Your feet do a lot for you every day. They carry you through life, from your first steps in the morning to the last ones at night. But sometimes, they can start to hurt, especially if you have arthritis. Arthritis in your feet can make even simple things painful, like walking or standing. If you're dealing with this kind of pain, you're not alone. Many people experience it. The good news is, there are many ways to manage this pain and keep your feet feeling better. This article is all about arthritic foot care.

Good arthritic foot care is key to staying active and enjoying your life. It means taking special steps to protect your feet and ease any discomfort. It’s about keeping your feet moving and feeling their best. For those in Norwalk, CT, who need help with their feet, Fairfield County Foot Surgeons is a trusted place to find expert arthritic foot care. Let’s learn more about what arthritis means for your feet and how to take good care of them.

What Arthritis Does to Your Feet

First, let's understand what arthritis is. Arthritis is a condition that causes swelling and tenderness in one or more of your joints. Your feet have many small joints. There are more than 30 of them! These joints can be affected by different kinds of arthritis.

For example, osteoarthritis is a common type. It happens when the smooth cushion (cartilage) in your joints wears down. This can make bones rub against each other, causing pain, stiffness, and swelling. Another type is rheumatoid arthritis. This is when your body's immune system attacks your own joints. It can lead to pain, swelling, and even changes in the shape of your feet. Gout is another form of arthritis. It often causes sudden, severe pain and swelling, usually in the big toe. No matter the type, arthritic foot care is important to manage these changes and reduce discomfort.

Simple Ways to Practice Daily Arthritic Foot Care

Taking care of your feet every day can make a big difference. These simple steps are a big part of good arthritic foot care.

Choose the Right Shoes

This is one of the most important things you can do. Wear shoes that fit well and offer good support. Look for shoes with a wide toe box. This gives your toes room to move. Avoid high heels or shoes that squeeze your feet. Soft, flexible soles can also help cushion your steps. Think comfort over fashion when your feet hurt.

Keep Moving (Gently!)

It might seem strange, but gentle movement can actually help. Regular, low-impact exercise keeps your joints flexible. It also helps with blood flow. Try walking, swimming, or cycling. Even simple foot exercises, like wiggling your toes or circling your ankles, can be helpful. Always listen to your body. Don't push through sharp pain.

Use Warm or Cold Packs

Sometimes, your feet might feel swollen and painful. A cold pack can help reduce swelling. A warm soak or a warm pack can help relax stiff muscles and joints. You can try both to see what feels best for you. This simple step is a key part of easing daily discomfort in arthritic foot care.

Watch Your Weight

Extra weight puts more pressure on your feet. Losing even a few pounds can take a lot of strain off your foot joints. This can help reduce pain and slow down the wear and tear on your feet. Eating healthy and staying active helps with this.

When to Seek Professional Arthritic Foot Care

While daily care is helpful, sometimes you need expert advice. If your foot pain is getting worse, or if it's stopping you from doing daily activities, it's time to see a foot doctor. A foot doctor, also called a podiatrist, specializes in foot and ankle problems. They can offer specific solutions for your arthritic foot care.

A foot doctor can:

• Give you a clear diagnosis. They can tell you exactly what type of arthritis you have and how it's affecting your feet.
• Suggest special inserts (orthotics). These custom-made devices fit into your shoes. They can help support your feet, cushion your joints, and improve how you walk.
• Recommend special shoes. Sometimes, off-the-shelf shoes aren't enough. A foot doctor can suggest or even custom-make shoes that provide the best support.
• Talk about medications or injections. They can explain options that might reduce pain and swelling.
• Discuss advanced treatments. In some cases, other treatments might be needed to help.

For those in Norwalk, CT, Fairfield County Foot Surgeons provides comprehensive arthritic foot care. They have the knowledge and tools to help you find relief.

