EXPERT
Dr. Jeff S Petty, DPM
Podiatrist (Foot and Ankle Specialist) | Foot & Ankle Surgery
Dr. Jeff Petty was born in Canton, Ohio across the street from the Pro Football Hall of Fame. He graduated from the University of Akron with a Bachelor of Science degree in Pre-med.
Dr. Jeff S. Petty, DPM
- CORSICANA, TX
- Accepting new patients
Ugly Toenails and Crooked Toes: Five Common Foot Flaws and Ways to Fix Them
Five Common Foot Flaws and How to Fix ThemDo you cringe every time you look down at your feet? Are you an expert at hiding them away from sight, even if it means wearing socks...
How can I treat an ingrown toenail?
You can try the following steps at home to relieve the pain caused by your ingrown toenail and help it grow out. If you have diabetes or poor circulation do not attemp home treatment READ MORE
You can try the following steps at home to relieve the pain caused by your ingrown toenail and help it grow out. If you have diabetes or poor circulation do not attemp home treatment but call your podiatrist:
Soak your sore toe in warm water mixed in epson salt for 15 minutes 2 to 3 times each day.
Wedge cotton ball, under the ingrown corner of your nail to help lift the nail off of the skin as it grows out.
Apply topical antibiotic, such as polysporin, to the affected area and wear a loose fitting, clean sock
Avoid digging into the prone toe. Ingrown toenails easily become infected.
Wear soft, loose, comfortable shoes or sandals to avoid pressure on your toe.
Soak your sore toe in warm water mixed in epson salt for 15 minutes 2 to 3 times each day.
Wedge cotton ball, under the ingrown corner of your nail to help lift the nail off of the skin as it grows out.
Apply topical antibiotic, such as polysporin, to the affected area and wear a loose fitting, clean sock
Avoid digging into the prone toe. Ingrown toenails easily become infected.
Wear soft, loose, comfortable shoes or sandals to avoid pressure on your toe.
What are the treatment options for toe fungus?
Two very popular home remedies are: 1. Vicks VapoRub- camphor and eucalyptus oil see to help treat toenail fungus. Apply to the nails once or twice daily. 2, Tea tree oil- apply READ MORE
Two very popular home remedies are:
1. Vicks VapoRub- camphor and eucalyptus oil see to help treat toenail fungus. Apply to the nails once or twice daily.
2, Tea tree oil- apply to toenails twice daily
1. Vicks VapoRub- camphor and eucalyptus oil see to help treat toenail fungus. Apply to the nails once or twice daily.
2, Tea tree oil- apply to toenails twice daily
Are high heels safe for my feet?
Wearing high heels on a daily basis is certainly not good for your feet or ankles. Imagine walking on the tip of her toes all day every day and this is similar to what high heels READ MORE
Wearing high heels on a daily basis is certainly not good for your feet or ankles. Imagine walking on the tip of her toes all day every day and this is similar to what high heels do to your feet. This places too much pressure on the ball of the feet and allows your Achilles tendon to shorten, leading to several future foot problems. Although high heels can be attractive, trying to wearing various types of shoes
What is the best way to treat ingrown toenails?
You can try the following steps at home to relieve the pain caused by your ingrown toenail and help it grow out. If you have diabetes or poor circulation do not attempt home treatment. READ MORE
You can try the following steps at home to relieve the pain caused by your ingrown toenail and help it grow out. If you have diabetes or poor circulation do not attempt home treatment. Use these home treatment steps for 3-5 days then see a doctor if still painful.
1, Soak your sore toe in warm water mixed in epson salt for 15 minutes 2 to 3 times each day.
2, Wedge cotton ball, under the ingrown corner of your nail to help lift the nail off of the skin as it grows out.
3, Apply topical antibiotic, such as polysporin, to the affected area and wear a loose fiting, clean sock.
Avoid digging into the toe. Ingrown toenails easily become infected.
Wear soft, loose, comfortable shoes or sandals to avoid pressure on your toe.
1, Soak your sore toe in warm water mixed in epson salt for 15 minutes 2 to 3 times each day.
2, Wedge cotton ball, under the ingrown corner of your nail to help lift the nail off of the skin as it grows out.
3, Apply topical antibiotic, such as polysporin, to the affected area and wear a loose fiting, clean sock.
Avoid digging into the toe. Ingrown toenails easily become infected.
Wear soft, loose, comfortable shoes or sandals to avoid pressure on your toe.
Why does my ankle pop when I walk?
As long as the popping is not painful, it is tendons moving across the surface of the bones. As long as no pain is involved, it is just an annoying noise.
Why is there swelling on my foot?
