An ingrown toenail happens when the edge of the nail grows into the surrounding skin, causing pain, redness, swelling, and sometimes drainage. Mild cases may improve within days to a couple of weeks if treated early, but more severe cases can last much longer, especially if infection develops or the nail continues growing into the skin. Wearing tight shoes, improper nail trimming, toe injuries, and naturally curved nails can all increase risk. A podiatrist can determine how advanced the problem is, and provide treatment to relieve pressure and discomfort. Care may include lifting the nail edge, treating infection, or removing part of the nail when needed to prevent repeated problems. Waiting too long can lead to worsening pain and deeper skin involvement. If your toe remains swollen, tender, or shows signs of infection, it is suggested that you visit a podiatrist for proper treatment.

Ingrown toenails can become painful if they are not treated properly. For more information about ingrown toenails, contact one of our podiatrists of The Foot Specialists. Our doctors 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 Waltham and Milford, MA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Athlete's foot is a common fungal skin infection that develops in warm, damp environments where fungi grow easily, such as sweaty shoes, locker rooms, or shared flooring. It may begin with itching, burning, peeling skin, or redness between the toes, but some people may also notice cracking, dryness, or discomfort along the soles. Because it can resemble other skin conditions, proper diagnosis is important before treatment begins. Left untreated, the infection may spread to other areas of the foot or even affect the toenails, making treatment more difficult. A podiatrist can identify the cause of the irritation, recommend appropriate treatment, and help address factors that may be contributing to repeat infections. Early care may bring relief faster and help prevent the condition from becoming more stubborn. If you have persistent itching, peeling, or irritated skin on your feet, it is strongly suggested that you visit a podiatrist for appropriate treatment solutions.

Athlete’s Foot

Athlete’s foot is often an uncomfortable condition to experience. Thankfully, podiatrists specialize in treating athlete’s foot and offer the best treatment options. If you have any questions about athlete’s foot, consult with one of our podiatrists from The Foot Specialists. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality treatment.

What Is Athlete’s Foot?

Tinea pedis, more commonly known as athlete’s foot, is a non-serious and common fungal infection of the foot. Athlete’s foot is contagious and can be contracted by touching someone who has it or infected surfaces. The most common places contaminated by it are public showers, locker rooms, and swimming pools. Once contracted, it grows on feet that are left inside moist, dark, and warm shoes and socks.

Prevention

The most effective ways to prevent athlete’s foot include:

• Thoroughly washing and drying feet
• Avoid going barefoot in locker rooms and public showers
• Using shower shoes in public showers
• Wearing socks that allow the feet to breathe
• Changing socks and shoes frequently if you sweat a lot

Symptoms

Athlete’s foot initially occurs as a rash between the toes. However, if left undiagnosed, it can spread to the sides and bottom of the feet, toenails, and if touched by hand, the hands themselves. Symptoms include:

• Redness
• Burning
• Itching
• Scaly and peeling skin

Diagnosis and Treatment

Diagnosis is quick and easy. Skin samples will be taken and either viewed under a microscope or sent to a lab for testing. Sometimes, a podiatrist can diagnose it based on simply looking at it. Once confirmed, treatment options include oral and topical antifungal medications.

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

Sharp pain in the big toe that develop suddenly may point to several underlying conditions. An ingrown toenail occurs when the nail grows into the surrounding skin, causing redness, swelling, and tenderness. Gout is a form of arthritis that results from uric acid buildup, often leading to intense pain, warmth, and swelling in the big toe joint. Additionally, a broken toe can happen from direct impact or trauma and may cause bruising, stiffness, and difficulty walking. Risk factors include improper nail trimming, certain medical conditions, injury, and footwear that places pressure on the toes. Each cause may affect the toe differently, but ongoing pain should not be ignored. A podiatrist can evaluate the source, provide accurate diagnosis, and guide proper treatment. If you have discomfort in your big toe, it is suggested that you visit a podiatrist who can offer appropriate relief and treatment solutions.

Toe pain can disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, contact one of our podiatrists of The Foot Specialists. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Causes Toe Pain?

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 contact our offices located in Waltham and Milford, MA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Pain in the arch of the foot can develop from strain, injury, or structural problems that affect how the foot supports body weight. The arch is made of muscles, ligaments, and connective tissue that help absorb shock while walking and standing. When these structures become irritated, pain may occur along the bottom or inside of the foot. It can range from dull aching to sharp discomfort. Some patients notice stiffness in the morning, swelling, or increased pain after long periods of activity. Common causes include plantar fasciitis, flat feet, and overly high arches. Tendon strain or overuse from sports and exercise may also be factors. Wearing poor footwear and standing for extended periods of time may place added stress on the arch. A podiatrist can evaluate the arch and movement of the foot to identify the source of the pain. Treatment may include supportive footwear, targeted exercises, or anti-inflammatory care. Other therapies may be prescribed to relieve pressure and improve function. If you have pain in the arch of your foot, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for appropriate  treatment.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with one of our podiatrists from The Foot Specialists. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Causes

Foot pain is a very broad condition that could be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

• Bunions
• Hammertoes
• Plantar Fasciitis
• Bone Spurs
• Corns
• Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
• Ingrown Toenails
• Arthritis (such as Gout, Rheumatoid, and Osteoarthritis)
• Flat Feet
• Injury (from stress fractures, broken toe, foot, ankle, Achilles tendon ruptures, and sprains)
• And more

Diagnosis

To figure out the cause of foot pain, podiatrists utilize several different methods. This 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

Treatment depends upon the cause of the foot pain. Whether it is resting, staying off the foot, or having surgery; podiatrists have a number of treatment options available for foot pain.

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