Healthy Happy Foot Care Services: Your Path to Comfortable Feet
August 14, 2024
At Orthopaedic Associates, our team is dedicated to helping you put your best foot forward. One of the ways we work to reach this shared goal is through Healthy Happy Foot Care, a program offering a full range of professional foot care services in a sterile, professional, and medical facility. Read on to discover how we can assist you maintain healthy, happy feet!
Callus Debridement: Relief for Pressure Points
Calluses, also known as hyperkeratotic lesions, are a common concern for many. As calluses grow, they can create uncomfortable pressure points or even lead to ulcerations, particularly in diabetic patients.
What is Callus Debridement?
Callus debridement involves the careful cutting or sanding away of excess tissue from the skin’s surface. This procedure helps to alleviate pressure and prevent discomfort. We always leave a small portion of the callus to protect the most sensitive skin underneath. Once debrided, the callus is permanently removed, providing lasting relief.
Callus vs. Corn
- Calluses: Are typically larger, often more than an inch in diameter, and vary in shape. They typically form on the soles of our feet under the heels or balls, on the palms of our hands, or on our knees. Calluses are usually not painful.
- Corns: Are smaller, usually about a quarter-inch to half-inch, round, and well-defined. They often appear on non-weight-bearing areas such as the tops and sides of toes and can be quite painful when pressed.
Nail Trimming: Essential Self-Care
Maintaining proper nail grooming is simple, yet crucial for overall foot health. Short nails are less likely to trap dirt and bacteria, reducing the risk of infection. Correct nail trimming techniques also help prevent issues like hangnails and ingrown toenails.
What Causes Ingrown Toenails?
Ingrown toenails can result from several factors:
- Tight shoes
- Improper nail trimming
- The nail may be too large for the toe
- Trauma, such as stubbing or stepping on the toe
Nail Treatments: Psoriasis and Fungal Infections
- Nail Psoriasis: Treatment options include topical corticosteroids, Calcipotriol, or Tazarotene. For more severe cases, your doctor might recommend corticosteroid injections, laser treatment, PUVA, or systemic medication.
- Fungal Nail Infections: Typically treated with prescription antifungal pills. In severe instances, nail removal might be necessary.
Foot and Ankle Checks
The condition of your feet can reveal a lot about your overall health, often signaling to your doctor circulatory disorders, diabetes, arthritis, or other conditions. During your Healthy Happy Foot Care appointment, we perform comprehensive foot and ankle checks. If any issues are detected, we can refer you to one of our orthopedic surgeons for further evaluation and care.
Schedule Your Appointment Today!
Healthy Happy Foot Care is provided weekly by our highly trained, certified registered nurse Melissa “Gus” Kriske in Hibbing and Duluth. If you’re interested in scheduling an appointment or want to learn more about our orthopaedic services, please fill out our contact form or give us a call at:
- Hibbing: (218) 263-3880
- Duluth: (218) 722-5513
We look forward to helping you take the steps toward healthy, happy feet!