At Syracuse Podiatry, many patients we treat have reservations when it comes to seeking medical care for issues they feel will clear up on their own. Unfortunately, in some situations, the common saying “time heals all wounds” doesn’t necessarily apply, especially when it comes to certain medical conditions. If treatment is put off and the issue is not thoroughly addressed, folks who sought to avoid a visit to their DPM might require serious interventions that preventative care could have eliminated altogether.

While it’s tempting to ignore certain foot conditions, hoping they will take care of themselves, we’ve seen that this often isn’t the best course of action. This blog post outlines three conditions in particular that may worsen without prompt intervention.

1–Flat Feet

While some cases of flat feet may not progress to anything more serious, there are situations where not addressing the issue can lead to ankle instability and foot deformities. Untreated, flat feet can even affect gait and weight distribution while walking, compromising mobility.

2–Ingrown Toenails

Often deemed annoying but rarely dangerous, ingrown toenails are frequently ignored or chalked up to nothing more than a nuisance. However, if left untreated, an ingrown toenail can turn into a fungal infection of the foot and infect the bone beneath it or lead to tissue decay (a condition known as gangrene). It’s important to keep note of symptoms such as swelling, pus, bleeding, or persistent foot pain. Those are definite signs that it’s time to get treatment.

3–Athlete’s Foot

This somewhat common and uncomfortable condition is another fungal infection of the foot, occurring when a fungus develops between the toes, causing red, itchy, scaly, and swollen skin. While treatable, athlete’s foot, if left unaddressed, can cause complications that include the spread of blisters, separation of nails from the nailbed, and even cellulitis, a bacterial infection that can afflict the bone if not taken care of.

Ready to face your foot conditions head-on? Syracuse Podiatry is here to provide the best treatment plans for you. Contact us and make an appointment today. Dr. Ryan L. D’Amico, Dr. Donal M. Erickson, Dr. Keith Sherman, Dr. Anne-Louise Smith, Dr. Justin Muser, and Dr. Nicholas Cronin are here to help!