With surgery and the complications over the past couple of months it is certainly not uncommon to have swelling in your foot. Continue regular appointments with your doctor to READ MORE
With surgery and the complications over the past couple of months it is certainly not uncommon to have swelling in your foot. Continue regular appointments with your doctor to monitor for infection
What can I do for my dry and cracked heels?
Cracked heels are a common foot problem. 3 of my favorite moisturizers are: Urea based (Flexitol Heel Balm), Salicylic acid (Kerasal) and alpha-hydroxy acids (Amlactin). Apply READ MORE
Cracked heels are a common foot problem. 3 of my favorite moisturizers are: Urea based (Flexitol Heel Balm), Salicylic acid (Kerasal) and alpha-hydroxy acids (Amlactin). Apply every morning and before going to bed.
Other ways to prevent cracked heels:
1, Wear soft shoe inserts to cushion your heels and spread out weight distribution.
2, Silicon heel cups help to keep the heel moisturized
3, Drink plenty of water
4. Try to wear socks at all times. Avoid use or open back shoes that allow air to dry out the heel
Other ways to prevent cracked heels:
1, Wear soft shoe inserts to cushion your heels and spread out weight distribution.
2, Silicon heel cups help to keep the heel moisturized
3, Drink plenty of water
4. Try to wear socks at all times. Avoid use or open back shoes that allow air to dry out the heel
How are ingrown toe nails removed?
Your doctor will numb your toe so the ingrown toenail can be removed. At that point, the offending nail border will be removed and a bandage will be placed on your tone. You will READ MORE
Your doctor will numb your toe so the ingrown toenail can be removed. At that point, the offending nail border will be removed and a bandage will be placed on your tone. You will be given soaking instructions for the following week to care for the toe after the procedure.
If you get recurring ingrown toe nails, a mild acid can applied to keep the nail from growing again. This is a permanent fix for the problem.
If you get recurring ingrown toe nails, a mild acid can applied to keep the nail from growing again. This is a permanent fix for the problem.
I have an ingrown toenail. How would it be removed?
Your doctor will numb your toe so the ingrown toenail can be removed. At that point, the offending nail border will be removed and a bandage will be placed on your tone. You will READ MORE
Your doctor will numb your toe so the ingrown toenail can be removed. At that point, the offending nail border will be removed and a bandage will be placed on your tone. You will be given soaking instructions for the following week to care for the toe after the procedure
I think I have an ingrown toenail. What does this usually look like?
The skin edge next to the nail may become tender and swollen. You may see some redness in this area. Pushing on the edge of the nail may cause discomfort. If infection gets into READ MORE
The skin edge next to the nail may become tender and swollen. You may see some redness in this area. Pushing on the edge of the nail may cause discomfort. If infection gets into the toe, may see pus coming from the nail border.
Can a bunion be treated without surgery?
Below is a list of bunion conservative treatments that I recommend: Custom orthotics– A custom foot orthotic (shoe insert) is a effective tool to minimize the pressure from the READ MORE
Below is a list of bunion conservative treatments that I recommend:
Custom orthotics– A custom foot orthotic (shoe insert) is a effective tool to minimize the pressure from the bunion
Changing shoes– You might want to change your shoes, especially if you have shoes that squeeze your toes together. Wearing shoes with a wide toe box reduces friction on the bunion.
Padding the bunion– There are special pads made for bunions, but you should consult a podiatrist first, since incorrect usage can worsen the condition.
Icing- To ease your pain, you can try icing your foot to bring down the swelling and inflammation.
Anti-inflammatory medication such as Motrin or Naproxen to decrease pain and inflammation
Cortisone injections (Steroid injections)– Decreases inflammation and often improves motion at the bunion joint
Custom orthotics– A custom foot orthotic (shoe insert) is a effective tool to minimize the pressure from the bunion
Changing shoes– You might want to change your shoes, especially if you have shoes that squeeze your toes together. Wearing shoes with a wide toe box reduces friction on the bunion.
Padding the bunion– There are special pads made for bunions, but you should consult a podiatrist first, since incorrect usage can worsen the condition.
Icing- To ease your pain, you can try icing your foot to bring down the swelling and inflammation.
Anti-inflammatory medication such as Motrin or Naproxen to decrease pain and inflammation
Cortisone injections (Steroid injections)– Decreases inflammation and often improves motion at the bunion joint
What can I do to prevent bunions?
After bunion surgery it is VERY important to get into a custom orthotic to stop the abnormal foot mechanics that allowed the bunion in the first place. Once you get your new orthotics, READ MORE
After bunion surgery it is VERY important to get into a custom orthotic to stop the abnormal foot mechanics that allowed the bunion in the first place. Once you get your new orthotics, wear wear wide (just not tight) shoes.
How are plantar warts caused?
