An ingrown toenail can make every step uncomfortable, especially when shoes press against a sore toe. It develops when the edge of a toenail grows into the surrounding skin. The big toe is affected most frequently, although other toes can develop the problem. Early signs include tenderness, redness, and swelling along the nail's edge. As irritation increases, the area may become more painful. An infection can develop when the broken skin allows bacteria to enter. Yellow or green drainage, throbbing pain, and spreading redness can signal infection. These symptoms can make walking difficult and interfere with everyday activities.

Several factors can lead to an ingrown toenail. Cutting toenails too short or rounding their corners can leave sharp edges that dig into the skin. Wearing tight shoes can squeeze the toes and increase pressure around the nails. Heavy sweating can soften the surrounding skin, making irritation more likely. A toe injury or an unusually curved nail can also contribute. Ingrown toenails affect people of different ages, including teenagers and adults. People with diabetes or reduced feeling in their feet face greater risks from an unnoticed infection. Persistent pain or signs of infection deserve prompt attention. Understanding the cause helps reduce the chance of repeated problems.

A podiatrist can examine the affected toe and determine whether the nail has irritated or infected the skin. For a mild case, treatment can include carefully lifting the nail edge and protecting the surrounding area. A podiatrist can also recommend shoes with enough room for the toes and explain proper nail-trimming techniques. More severe or recurring cases may require removing the troublesome portion of the nail under local numbing medicine. The podiatrist can provide appropriate care for an infection and monitor healing. Early treatment can relieve pressure and help prevent further complications. If you have developed ingrown toenails, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for effective relief and treatment solutions. 

Ingrown toenails can become painful if they are not treated properly. For more information about ingrown toenails, contact Lawrence Fallat, DPM of Michigan. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Ingrown Toenails

Ingrown toenails occur when a toenail grows sideways into the bed of the nail, causing pain, swelling, and possibly infection.

Causes

• Bacterial infections
• Improper nail cutting such as cutting it too short or not straight across
• Trauma to the toe, such as stubbing, which causes the nail to grow back irregularly
• Ill-fitting shoes that bunch the toes too close together
• Genetic predisposition

Prevention

Wearing proper fitting shoes and using proper cutting techniques will also help decrease your risk of developing ingrown toenails.

Treatment

Ingrown toenails are a very treatable foot condition. In minor cases, soaking the affected area in salt or antibacterial soaps will not only help with the ingrown nail itself, but also help prevent any infections from occurring. In more severe cases, surgery is an option. In either case, speaking to your podiatrist about this condition will help you get a better understanding of specific treatment options that are right for you.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Canton and Taylor, MI . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

A broken toe happens when one of the small bones in a toe cracks or breaks. It can result from stubbing your toe against furniture, dropping something heavy on your foot, or an injury during sports. The smaller toes are easily injured, but the big toe can also break. A broken toe can cause sharp pain, swelling, and bruising. Some people notice that the toe looks crooked or feels painful when they put weight on the foot. These signs should not be ignored, especially when the big toe is involved.

Not every painful toe is broken, so an accurate diagnosis matters. A podiatrist can examine the injured area and check whether the toe is properly aligned. X-rays can show where a bone has broken and whether the pieces have moved out of place. A fracture in the big toe can be especially troublesome because that toe plays an important role in balance and pushing off while walking. An untreated fracture can heal in the wrong position and lead to lasting discomfort. Severe pain, an unusual toe position, or an open wound calls for prompt evaluation.

Treatment for a broken toe depends on which bone is injured and how serious the break is. A podiatrist may stabilize the toe by securing it to the neighboring toe. This approach is called buddy taping. A stiff-soled shoe or protective boot can help limit movement while the bone heals. When a toe is out of position, the podiatrist can assess whether it needs to be carefully realigned. Follow-up visits help track healing and guide a safe return to normal activities. If you have broken your broken toe, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for effective treatment solutions.

A broken toe can be very painful and lead to complications if not properly fixed. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Lawrence Fallat, DPM from Michigan. Our doctor 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 Canton and Taylor, MI . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Pregnancy changes how the body carries weight, and the feet feel the effects. As the baby grows, added weight places more pressure on the feet and ankles. Hormonal changes also loosen the tissues that support the arches. As a result, feet can become longer, wider, or flatter. Some changes may remain after delivery. Swelling can make shoes feel tight, while changes in balance can affect movement. These changes can lead to aching feet and difficulty finding comfortable shoes. Foot discomfort should not be ignored, especially when it interferes with everyday activities.

