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An ingrown toenail develops when the edge of a toenail grows into the surrounding skin. This can cause pain, swelling, redness, and drainage around the nail. Several factors can contribute to an ingrown toenail, including improper nail trimming, tight shoes, and injury to the toe or nail. Fungal infections and increased sweating can also play a role. When an ingrown toenail remains untreated, the surrounding tissue can become irritated and swollen. In rare, advanced cases, excess tissue can grow around the nail and form a bridge across part of it. This condition is called skin bridging. The bridge can develop when long-lasting inflammation causes the tissue around the nail to become thicker and more fibrous.

A podiatrist can examine an ingrown toenail and determine how advanced the condition has become. The examination can include checking the nail edge, surrounding skin, and tissue for signs of inflammation or infection. A podiatrist can also look for excess tissue that has grown around or across the nail. Skin bridging is rare and has been reported in severe, long-standing cases of ingrown toenails. The condition can make the nail difficult to see and can cause significant swelling around the toe. An evaluation is important because treatment depends on the severity of the ingrown toenail and the amount of tissue involved.

A podiatrist can provide treatment based on the severity of the ingrown toenail. Less advanced cases can be treated with professional nail care and treatment of the affected tissue. More advanced cases can require removal of part or all of the affected nail, along with treatment of the nail-producing tissue to reduce the chance of the problem returning. When skin bridging has developed, a podiatrist can remove the excess tissue and treat the underlying nail problem. Prompt evaluation can help prevent an ingrown toenail from progressing into a more complicated condition. If you have symptoms of skin bridging and ingrown toenails, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for diagnosis and treatment.

Ingrown toenails can become painful if they are not treated properly. For more information about ingrown toenails, contact Preston Ringo, DPM of Mid Coast Foot & Ankle. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Ingrown Toenails

Ingrown toenails occur when a toenail grows sideways into the bed of the nail, causing pain, swelling, and possibly infection.

Causes

• Bacterial infections
• Improper nail cutting such as cutting it too short or not straight across
• Trauma to the toe, such as stubbing, which causes the nail to grow back irregularly
• Ill-fitting shoes that bunch the toes too close together
• Genetic predisposition

Prevention

Wearing proper fitting shoes and using proper cutting techniques will also help decrease your risk of developing ingrown toenails.

Treatment

Ingrown toenails are a very treatable foot condition. In minor cases, soaking the affected area in salt or antibacterial soaps will not only help with the ingrown nail itself, but also help prevent any infections from occurring. In more severe cases, surgery is an option. In either case, speaking to your podiatrist about this condition will help you get a better understanding of specific treatment options that are right for you.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Damariscotta, ME . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Athlete’s foot is a fungal skin infection that can make the feet itchy and uncomfortable. The medical name is tinea pedis, but athlete’s foot is easier to recognize. The fungus grows well in warm, damp places. Public showers, locker rooms, and areas around swimming pools can provide conditions where it spreads. People can pick up the fungus by walking barefoot on contaminated surfaces. Damp towels can also carry it. Sweaty feet can increase the risk because moisture creates an environment where fungus can grow.

Athlete’s foot can cause redness, flaking, and peeling skin. The skin can also crack or feel itchy, while some patients notice stinging or burning. Symptoms usually develop on the soles or between the toes. In some cases, the infection can affect the toenails. An infected nail can become thick, discolored, or brittle. Athlete’s foot can spread and become harder to treat when it is left untreated. Because other skin problems can resemble a fungal infection, getting an accurate diagnosis is important before treatment begins.

A podiatrist can examine the feet and determine whether the symptoms are consistent with athlete’s foot. Treatment can include antifungal medication that targets the fungus causing the infection. A podiatrist can also assess toenail changes and check whether the infection has spread to other areas. Professional care is especially useful when symptoms persist, return, or become more uncomfortable. A podiatrist can provide guidance on reducing moisture and limiting exposure to environments where the fungus can spread. This can help lower the chance of another infection after treatment and protect the skin from continued irritation or damage. If you have symptoms of athlete’s foot, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for diagnosis and treatment.

Athlete’s Foot

Athlete’s foot is often an uncomfortable condition to experience. Thankfully, podiatrists specialize in treating athlete’s foot and offer the best treatment options. If you have any questions about athlete’s foot, consult with Preston Ringo, DPM from Mid Coast Foot & Ankle. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality treatment.

What Is Athlete’s Foot?

Tinea pedis, more commonly known as athlete’s foot, is a non-serious and common fungal infection of the foot. Athlete’s foot is contagious and can be contracted by touching someone who has it or infected surfaces. The most common places contaminated by it are public showers, locker rooms, and swimming pools. Once contracted, it grows on feet that are left inside moist, dark, and warm shoes and socks.

