies like warm soaks and gentle nail trimming. A podiatrist also may offer treatment such as lifting the nail edge or surgical removal. If you have an ingrown toenail, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist to prevent symptoms from worsening and obtain correct treatment.

Ingrown toenails may initially present themselves as a minor discomfort, but they may progress into an infection in the skin without proper treatment. For more information about ingrown toenails, contact one of our podiatrists of Plaza Podiatry. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Ingrown Toenails

Ingrown toenails are caused when the corner or side of a toenail grows into the soft flesh surrounding it. They often result in redness, swelling, pain, and in some cases, infection. This condition typically affects the big toe and may recur if it is not treated properly.

Causes

• Improper toenail trimming
• Genetics
• Improper shoe fitting
• Injury from pedicures or nail picking
• Abnormal gait
• Poor hygiene

You are more likely to develop an ingrown toenail if you are obese, have diabetes, arthritis, or have any fungal infection in your nails. Additionally, people who have foot or toe deformities are at a higher risk of developing an ingrown toenail.

Symptoms

Some symptoms of ingrown toenails are redness, swelling, and pain. In rare cases, there may be a yellowish drainage coming from the nail.

Treatment

Ignoring an ingrown toenail can have serious complications. Infections of the nail border can progress to a deeper soft-tissue infection, which can then turn into a bone infection. You should always speak with your podiatrist if you suspect you have an ingrown toenail, especially if you have diabetes or poor circulation.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Baltimore, Lutherville, and Dundalk, MD . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Women often overlook the importance of foot health until discomfort strikes. However, maintaining happy and healthy feet is essential for overall well-being. To achieve this, prioritize foot hygiene by regularly washing and drying feet thoroughly, paying attention to spaces between toes. Trim toenails straight across to prevent ingrown nails. Choose footwear wisely, opting for comfortable shoes with proper arch support and sufficient room for toes. Avoid wearing high heels for extended periods, as they can cause strain and foot problems. Additionally, incorporate foot exercises like stretching and rolling a tennis ball underfoot to relieve tension and improve circulation. Moisturize feet daily to prevent dryness and cracking. Lastly, ensure feet age gracefully by wearing sunscreen and avoiding prolonged exposure to harsh elements. Despite these measures, if you have persistent foot issues, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist to address foot concerns and get regular check-ups.

Everyday foot care is very important to prevent infection and other foot ailments. If you need your feet checked, contact one of our podiatrists from Plaza Podiatry. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Everyday Foot Care

Often, people take care of their bodies, face and hair more so than they do for their feet. But the feet are a very important aspect of our bodies, and one that we should pay more attention to. Without our feet, we would not be able to perform most daily tasks.

It is best to check your feet regularly to make sure there are no new bruises or cuts that you may not have noticed before. For dry feet, moisturizer can easily be a remedy and can be applied as often as necessary to the affected areas. Wearing shoes that fit well can also help you maintain good foot health, as well as making it easier to walk and do daily activities without the stress or pain of ill-fitting shoes, high heels, or even flip flops. Wearing clean socks with closed shoes is important to ensure that sweat and bacteria do not accumulate within the shoe. Clean socks help to prevent Athlete’s foot, fungi problems, bad odors, and can absorb sweat.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Baltimore, Lutherville, and Dundalk, MD . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

A high ankle sprain, also known as a syndesmotic sprain, occurs when the ligaments connecting the two lower leg bones, the tibia and fibula, are stretched or torn. Unlike traditional ankle sprains, which typically involve the ligaments on the outer side of the ankle, high ankle sprains affect the ligaments above the ankle joint, near the shin. These injuries often result from sudden twisting or rotational movements of the foot, such as those experienced during sports activities like football, basketball, or skiing. Additionally, direct blows to the lower leg or excessive force applied to the ankle can also cause high ankle sprains. Athletes and individuals with poor balance, weak ankle muscles, or previous ankle injuries are at higher risk of experiencing high ankle sprains. If you have sprained your ankle, it is suggested that you seek the advice of a podiatrist who can determine what type of sprain it is, and offer appropriate treatment solutions.

Ankle sprains are common but need immediate attention. If you need your feet checked, contact one of our podiatrists from Plaza Podiatry. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

How Does an Ankle Sprain Occur?

Ankle sprains take place when the ligaments in your ankle are torn or stretched beyond their limits. There are multiple ways that the ankle can become injured, including twisting or rolling over onto your ankle, putting undue stress on it, or causing trauma to the ankle itself.

What Are the Symptoms?

• Mild to moderate bruising
• Limited mobility
• Swelling
• Discoloration of the skin (depending on severity)

Preventing a Sprain

• Wearing appropriate shoes for the occasion
• Stretching before exercises and sports
• Knowing your limits

Treatment of a Sprain

Treatment of a sprain depends on the severity.  Many times, people are told to rest and remain off their feet completely, while others are given an air cast. If the sprain is very severe, surgery may be required.

If you have suffered an ankle sprain previously, you may want to consider additional support such as a brace and regular exercises to strengthen the ankle.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Baltimore, Lutherville, and Dundalk, MD . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.