A study of foot health during pregnancy found that participants in their third trimester reported the greatest foot pain. They also had more difficulty finding shoes that fit properly. Their activity levels were lower than those reported earlier in pregnancy. The second trimester was associated with the least foot pain. Swelling in the feet and lower legs can contribute to discomfort because fluid collects in the tissues. Flattened arches may also change how pressure spreads across the soles. A podiatrist can assess these changes and determine what is contributing to pain.

Podiatric care during pregnancy focuses on comfort, support, and safe movement. A podiatrist can record changes in foot size and recommend shoes with adequate room and proper support. Custom shoe inserts may help distribute pressure and support arches that have become flatter. A podiatrist can also examine swelling and assess how the feet function while walking. Treatment recommendations should reflect the stage of pregnancy and each patient's symptoms. Sudden or severe swelling, especially with a headache or vision changes, requires urgent medical evaluation. Persistent pain also needs attention rather than being dismissed as part of pregnancy. If you have symptoms of pregnancy-related foot pain, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for diagnosis and treatment.

Pregnant women with swollen feet can be treated with a variety of different methods that are readily available. For more information about other cures for swollen feet during pregnancy, consult with Lawrence Fallat, DPM from Michigan. Our doctor will attend to all of your foot and ankle needs.

What Foot Problems Can Arise During Pregnancy?

One problem that can occur is overpronation, which occurs when the arch of the foot flattens and tends to roll inward.  This can cause pain and discomfort in your heels while you’re walking or even just standing up, trying to support your baby.  

Another problem is edema, or swelling in the extremities. This often affects the feet during pregnancy but tends to occur in the later stages. 

How Can I Keep My Feet Healthy During Pregnancy?

• Wearing orthotics can provide extra support for the feet and help distribute weight evenly
• Minimize the amount of time spent walking barefoot
• Wear shoes with good arch support
• Wear shoes that allow for good circulation to the feet
• Elevate feet if you experience swelling
• Massage your feet
• Get regular, light exercise, such as walking, to promote blood circulation to the feet

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Canton and Taylor, MI . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Plantar fasciitis can turn the first steps of the morning into a painful challenge. It occurs when the plantar fascia, a strong band of tissue along the bottom of the foot, becomes irritated and inflamed. The pain is usually felt near the heel and can be sharp when standing after rest. It may ease after a few steps but return after long periods on the feet. Running, weight gain, and abnormal foot arches can place added strain on this tissue. Tight calf muscles can also increase tension near the heel.

A podiatrist can determine whether plantar fasciitis is causing the pain or whether another heel issue is present. The visit includes a review of symptoms, a foot examination, and an assessment of how the patient stands and moves. X-rays or other imaging tests can help rule out a fracture or another source of pain. A podiatrist can recommend supportive shoes, custom orthotics, or a night splint. Orthotics can improve weight distribution and reduce strain on the plantar fascia. A night splint holds the foot in a gentle stretch while the patient sleeps. For more severe pain, a walking boot or another form of support can reduce pressure while the tissue heals.

Ignoring persistent heel pain can make standing, work, and exercise more difficult. It can also increase the chance that a patient will change the way they walk to avoid pain. That change can place extra stress on the ankle, knee, or other foot. A podiatrist can monitor progress and adjust the treatment plan if symptoms do not improve. Surgery is rarely considered and is generally reserved for severe symptoms that have not responded to other care. Patients can also receive guidance on choosing shoes that fit correctly and provide proper support. If you have heel pain, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who can accurately diagnose and treat plantar fasciitis.

Plantar fasciitis is a common foot condition that is often caused by a strain injury. If you are experiencing heel pain or symptoms of plantar fasciitis, contact Lawrence Fallat, DPM from Michigan. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common causes of heel pain. The plantar fascia is a ligament that connects your heel to the front of your foot. When this ligament becomes inflamed, plantar fasciitis is the result. If you have plantar fasciitis you will have a stabbing pain that usually occurs with your first steps in the morning. As the day progresses and you walk around more, this pain will start to disappear, but it will return after long periods of standing or sitting.

What Causes Plantar Fasciitis?

• Excessive running
• Having high arches in your feet
• Other foot issues such as flat feet
• Pregnancy (due to the sudden weight gain)
• Being on your feet very often

There are some risk factors that may make you more likely to develop plantar fasciitis compared to others. The condition most commonly affects adults between the ages of 40 and 60. It also tends to affect people who are obese because the extra pounds result in extra stress being placed on the plantar fascia.

Prevention

• Take good care of your feet – Wear shoes that have good arch support and heel cushioning.
• Maintain a healthy weight
• If you are a runner, alternate running with other sports that won’t cause heel pain

There are a variety of treatment options available for plantar fasciitis along with the pain that accompanies it. Additionally, physical therapy is a very important component in the treatment process. It is important that you meet with your podiatrist to determine which treatment option is best for you.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Canton and Taylor, MI . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.