Ingrown Toenails

Onychocryptosis

An ingrown toenail, medically deemed onychocryptosis, is a very common complaint among patients in a podiatry office.  This condition usually begins with mild tenderness along the edge of a toenail where a portion of the nail border has penetrated the skin.  Over time, the toe may become increasingly painful to touch with localized redness and inflammation.  An infection may develop where the toe exhibits warmth, and pus begins to drain from the site where the nail has pierced the skin.

The severity of the nail’s appearance will vary.  Some will have a nail that appears incurvated and deeply embedded into the skin; others may have a small spike in a corner that penetrates down into the nail bed. Aside from penetrating the skin, a nail can apply pressure in the nail fold area without breaking the skin causing discomfort and mild pain.  This is not technically an “ingrown nail.”

Causes of ingrown nails range can from genetics to an improper shoe size wherein a shoe’s toebox can place pressure on the nail.  Direct trauma to the nail such as stubbing a toe, can alter the way in which the nail grows.  Nail fungus can alter the nails growth pattern as well. Preventative measures include proper nail trimming wherein the nail should be cut straight across without tapering the corners.  Proper fitting shoes can also help prevent ingrown nails.  It is best to seek advice from your podiatrist, and avoid “bathroom surgery.” 

Podiatric treatment for an ingrown nail that’s infected involves antibiotics in addition to soaking the foot in Epsom Salt.  It is important to keep an infection clean and monitor it daily for signs of worsening inflammation.  If a nail is simply ingrown but not infected, Dr. Garvin may trim the nail border to see if the nail will grow back properly.  In the case of reoccurring ingrown nails, Dr. Garvin will perform a simple surgical procedure that will remove the entire nail border permanently.

Our goal here at Foot and Ankle Specialist of the Treasure Coast is to keep you healthy and walking comfortably. There are often many conservative options for treatment with surgery typically the last one implemented. So stay healthy and keep your feet pain free!

Shin Splints

Shin Splits - What exactly are they? 

Have you ever had that sharp pain radiate through your leg after your daily run or walk?

That condition, which is commonly referred to as “Shin Splints” , is a slow healing and painful disorder in the shins usually caused by exercise such as: running, jumping, swimming, cycling, dancing or other high impact sports. In fact, 10-15% of all runners’ related pain or injuries are due to this syndrome.

There are two types of shin splints also known as medial tibial stress syndrome (MTSS), anterior and posterior. The most common shin splint is anterior. Anterior shin splints are often due to over striding or training at a pace that doesn’t allow for healing of the tibialis anterior muscle. Posterior shin splints (also called posterior tibial tendonitis) are a less common condition that is often due to pronation (flattening of the arch).

The onset of shin splints is most common after exercise, caused by high impact training, excessive training, poor technique, or improperly fitting shoe wear. Dr. Garvin can determine if you require properly fitting footwear or an orthotic to prevent a re-occurrence of shin splints.

Interestingly some studies have suggested that shin splints are actually more common in women possibly caused by decreased physical fitness, smaller muscle size or standing for long periods of time and wearing high-heeled shoes.

If you are suffering from shin splints make an appointment to see Dr. Garvin as soon as possible by calling his office at 772-335-7171. Dr. Garvin will immediately address the inflammation of soft tissue known as shin splints with ice, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and physical therapy. Patients may also be advised to decrease the duration or intensity of their exercise, change their footwear or add an orthotic, then slowly build back up their exercise routine.