Ingrown toenails are common and seem to randomly appear, but there are triggers that cause this uncomfortable condition. Wearing the wrong shoes is one of the triggers that may cause ingrown toenails. Shoes that are too tight around the toe area put pressure on the front of your foot and push your toes inward. High heels are a prime example of narrow-toed shoes that can cause foot complications. Running or similar physical activities also put you at a higher risk for ingrown toenails, because there is repetitive pressure being applied to the toenail. Wearing the right shoes while participating in these activities will lessen the likelihood of an ingrown nail. Shoes with a wide toe box paired with socks that don’t constrict the foot are the best option for physical activities. If you have an ingrown toenail and are concerned about it, then it is recommended you speak with a podiatrist to properly treat it.

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 APEX Foot & Ankle Center. 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 Fort Myers, Shellpoint, and Naples, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Blisters usually form on the back of the ankle and are a result of friction between your skin and your shoe. Depending on what caused the blister, blisters can be filled with a couple different fluids. These fluids include, plasma, blood, serum, and pus. These fluids are working to protect the skin and assist the body in the healing process. This is why you should never pop or break a blister, doing so will only stall the healing process. Also, opening up the blister and creating a wound puts you at a higher risk for infection. There are some instances when the blister should be drained, but this should be done by a medical professional. A doctor can use a sterile needle to drain the fluid and this is a much safer method. If you have a blister and think that it should be drained, then it is suggested you speak to a podiatrist in order to properly take care of it.

Blisters may appear as a single bubble or in a cluster. They can cause a lot of pain and may be filled with pus, blood, or watery serum. If your feet are hurting, contact one of our podiatrists of APEX Foot & Ankle Center. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Foot Blisters

Foot blisters are often the result of friction. This happens due to the constant rubbing from shoes, which can lead to pain.

What Are Foot Blisters?

A foot blister is a small fluid-filled pocket that forms on the upper-most layer of the skin. Blisters are filled with clear fluid and can lead to blood drainage or pus if the area becomes infected.

Symptoms

(Blister symptoms may vary depending on what is causing them)

• Bubble of skin filled with fluid
• Redness
• Moderate to severe pain
• Itching

Prevention & Treatment

In order to prevent blisters, you should be sure to wear comfortable shoes with socks that cushion your feet and absorb sweat. Breaking a blister open may increase your chances of developing an infection. However, if your blister breaks, you should wash the area with soap and water immediately and then apply a bandage to the affected area. If your blisters cause severe pain it is important that you call your podiatrist right away.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Fort Myers, Shellpoint, and Naples, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Many people may experience poor circulation, and noticeable symptoms may be present in the feet. This condition may be a result of inadequate levels of oxygen and nutrients in the blood, which is normally pumped through blood vessels in the feet. There are many symptoms that are associated with poor circulation, and these may include a numbing sensation in the feet, coldness, and the skin color may appear to look pale blue or red. Patients may be aware of sores that have developed, and may have difficulty in healing properly, which may be a result of insufficient blood supply in the feet. Additionally, the toenails may grow slower than they usually do, and any hair that is present on the toes may not grow at all. If you are experiencing any symptoms relating to poor circulation in your feet, it is strongly advised to speak to a podiatrist as quickly as possible who can properly treat this condition.

While poor circulation itself isn’t a condition; it is a symptom of another underlying health condition you may have. If you have any concerns with poor circulation in your feet contact one of our podiatrists of APEX Foot & Ankle Center. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Poor Circulation in the Feet

Peripheral artery disease (PAD) can potentially lead to poor circulation in the lower extremities. PAD is a condition that causes the blood vessels and arteries to narrow. In a linked condition called atherosclerosis, the arteries stiffen up due to a buildup of plaque in the arteries and blood vessels. These two conditions can cause a decrease in the amount of blood that flows to your extremities, therefore resulting in pain.

Symptoms

Some of the most common symptoms of poor circulation are:

• Numbness
• Tingling
• Throbbing or stinging pain in limbs
• Pain
• Muscle Cramps

Treatment for poor circulation often depends on the underlying condition that causes it. Methods for treatment may include insulin for diabetes, special exercise programs, surgery for varicose veins, or compression socks for swollen legs.

As always, see a podiatrist as he or she will assist in finding a regimen that suits you. A podiatrist can also prescribe you any needed medication. 

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Fort Myers, Shellpoint, and Naples, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

The bones that are located in the toes are fragile and small. A broken toe may be a result if it has been severely stubbed or if a heavy object has been dropped on it. Some of the noticeable symptoms that can be felt may be severe pain while walking, in addition to swelling and bruising. Mild relief may be found while staying off your foot, which may help to ease the pain. Many patients find the swelling may diminish as a result of elevating their foot. Stability may be found when the toe is taped to the one next to it, and this may make it easier to walk. When comfortable shoes are worn, which may include choosing footwear that have a stiff sole and adequate room for the toes to move freely in, a level of comfort may be obtained. If the fracture involves the big toe or severe pain is experienced in the other toes, it is suggested to consult with a podiatrist who can perform a correct diagnosis and begin the proper treatment.

A broken toe can be very painful and lead to complications if not properly fixed. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact one of our podiatrists from APEX Foot & Ankle Center. Our doctors 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 Fort Myers, Shellpoint, and Naples, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

The definition of a stress fracture are tiny cracks in the bone that are a result of repeated stress that is placed on the foot. These activities may include running, jumping, or dancing. They may also develop if there are existing medical conditions, such as arthritis or osteoporosis. An early symptom that is associated with stress fractures is pain occurring during an activity that may diminish upon resting. As the stress fracture worsens, the pain and discomfort may be felt for the majority of the time, and may be felt in a specific area of the foot. After a proper diagnosis is performed which generally includes having an MRI or bone scan taken, the correct treatment can begin. This may include resting the foot, in addition to taking anti-inflammatory medications. If you feel you have incurred a stress fracture, it is suggested to consult with a podiatrist who can offer correct treatment options.

Stress fractures occur when there is a tiny crack within a bone. To learn more, contact one of our podiatrists from APEX Foot & Ankle Center. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain free and on your feet.

How Are They Caused?

Stress fractures are the result of repetitive force being placed on the bone. Since the lower leg and feet often carry most of the body’s weight, stress fractures are likely to occur in these areas. If you rush into a new exercise, you are more likely to develop a stress fracture since you are starting too much, too soon.  Pain resulting from stress fractures may go unnoticed at first, however it may start to worsen over time.

Risk Factors

• Gender – They are more commonly found in women compared to men.
• Foot Problems – People with unusual arches in their feet are more likely to develop stress fractures.
• Certain Sports – Dancers, gymnasts, tennis players, runners, and basketball players are more likely to develop stress fractures.
• Lack of Nutrients – A lack of vitamin D and calcium may weaken the bones and make you more prone to stress fractures
• Weak Bones – Osteoporosis can weaken the bones therefore resulting in stress fractures

Stress fractures do not always heal properly, so it is important that you seek help from a podiatrist if you suspect you may have one. Ignoring your stress fracture may cause it to worsen, and you may develop chronic pain as well as additional fractures.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Fort Myers, Shellpoint, and Naples, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.