Ingrown toenails occur when the edge of the nail grows into the surrounding skin, often leading to pain, redness, swelling, and sometimes infection. Common causes include improper nail trimming, wearing tight shoes, injury, or genetic predisposition. The affected toe, usually the big toe, may feel tender to the touch and appear red or swollen, sometimes with drainage or pus, if infected. Walking can become uncomfortable or even painful. A podiatrist can diagnose the condition through a physical exam and recommend appropriate treatment. Mild cases may be managed with proper nail care and antibiotics, if infection is present. For recurring or severe cases, surgical options, such as partial or full nail removal or removal of the nail root, may be necessary. Aftercare typically includes keeping the area clean, applying medication, and wearing open-toed or loose-fitting shoes to allow healing. If you have a painful ingrown toenail, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist to relieve pain and prevent complications.
Ingrown toenails may initially present themselves as a minor discomfort, but they may progress into an infection in the skin without proper treatment. For more information about ingrown toenails, contact Vrunda Dalal, DPM of Sole Focus Foot and Ankle. our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
Ingrown Toenails
Ingrown toenails are caused when the corner or side of a toenail grows into the soft flesh surrounding it. They often result in redness, swelling, pain, and in some cases, infection. This condition typically affects the big toe and may recur if it is not treated properly.
Causes
- Improper toenail trimming
- Genetics
- Improper shoe fitting
- Injury from pedicures or nail picking
- Abnormal gait
- Poor hygiene
You are more likely to develop an ingrown toenail if you are obese, have diabetes, arthritis, or have any fungal infection in your nails. Additionally, people who have foot or toe deformities are at a higher risk of developing an ingrown toenail.
Symptoms
Some symptoms of ingrown toenails are redness, swelling, and pain. In rare cases, there may be a yellowish drainage coming from the nail.
Treatment
Ignoring an ingrown toenail can have serious complications. Infections of the nail border can progress to a deeper soft-tissue infection, which can then turn into a bone infection. You should always speak with your podiatrist if you suspect you have an ingrown toenail, especially if you have diabetes or poor circulation.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Marlton, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
Gout is a form of arthritis that often affects the joints in the feet, particularly the big toe. Symptoms typically appear suddenly, often at night, and include intense pain, swelling, redness, and warmth in the affected joint. The area may appear shiny and feel extremely tender, even to the touch of a bedsheet. Gout is caused by a buildup of uric acid in the blood, which forms sharp crystals in the joints. Common triggers include diets high in red meat or seafood, excessive alcohol, dehydration, and genetic factors. A podiatrist can diagnose gout through a physical exam, a review of symptoms, and possibly blood tests or joint fluid analysis. Treatment may involve anti-inflammatory medications, dietary changes, lifestyle advice, and, in some cases, medication to reduce uric acid levels. A podiatrist can also help manage recurring flare-ups and long-term joint health. If you are experiencing these symptoms, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for appropriate relief and treatment solutions.
Gout is a foot condition that requires certain treatment and care. If you are seeking treatment, contact Vrunda Dalal, DPM from Sole Focus Foot and Ankle. our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.
What Is Gout?
Gout is a type of arthritis caused by a buildup of uric acid in the bloodstream. It often develops in the foot, especially the big toe area, although it can manifest in other parts of the body as well. Gout can make walking and standing very painful and is especially common in diabetics and the obese.
People typically get gout because of a poor diet. Genetic predisposition is also a factor. The children of parents who have had gout frequently have a chance of developing it themselves.