Imagine Robert, a cheerful man in his early 60s. He loved playing golf with his friends on the weekends. But recently, nagging pain in his big toe had made every step on the course a challenge. It was starting to affect his game and his mood. He’d tried new shoes and pain creams, but the relief was only minor. He knew he needed something more. Robert decided to visit Fairfield County Foot Surgeons in Norwalk, CT, for specialized arthritic foot care. They quickly diagnosed his gout. They helped him understand his condition. They also set him up with a plan for managing his pain and preventing future flare-ups. Soon, Robert was back on the green, enjoying his golf game without the constant toe pain. His story shows how professional care can make a huge difference.

Common Concerns About Arthritic Foot Care

Here are some common questions people have about arthritic foot care:

• Will I need surgery for my arthritic feet? Not usually. Most people with arthritis in their feet can manage their pain without surgery. Surgery is often a last resort when other treatments haven't worked or if the joint damage is very severe.
• Can my diet affect my foot arthritis? Yes, sometimes. For gout, certain foods can trigger flare-ups. Your doctor can give you advice on foods to avoid. Eating a healthy, balanced diet overall is always good for your joints and your whole body.
• How often should I see a foot doctor for arthritis? This depends on how severe your arthritis is. If your pain is mild and managed, maybe once a year for a check-up. If your pain is worse or new problems pop up, you might need to go more often. Your foot doctor will tell you what's best.
• Can exercises make my arthritis worse? Gentle exercises are usually good. But pushing too hard can cause problems. It’s important to do low-impact activities and stop if you feel sharp pain. Your doctor or a physical rehab specialist can show you safe exercises.
• What if I have swelling? Swelling is common with arthritis. You can try elevating your feet, using cold packs, or gentle compression socks. If the swelling is severe or doesn't go down, tell your doctor right away.

Stepping Towards a More Comfortable Future

Living with arthritis in your feet can be tough. But it doesn't have to control your life. With the right arthritic foot care strategies, you can reduce pain, improve your mobility, and keep doing the things you love. It's about being proactive and giving your feet the attention they deserve.

If you’re in the Norwalk, CT, area and need expert help with your feet, remember that Fairfield County Foot Surgeons is here for you. Our team is dedicated to providing personalized arthritic foot care to help you step forward with greater comfort and confidence. For comprehensive and compassionate care, you can trust Dr. Harris Greenberger and his team to guide you on your path to healthier feet. Contact us today!

It starts with a little pinch. Maybe your shoe felt tight, or you stubbed your toe. A couple of days go by, and your toe is red, a little swollen, maybe even painful to the touch. You assume it’s nothing serious, so you grab a pair of clippers, try to cut the corner out, and hope for the best.

But days later, the pain gets worse. The redness spreads. You notice drainage, and maybe even a bad smell. What was a small annoyance now has you limping—and possibly facing an infection that could have been avoided with professional care.

At Fairfield County Foot Surgeons, we’ve seen this story play out over and over again. That’s why we’re here to tell you: don’t try to fix your ingrown toenail at home. It’s not just painful—it can be dangerous.

What Is an Ingrown Toenail?

An ingrown toenail happens when the edge of the nail grows into the skin instead of over it. This causes inflammation, pain, and eventually infection.

It typically affects the big toe but can happen on any toe. Some of the most common causes include:

• Trimming your toenails too short or at an angle
  
  
• Wearing tight or poorly fitting shoes
  
  
• Injuring your toe during sports or daily activity
  
  
• Genetic factors that cause naturally curved nails
  
  
• Repeated pressure on the toes, such as from running or ballet
  
  

Why Home Remedies Make Things Worse

Let’s be real—most people aren’t using sterilized surgical instruments or assessing skin condition before cutting. They’re using bathroom clippers or scissors and hoping to "dig it out."

But here’s what really happens:

1. You Create a Bigger Wound

Digging into the nail bed can rip the skin or create deeper openings for bacteria to enter.

