Ingrown toenails, plantar warts, hammertoes, and bunions: No one likes dealing with foot and heel pain.  But when they arise, it is helpful to know what you can do to take care of them.

Here are some ways that you can manage and treat heel pain on your own:

¦ You will see this in many foot health blogs, but wear properly-fitting shoes!  For some, heel pain is the result of improper arch support.  Be sure you know how much or how little arch support your feet need by visiting a podiatrist.

¦ Use orthopedic inserts.  Not only do these provide comfort, but they also support the arch and cushion the heel, minimizing pain arising from long periods of standing, walking, and running.

¦ Exercise to lose weight.  Many foot problems are the result of too much weight on the feet.  Exercise is good for your all around heath too, so why not?  Be sure to incorporate stretching into your routine to further minimize foot and heel pain.

¦ Apply ice and cold compresses to the aching area.  You can do this by placing ice from your freezer into a plastic bag and then wrapping it with a towel or cloth.  Do this twice daily for 15 minutes.

¦ Stretch your feet throughout the day.  Stretching the feet has the same effect as stretching any other area of body: It helps build muscle and lengthens the tendons and fascia.

¦ Rest your feet regularly throughout the day.  Take breaks before the pain starts.  Preventative care is imperative to maintain foot health.

¦ Replace your shoes often to be sure that your foot is properly supported at all times.

Failing all of the preventative and pain-management measures mentioned above, then contact Family Foot Doctor to set up an appointment.  We can help you with anything from heel pain and hammertoes, to bunions and ingrown toenails.

You can feel them before you see them. They are painful, stressful, and if left untreated, can be hazardous to your health. It is the ingrown toenail.

Family Foot Center knows the signs, as well as the repercussions, of the ingrown toenail, and is here to present you with a list of tips for preventing these pesky, painful things from happening.

Regularly trim your toenails: Leaving toenails untrimmed is not only unsightly, but can also cause your toenails to grow at odd angles, puncturing the skin and leaving your toe open for infection. By regularly trimming, you can ensure that your toenails only grow as much as you choose to let them.

Consider a pedicure: Pedicures are a surefire way to prevent strange toenail growth. When you are not used to cutting your own toenails, you can cut them in ways that will lead them to grow into your skin, causing an ingrown toenail. A trained professional at a nail salon will be able to trim them accurately, keeping you free from infection.

Don’t wear your shoes too tight: Tight shoes are the number one cause of ingrown toenail growth. When your shoes are too narrow in the toe, it causes your toes to scrunch together, pushing the nails into the skin at odd angles, and encouraging the growth of ingrown toenails. Opt instead for wider-toed shoes that allow you room to wiggle.

Take action at the first sign of an ingrown toenail: Ingrown toenails are painful, and when left untreated can contract an infection as serious as gangrene, which is life-threatening when left untreated. If you suspect the start of an ingrown toenail and are not able to take care of it yourself, then schedule an appointment with a foot doctor, such as Family Foot Center.

At Family Foot Center, we have a team of professionals with years of experience in foot care. Whatever your ailment, we will provide you with the best possible options for taking care of your feet, ankles and toes. Schedule a consult today, and stop living with ankle and foot pain.

What do you think of when you think of bunions?  It is not too pretty, right?

The following list has some of the many ways to prevent bunions on your and your family’s feet:

¦ Wear shoes that fit.

• This may sound like unneeded info, but many people buy shoes that are too small for their feet.  Make sure your shoes are wider than your foot when standing bare-footed, and be sure that there is enough room for your toes to fit comfortably.
• Improper shoes can cause not only bunions, but also ingrown toenails, heel pain, plantar warts, and hammertoes, some of which can require surgery to adjust.

¦ Shop for shoes late in the day.

• As the day goes on, your feet will swell.  This is normal, and you should account for it when make a new shoe purchase.

¦ Whenever you can, walk bare foot.

• Your feet are the products of many millennia of evolution and are specially designed to walk and run while being in contact with the ground.  Give your feet a break from shoes as often as you can, but for at least 20 minutes a day to prevent bunions, ingrown toenails, and hammertoes.

¦ Avoid wearing high heels.

• High heels may look classy, but wear them as little as possible.  These shoes contribute to a number of foot ailments, including and especially bunions.

¦ Get foot massages and stretch your feet often.

• Not only does this feel good, it is good for you (that is why it “feels good”).  Take breaks during the day and give yourself a foot massage and go to a professional occasionally.

If you have any more questions about bunion prevention or if you have some foot ailments that are bothering you, visit the Family Foot Center website and contact us to set up an appointment today.