Edward A. Filcheck : Ingrown Toenails- When to See the Doctor

As annoying and uncomfortable an ingrown toenail can be, there are times when it may become enough of a problem that you may need to see a podiatrist like Edward A. Filcheck. Filcheck currently practices in Morgantown West Virginia, and he knows how severe an ingrown toenail can become.

Though you may be able to manage an ingrown toenail at home, there are some good reasons why you may need to see a podiatrist about your toenail. First, if the toenail begins to show signs of infection, such a draining pus, worsening swelling, or if it becomes excessively painful. If you haven’t had a tetanus booster in over five years, you should also see a doctor. If you have decreased circulation to your foot due to diabetes or another illness, you also need to see your doctor about your ingrown toenail.

If you do end up at the doctor’s office, there are few different things that the doctor may do to help solve your problem. If it’s infected, your podiatrist will probably cut and remove the portion of the toenail that is growing into your toe. If you have severe or recurring ingrown toenails, you doctor may decide that you need a small surgery, that kills the cells of toenail growth in the problem spot. This is not a major surgery, but it may result in discomfort for a few days.

Edward A Filcheck explains that many ingrown toenails are a result of improperly trimmed toenails or ill-fitting shoes. Trim your toenails straight across (not rounded) and wear shoes that fit your feet to avoid ingrown toenails in the future.

Runner’s Foot

Running for health and fitness is as popular as ever. Every year more and more people take up the sport, either for the health benefits of running, or in some cases with the longer-term goal of challenging themselves to participate in a marathon. The attraction is easy to understand: all you really need is a good pair of running shoes, and your ready to go.

All those runners means there are a lot of sore feet out there, especially in the warmer weather when the greatest number of runners is out on the roads. But experienced runners say that running does not automatically mean you’re going to have sore feet. If you do, and it becomes chronic, then there are things you can do to get you back out running without pain.

For starters, people new to running are advised not to over-do it. Running may be addictive but you have to take care not to increase your mileage too much, before your body is ready. Mileage should not increase by more than ten percent every week. Experienced runners have learned to keep a log so they can keep track of how much they run and how many miles they’re racking up.

It is important to have a good pair of running shoes. But you should never buy a pair based on how they look. Just because a pair of shoes looks cool doesn’t mean they’ll provide your feet with the support and cushioning they need. The best approach is to be fitted at a running store, where experienced staff members can guide you to the shoes that best fit your running style.

Edward A Filcheck is a foot doctor who runs. He is licensed to practice in Pennsylvania and West Virginia.

Good Fitting Shoes

If the shoe fits, wear it. Sound advice in the most literal sense, and if it’s coming from a podiatrist, it’s something to be taken seriously.

Your feet take a real pounding over the course of a lifetime, and even in the course of just one day. So it’s important to treat them well, and wear comfortable, well-fitted shoes.

Foot doctors have some very definite ideas of what separates the good shoes from the bad, and how you should go about acquiring a good pair. First of all, do your shoe shopping later in the day. By then you’ve been on your feet for hours, and they’ll be the most swollen they’re going to be. That will help you get the best fit for everyday shoes; they should never feel tight.

The best shoes are those made of natural substances that breathe. Genuine leather makes for excellent shoes, as do fabrics. Shoes that breathe are going to minimize problems like athletes foot. Avoid shoes made of synthetic leather or rubber, because these can cause the feet to perspire, which can in turn lead to problems.
Always wear socks made of fabric that will wick away moisture – that is, will absorb it or draw it away from the skin. Cotton and wool are best for this. Foot specialists say stay away from nylon or polyester socks.

If you’ve got a pair of shoes with laces, lace them up. Laces will stabilize the shoe around the foot, which in turn can help decrease rolling or turning the foot and ankle. If you wear clog-style shoes, like Crocs, make sure your toes don’t slide forward and touch the end. If they do, it can lead to nail damage.

Edward A Filcheck is a Board-certified podiatrist who opened his practice in West Virginia in 1998.
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The Right Shoe for the Occasion

Most people spend long days on and off their feet, and more than half of all American adults report having some kind of serious foot issue during the course of their lives. The simple act of walking involves an entire network of bones, muscles, tendons and ligaments, and when we are up and down, running and walking and climbing the stairs each day, our feet take a pounding. Even those of slender people carry a lot of weight. And it explains why it is that so many people complain of foot problems.

Physicians who specialize in the feet are called podiatrists. Most of them agree that one of the most important factors in minimizing foot pain is to wear a good pair of shoes that are comfortable and provide plenty of arch support. You might think that it’s best to stop by the local shoe store whenever it fits into your schedule. But doctors say the best time to buy a new pair of shoes is actually in the afternoon, when you have been on your feet for hours and they’re feeling a little swollen. That way you’ll be fitted for shoes that can accommodate that swelling on a daily basis and not feel too tight. And a good shoe fit is really important.
Your shoes should fit the activity. Running shoes, for example, are designed to support forward movement and have plenty of cushioning for all that pavement pounding. Tennis shoes are made for the side-to-side movements common to their namesake game.

Edward A Filcheck is a podiatrist who graduated from the Ohio College of Podiatric Medicine in 1996 and, after completing his residencies, opened his practice in Morgantown, West Virginia in 19998.
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