An ingrown toenail occurs when the edge of the nail grows into the surrounding skin instead of over it. This condition most often affects the big toe and can cause significant discomfort. The area may appear red, swollen, and tender, and the skin along the nail edge may feel painful when touched or when pressure is applied from shoes. As the condition worsens, the area can become warm, inflamed, or even develop drainage if infection begins. Common causes include trimming the nails too short, rounding the corners of the nail, tight footwear, injury to the toe, or natural nail shape. A podiatrist can evaluate the toe and determine the best treatment based on the severity of the condition. Early care may include careful nail trimming, reducing pressure on the toe, and protecting the irritated skin. If the problem continues or the nail becomes infected, a small procedure may be performed to remove the ingrown portion of the nail and prevent it from returning. If you have a painful ingrown toenail, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist.

Ingrown toenails can become painful if they are not treated properly. For more information about ingrown toenails, contact one of our doctors of Intercoastal Medical Group. 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

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 Bradenton, and Sarasota, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

A diabetic foot ulcer is an open sore or wound that develops on the foot as a serious complication of diabetes-related nerve damage and poor circulation. Reduced sensation in the feet may prevent a person from noticing small injuries, which can gradually develop into ulcers if untreated. Symptoms include redness, drainage, swelling, and slow-healing skin breakdown. Risk factors involve long-term diabetes, nerve-related changes, reduced blood flow, wearing poorly-fitted footwear, and inadequate foot care. Proper care includes daily foot inspections, maintaining clean and dry skin, supportive footwear, and seeking early medical attention for any skin changes. A podiatrist can evaluate circulation, treat wounds, and guide preventive care. If you have diabetes and if foot wounds or skin changes appear, it is suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can help you to manage this serious condition.

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 doctors from Intercoastal Medical Group. 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 contact our offices located in Bradenton, and Sarasota, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Foot pain during pregnancy is common, and can develop for several reasons. As body weight increases, added pressure is placed on the arches, heels, and forefoot. This weight-related stress may lead to arch strain and heel discomfort. Hormone-related changes also play a role. Increased levels of relaxing cause ligaments to become more flexible, which can reduce joint stability and contribute to flat-foot development. Swelling is another frequent concern. Fluid retention may cause tightness, tingling, or nerve-related discomfort, especially later in pregnancy. Changes in posture and balance can shift weight distribution, leading to ankle strain and forefoot pressure. Some women also notice that previously supportive shoes no longer feel comfortable due to foot-size changes. Wearing well-fitting, supportive footwear and using custom-made orthotics may reduce symptoms. Early evaluation can prevent long-term problems. If you have persistent foot pain during pregnancy, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for proper guidance.

Pregnant women with swollen feet can be treated with a variety of different methods that are readily available. For more information about other cures for swollen feet during pregnancy, consult with one of our doctors from Intercoastal Medical Group. Our doctors will attend to all of your foot and ankle needs.

What Foot Problems Can Arise During Pregnancy?

One problem that can occur is overpronation, which occurs when the arch of the foot flattens and tends to roll inward.  This can cause pain and discomfort in your heels while you’re walking or even just standing up, trying to support your baby.  

Another problem is edema, or swelling in the extremities. This often affects the feet during pregnancy but tends to occur in the later stages. 

How Can I Keep My Feet Healthy During Pregnancy?

• Wearing orthotics can provide extra support for the feet and help distribute weight evenly
• Minimize the amount of time spent walking barefoot
• Wear shoes with good arch support
• Wear shoes that allow for good circulation to the feet
• Elevate feet if you experience swelling
• Massage your feet
• Get regular, light exercise, such as walking, to promote blood circulation to the feet

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

Pain in the big toe can affect walking, balance, and daily comfort, even when it seems minor at first. One common cause is arthritis, which can lead to stiffness, swelling, and pain during push-off while walking. Another cause is bunion formation, where the joint shifts over time and creates pressure, irritation, and difficulty wearing shoes comfortably. Gout is also a frequent source of sudden big toe pain, often causing intense redness, warmth, and swelling that may appear overnight. In addition to these conditions, big toe pain may also be linked to tendon strain, nerve irritation, past injuries, or changes in foot mechanics. Because the big toe plays a major role in movement and stability, ongoing pain should not be brushed off. If big toe pain persists or worsens, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Toe pain can disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, contact one of our doctors of Intercoastal Medical Group. 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 offices located in Bradenton, and Sarasota, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.