Defining an Ingrown Toenail

An ingrown toenail may develop when the toenail grows into the skin instead of over it. It generally occurs in the big toe, and it can cause severe pain and discomfort. General cause of this condition can include enduring a toe injury or from cutting the toenails incorrectly. Additionally, many patients may develop ingrown toenails from wearing shoes that do not fit correctly. Common symptoms that many patients experience include swelling and redness surrounding the affected toe as well as a discharge with ingrown toenails that are infected. There are various forms of treatment for an ingrown toenail, and patients who have one should consult with a podiatrist who can help find the correct treatment for their situation.

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 one of our podiatrists of Barry University Foot and Ankle Institute. Our doctors 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 offices located in Miami, North Miami Beach, Miami Beach, and Tamarac, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

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A Common Cause of Adult Acquired Flatfoot

Adult acquired flatfoot is a condition where the arch of the foot flattens or completely collapses. Although there is not one definitive cause for acquired flatfoot in adults, many consider posterior tibial tendon dysfunction (PTTD) as a common contributing factor. The posterior tibial tendon is a string of tissue that connects the bones on the inside of the foot with the back of the calf. It is responsible for maintaining the arch and supporting the foot while walking. Overuse of this tendon sometimes causes it to become inflamed, torn, or otherwise injured. This painful condition is progressive and eventually may lead to the arch falling and the ankle rolling inwardly. Left untreated, the tendon may further deteriorate and arthritis may develop in the foot and ankle. If you have pain on the inside of your foot or ankle that increases with activity—which may or may not be accompanied by swelling—contact a podiatrist right away.

Flatfoot is a condition many people suffer from. If you have flat feet, contact one of our podiatrists from Barry University Foot and Ankle Institute. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Are Flat Feet?

Flatfoot is a condition in which the arch of the foot is depressed and the sole of the foot is almost completely in contact with the ground. About 20-30% of the population generally has flat feet because their arches never formed during growth.

Conditions & Problems:

Having flat feet makes it difficult to run or walk because of the stress placed on the ankles.

Alignment – The general alignment of your legs can be disrupted, because the ankles move inward which can cause major discomfort.

Knees – If you have complications with your knees, flat feet can be a contributor to arthritis in that area.  

Symptoms

  • Pain around the heel or arch area
  • Trouble standing on the tip toe
  • Swelling around the inside of the ankle
  • Flat look to one or both feet
  • Having your shoes feel uneven when worn

Treatment

If you are experiencing pain and stress on the foot you may weaken the posterior tibial tendon, which runs around the inside of the ankle. 

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Miami, North Miami Beach, Miami Beach, and Tamarac, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

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Experiencing Foot Pain During the Night

There are several different reasons why many patients experience foot pain during the night. One common cause can be due to plantar fasciitis, where pain in the heel can be felt in the morning after arising, as well as felt during the night. Inflammation can often accompany the condition known as Morton’s neuroma, and burning, shooting pain may be present in the toes during the night. The central nervous system can become compromised with existing diabetes, and nerve pain or tingling in the feet may also be present at night. A chronic condition referred to as fibromyalgia can cause pain and stiffness in the feet, and this may become worse at night because of low levels of the hormone cortisol. If you have foot pain that may worsen at night, it is suggested that you consult with a podiatrist who can effectively diagnose and treat your condition.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with one of our podiatrists from Barry University Foot and Ankle Institute. 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 Miami, North Miami Beach, Miami Beach, and Tamarac, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

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Cuboid Syndrome and Possible Causes

The cuboid bone is one of seven tarsal bones that is found in each foot. Cuboid syndrome is a condition that is a result of an injury that has happened to the joints and ligaments that surround this bone. The pain and discomfort that is associated with this ailment occurs in the middle of the foot, and possibly at the bottom of the fourth and fifth toes. This can develop gradually from overuse, or from a sudden injury. Some patients experience specific symptoms with Cuboid syndrome, including difficulty in walking, swelling, and there may be a reduced range of motion. Research has indicated that dancers and athletes may be prone to enduring this condition, and this can be a result of the intensity of their chosen sport. If you have pain in the middle of the foot, it may be linked to Cuboid syndrome, and it is strongly advised that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can offer you correct treatment options.

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 one of our podiatrists from Barry University Foot and Ankle Institute. Our doctors 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 offices located in Miami, North Miami Beach, Miami Beach, and Tamarac, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

 

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What You Should Know About Morton’s Neuroma

Morton’s neuroma is a foot condition in which a nerve in the ball of the foot becomes inflamed. This usually happens to the nerve located between the third and fourth toes. Symptoms of this condition include pain, an achy or burning sensation, numbness, tingling, or prickling that spreads to the toes, and the strange sensation that you're walking on a pebble. It is thought that wearing tight shoes with high heels or pointed toes and repeated trauma to the ball of the foot can increase your risk of developing Morton’s neuroma. The goal of treatment for this condition is to reduce pressure, pain, and swelling, which is often done through footwear and activity modifications, resting and icing the affected foot, and taking anti-inflammatory medications. If you are experiencing the symptoms of Morton’s neuroma, please consult with a podiatrist. 

Morton’s neuroma is a very uncomfortable condition to live with. If you think you have Morton’s neuroma, contact one of our podiatrists of Barry University Foot and Ankle Institute. Our doctors will attend to all of your foot care needs and answer any of your related questions.  

Morton’s Neuroma

Morton's neuroma is a painful foot condition that commonly affects the areas between the second and third or third and fourth toe, although other areas of the foot are also susceptible. Morton’s neuroma is caused by an inflamed nerve in the foot that is being squeezed and aggravated by surrounding bones.

What Increases the Chances of Having Morton’s Neuroma?

  • Ill-fitting high heels or shoes that add pressure to the toe or foot
  • Jogging, running or any sport that involves constant impact to the foot
  • Flat feet, bunions, and any other foot deformities

Morton’s neuroma is a very treatable condition. Orthotics and shoe inserts can often be used to alleviate the pain on the forefront of the feet. In more severe cases, corticosteroids can also be prescribed. In order to figure out the best treatment for your neuroma, it’s recommended to seek the care of a podiatrist who can diagnose your condition and provide different treatment options.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Miami, North Miami Beach, Miami Beach, and Tamarac, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

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