Dr. Fanta V. Morgan

If you keep experiencing ingrown toenails it is a good idea to get evaluated by a Podiatrist for a possible partial permanent nail avulsion. The procedure is performed in the office and the ingrown border of nail is removed. A solution is applied to the tissue at the base of the nail to eliminate the nail root so that portion of nail does not grow back. The recovery is short, there is no need to stop regular activities besides swimming (short term). If you prefer not to have a procedure you should cut the nails straight across when performing maintenance.

Swelling in the ankles can come from many different things. During your run you may be placing too much pressure on certain parts of your foot. This makes your muscles and tendons work harder. The surface you run on can also cause a negative effect on your feet as well. You may need to start with changing your shoe. It’s important that you wear a good running shoe (suggestions: New Balance/ Ascics). Stretch after you run and you may need to ice the feet along the painful areas for 15min after exercise. If you continue to have problems go to see your local Podiatrist for a work-up.

Unfortunately yes, with gangrene the soft tissue is necrotic (dead); you can’t bring the tissue back. If you leave it in place it is a place for bacteria to attach and cause more infection. This infection can spread to the blood. In order to fix this you have to remove all the dead tissue including bone - amputation is the best option. They usually try to take off enough to get to viable tissue.

You should not try to cut them yourself. As a diabetic it would benefit her to have regular foot exams by a licensed podiatrist, where they can perform nail care safely. You risk causing her pain and possible infection.

Fractures take 6-8 weeks to heal. You still need more time for bone consolidation. As long as the bone is in good alignment (not shifted out of place), it should heal fine. Just listen to your doctor and stay off of it. The only time surgery is needed is to put the bones back in the right position when they are out of place post trauma.

The swelling usually comes from excess fluid in the lower extremities. This is usually systemic; coming from poor circulation secondary to diabetes or other health issues including kidney failure and cardiovascular problems. Some people are placed on a water pill to help remove the fluid. A primary care physician would prescribe that medication if deemed necessary. Compression stockings can also help decrease the swelling.

Yes, some orthotics are helpful by giving support to the arch and keeping the feet in a neutral position while walking. They assist with balance, so the foot doesn't lean to a specific side. Over-the-counter orthotics vary, some provide more support than others. I recommend Spenco orthotic arch supports. There are others that are good too, but I've actually worn this brand. Orthotics should not be completely soft, they should have some rigidity to maintain support.

Whenever there is a procedure performed on a nail, it is still considered trauma to the nail. The nail bed is the tissue that is underneath of the nail. The matrix is tissue at the base (bottom) of the nail; the nail grows from the matrix. Whenever the nail or part of the nail is removed the matrix is disturbed which can change the growth pattern of the nail. After nail trauma the nail can grow thickened, deformed, or with discoloration. This weakens the nail making it vulnerable to the fungus as well. You can have nail cultures taken by your local podiatrist to check for fungus. There are treatments that can sometimes help improve the nails if fungus is a factor. Sometimes after the matrix has been affected the nail never grows back the way it was before.