Causes and Treatment of Corns

Corns are small areas of thickened skin that develop when the foot is exposed to repeated pressure or friction. They usually form on the tops and sides of the toes, although they can also appear on the bottoms of the feet. Unlike calluses, which tend to cover larger areas, corns are often smaller and have a hard center. Many people notice pain when walking or when shoes press against the affected area. Corns can develop when toes rub against one another or when shoes create constant pressure on certain parts of the foot. Foot structure and toe deformities can also increase the risk of developing corns.

The symptoms of corns can become more noticeable as pressure continues. Patients frequently experience tenderness, soreness, and a feeling that something is pressing into the skin. The affected area may appear raised, hardened, and yellowish in color. Pain can become worse while walking or standing for long periods. Corns that form between the toes are usually softer because of moisture in that area. Even though corns are made of thickened skin, they can be surprisingly uncomfortable and interfere with daily activities. In some cases, the discomfort causes people to change the way they walk, which can place extra strain on other parts of the foot.

A podiatrist can determine whether a painful thickened area is a corn or another condition that requires different treatment. Diagnosis includes examining the foot and identifying the source of the pressure or friction. Treatment focuses on reducing discomfort and addressing the underlying cause. A podiatrist may carefully trim the thickened skin, recommend padding or orthotics, and evaluate whether shoes provide proper support and fit. Patients with diabetes or circulation problems should seek professional care because foot problems can become more serious. If you have symptoms of corns it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for diagnosis and treatment.

Corns can make walking very painful and should be treated immediately. If you have questions regarding your feet and ankles, contact Dr. David Ungar of Personal Foot Care. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Corns: What Are They? And How Do You Get Rid of Them?
Corns are thickened areas on the skin that can become painful. They are caused by excessive pressure and friction on the skin. Corns press into the deeper layers of the skin and are usually round in shape.

Ways to Prevent Corns
There are many ways to get rid of painful corns such as:

  • Wearing properly fitting shoes that have been measured by a professional
  • Wearing shoes that are not sharply pointed or have high heels
  • Wearing only shoes that offer support

Treating Corns

Although most corns slowly disappear when the friction or pressure stops, this isn’t always the case. Consult with your podiatrist to determine the best treatment option for your case of corns.

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

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Simple Ankle Stretches for Daily Support

Ankle pain can develop from overuse, strain, or poor movement patterns. It often appears as stiffness, soreness, or reduced range of motion. It may begin after activity or gradually worsen with time. Stretches like a towel stretch, calf raise, and golf ball roll can support flexibility and circulation. A towel stretch is done by sitting with legs extended and pulling a towel around the foot to stretch the calf. Calf raises involve lifting the heels slowly while standing to build strength. Additionally, a golf ball roll under the foot can ease tension in surrounding tissues. While these methods may provide relief, a podiatrist can assess alignment, identify any underlying causes, and create a structured treatment plan. If you have ankle pain, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can guide you toward additional ankle exercises. 

Exercising your feet regularly with the proper foot wear is a great way to prevent injuries and build strength. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Dr. David Ungar from Personal Foot Care. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Exercise for Your Feet

Exercise for your feet can help you gain strength, mobility and flexibility in your feet. They say that strengthening your feet can be just as rewarding as strengthening another part of the body. Your feet are very important, and we often forget about them in our daily tasks. But it is because of our feet that are we able to get going and do what we need to. For those of us fortunate enough to not have any foot problems, it is an important gesture to take care of them to ensure good health in the long run.

Some foot health exercises can include ankle pumps, tip-toeing, toe rises, lifting off the floor doing reps and sets, and flexing the toes. It is best to speak with Our doctor to determine an appropriate regimen for your needs. Everyone’s needs and bodies are different, and the activities required to maintain strength in the feet vary from individual to individual. 

Once you get into a routine of doing regular exercise, you may notice a difference in your feet and how strong they may become.

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

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Facts About Diabetic Foot Ulcers

A diabetic foot ulcer is an open sore that develops on the foot, often in people with diabetes due to poor circulation and nerve damage. This condition can begin with a small cut, blister, or pressure point that goes unnoticed because of reduced sensation. Over time, the area may break down and form a wound that is slow to heal. Symptoms can include redness, swelling, drainage, and, in some cases, a foul odor. Risk factors include long term diabetes, wearing improper footwear, high blood sugar levels, and previous foot injuries. If not treated early, the ulcer can deepen and lead to serious complications. A podiatrist can examine the wound, assess circulation, and provide specialized care to promote healing and prevent infection. If you have diabetes and have developed a foot ulcer, it is strongly suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can effectively treat the wound and help you manage this serious condition.

Wound care is an important part in dealing with diabetes. If you have diabetes and a foot wound or would like more information about wound care for diabetics, consult with Dr. David Ungar from Personal Foot Care. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

What Is Wound Care?

Wound care is the practice of taking proper care of a wound. This can range from the smallest to the largest of wounds. While everyone can benefit from proper wound care, it is much more important for diabetics. Diabetics often suffer from poor blood circulation which causes wounds to heal much slower than they would in a non-diabetic. 

What Is the Importance of Wound Care?

While it may not seem apparent with small ulcers on the foot, for diabetics, any size ulcer can become infected. Diabetics often also suffer from neuropathy, or nerve loss. This means they might not even feel when they have an ulcer on their foot. If the wound becomes severely infected, amputation may be necessary. Therefore, it is of the upmost importance to properly care for any and all foot wounds.

How to Care for Wounds

The best way to care for foot wounds is to prevent them. For diabetics, this means daily inspections of the feet for any signs of abnormalities or ulcers. It is also recommended to see a podiatrist several times a year for a foot inspection. If you do have an ulcer, run the wound under water to clear dirt from the wound; then apply antibiotic ointment to the wound and cover with a bandage. Bandages should be changed daily and keeping pressure off the wound is smart. It is advised to see a podiatrist, who can keep an eye on it.

If you have any questions please contact our office located in Farmington, MI . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

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Persistent Toenail Fungus Explained

Toenail fungus is a common infection that affects the nail and the skin underneath it, often caused by dermatophyte organisms that thrive in warm and moist environments. It usually appears as a thickened, discolored nail that may turn yellow, white, or brown, and can become brittle or crumbly over time. Some people notice a mild odor or separation of the nail from the nail bed. The condition develops when fungi enter through small cracks in the nail or surrounding skin, often in places like locker rooms or public pool areas. It is difficult to treat because the infection sits deep under the nail, making it hard for topical products to reach. A podiatrist can confirm the diagnosis, trim and thin the nail, and provide advanced treatments to target the infection effectively. If you have developed toenail fungus, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can effectively treat this condition, which often includes prescribed medication.

For more information about treatment, contact Dr. David Ungar of Personal Foot Care. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Toenail Fungus Treatment

Toenail fungus is a condition that affects many people and can be especially hard to get rid of. Fortunately, there are several methods to go about treating and avoiding it.

Antifungals & Deterrence

Oral antifungal medicine has been shown to be effective in many cases. It is important to consult with a podiatrist to determine the proper regiment for you, or potentially explore other options.

Applying foot powder on the feet and shoes helps keep the feet free of moisture and sweat.

Sandals or open toed shoes – Wearing these will allow air movement and help keep feet dry. They also expose your feet to light, which fungus cannot tolerate. Socks with moisture wicking material also help as well.

If you have any questions please contact our office located in Farmington, MI . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

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Gout Pain Can Be Managed

Gout is a painful, inflammatory form of arthritis. Those affected will typically feel an intense stiffness in the joints of their feet, particularly in the big toe. Schedule a visit to learn about how gout can be managed and treated.

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