2. You Introduce Bacteria

Even if the tools look clean, they’re not sterile. One wrong snip and you’ve created the perfect entry point for infection.

3. You Make It Worse

Improper cutting techniques usually leave a sharp edge under the skin, worsening the ingrown and causing more pain.

4. You Delay Proper Care

By the time patients come into our office, the nail is deeply embedded, and they’re dealing with infection, drainage, and in some cases—bone involvement.

Signs of a Serious Ingrown Toenail

While some ingrown toenails are minor, others require immediate professional attention. If you experience any of the following, it’s time to make an appointment:

• Severe pain or throbbing around the toenail
  
  
• Swelling or redness that’s spreading
  
  
• Pus or drainage
  
  
• Foul odor from the toe
  
  
• Difficulty walking due to pain
  
  
• Fever (in rare, advanced cases)
  
  

For individuals with diabetes, poor circulation, or weakened immune systems, even a mild ingrown toenail can spiral out of control quickly.

How We Help at Fairfield County Foot Surgeons

When you come to our office, we examine the toe to assess how deep the nail has embedded, whether there’s infection, and whether you’ve had this issue before.

Based on what we find, we may:

• Gently lift the nail and place a splint under it
  
  
• Remove the edge of the nail that is causing the problem
  
  
• In recurrent cases, remove part of the nail root to prevent future issues
  
  

These procedures are done under local anesthesia and are quick, clean, and safe.

You’ll be back on your feet fast—and without the risk of home-based complications.

Can an Ingrown Toenail Be Life-Threatening?

It may sound extreme, but in rare cases—especially for diabetic patients—an infected ingrown toenail can lead to serious complications like:

• Deep tissue infection
  
  
• Bone infection (osteomyelitis)
  
  
• Cellulitis
  
  
• Hospitalization for IV antibiotics
  
  
• Amputation
  
  

This is why early, professional intervention is so important.

Tips to Prevent Ingrown Toenails

Preventing future ingrown nails is entirely possible with a few changes:

• Trim nails straight across—don’t round the corners
  
  
• Keep nails at a moderate length—don’t cut them too short
  
  
• Wear shoes that give your toes room to move
  
  
• Don’t pick at your nails or try to dig them out
  
  
• Monitor foot health daily if you have diabetes or circulation issues
  
  

Don’t Wait Until It Hurts to Walk

If your toe is painful, swollen, or looks infected, it’s time to stop guessing and start healing. You don’t have to suffer through the pain—or make things worse with home remedies.

Contact us today by clicking here to schedule your visit with Fairfield County Foot Surgeons in Norwalk, CT. Let us take care of it safely and effectively, so you can get back to walking without pain.

Living with diabetes comes with a long list of responsibilities. From monitoring your blood sugar to managing your medications and keeping a healthy diet, there’s a lot to juggle. But one area that often gets overlooked—and can have serious consequences—is foot care.

At Fairfield County Foot Surgeons in Norwalk, CT, we see the consequences every day when diabetic patients neglect their feet or wait too long to seek expert help. It often starts with something small—a blister, a callus, a sore spot that goes unnoticed. But before they know it, what could have been handled early has turned into something much worse.

In this blog, we’re going to walk you through why diabetic foot care should never be ignored, what happens when you don’t seek help, and how you can stay ahead of potentially life-altering complications.

Why Are Diabetic Feet at Risk?

Diabetes affects many parts of the body, but your feet are especially vulnerable due to two key complications: neuropathy and poor circulation.

1. Nerve Damage (Neuropathy)

Diabetic neuropathy occurs when high blood sugar levels damage the nerves in your feet. This means you may not feel pain, heat, or cold the same way as someone without diabetes. You could develop a sore or blister and not even realize it because you don't feel the usual warning signs.

That’s a big problem—because if you can’t feel the injury, you won’t treat it. That untreated wound can quickly become infected, open the door for bacteria, and lead to deeper issues.

