Ingrown toenail surgery, known as matricectomy, is a procedure used to treat recurring or painful ingrown toenails by removing part or all of the nail matrix to prevent regrowth. This condition occurs when the edge of the nail grows into the surrounding skin, causing pain, redness, swelling, and possible infection. Risk factors include improper nail trimming, wearing tight footwear, injury, and genetic nail shape. During the procedure, a podiatrist carefully removes the affected portion of the nail and applies a solution to stop it from growing back. This offers a long-term solution and relief from repeated issues. A podiatrist ensures safe treatment and proper healing. If you have an ingrown toenail that is uncomfortable or painful, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can determine if this type of foot surgery is right for you. 

Ingrown toenails can become painful if they are not treated properly. For more information about ingrown toenails, contact Gabrielle Clark, DPM of LA Feet Foot & Ankle Center, Inc. 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 offices located in New Orleans, Metairie, and Slidell, LA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Corns are thickened areas of skin that develop due to  stress on the foot. They form as a protective response to repeated pressure or friction, and may affect gait and cause considerable pain. Hard corns are dense and typically appear on the tops of toes or pressure points. Soft corns develop between toes where moisture is present and often appear whitish and tender. Seed corns are small and form on the bottom of the foot, sometimes in clusters. Symptoms include localized pain, thickened skin, and discomfort while walking. Risk factors include wearing ill-fitting shoes, foot deformities, and repetitive friction. A podiatrist can safely remove corns, relieve pressure, and recommend proper footwear. If you have developed a corn on your foot, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can offer effective relief and prevention tips.

Corns can make walking very painful and should be treated immediately. If you have questions regarding your feet and ankles, contact Gabrielle Clark, DPM of LA Feet Foot & Ankle Center, Inc. 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 offices located in New Orleans, Metairie, and Slidell, LA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Morton’s neuroma is a painful condition involving thickened tissue around a nerve in the forefoot, often between the third and fourth toes. It is commonly seen in individuals who exercise frequently, especially with activities that involve repetitive pressure on the ball of the foot. Risk factors include tight footwear, high-impact movement, and foot structure imbalances. Symptoms include burning pain, tingling, numbness, or the sensation of standing on a small object. Without treatment, discomfort may worsen over time. A podiatrist can evaluate the condition, recommend footwear changes, and offer custom orthotics or advanced care. If you have pain in this part of your foot, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can accurately diagnose and treat what may be going on.

Morton’s neuroma is a very uncomfortable condition to live with. If you think you have Morton’s neuroma, contact Gabrielle Clark, DPM of LA Feet Foot & Ankle Center, Inc. Our doctor will attend to all of your foot care needs and answer any of your related questions.  

Morton’s Neuroma

Morton's neuroma is a painful foot condition that commonly affects the areas between the second and third or third and fourth toe, although other areas of the foot are also susceptible. Morton’s neuroma is caused by an inflamed nerve in the foot that is being squeezed and aggravated by surrounding bones.

What Increases the Chances of Having Morton’s Neuroma?

• Ill-fitting high heels or shoes that add pressure to the toe or foot
• Jogging, running or any sport that involves constant impact to the foot
• Flat feet, bunions, and any other foot deformities

Morton’s neuroma is a very treatable condition. Orthotics and shoe inserts can often be used to alleviate the pain on the forefront of the feet. In more severe cases, corticosteroids can also be prescribed. In order to figure out the best treatment for your neuroma, it’s recommended to seek the care of a podiatrist who can diagnose your condition and provide different treatment options.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in New Orleans, Metairie, and Slidell, LA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

A bunion is a deformity defined as an enlargement of bone or soft tissue at the joint located at the base of the big toe. This condition develops when the top of the big toe gradually shifts toward the other toes, as the bottom of the joint protrudes outward and becomes irritated. Causes include inherited foot structure, prolonged pressure from tight footwear, and abnormal foot mechanics. Symptoms often include pain, swelling, redness, and difficulty wearing certain shoes. In more severe cases, surgery may be recommended to repair the area of enlarged bone or tissue and restore proper joint alignment. Recovery commonly involves temporary pain and swelling, and the bandage must remain dry while showering. If you have a bunion that is interfering with daily activities, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can offer effective treatment solutions, which may include surgery for removal. 

If you are suffering from bunion pain, contact Gabrielle Clark, DPM of LA Feet Foot & Ankle Center, Inc. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is a Bunion?

Bunions are painful bony bumps that usually develop on the inside of the foot at the joint of the big toe. As the deformity increases over time, it may become painful to walk and wear shoes. Women are more likely to exacerbate existing bunions since they often wear tight, narrow shoes that shift their toes together. Bunion pain can be relieved by wearing wider shoes with enough room for the toes.

Causes

• Genetics – some people inherit feet that are more prone to bunion development
• Inflammatory Conditions - rheumatoid arthritis and polio may cause bunion development

Symptoms

• Redness and inflammation
• Pain and tenderness
• Callus or corns on the bump
• Restricted motion in the big toe

In order to diagnose your bunion, your podiatrist may ask about your medical history, symptoms, and general health. Your doctor might also order an x-ray to take a closer look at your feet. Nonsurgical treatment options include orthotics, padding, icing, changes in footwear, and medication. If nonsurgical treatments don’t alleviate your bunion pain, surgery may be necessary.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in New Orleans, Metairie, and Slidell, LA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.