Have you noticed a bony protrusion on the side of your big toe? If so, you may have developed the foot condition known as a bunion. Don't let bunions interfere with your daily activities.
Toenail discoloration can indicate a range of issues, from minor injuries to infections or more serious conditions. A black toenail often results from trauma, such as stubbing a toe or wearing tight shoes, which causes blood to pool beneath the nail. However, if there is no known injury, a podiatrist can assess whether the discolored toenail may be due to a fungal infection, a chronic ingrown toenail, or a more concerning condition like melanoma. Yellow toenails frequently result from fungal infections, which may lead to thickened, brittle nails. A green toenail often signals a bacterial infection, generally linked to prolonged exposure to moisture. White spots or streaks on toenails may develop from repetitive pressure on the toes, while an entirely white nail could indicate a spreading fungal infection. Brown streaks may occur due to injury but should be evaluated for potential serious causes. If you have toenails that have changed color, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam and treatment options.
Most severe toe pain is caused due to a sports injury, trauma from dropping something heavy on the toe, or bumping into something rigid. Other problems can develop over time for various reasons.
Toe pain can be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:
Trauma
Sports injury
Wearing shoes that are too tight
Arthritis
Gout
Corns and calluses
Hammertoe
Bunions
Blisters
Ingrown toenails
Sprains
Fractures (broken bones)
Dislocations
When to See a Podiatrist
Severe pain
Persistent pain that lasts more than a week
Signs of infection
Continued swelling
Pain that prevents walking
Diagnosis
In many cases the cause of toe pain is obvious, but in others, a podiatrist may want to use more advanced methods to determine the problem. These can range from simple visual inspections and sensation tests to X-rays and MRI scans. Prior medical history, family medical history, and any recent physical traumatic events will all be taken into consideration for a proper diagnosis.
Treatment
Treatments for toe pain and injuries vary and may include shoe inserts, padding, taping, medicines, injections, and in some cases, surgery. If you believe that you have broken a toe, please see a podiatrist as soon as possible.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Clovis, CA. We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.
Skin fissures on the heels are caused by dry, cracked skin. These painful cracks can develop deep enough to bleed and are often accompanied by rough, flaky skin. Symptoms include a feeling of tightness, discomfort while walking, and visible cracks, especially in the winter months when the air is drier. The main causes of heel fissures are prolonged dryness, standing for long periods, wearing ill-fitting shoes, or not moisturizing enough. People with conditions like diabetes or obesity are also more prone to heel fissures due to added pressure on the feet. If you experience heel fissures, a podiatrist can help by assessing the severity of the cracks and offering treatment options. Included are prescription creams, padding to relieve pressure, or debridement, which is the removal of dead skin. This type of doctor may also provide advice on proper footwear and foot care routines to prevent further damage. If you have severely cracked heels, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist.
If the skin on your feet starts to crack, you may want to see a podiatrist to find treatment. If you have any concerns, contact one of our podiatrists from Advanced Foot and Ankle Centers, Inc.. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
Cracked Heels
It is important to moisturize your cracked heels in order to prevent pain, bleeding, and infection. The reason cracked heels form is because the skin on the foot is too dry to support the immense pressure placed on them. When the foot expands, the dry skin on the foot begins to split.
Ways to Help Heal Them
Invest in a good foot cream
Try Using Petroleum Jelly
Ease up on Soaps
Drink Plenty of Water
Ways to Prevent Cracked Heels
Moisturize After Showering
Skip a Shower
Keep Shower Water Lukewarm
Don’t Scrub Your Feet
If you are unsure how to proceed in treating cracked heels, seek guidance from a podiatrist. Your doctor will help you with any questions or information you may need.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Clovis, CA. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
Working in a restaurant requires constant movement in a fast-paced environment, making slips and falls a common hazard. Wearing slip-resistant shoes with proper traction helps provide stability on wet or greasy floors. Keeping floors clean and dry by promptly wiping up spills and using floor mats in high-risk areas can reduce the likelihood of accidents. Ensuring that walkways remain clear of clutter and loose objects prevents unnecessary trips. Proper lighting in all areas, including storage rooms and kitchens, improves visibility and awareness of potential hazards. Additionally, practicing safe movement, such as taking slow and controlled steps, helps maintain balance. Regularly inspecting and maintaining flooring surfaces reduces unexpected risks. Falling can seriously impact the feet. If you work in a restaurant and this has happened to you, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can treat various foot conditions, and get you back to working comfortably.
Preventing falls among the elderly is very important. If you are older and have fallen or fear that you are prone to falling, consult with one of our podiatrists from Advanced Foot and Ankle Centers, Inc.. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality advice and care.
Every 11 seconds, an elderly American is being treated in an emergency room for a fall related injury. Falls are the leading cause of head and hip injuries for those 65 and older. Due to decreases in strength, balance, senses, and lack of awareness, elderly persons are very susceptible to falling. Thankfully, there are a number of things older persons can do to prevent falls.
How to Prevent Falls
Some effective methods that older persons can do to prevent falls include:
Enrolling in strength and balance exercise program to increase balance and strength
Periodically having your sight and hearing checked
Discuss any medications you have with a doctor to see if it increases the risk of falling
Clearing the house of falling hazards and installing devices like grab bars and railings
Utilizing a walker or cane
Wearing shoes that provide good support and cushioning
Talking to family members about falling and increasing awareness
Falling can be a traumatic and embarrassing experience for elderly persons; this can make them less willing to leave the house, and less willing to talk to someone about their fears of falling. Doing such things, however, will increase the likelihood of tripping or losing one’s balance. Knowing the causes of falling and how to prevent them is the best way to mitigate the risk of serious injury.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Clovis, CA. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