2. Reduced Blood Flow (Peripheral Artery Disease)

Diabetes also causes your blood vessels to narrow and harden, reducing blood flow—especially to your legs and feet. With poor circulation, it becomes much harder for your body to heal even the smallest cut. So what should have been a minor issue can linger and become a major medical problem.

These two issues create the perfect storm. Without sensation to feel an injury and without circulation to heal it, your feet become a silent danger zone.

The Dangerous Progression: From Blister to Amputation

Here’s how a common scenario unfolds:

• A patient develops a blister from a tight shoe.
  
  
• Because of neuropathy, they don’t feel the discomfort.
  
  
• The blister pops, and they keep walking on it.
  
  
• Bacteria enter the open wound.
  
  
• The area becomes red, swollen, and begins to smell.
  
  
• By the time they realize something is wrong, the infection has progressed to the point that the toe or foot is at risk.
  
  

This is not an exaggeration—foot ulcers are the leading cause of non-traumatic lower limb amputations in people with diabetes. And most of those amputations could have been avoided with preventive care and early intervention.

Signs You Should Never Ignore

If you have diabetes, these warning signs should never be brushed off:

• Cuts or sores that don't heal within a few days
  
  
• Swelling or redness around a wound
  
  
• Warm spots on the foot, especially when compared to the other foot
  
  
• Drainage in your socks or shoes
  
  
• Skin discoloration (red, blue, black)
  
  
• A foul odor from your feet
  
  
• Pain, even if mild
  
  
• Tingling, numbness, or a burning sensation
  
  

Even if you're unsure if something is serious, it's better to let a podiatrist take a look.

The Power of Preventive Diabetic Foot Care

As a diabetic, your best defense is being proactive. At Fairfield County Foot Surgeons, we don’t wait for a crisis. We work with patients every day to protect their feet and avoid complications. Preventive foot care includes:

Daily Self-Checks

Look at your feet every day. Check for cuts, blisters, swelling, or discoloration. If you can’t see the bottom of your feet, use a mirror or ask for help.

Proper Foot Hygiene

Wash your feet with warm water and mild soap. Dry them completely—especially between your toes. Use a good moisturizing lotion on the heels but avoid putting lotion between the toes.

Smart Nail Trimming

Always cut your nails straight across and file the edges. Never dig into the corners. Trying to remove your own corns or calluses? That’s a common mistake. One small slip and you can cause an open wound.

The Right Footwear

Choose comfortable, properly fitting shoes. Avoid walking barefoot—even inside your home. Look for shoes made specifically for diabetic feet. Our office can help recommend what’s best for your needs.

Regular Podiatrist Visits

This one is key. If you’re diabetic, a podiatrist should be part of your healthcare team. We check for early signs of trouble, monitor your circulation and nerve function, and make sure your feet are staying healthy.

What We Do at Fairfield County Foot Surgeons

When you come to our office, you’re not just getting a foot exam. You’re getting a customized care plan from professionals who specialize in diabetic foot care.

We assess your foot structure, nerve sensation, blood flow, and any areas of concern. If something is brewing under the surface, we can catch it early—before it becomes an emergency.

We also handle corns, calluses, pressure points, ingrown toenails, and skin changes. We can prescribe custom orthotics to reduce friction and prevent future problems.

Our goal is simple: keep you on your feet. No infections. No complications. No surgeries. Just healthy feet and peace of mind.

The Cost of Waiting Too Long

Let’s be honest—most people don’t call a specialist until the problem becomes unbearable. But with diabetes, waiting is dangerous. The longer you delay, the more likely you are to face serious issues, including:

• Chronic foot infections
  
  
• Severe ulceration
  
  
• Hospital stays for intravenous antibiotics
  
  
• Surgical procedures
  
  
• Amputation of toes, feet, or legs
  
  

In some cases, complications from foot infections can even be life-threatening. It’s not about being dramatic—it’s about being realistic.

