Know when it’s time to get professional medical care for an ingrown toenail.

An ingrown toenail is most likely to affect the big toe, leading to redness and pain around the nail. The problem occurs when the edge of the nail grows into the skin of the toe. While ingrown toenails will often go away on their own, there are times when they may require professional treatment. Here at Advanced Foot and Ankle Center in McKinney and Prosper, TX, your podiatrists recommend looking out for these warning signs of an infected toenail:

• Redness and swelling of the toe
• Tender and/or warm to the touch
• Pus under or around the nail
• Oozing or bleeding
• Throbbing pain
• Odor
• Fever
• Intense pressure under and around the affected toenail

Dealing with any of these symptoms? If so, it’s time to call one of our offices in either McKinney or Prosper, TX, right away to let us know that you’re dealing with an ingrown toenail infection. It’s particularly important that patients with diabetes, nerve damage in their feet, and peripheral artery disease seek immediate treatment if they suspect that they may have an infected toenail.

Think you have an ingrown toenail infection? You may be dealing with one if:

• You cut your toenails too short
• You round the edges of your nails when trimming them
• You cut the cuticles
• You soak your feet often
• You wear shoes that are too tight or put pressure on the toes
• You also have a fungal infection

It’s important that you know how to properly trim your toenails. If you get your toes professional trimmed and manicured by a local spa or nail salon, make sure that they are sterilizing all of their tools and equipment and practicing proper trimming technique. If you have diabetes, you should turn to a qualified medical professional for regular toenail trimming and foot care.

If you are experiencing symptoms of an ingrown toenail infection, it’s important that you call us for an appointment. Advanced Foot and Ankle Center has two convenient locations in McKinney and Prosper, TX. Call us at (972) 542-2155.

The arches of the feet play a role in supporting your body’s weight when standing or in motion. The tarsal and metatarsal bones make up the arches of the feet, also receiving additional support and stability from tendons and ligaments; however, our feet, like the rest of our body, can be affected by infections, disorders, and structural changes that can impact not only the health of our feet but also our mobility. It’s important to recognize the warning signs of arch problems so you know when you to see a podiatrist.

Arch Pain Causes

If you are dealing with arch pain it is most likely caused by an injury or by structural abnormalities in the foot. For example, those with very high arches as well as those with flat feet may experience arch problems due to these common structural issues.

As a result, there are other factors that could also lead to further arch problems including:

• Being overweight or obese
• Aging
• Plantar fasciitis
• Cavus foot
• Posterior tibial tendon dysfunction

It’s important to understand a little bit more about these common foot disorders and how they could affect the arches of your feet.

Plantar fasciitis

This condition that causes inflammation and microtears in the plantar fascia is also the most common cause of heel pain. Of course, because the plantar fascia (a ligament that connects the toes to the heel bone) also supports the arches of the feet this can also lead to arch pain. This condition is usually the result of overuse and is seen most often in runners. If you have plantar fasciitis it’s important to avoid physical activities until the fascia has fully healed.

Cavus foot

This condition, which affects the structure of the foot, leads to excessively high arches. People who’ve had a stroke, as well as people with certain conditions such as cerebral palsy may be more likely to develop cavus foot. This problem causes arch pain when standing or walking and can increase the risk for ankle injuries. Your podiatrist may choose to treat cavus foot through custom-made orthotics (shoe inserts), bracing, or by recommending specialized and supportive footwear.

Posterior tibial tendon dysfunction

The posterior tibial tendon runs from the calf muscles to the inner portion of the foot. This condition leads to changes in the tendon, which in turn affects its ability to support the arches of the foot. Flat feet can be caused by posterior tibial tendon dysfunction, and this is often the cause of flat feet that develop in adulthood. Like the other conditions above, treatment for PTTD usually involves bracing, orthotics, or providing custom devices that provide additional support to the arches of the feet.

If you are experiencing foot pain, swelling or other problems that affect mobility then it’s time that you turned to a podiatrist for care. Conditions and injuries that don’t respond to rest and at-home care may require more advanced treatments and therapies.

There are 52 bones in your feet and ankles, which means that feet contain about 25 percent of the bones in our bodies. Our feet also contain about 20-25 percent of the total joints in our body; therefore, it’s not too surprising to find out that your feet and ankles are unfortunately more likely to deal with tendon and joint pain at some point, whether through injury or certain conditions such as arthritis. When pain and other foot problems arise it’s important that you have a podiatrist you can turn to.

Common Causes of Tendon and Joint Pain in the Feet

Tendons are soft tissues that connect the muscles to the bones. Everything from overuse and foot injuries to structural imbalances can lead to pain. Common causes of tendon and joint pain include:

• Tendonitis: inflammation of the tendon caused by injury or overuse
• Sprains and strains: a common but usually minor foot and ankle injury, typically caused by physical activity
• Arthritis: a chronic, progressive condition that leads to joint pain, stiffness, and damage (osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis to affect feet and ankles)
• Obesity: being overweight or obese can also put excessive pressure on the joints and tendons of your feet and ankles, leading to pain and other problems

Treating Tendon and Joint Pain

Visiting a podiatrist is the best choice you can make if you are dealing with severe, persistent, or new foot and ankle pain. Since some conditions can get worse without proper care and rest it’s important to find out what’s causing your pain so you know how to effectively treat it.