Gout can easily be identified by redness and inflammation of the big toe and the surrounding areas of the foot. Other symptoms include extreme fatigue, joint pain, and running high fevers. Sometimes corticosteroid drugs can be prescribed to treat gout, but the best way to combat this disease is to get more exercise and eat a better diet.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Marlton, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
Cuboid syndrome is a condition where the cuboid bone, located on the outer side of the midfoot, becomes partially dislocated or restricted in movement, leading to lateral foot pain. It is often caused by ankle sprains, repetitive stress, or overuse in athletes and active individuals. Symptoms include sharp pain along the outer foot, swelling, tenderness, and difficulty walking or bearing weight. Risk factors include wearing shoes that lack adequate support, high impact activities, or biomechanical issues, such as flat feet. A podiatrist can diagnose cuboid syndrome, provide manual manipulation, prescribe orthotics, and recommend exercises to restore alignment and relieve pain. If you are struggling with outer foot discomfort, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can accurately diagnose and treat cuboid syndrome.
Cuboid syndrome, also known as cuboid subluxation, occurs when the joints and ligaments near the cuboid bone in the foot become torn. If you have cuboid syndrome, consult with Vrunda Dalal, DPM from Sole Focus Foot and Ankle. our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.
Cuboid syndrome is a common cause of lateral foot pain, which is pain on the outside of the foot. The condition may happen suddenly due to an ankle sprain, or it may develop slowly overtime from repetitive tension through the bone and surrounding structures.
Causes
The most common causes of cuboid syndrome include:
- Injury – The most common cause of this ailment is an ankle sprain.
- Repetitive Strain – Tension placed through the peroneus longus muscle from repetitive activities such as jumping and running may cause excessive traction on the bone causing it to sublux.
- Altered Foot Biomechanics – Most people suffering from cuboid subluxation have flat feet.
Symptoms
A common symptom of cuboid syndrome is pain along the outside of the foot which can be felt in the ankle and toes. This pain may create walking difficulties and may cause those with the condition to walk with a limp.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis of cuboid syndrome is often difficult, and it is often misdiagnosed. X-rays, MRIs and CT scans often fail to properly show the cuboid subluxation. Although there isn’t a specific test used to diagnose cuboid syndrome, your podiatrist will usually check if pain is felt while pressing firmly on the cuboid bone of your foot.
Treatment
Just as the range of causes varies widely, so do treatments. Some more common treatments are ice therapy, rest, exercise, taping, and orthotics.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Marlton, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
Bunions are a foot condition where the top of the big toe angles toward the second toe, and a bony bump forms at the base of the big toe. They often develop due to genetics, wearing tight or narrow shoes, arthritis, or foot stress. Symptoms include redness, swelling, and soreness surrounding the joint, as well as pain while walking or wearing shoes. The skin over the bunion may become thick and callused, and the toe can become stiff or difficult to move. Bunions can worsen over time, if left untreated, leading to increased discomfort and changes in foot shape. A podiatrist can diagnose a bunion through a physical exam and X-rays to assess its severity. Treatment includes custom orthotics, footwear changes, anti-inflammatory medication, and, in more severe cases, surgery to realign the joint. Early care can prevent further progression and ease discomfort. If you have a painful bunion, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for effective relief and treatment solutions.
If you are suffering from bunions, contact Vrunda Dalal, DPM of Sole Focus Foot and Ankle. our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
What Is a Bunion?
A bunion is formed of swollen tissue or an enlargement of boney growth, usually located at the base joint of the toe that connects to the foot. The swelling occurs due to the bones in the big toe shifting inward, which impacts the other toes of the foot. This causes the area around the base of the big toe to become inflamed and painful.
Why Do Bunions Form?
Genetics – Susceptibility to bunions are often hereditary
Stress on the feet – Poorly fitted and uncomfortable footwear that places stress on feet, such as heels, can worsen existing bunions
How Are Bunions Diagnosed?
Doctors often perform two tests – blood tests and x-rays – when trying to diagnose bunions, especially in the early stages of development. Blood tests help determine if the foot pain is being caused by something else, such as arthritis, while x-rays provide a clear picture of your bone structure to your doctor.
How Are Bunions Treated?
- Refrain from wearing heels or similar shoes that cause discomfort
- Select wider shoes that can provide more comfort and reduce pain
- Anti-inflammatory and pain management drugs
- Orthotics or foot inserts
- Surgery
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Marlton, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
