Items filtered by date: October 2024

Toenail abnormalities can indicate underlying health issues and can include clubbed nails, fungal infections, trauma, and ingrown toenails. Clubbed nails appear enlarged and curved, often linked to respiratory or cardiovascular conditions. Trauma to the toenail can result from injuries, leading to discoloration, pain, or even loss of the nail. Fungal infections thrive in warm, moist environments and can cause thickening, discoloration, and brittleness of the nail. Ingrown toenails occur when the nail grows into the surrounding skin, causing pain, swelling, and potential infection. Additionally, nail-patella syndrome, a genetic disorder, may appear with abnormal toenails alongside other skeletal issues. If you notice changes in your toenails, it is strongly suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can determine the cause and offer effective treatment solutions.

Toe pain can disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, contact one of our podiatrists of The Foot Institute. 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 feel free to contact one of our offices located in Westside, Northeast, Eastside, and Northwest, El Paso, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Eczema on the feet can cause discomfort and may appear in different forms. Included are atopic dermatitis, dyshidrotic eczema, neurodermatitis, and stasis dermatitis. Symptoms of eczema on the feet can range from itchy, dry, and inflamed skin to painful blisters or thickened, discolored patches. Factors such as genetics, stress, environmental triggers, and poor circulation can contribute to the development of eczema on the feet. Managing this condition requires proper care, including moisturizing to maintain the skin barrier, wearing appropriate footwear, and avoiding potential irritants. A podiatrist can help diagnose the specific type of eczema that affects your feet and recommend treatments. They may include topical medications or other therapies to reduce inflammation and prevent infection. If you have eczema on your feet, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for 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 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 one of our offices located in Westside, Northeast, Eastside, and Northwest, El Paso, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Managing cuts on the bottom of the feet, which requires prompt and careful attention to prevent infection and promote healing, is often done by a podiatrist. This type of doctor will start by cleaning the wound thoroughly with mild soap and water to remove any debris and reduce the risk of infection. This is generally followed by gently patting the area dry with a clean cloth or gauze. The doctor will then apply an antiseptic to the cut to further disinfect the area, and cover the wound with a sterile adhesive bandage or dressing to protect it from dirt and friction. The dressing will be secure but not too tight, allowing for comfort and breathability. Regularly changing the dressing and monitoring the cut for signs of infection, such as increased redness, swelling, or discharge will be recommended. If you have a cut on the bottom of your foot, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who can offer you effective treatment.

Wound care is an important part in dealing with diabetes. If you have diabetes and a foot wound or would like more information about wound care for diabetics, consult with one of our podiatrists from The Foot Institute. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

What Is Wound Care?

Wound care is the practice of taking proper care of a wound. This can range from the smallest to the largest of wounds. While everyone can benefit from proper wound care, it is much more important for diabetics. Diabetics often suffer from poor blood circulation which causes wounds to heal much slower than they would in a non-diabetic. 

What Is the Importance of Wound Care?

While it may not seem apparent with small ulcers on the foot, for diabetics, any size ulcer can become infected. Diabetics often also suffer from neuropathy, or nerve loss. This means they might not even feel when they have an ulcer on their foot. If the wound becomes severely infected, amputation may be necessary. Therefore, it is of the upmost importance to properly care for any and all foot wounds.

How to Care for Wounds

The best way to care for foot wounds is to prevent them. For diabetics, this means daily inspections of the feet for any signs of abnormalities or ulcers. It is also recommended to see a podiatrist several times a year for a foot inspection. If you do have an ulcer, run the wound under water to clear dirt from the wound; then apply antibiotic ointment to the wound and cover with a bandage. Bandages should be changed daily and keeping pressure off the wound is smart. It is advised to see a podiatrist, who can keep an eye on it.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Westside, Northeast, Eastside, and Northwest, El Paso, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.