An ingrown toenail occurs when the edge of the toenail grows into the surrounding skin, most often affecting the big toe. Common causes include improper nail trimming, wearing tight footwear, injury, or genetic factors. Symptoms may begin with mild tenderness and progress to redness, swelling, pain, and sometimes infection with pus or drainage. The toe may feel warm and sore to the touch, making walking or wearing shoes uncomfortable. Infections can worsen without treatment, especially for individuals with diabetes or poor circulation. A podiatrist can diagnose an ingrown toenail through a simple exam and determine the best course of treatment. Conservative care may involve lifting the nail edge, or prescribing antibiotics if infection is present. In more severe or recurring cases, a minor in-office procedure can remove part or all of the affected nail. It is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist if you experience ongoing pain, swelling, or signs of infection related to your toenail.

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

Because ingrown toenails are not something found outside of shoe-wearing cultures, going barefoot as often as possible will decrease the likeliness of developing ingrown toenails. 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.

Bunions, also called hallux valgus, can sometimes cause pain and changes in the way the foot functions. When a bunion becomes severe, surgery may be the most effective treatment to restore comfort and mobility. The aim of bunion surgery is to realign the bones of the big toe, reduce pain, improve stability, and lower the risk of further complications, such as hammer toes or arthritis. Surgery may involve repositioning the metatarsal and toe bones, adjusting tendons and ligaments, and fixing the corrected bones in place with screws or plates. In some cases, minimally invasive procedures may be considered, while more advanced bunions may require a more extensive correction. Recovery often involves a period of limited activity while the bones heal. A podiatrist can determine the most suitable surgical option and guide you through the healing process. If you have a painful bunion, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam and treatment.

If you are suffering from bunion pain, 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 Is a Bunion?

Bunions are painful bony bumps that usually develop on the inside of the foot at the joint of the big toe. As the deformity increases over time, it may become painful to walk and wear shoes. Women are more likely to exacerbate existing bunions since they often wear tight, narrow shoes that shift their toes together. Bunion pain can be relieved by wearing wider shoes with enough room for the toes.

Causes

• Genetics – some people inherit feet that are more prone to bunion development
• Inflammatory Conditions - rheumatoid arthritis and polio may cause bunion development

Symptoms

• Redness and inflammation
• Pain and tenderness
• Callus or corns on the bump
• Restricted motion in the big toe

In order to diagnose your bunion, your podiatrist may ask about your medical history, symptoms, and general health. Your doctor might also order an x-ray to take a closer look at your feet. Nonsurgical treatment options include orthotics, padding, icing, changes in footwear, and medication. If nonsurgical treatments don’t alleviate your bunion pain, surgery may be necessary.

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.

Heel pain is a frequent concern, and one common cause is Achilles tendonitis. This condition is the inflammation of the Achilles tendon, which connects the calf muscles to the heel bone. Causes may include overuse, sudden increases in physical activity, or repetitive strain from sports. Risk factors include tight calf muscles, flat feet, or wearing shoes that lack adequate support. Symptoms often include stiffness, swelling, and pain that worsens with movement. A podiatrist can diagnose the Achilles tendonitis, provide treatment such as targeted stretching exercises or orthotics, and help prevent further injury. If you are struggling with heel pain or suspect you have Achilles tendonitis, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can provide an accurate diagnosis and effective treatment solutions.

Achilles tendon injuries need immediate attention to avoid future complications. 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 Is the Achilles Tendon?

The Achilles tendon is a tendon that connects the lower leg muscles and calf to the heel of the foot. It is the strongest tendon in the human body and is essential for making movement possible. Because this tendon is such an integral part of the body, any injuries to it can create immense difficulties and should immediately be presented to a doctor.

What Are the Symptoms of an Achilles Tendon Injury?

There are various types of injuries that can affect the Achilles tendon. The two most common injuries are Achilles tendinitis and ruptures of the tendon.

Achilles Tendinitis Symptoms

• Inflammation
• Dull to severe pain
• Increased blood flow to the tendon
• Thickening of the tendon

Rupture Symptoms

• Extreme pain and swelling in the foot
• Total immobility

Treatment and Prevention

Achilles tendon injuries are diagnosed by a thorough physical evaluation, which can include an MRI. Treatment involves rest, physical therapy, and in some cases, surgery. However, various preventative measures can be taken to avoid these injuries, such as:

• Thorough stretching of the tendon before and after exercise
• Strengthening exercises like calf raises, squats, leg curls, leg extensions, leg raises, lunges, and leg presses

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Waltham and Milford, MA . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.