Toenails can change for many reasons, and those changes are often more than cosmetic. Thickened or discolored nails may point to fungal infections, while trauma or tight shoes can alter their shape. Ingrown toenails are another common issue, where the edge of the nail presses into the surrounding skin, leading to pain and sometimes infection. Circulation concerns, diabetes, or conditions such as psoriasis can also influence nail health. Treatments depend on the underlying cause. Fungal infections may require antifungal therapy, while ingrown nails might benefit from careful trimming, wearing proper footwear, or professional podiatric care. Additionally, pressure related damage can often be managed with adjustments to shoes and routine nail maintenance. Practicing good hygiene and keeping nails cut straight across helps prevent many problems. If you are experiencing nail changes or painful ingrown nails, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for appropriate treatment solutions.

Toe pain can disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, contact one of our podiatrists of Advanced Foot and Ankle Centers, Inc.. 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 office located in Clovis, CA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Ulcers of the foot are a common yet preventable concern for people with diabetes. When circulation is reduced and sensation is diminished, even a small blister or cut can turn into a larger problem. The key to prevention lies in daily habits that protect and preserve skin integrity. Washing and drying the feet thoroughly, moisturizing to prevent cracking, and inspecting the toes, soles, and heels each day can make a difference. Choosing shoes that fit well and avoiding barefoot walking also helps to reduce risk. Nail trimming should be done carefully to avoid injury, and any signs of redness or swelling should be addressed early. Routine checkups with a podiatrist are an important layer of protection, since problems may not always be obvious. If you are living with diabetes, it is suggested that you visit a podiatrist regularly to lower your risk of developing foot ulcers.

Diabetic foot care is important in preventing foot ailments such as ulcers. If you are suffering from diabetes or have any other concerns about your feet, 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.

Diabetic Foot Care

Diabetes affects millions of people every year. The condition can damage blood vessels in many parts of the body, especially the feet. Because of this, taking care of your feet is essential if you have diabetes, and having a podiatrist help monitor your foot health is highly recommended.

The Importance of Caring for Your Feet

• Routinely inspect your feet for bruises or sores.
• Wear socks that fit your feet comfortably.
• Wear comfortable shoes that provide adequate support.

Patients with diabetes should have their doctor monitor their blood levels, as blood sugar levels play such a huge role in diabetic care. Monitoring these levels on a regular basis is highly advised.

It is always best to inform your healthcare professional of any concerns you may have regarding your feet, especially for diabetic patients. Early treatment and routine foot examinations are keys to maintaining proper health, especially because severe complications can arise if proper treatment is not applied.

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.

Ingrown toenails can cause persistent pain, swelling, and infection when the edge of the nail grows into the surrounding skin. While conservative care such as soaking, trimming, or antibiotics may provide temporary relief, some cases require a more lasting solution. One well-established approach is a minor surgical procedure that carefully removes the problem portion of the nail and reshapes the nail bed to prevent it from growing back incorrectly. This method, based on the Winograd technique, has been used for decades and continues to be a reliable option for patients struggling with recurring ingrown toenails. The procedure is performed under local anesthesia in a podiatrist’s office, with patients typically walking out the same day. Recovery is usually quick, and many find lasting comfort after years of discomfort. If ingrown toenails are interfering with daily life, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for an evaluation and appropriate treatment.

Ingrown toenails can become painful if they are not treated properly. For more information about ingrown toenails, contact one of our podiatrists of Advanced Foot and Ankle Centers, Inc.. 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 office located in Clovis, CA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Gout is a form of arthritis that often affects the joints in the feet, particularly the big toe. Symptoms typically appear suddenly, often at night, and include intense pain, swelling, redness, and warmth in the affected joint. The area may appear shiny and feel extremely tender, even to the touch of a bedsheet. Gout is caused by a buildup of uric acid in the blood, which forms sharp crystals in the joints. Common triggers include diets high in red meat or seafood, excessive alcohol, dehydration, and genetic factors. A podiatrist can diagnose gout through a physical exam, a review of symptoms, and possibly blood tests or joint fluid analysis. Treatment may involve anti-inflammatory medications, dietary changes, lifestyle advice, and, in some cases, medication to reduce uric acid levels. A podiatrist can also help manage recurring flare-ups and long-term joint health. If you are experiencing these symptoms, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for appropriate relief and treatment solutions.

Gout is a foot condition that requires certain treatment and care. If you are seeking treatment, contact one of our podiatrists from Advanced Foot and Ankle Centers, Inc.. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Is Gout?

Gout is a type of arthritis caused by a buildup of uric acid in the bloodstream. It often develops in the foot, especially the big toe area, although it can manifest in other parts of the body as well. Gout can make walking and standing very painful and is especially common in diabetics and the obese.

People typically get gout because of a poor diet. Genetic predisposition is also a factor. The children of parents who have had gout frequently have a chance of developing it themselves.

Gout can easily be identified by redness and inflammation of the big toe and the surrounding areas of the foot. Other symptoms include extreme fatigue, joint pain, and running high fevers. Sometimes corticosteroid drugs can be prescribed to treat gout, but the best way to combat this disease is to get more exercise and eat a better diet.

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.

Os trigonum syndrome is a painful condition that occurs when an extra bone at the back of the ankle, called the os trigonum, becomes irritated. This small piece of bone is present in some people and usually does not cause problems. However, repetitive ankle movement, such as pointing the toes during ballet, soccer, or running, can trap this bone between the heel and ankle, leading to pain and swelling. Symptoms often include deep aching at the back of the ankle, tenderness when pressing on the area, and discomfort that worsens with activity. It may be mistaken for other ankle injuries, which is why an accurate diagnosis from a podiatrist is important. Treatment includes rest, anti-inflammatory medication, targeted exercise, or supportive footwear. In more severe cases, surgery to remove the os trigonum can relieve pain and restore ankle function. If you have pain or swelling at the back of your ankle, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and proper treatment.

Ankle pain can have many different causes and the pain may potentially be serious. If you have ankle pain, consult with one of our podiatrists from Advanced Foot and Ankle Centers, Inc.. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Ankle pain is any condition that causes pain in the ankle. Due to the fact that the ankle consists of tendons, muscles, bones, and ligaments, ankle pain can come from a number of different conditions.

Causes

The most common causes of ankle pain include:

• Types of arthritis (rheumatoid, osteoarthritis, and gout)
• Ankle sprains
• Broken ankles
• Achilles tendinitis
• Achilles tendon rupture
• Stress fractures
• Tarsal tunnel syndrome
• Plantar fasciitis

Symptoms

Symptoms of ankle injury vary based upon the condition. Pain may include general pain and discomfort, swelling, aching, redness, bruising, burning or stabbing sensations, and/or loss of sensation.

Diagnosis

Due to the wide variety of potential causes of ankle pain, podiatrists will utilize a number of different methods to properly diagnose ankle pain. This can include asking for personal and family medical histories and of any recent injuries. Further diagnosis may include sensation tests, a physical examination, and potentially x-rays or other imaging tests.

Treatment

Just as the range of causes varies widely, so do treatments. Some more common treatments are rest, ice packs, keeping pressure off the foot, orthotics and braces, medication for inflammation and pain, and surgery.

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.