Toenail discoloration can indicate a range of issues, from minor injuries to infections or more serious conditions. A black toenail often results from trauma, such as stubbing a toe or wearing tight shoes, which causes blood to pool beneath the nail. However, if there is no known injury, a podiatrist can assess whether the discolored toenail may be due to a fungal infection, a chronic ingrown toenail, or a more concerning condition like melanoma. Yellow toenails frequently result from fungal infections, which may lead to thickened, brittle nails. A green toenail often signals a bacterial infection, generally linked to prolonged exposure to moisture. White spots or streaks on toenails may develop from repetitive pressure on the toes, while an entirely white nail could indicate a spreading fungal infection. Brown streaks may occur due to injury but should be evaluated for potential serious causes. If you have toenails that have changed color, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam and treatment options.
Toe pain can disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, contact one of our podiatrists of Palm Beach Foot & Ankle. 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.
Foot or ankle pain can negatively affect your day-to-day life and can occur due to several different conditions. Pain can also be an indicator of a more serious underlying condition, which is why you should seek professional help as soon as you notice any abnormalities in your feet.
Sudden ankle pain without an obvious injury can stem from various conditions, including arthritis, autoimmune diseases, and structural issues in the foot. Osteoarthritis develops over time from joint wear, while rheumatoid arthritis and lupus can cause inflammation in both ankles. Reactive arthritis, often triggered by an infection, leads to joint pain and swelling. Gout, caused by excess uric acid, can bring sudden, severe pain to the ankle joints. Flat feet or posterior tibial tendon dysfunction can strain the ankle, causing discomfort and instability. Additionally, bursitis, an inflammation of fluid-filled sacs near the joint, can cause swelling and tenderness. A podiatrist can identify the root cause of your ankle pain through a thorough examination and diagnostic tests. They can recommend supportive footwear, provide custom orthotics, and suggest targeted exercises or medication to relieve pain and improve mobility. In some cases, surgery may be advised. If you are experiencing sudden ankle pain, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for appropriate treatment.
Ankle pain can be caused by a number of problems and may be potentially serious. If you have ankle pain, consult with one of our podiatrists from Palm Beach Foot & Ankle. 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 tendonitis
Achilles tendon rupture
Stress fractures
Bursitis
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.
Flat feet, also known as fallen arches, occur when the arch of the foot collapses, causing the entire foot to make contact with the ground. There are two types, which are flexible and rigid. Flexible flat feet are more common and typically cause discomfort after standing or walking for long periods. Rigid flat feet, which are less flexible, can cause significant pain, especially when walking or running. Symptoms include pain in the arch, heel, or knees, and you may notice that your feet appear to roll inward. The causes of flat feet include genetics, injury, or weakened tendons. A podiatrist can help by evaluating your foot structure and offering treatments like custom orthotics to support the arch, exercises to strengthen the foot, and surgery for more severe cases. If you have flat feet, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist to get the right treatment and improve comfort.
Flatfoot is a condition many people suffer from. If you have flat feet, contact one of our podiatrists from Palm Beach Foot & Ankle. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.
What Are Flat Feet?
Flatfoot is a condition in which the arch of the foot is depressed and the sole of the foot is almost completely in contact with the ground. About 20-30% of the population generally has flat feet because their arches never formed during growth.
Conditions & Problems:
Having flat feet makes it difficult to run or walk because of the stress placed on the ankles.
Alignment – The general alignment of your legs can be disrupted, because the ankles move inward which can cause major discomfort.
Knees – If you have complications with your knees, flat feet can be a contributor to arthritis in that area.
Symptoms
Pain around the heel or arch area
Trouble standing on the tip toe
Swelling around the inside of the ankle
Flat look to one or both feet
Having your shoes feel uneven when worn
Treatment
If you are experiencing pain and stress on the foot you may weaken the posterior tibial tendon, which runs around the inside of the ankle.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Boynton Beach,Palm Beach Gardens,and West Palm Beach, FL. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
