Cutting one’s toenails is a key component of maintaining healthy feet. Not only does keeping your toenails cut to an appropriate length help stave off the development of ingrown toenails, it is also a way to make your feet look more visually appealing. However, many individuals who attempt to cut their toenails fail to utilize the appropriate tools for this critical self-care practice. For example, many individuals attempt to cut their toenails by using a pair of regular scissors or even a cutting knife. These tools are not appropriate and can be very dangerous. Instead, you may opt for a proper pair of toenail clippers. It is important that you utilize a different, larger pair of nail clippers used exclusively for your toenails. This is because using the same pair of nail clippers on both your fingernails and your toenails can spread bacteria and be unhealthy. In addition to having two pairs of different nail clippers, you should also be mindful of keeping them clean. You can clean and disinfect your pair of toenail clippers after each use to make sure that you are doing your best to prevent the spread of harmful bacteria. Lastly, another proper tool for cutting your toenails is a nail file, such as an emery board. You can use this tool to smooth the edges of your nails after clipping them. For more information on the proper tools you should be using to cut your toenails, consult a podiatrist.

Everyday foot care is very important to prevent infection and other foot ailments. If you need your feet checked, contact Shaun J. Limon, DPM and Lisa Griffith-Limon, DPM from Limons Foot & Ankle Care. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Everyday Foot Care

Often, people take care of their bodies, face and hair more so than they do for their feet. But the feet are a very important aspect of our bodies, and one that we should pay more attention to. Without our feet, we would not be able to perform most daily tasks.

It is best to check your feet regularly to make sure there are no new bruises or cuts that you may not have noticed before. For dry feet, moisturizer can easily be a remedy and can be applied as often as necessary to the affected areas. Wearing shoes that fit well can also help you maintain good foot health, as well as making it easier to walk and do daily activities without the stress or pain of ill-fitting shoes, high heels, or even flip flops. Wearing clean socks with closed shoes is important to ensure that sweat and bacteria do not accumulate within the shoe. Clean socks help to prevent Athlete’s foot, fungi problems, bad odors, and can absorb sweat.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Bradenton and Lakewood Ranch, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Breaking any bone in the body can be a serious threat to your overall health and well-being. Broken toes are no exception. Since the bones in the toes are smaller, they can be particularly vulnerable to being injured and broken. When broken, toe bones will often bleed and swell. It is common also to identify blood beneath the toenail. Breaking bones in the toes is usually extremely painful and can make walking especially difficult. Many patients will wonder how long it takes for a broken toe to heal. Although it varies depending on the patient, the injury, and the particular toe bone, there are several rules of thumb to follow. Broken big toes generally take longer to heal. After wearing a walking boot and then eventually a shoe with a stiff sole, patients can recover from broken big toes in approximately 6 to 8 weeks. Broken toes other than the big toe, commonly the pinky toe, take less time to heal. For example, after strapping and wearing shoes with stiff soles, a patient can recover from a broken pinky toe in 4 to 6 weeks. No patient wants to suffer a broken toe injury for longer than is necessary or to prolong the pain. However, it is important to let the bone take time to properly heal. Always talk with a podiatrist to ask questions about your broken toe bone and how it can be treated.

A broken toe can be very painful and lead to complications if not properly fixed. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Shaun J. Limon, DPM and Lisa Griffith-Limon, DPM from Limons Foot & Ankle Care. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What to Know About a Broken Toe

Although most people try to avoid foot trauma such as banging, stubbing, or dropping heavy objects on their feet, the unfortunate fact is that it is a common occurrence. Given the fact that toes are positioned in front of the feet, they typically sustain the brunt of such trauma. When trauma occurs to a toe, the result can be a painful break (fracture).

Symptoms of a Broken Toe

• Throbbing pain
• Swelling
• Bruising on the skin and toenail
• The inability to move the toe
• Toe appears crooked or disfigured
• Tingling or numbness in the toe

Generally, it is best to stay off of the injured toe with the affected foot elevated.

Severe toe fractures may be treated with a splint, cast, and in some cases, minor surgery. Due to its position and the pressure it endures with daily activity, future complications can occur if the big toe is not properly treated.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Bradenton and Lakewood Ranch, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

You want your loved one to be comfy around the house, but what's on his or her feet has a huge impact on safety. Accidental falls are a major cause of broken bones and, in turn, out-of-home placement for older adults.

Look for nonskid soles.

Socks provide warmth and can be a good around-the-house choice, especially at nap time. Whether you choose slippers or socks for hanging around the house, look for nonskid materials. These are now readily available in socks as well as slippers and shoes. Nonskid surfaces provide traction against smooth wood and tile, reducing the chance of falls.

Don't let rubber meet the road.

Shoes with smooth rubber on the bottom, or shoes made of rubber (such as Crocs-style molded sandals) tend to catch on smooth floor surfaces, inviting accidental trips. A little tread, in contrast, provides a grip against the floor.

Avoid heavy treads.

Take care not to buy shoes with thick, overly heavy treads. Many running-shoe and walking-shoe styles seem like they'd be solid anchors on unsteady feet. However, when they have large, deep ridges in the soles, these can catch on carpeting and cause the walker to lose balance.

Avoid asking a woman to sacrifice her sense of style.

It can be hard for a "shoe person" to give up stylish footwear in favor of safer choices. First, try looking for brands (such as Merrell or Clarks) that emphasize movement without sacrificing style. Look for colors or detailing that can give the wearer that kick of pleasure. If such shoes prove hard to find, encourage a shoe gal to express herself with other accessories: Inspire or indulge a fancy for scarves, hats, or pocketbooks -- a different creative outlet that can take the sting out of giving up kitten heels and delicate T-straps.

Go for a good fit.

Shoes or slippers that fasten with Velcro are easy to put on and off, and they stay securely on the foot. Scuffs and slip-on styles, in contrast, are too easy to slip out of. Ideally, the shoe should be wide enough in the toe box to be comfortable and accommodate any bunions or bumps.

Don't go by your loved one's customary "old" size. Swelling and other conditions can make feet a size or more larger. Shoes that are too small pinch the foot and can impair gait. Try going up a size or two.

Take extra precautions once shuffling starts.

Many older adults shuffle their feet, either because of degenerative issues or as a complication of dementia. Comfortable footwear with safe treads becomes especially important.

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