You Deserve Better Foot Health

Don’t wait until it’s too late. Whether you’ve had diabetes for years or you were just diagnosed, now is the time to take control of your foot health.

Contact us today by clicking here to schedule your diabetic foot evaluation at Fairfield County Foot Surgeons in Norwalk, CT. We’ll walk with you every step of the way.

Living with diabetes means managing more than just your blood sugar—it means keeping a close eye on your entire body, especially your feet. At Fairfield County Foot Surgeons in Norwalk, CT, we understand how critical Diabetic Foot Care is to maintaining your overall health and preventing serious complications.

Diabetic foot refers to a group of conditions that can affect people with diabetes, including nerve damage (neuropathy), poor circulation, foot ulcers, skin infections, and bone deformities. Because diabetes can impair sensation and healing, even small injuries or friction points—like a tight shoe or an unnoticed blister—can escalate into severe wounds or infections. If left untreated, these complications can become limb- or even life-threatening. Fortunately, early intervention and routine podiatric care can make a dramatic difference.

Even a small cut, blister, or callus can quickly become a major health issue if not properly managed. That’s why preventive foot care and regular check-ins with your podiatrist are vital—because when you take care of your feet, you’re taking care of your future.

In this blog, we’ll explore why diabetic foot care is so important, what you can do at home to keep your feet healthy, and how Dr. Harris Greenberger, DPM, FACFAS and our team at Fairfield County Foot Surgeons can support you with the best in professional, compassionate care. Dr. Greenberger is a highly respected and double board-certified podiatric surgeon and physician with over 24 years of experience.

Why Diabetic Foot Care Is So Important

Diabetes can lead to two major complications in the feet: neuropathy and poor circulation.

Neuropathy, or nerve damage, affects nearly 60–70% of people with diabetes. It causes symptoms like numbness, tingling, burning, or pain in the feet and toes. Over time, many patients lose the ability to feel heat, cold, or injury—making it easier for wounds to go unnoticed and untreated.

Poor circulation—also called peripheral arterial disease (PAD)—slows the healing process by reducing the flow of oxygen-rich blood to your feet. If you get a cut or sore, your body can’t heal the area as quickly or effectively. Combined with neuropathy, this creates a dangerous situation where even a minor issue can spiral into a serious infection or ulcer.

According to the American Diabetes Association, diabetic foot ulcers affect around 15% of people with diabetes, and up to 25% of those ulcers will require amputation. The good news is that most diabetic foot complications are preventable with proactive care and early intervention.

What to Expect from Routine Diabetic Foot Appointments

When you visit Fairfield County Foot Surgeons for diabetic foot care, you can expect a thorough, personalized exam every time. We take our time because we know your feet deserve close attention.

We’ll carefully inspect your feet and ankles for:

• Dry skin, cracking, redness, or swelling
  
  
• Corns, calluses, and pressure points
  
  
• Open wounds, ulcers, or signs of infection
  
  
• Ingrown toenails or fungal nails
  
  
• Changes in skin color or temperature
  
  
• Foot deformities such as hammertoes or bunions
  
  
• Numbness or diminished sensation (neuropathy screening)
  
  
• Circulatory issues (cold feet, weak pulse, discoloration)
  
  

Depending on what we find, we may recommend diagnostic imaging, wound care, offloading techniques, diabetic footwear, custom orthotics, or other specialized services. But perhaps most important of all—we’ll educate you and create a proactive care plan to prevent issues before they start.

At-Home Tips to Keep Your Diabetic Feet Healthy

Daily foot care at home is a critical part of managing diabetes. You don’t need expensive tools or complicated routines—just consistency and mindfulness. Here are some expert-recommended tips from our podiatry team:

1. Inspect Your Feet Every Day

Use a mirror or ask someone to help you check the tops, bottoms, sides, and between your toes. Look for blisters, cuts, sores, color changes, swelling, or anything that feels “off.” Catching problems early prevents complications.

