Preventing ingrown toenails starts with proper nail care. It is important to cut your nails straight across and ensure they reach the edge of your toe without curving into the skin. Avoid cutting or ripping the sides of the nail, as this can lead into ingrown nails.

Good shoes are absolutely essential for maintaining foot and ankle health. Shoes that fit well and provide proper support can prevent a variety of problems, including pain, blisters and more serious issues like bunions and plantar fasciitis. On the other hand, “bad” shoes often more stylish but less supportive options, can cause discomfort and long-term damage if worn frequently.

Orthotics are custom-made devices designed to support and align the feet. They are primarily used for arch support and to correct imbalances that can lead to pain or injury in the feet, ankles, knees or lower back. Orthotics are tailored to each individual’s needs and can be an effective way to manage or prevent foot-related issues.

One product I frequently recommend is Dr. Scholl’s Dry Cracked Foot Repair. It is great for moisturizing and healing dry, cracked skin on the feet, which can be a common issue, especially in dry or cold climates. Keeping the skin on our feet healthy is an important part of overall foot care.

Yes, all podiatrists are trained in both general podiatry and foot and ankle surgery. This means they can diagnose and treat a wide range of foot and ankle conditions, both conservatively and surgically, depending on what is required. If you are facing foot or ankle issues, JRMC’s podiatry team is here to provide expert care, from diagnosis  through treatment.

MIS, or minimally invasive surgery, is a surgical technique that uses smaller and fewer incisions to perform the necessary procedures. The goal of MIS is to minimize damage to the surrounding tissues, reduce scarring and shorten recovery time. It is a highly effective approach for many foot and ankle surgeries offering patients a quicker and often less painful recovery.

An ankle sprain typically isn’t an emergency, but it is important to get it evaluated and treated within two weeks of the injury. Early assessment can help ensure proper healing and prevent further complications. If you have recently injured your ankle, don’t wait – visit JRMC for a prompt evaluation.

Candidates for total ankle replacement are usually patients who suffer from severe ankle arthritis and have significant pain or limited mobility that affects quality of life. It is important that candidates have good circulation and sensation in their feet, meaning they shouldn’t have conditions like neuropathy, which could complicate the surgery and recovery process.

Bunions are often hereditary, meaning they can run in families. They are typically caused by an imbalance in the foot that leads to the joint at the base of the big toe protrude outward. To manage bunions, I recommend wearing shoes with a wide toe box. Surgery is always an option. Minimally invasive surgery is often used to correct bunions with less downtime and quicker recovery.