Plantar warts are benign growths (not cancerous) that develop most commonly on the bottom of your feet caused by direct contact with the human papilloma virus (HPV) — a common READ MORE
Plantar warts are benign growths (not cancerous) that develop most commonly on the bottom of your feet caused by direct contact with the human papilloma virus (HPV) — a common virus found in moist areas such as around swimming pools and locker rooms. Some people are more susceptible than others to HPV and not everyone will develop plantar warts if they come into contact with the virus. People with breaks in the skin on pressure areas such as the ball of the foot or heel are at a higher risk for plantar warts.
Can tight shoes cause corns on my feet?
Absolutely. The most common cause of corns is from tight fitting shoes. This suppresses the toes together and causes an increase in friction which is what causes corns. Get yourself READ MORE
Absolutely. The most common cause of corns is from tight fitting shoes. This suppresses the toes together and causes an increase in friction which is what causes corns. Get yourself a wider toe box shoe and the corn should slowly fade away once the pressure has been removed
Why do shoes give me a rash?
When shoes are constructed, different materials are used to hold them together. It is quite common to have an allergic reaction to the glue that was used in the construction of READ MORE
When shoes are constructed, different materials are used to hold them together. It is quite common to have an allergic reaction to the glue that was used in the construction of the shoe. My recommendation would be to get rid of that shoe because the problem is going to persist. Once she stopped wearing the shoes, should not need to treat the problem it should fade away
Is a bunion a bone growth?
A bunion is not actually a bone growth. The hard bump that you feel is actually the head of the bone that is leaning out towards the inside of your foot. This misaligned bone is READ MORE
A bunion is not actually a bone growth. The hard bump that you feel is actually the head of the bone that is leaning out towards the inside of your foot. This misaligned bone is what we referred to as a bunion and is at the joint at the base of the great toe
What can I do about my nail infection?
Your doctor can prescribe an oral antibiotic and a topical antibiotic but most times the nail or a small part of the nail has to be removed from where it is embedded into the side READ MORE
Your doctor can prescribe an oral antibiotic and a topical antibiotic but most times the nail or a small part of the nail has to be removed from where it is embedded into the side of the toe.
What is the best way to eliminate foot odor?
Let's start with the basics. It is important to keep the feet clean daily by washing them with antibacterial soap. Change your socks daily. Have 2 pairs of boots to be alternated. READ MORE
Let's start with the basics. It is important to keep the feet clean daily by washing them with antibacterial soap. Change your socks daily. Have 2 pairs of boots to be alternated. It takes 24 hours for the leather upper in a boot to try so it is important to alternate your boots. If your feet have a tendency to sweat, apply a antiperspirant to the bottom of your feet daily. Make sure it is not a deodorant, it needs to be antiperspirant to decrease sweating.
Finally, and occasional vinegar foot bath: soaking feet every other day in 2 cups of vinegar and enough water to cover your feet, helps kill bacteria on the feet that causes odor.
Finally, and occasional vinegar foot bath: soaking feet every other day in 2 cups of vinegar and enough water to cover your feet, helps kill bacteria on the feet that causes odor.
Why is the top of my left foot swollen?
There are multiple causes for swelling in this area. A stress fracture in the metatarsal bone would need to be ruled out for sure. A stress fracture is not from trauma. They occur READ MORE
There are multiple causes for swelling in this area. A stress fracture in the metatarsal bone would need to be ruled out for sure. A stress fracture is not from trauma. They occur with just normal walking and standing. I recommend seeing your doctor to have this foot x-rayed.
Are orthotics enough for foot bunions?
Here is some at home treatments to attempt for bunions. The only way to her heal a bunion is through surgical realignment but not everyone needs that. As long as you can walk and READ MORE
Here is some at home treatments to attempt for bunions. The only way to her heal a bunion is through surgical realignment but not everyone needs that. As long as you can walk and wear shoes comfortably then I would not recommend surgery.
A custom foot orthotic (shoe insert) is a effective tool to minimize the pressure from the bunion. You might want to change your footwear, especially if you have shoes that squeeze your toes together. Wearing shoes with a wide toe box reduces friction on the bunion.
There are special pads made to cushion bunions. Avoid pads that have acid or medication in them.
Anti-inflammatory medication such as Motrin or Naproxen can decrease pain and inflammation
A custom foot orthotic (shoe insert) is a effective tool to minimize the pressure from the bunion. You might want to change your footwear, especially if you have shoes that squeeze your toes together. Wearing shoes with a wide toe box reduces friction on the bunion.
There are special pads made to cushion bunions. Avoid pads that have acid or medication in them.
Anti-inflammatory medication such as Motrin or Naproxen can decrease pain and inflammation