2. Wash and Moisturize

Wash your feet in warm (not hot) water with mild soap. Dry thoroughly, especially between your toes. Apply a moisturizing lotion to your heels and soles to prevent dry skin and cracking. Avoid putting lotion between the toes, which can create a moist environment for fungus.

3. Trim Toenails Carefully

Trim toenails straight across and use a nail file to smooth edges. Avoid cutting nails too short or rounding the corners, which can lead to painful ingrown toenails. If trimming is difficult or painful, we can help.

4. Choose the Right Footwear

Always wear closed-toe shoes that fit well and offer protection. Avoid tight shoes, high heels, and sandals with straps that rub. Look for diabetic-friendly shoes with a soft interior, wide toe box, and supportive sole. Never walk barefoot, even indoors.

5. Change Socks Daily

Wear clean, dry socks every day. Opt for seamless, non-binding socks made of moisture-wicking materials like cotton blends or diabetic-specific fabrics.

6. Don’t Use Heating Pads or Hot Water Bottles

If your feet feel cold, use warm socks or a blanket. Never use heating devices, as diabetic neuropathy can prevent you from feeling burns or excessive heat.

7. Keep Blood Sugar in Check

Maintaining good glycemic control is one of the most powerful things you can do to protect your feet. Stable blood sugar levels help prevent nerve damage and support proper healing.

8. Stay Active—but Safe

Gentle exercise like walking, swimming, or cycling promotes healthy circulation and supports blood sugar control. Be sure to wear proper footwear and check your feet before and after activity.

9. Quit Smoking

Smoking dramatically decreases circulation and impairs your body's ability to heal. If you smoke and have diabetes, your risk of amputation significantly increases. Quitting is a powerful step toward foot health.

Warning Signs You Shouldn’t Ignore

Call your podiatrist right away if you notice any of the following:

• A sore, blister, or wound that doesn’t start to heal within 48 hours
  
  
• Pus, foul odor, or warmth around a wound (signs of infection)
  
  
• A black or blue spot on your foot or toes
  
  
• Increased swelling or redness
  
  
• Sudden loss of sensation
  
  
• Pain when walking or tingling at rest
  
  

The earlier you get treatment, the better the outcome. At Fairfield County Foot Surgeons, we’re equipped to handle these issues with urgency, compassion, and the latest medical technology.

Why Choose Fairfield County Foot Surgeons for Diabetic Foot Care?

At Fairfield County Foot Surgeons, we specialize in general podiatry and diabetic foot care for patients of all ages. We’ve helped countless people in Norwalk and across Fairfield County stay mobile, pain-free, and protected from serious foot complications.

Dr. Harris Greenberger, DPM, FACFAS is a highly respected, double board-certified podiatric surgeon and physician with over 24 years of experience. He is known throughout the region for his expertise, advanced training, and warm, compassionate approach to care. As a fluent speaker of both English and Spanish, he provides inclusive care to a diverse patient population.

Whether you need a diabetic foot checkup, treatment for an ingrown nail, custom orthotics, or surgical care, we offer personalized solutions that fit your lifestyle and long-term health goals.

Put Your Best Foot Forward

Your trusted family podiatrist
Fairfield County Foot Surgeons is a premier podiatry center in Norwalk, CT. What makes us unique is superior service and training.

When you walk through the door, you are more than just a patient. As a family practice, we want everyone to feel comfortable and welcome. Our staff is well liked because they are extremely cordial, knowledgeable, and organized.

Dr. Harris Greenberger, DPM, FACFAS offers a number of conservative and minimally invasive services to treat heel pain, sports injuries, ingrown & fungal toenails, diabetic foot conditions, bunions, and more. He is also double board-certified and one of the best surgically trained physicians among his peers in the area, offering the latest surgical procedures.

Please reach out to make an appointment. We are dedicated to providing you with comprehensive, personalized, effective care.
Click here to schedule your consultation today