Prevention

The most effective ways to prevent athlete’s foot include:

• Thoroughly washing and drying feet
• Avoid going barefoot in locker rooms and public showers
• Using shower shoes in public showers
• Wearing socks that allow the feet to breathe
• Changing socks and shoes frequently if you sweat a lot

Symptoms

Athlete’s foot initially occurs as a rash between the toes. However, if left undiagnosed, it can spread to the sides and bottom of the feet, toenails, and if touched by hand, the hands themselves. Symptoms include:

• Redness
• Burning
• Itching
• Scaly and peeling skin

Diagnosis and Treatment

Diagnosis is quick and easy. Skin samples will be taken and either viewed under a microscope or sent to a lab for testing. Sometimes, a podiatrist can diagnose it based on simply looking at it. Once confirmed, treatment options include oral and topical antifungal medications.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Damariscotta, ME . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Healthy feet are especially important for people with diabetes because even a small foot problem can become serious without prompt care. Diabetic foot care plays an important role in protecting mobility and overall health. Diabetes can reduce feeling in the feet because nerves become damaged. This problem is called neuropathy, which means nerve damage. Reduced feeling makes it harder to notice cuts, blisters, or pressure points before they become serious. Diabetes can also reduce blood flow, slowing healing and increasing the risk of infection. Regular foot exams by a podiatrist help identify problems early and protect long-term foot health.

A podiatrist examines the skin, nails, and circulation to look for early warning signs. Care includes checking for wounds, evaluating foot shape, and recommending shoes with proper support. A podiatrist also explains how diabetes affects the feet and monitors changes that increase the chance of ulcers. An ulcer is an open sore that can become infected without prompt treatment. Early care helps lower the risk of serious complications and supports safer movement every day.

Ignoring early foot changes can allow small problems to become much more difficult to treat. Routine visits with a podiatrist provide careful monitoring and timely treatment that protects comfort and mobility. Professional care also helps detect circulation changes and nerve damage before serious complications develop. Patients who have diabetes benefit from consistent evaluations because small injuries can quickly become larger concerns when reduced feeling delays treatment. Regular appointments also give your podiatrist the opportunity to answer questions and recommend shoe features that reduce pressure while walking. If you are diabetic and have developed foot problems,  it is strongly suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can help you to manage this serious condition.

Diabetic foot care is important in preventing foot ailments such as ulcers. If you are suffering from diabetes or have any other concerns about your feet, contact Preston Ringo, DPM from Mid Coast Foot & Ankle. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Diabetic Foot Care

Diabetes affects millions of people every year. The condition can damage blood vessels in many parts of the body, especially the feet. Because of this, taking care of your feet is essential if you have diabetes, and having a podiatrist help monitor your foot health is highly recommended.

The Importance of Caring for Your Feet

• Routinely inspect your feet for bruises or sores.
• Wear socks that fit your feet comfortably.
• Wear comfortable shoes that provide adequate support.

Patients with diabetes should have their doctor monitor their blood levels, as blood sugar levels play such a huge role in diabetic care. Monitoring these levels on a regular basis is highly advised.

It is always best to inform your healthcare professional of any concerns you may have regarding your feet, especially for diabetic patients. Early treatment and routine foot examinations are keys to maintaining proper health, especially because severe complications can arise if proper treatment is not applied.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Damariscotta, ME . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Wearing shoes that fit properly is essential for maintaining foot health, preventing pain, and supporting daily activity. A well-fitted shoe provides adequate space, stability, and alignment for the foot while allowing natural movement. Shoes should match the shape of the foot and provide proper arch support and cushioning. Wearing ill-fitting footwear, whether too tight or too loose, can lead to discomfort and long-term complications. Choosing the correct shoe size and design is a key step in preventing avoidable foot problems.

Common foot conditions from wearing poorly fitting shoes include blisters, toe pain, and bunions. Shoes that are too loose can lead to instability, friction, and an increased risk of falls. Individuals may also experience heel pain or arch strain when support and cushioning are inadequate. These symptoms can interfere with walking and reduce overall comfort throughout the day.

Several risk factors contribute to improper shoe fit. Many individuals wear the wrong size due to changes in foot shape over time. Feet should be measured regularly to ensure an accurate fit, especially as aging, weight changes, or medical conditions can alter foot size. Proper shoes should grip the heel securely without slipping and allow enough room in the toe box. Selecting footwear designed for a specific sport or activity is also important, as different movements require different types of support and cushioning.

Wearing properly-fitted shoes can prevent many common foot conditions and improve overall comfort. Supportive design, proper sizing, and activity-specific features all contribute to better foot health. Taking the time to choose the right footwear can make a significant difference in daily mobility. If you have foot pain related to wearing shoes that do not fit right,it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for effective relief tips and guidance on how to choose shoes that fit properly.

Getting the right shoe size is an important part of proper foot health. Seek the assistance of Preston Ringo, DPM from Mid Coast Foot & Ankle. Our doctor will provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Getting the Right Shoe Size

There are many people who wear shoes that are the incorrect size, negatively affecting their feet and posture. Selecting the right shoes is not a difficult process, so long as you keep several things in mind when it comes to choosing the right pair.

• When visiting the shoe store, use the tools available to measure your foot.
• Be sure there is ‘wiggle room’. There should be about an inch between your toes and the tip of your shoes.
• Do not always assume you are the same size, as manufacturers run differently.
• Purchase shoes later in the day, as your feet swell as the day progresses.
• If a shoe is not comfortable, it is not suitable. Most shoes can’t be ‘broken in’, and comfort should be the ultimate goal when it comes to choosing the right pair of shoes

As our feet hold our body weight and keep us moving, it is important to treat them right. Picking the right pair of shoes can provide your feet comfort and mobility without pain.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Damariscotta, ME . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.