An ingrown toenail occurs when the edge of a toenail grows into the skin instead of over it, most often affecting the big toe. This can cause pain, swelling, and redness surrounding the toenail, and may lead to infection, if not treated. Common causes of ingrown toenails include trimming the nails too short or rounding their edges, wearing shoes that put pressure on the toes, and injuring the toe. Some people are more prone to ingrown toenails due to the natural shape of their nails, or repeated stress from activities like running or kicking. Risk factors also include poor circulation, especially in people with diabetes, which can make healing more difficult and increase the risk of infection. When pain, swelling, or drainage occur, a podiatrist may recommend lifting the nail, removing part of the nail, or treating an infection. If you have a painful or infected ingrown toenail, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for appropriate treatment.

Ingrown toenails may initially present themselves as a minor discomfort, but they may progress into an infection in the skin without proper treatment. For more information about ingrown toenails, contact one of our podiatrists of Community Foot Specialists. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Ingrown Toenails

Ingrown toenails are caused when the corner or side of a toenail grows into the soft flesh surrounding it. They often result in redness, swelling, pain, and in some cases, infection. This condition typically affects the big toe and may recur if it is not treated properly.

Causes

• Improper toenail trimming
• Genetics
• Improper shoe fitting
• Injury from pedicures or nail picking
• Abnormal gait
• Poor hygiene

You are more likely to develop an ingrown toenail if you are obese, have diabetes, arthritis, or have any fungal infection in your nails. Additionally, people who have foot or toe deformities are at a higher risk of developing an ingrown toenail.

Symptoms

Some symptoms of ingrown toenails are redness, swelling, and pain. In rare cases, there may be a yellowish drainage coming from the nail.

Treatment

Ignoring an ingrown toenail can have serious complications. Infections of the nail border can progress to a deeper soft-tissue infection, which can then turn into a bone infection. You should always speak with your podiatrist if you suspect you have an ingrown toenail, especially if you have diabetes or poor circulation.

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

Foot pain at night can be frustrating, especially when it keeps you from resting. It may come from overuse during the day, tight muscles, or nerve problems. People with plantar fasciitis often feel pain after long periods of rest. Others may have tingling or burning from nerve issues, such as neuropathy. Poor circulation or flat feet can also lead to discomfort once activity stops. Gentle stretching before bed, wearing supportive shoes during the day and elevating your feet at night may help. Still, nighttime pain should not be ignored. If your feet often hurt after dark or disturb your sleep, it is suggested you see a podiatrist for diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with one of our podiatrists from Community Foot Specialists. 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 our offices located in Beavercreek, Dayton, and Vandalia, OH . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Poor foot circulation can result from several underlying health conditions and often leads to discomfort and more serious complications, if left untreated. Peripheral vascular disease is a common cause, where narrowed blood vessels reduce blood flow to the limbs, often leading to pain, numbness, or a cold sensation in the feet. Heart disease can also impair circulation by limiting the heart's ability to pump blood efficiently throughout the body, including the lower extremities. Raynaud's syndrome affects circulation by causing the small arteries in the feet to constrict, especially in response to cold or stress, leading to color changes and a feeling of coldness or tingling. Symptoms of poor circulation include swelling, cramping, slow healing wounds, and a heavy or fatigued feeling in the legs and feet. If you are experiencing any of the above symptoms, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who can offer effective relief and treatment solutions.

Poor circulation is a serious condition and needs immediate medical attention. If you have any concerns with poor circulation in your feet contact one of our podiatrists of Community Foot Specialists. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Poor Circulation in the Feet

Poor blood circulation in the feet and legs is can be caused by peripheral artery disease (PAD), which is the result of a buildup of plaque in the arteries.

Plaque buildup or atherosclerosis results from excess calcium and cholesterol in the bloodstream. This can restrict the amount of blood which can flow through the arteries. Poor blood circulation in the feet and legs are sometimes caused by inflammation in the blood vessels, known as vasculitis.

Causes

Lack of oxygen and oxygen from poor blood circulation restricts muscle growth and development. It can also cause:

• Muscle pain, stiffness, or weakness 
• Numbness or cramping in the legs
• Skin discoloration
• Slower nail & hair growth
• Erectile dysfunction

Those who have diabetes or smoke are at greatest risk for poor circulation, as are those who are over 50. If you have poor circulation in the feet and legs it may be caused by PAD and is important to make changes to your lifestyle in order to reduce risk of getting a heart attack or stroke. Exercise and maintaining a healthy lifestyle will dramatically improve conditions.

As always, see a podiatrist as he or she will assist in finding a regimen that suits you. A podiatrist can also prescribe you any needed medication. 

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

Cuboid syndrome is a condition where the cuboid bone, located on the outer side of the foot, becomes partially dislocated or misaligned. This often results in pain and difficulty bearing weight. It commonly occurs in athletes and individuals who engage in activities that involve repetitive stress on the foot, especially during lateral movements. Causes can include ankle sprains, overuse injuries, or an abrupt change in activity levels. The syndrome may also develop due to poor foot biomechanics or wearing unsupportive footwear. Diagnosing cuboid syndrome can be challenging because it does not always show up on imaging studies. Podiatrists typically rely on a thorough history and physical examination, focusing on tenderness over the cuboid and reproduction of symptoms with specific foot movements. If you have foot pain, it is suggested that you promptly contact a podiatrist who can accurately diagnose and treat your condition.

Cuboid syndrome, also known as cuboid subluxation, occurs when the joints and ligaments near the cuboid bone in the foot become torn. If you have cuboid syndrome, consult with one of our podiatrists from Community Foot Specialists. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Cuboid syndrome is a common cause of lateral foot pain, which is pain on the outside of the foot. The condition may happen suddenly due to an ankle sprain, or it may develop slowly overtime from repetitive tension through the bone and surrounding structures.

Causes

The most common causes of cuboid syndrome include:

• Injury – The most common cause of this ailment is an ankle sprain.
• Repetitive Strain – Tension placed through the peroneus longus muscle from repetitive activities such as jumping and running may cause excessive traction on the bone causing it to sublux.
• Altered Foot Biomechanics – Most people suffering from cuboid subluxation have flat feet.

Symptoms

A common symptom of cuboid syndrome is pain along the outside of the foot which can be felt in the ankle and toes. This pain may create walking difficulties and may cause those with the condition to walk with a limp.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of cuboid syndrome is often difficult, and it is often misdiagnosed. X-rays, MRIs and CT scans often fail to properly show the cuboid subluxation. Although there isn’t a specific test used to diagnose cuboid syndrome, your podiatrist will usually check if pain is felt while pressing firmly on the cuboid bone of your foot.

Treatment

Just as the range of causes varies widely, so do treatments. Some more common treatments are ice therapy, rest, exercise, taping, and orthotics.

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