Ingrown toenails occur when the edge of the nail grows into the surrounding skin, causing pain, redness, and swelling. They often result from improper trimming, wearing tight shoes, or injury, and can worsen if infection develops. Early treatment helps relieve discomfort and prevents further complications. Other toenail conditions, such as fungal infections, thickened nails, or nail trauma, can also cause changes in nail color, shape, and texture. These issues may be uncomfortable and make walking or wearing shoes difficult. A podiatrist can safely remove part of an ingrown nail, prescribe medication for infection, or recommend treatments to restore healthy nail growth. Paying attention to nail health, keeping feet clean and dry, and trimming nails straight across are simple steps that help prevent problems. If you have painful or abnormal toenails, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and appropriate care.
Ingrown toenails can become painful if they are not treated properly. For more information about ingrown toenails, contact One of our podiatrists of Diagnostic 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 Houston, TX, Houston, TX, and Bryan, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
Have your feet inspected by a professional before starting a new sport or physical activity. Taking charge of your foot health will keep you in good physical condition and can help you avoid a potential injury, such as a fracture or sprained ankle.
Prevent injuries and see a foot specialist.
A fractured toe may seem minor, but it can significantly affect balance, stability, and athletic performance. These injuries often occur from direct impact, stubbing the toe, or repetitive stress during sports. Recovery depends on the severity and location of the break, with healing typically taking several weeks. Rest, protective footwear, and sometimes taping or splinting allow the bone to heal properly. Rushing back to sports too soon can delay recovery or lead to re-injury. Once pain and swelling subside, gradual return to movement and strength training helps restore flexibility and coordination. Wearing supportive shoes, and, in some cases, orthotics can reduce pressure on the healing area. If you are an athlete and have a broken toe, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist before resuming full activity to ensure the toe has healed completely, and to receive guidance on safe re-entry into training and competition.
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 Diagnostic Foot Specialists. 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 Houston, TX, Houston, TX, and Bryan, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
Foot pain can be caused by various factors such as tight muscles, plantar fasciitis, or overuse. To alleviate discomfort, stretching the feet can be a highly effective solution. One of the simplest stretches is the toe stretch, where you sit and pull your toes gently towards your shin, helping to release tension in the foot’s arch and toes. Another effective stretch is the calf stretch, which involves standing facing a wall, placing one foot behind the other, and leaning into the wall to stretch the calf muscles, which can often contribute to foot pain. The plantar fascia stretch can be done by sitting and using a towel or band around the foot to pull the toes back toward you. Regularly incorporating these stretches can help relieve foot pain, improve flexibility, and prevent future discomfort. If you have foot pain, it is suggested that you contact a podiatrist who can treat various foot conditions, and guide you on effective foot stretches.
Stretching the feet is a great way to prevent injuries. If you have any concerns with your feet consult with One of our podiatrists from Diagnostic Foot Specialists. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.
Stretching the Feet
Being the backbone of the body, the feet carry your entire weight and can easily become overexerted, causing cramps and pain. As with any body part, stretching your feet can serve many benefits. From increasing flexibility to even providing some pain relief, be sure to give your feet a stretch from time to time. This is especially important for athletes or anyone performing aerobic exercises, but anyone experiencing foot pain or is on their feet constantly should also engage in this practice.
Great ways to stretch your feet:
- Crossing one leg over the others and carefully pull your toes back. Do 10-20 repetitions and repeat the process for each foot
- Face a wall with your arms out and hands flat against the wall. Step back with one foot and keep it flat on the floor while moving the other leg forward. Lean towards the wall until you feel a stretch. Hold for 30 seconds and perform 10 repetitions for each foot
- Be sure not to overextend or push your limbs too hard or you could risk pulling or straining your muscle
Individuals who tend to their feet by regular stretching every day should be able to minimize foot pain and prevent new problems from arising.
If you have any questions please contact our offices located in Houston, TX, Houston, TX, and Bryan, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