If you are dealing with pain caused by a sports injury or strain it’s a good idea to see a medical professional so you know the extent of the injury. More severe sprains may require protective boots or crutches to reduce the amount of weight being placed on the injured ankle or foot.

Arthritis is also a surprisingly common cause of foot pain. If you notice joint pain and stiffness that affects functionality, range of motion and mobility in your feet then you could be dealing with arthritis. Since arthritis can get worse without treatment, it is important that you work with your pediatrician and a team of medical professionals to determine the best medications and course of action to help manage your foot pain and to prevent permanent joint damage.

If you are experiencing foot pain it’s important to see a qualified medical professional that can determine the best way to treat your symptoms. Call your podiatrist today for a comprehensive evaluation.

Do you have an itchy rash between your toes? You may have athlete's foot. Your McKinney & Prosper, TX, podiatrists, Drs. Eric Silvers, Dustin Lloyd, and Christopher Witt of Advanced Foot and Ankle Center offer treatments that stop the itch and other athlete's foot symptoms.

Do you have any of these athlete's foot signs and symptoms?

You may have athlete's foot if you have any of these symptoms:

• Rash: A red rash forms between your toes and may eventually spread to the soles of your feet. Blisters that weep and ooze may also appear between your toes or on your feet. In fact, the area between your toes may feel constantly moist.
• Swelling and Inflammation: Your rash may appear red and puffy.
• Itching and Other Symptoms: Itching, burning, and stinging sensations often accompany the rash.
• Skin Changes: Cracking, peeling skin can occur if you don't treat athlete's foot as soon as you notice signs of the infection.
• Foul Odor: The infection can also cause an unpleasant odor.

But I'm not an athlete! How did I get athlete's foot?

You don't have to play a sport to get athlete's foot. The fungus that causes the infection is very contagious. You can pick it up if you walk barefoot in a public locker room, shower room, or swimming area. The fungal infection can also spread between members of the same household.

What can I do to treat the infection?

It's a good idea to visit your McKinney, TX, & Prosper, TX, foot doctor if you still have athlete's foot after using over-the-counter anti-fungal products. Call your podiatrist as soon as you notice signs of athlete's foot if you have diabetes.

Your podiatrist can prescribe a topical medication that's strong enough to penetrate the deeper layers of your skin where the infection lurks.

A visit to the foot doctor can end your athlete's foot symptoms. Call your McKinney, TX, & Prosper, TX, podiatrists, Drs. Eric Silvers, Dustin Lloyd, and Christopher Witt of Advanced Foot and Ankle Center, at (972) 542-2155 to schedule an appointment.

What Are Neuromas?

You might be walking along and feel pain near the ball of your foot, like there’s a rock inside your shoe. If the ache stays with you, a condition called neuroma might be the cause. A neuroma is a growth of nerve tissue frequently found between the third and fourth toes. Led by Dr. Silvers, Dr. Witt, and Dr. Lloyd, Advanced Foot and Ankle Center (offices in Prosper and McKinney, TX) offers treatments for neuromas. Here's all you need to know about neuromas.

Causes of Neuromas: Neuromas can have numerous causes. Some common causes of neuromas include: genetics, ill-fitting shoes, rheumatoid arthritis or gout, repetitive trauma, and pregnancy. Neuromas can also be caused by biomechanical problems, such as a bunion or foot pronation.

Symptoms of Neuromas: Normally, there are no outward signs, such as a lump, because a neuroma is not really a tumor. A neuroma is a painful condition. There may be a sharp, burning pain or numbness in your toes or ball of your foot.

Diagnosis of Neuromas: At your appointment, your podiatrist in McKinney will perform a physical examination. Your podiatrist will order x-rays or other imaging tests to confirm a diagnosis. X-rays may be required to rule out a fracture or arthritis of the joints that join the toes to the foot. X-rays alone will not show whether or not a neuroma is present, so an ultrasound or magnetic resonance imaging test may be done to confirm a diagnosis.

Treatment of Neuromas: People with neuromas may need to take painkillers, change their footwear, or get steroid injections. Prescription orthotics can help reduce pressure on the nerve and relieve your pain. In some cases, surgery may be required to remove the affected nerve or release the pressure on it. Surgery is an effective treatment for neuromas.

Save yourself from pain! Don't delay- call Advanced Foot and Ankle Center at (972) 542-2155 right now to schedule a consultation with one of our podiatrists in Prosper or McKinney, TX. Get your life back on track by receiving the best neuroma treatment available. We will help you cure your pain fast!