Ingrown toenails occur when the edge of a toenail grows into the surrounding skin, instead of growing over it, causing pain, tenderness, redness, and swelling. This often occurs on the big toe. Preventing ingrown toenails involves cutting nails straight across and avoiding trimming them too short. Wearing proper-fitting shoes and socks can also reduce pressure on toes. Ingrown toenails can be very painful. If you suffer from persistent or infected ingrown toenails, it's suggested that you seek professional care from a podiatrist. They can safely trim or remove the ingrown portion of the nail, prescribe antibiotics if needed, and offer advice on preventing future occurrences. Prompt treatment from a podiatrist can prevent complications, such as infection or the need for more extensive procedures.

Ingrown toenails can become painful if they are not treated properly. For more information about ingrown toenails, contact Kenneth Donovan, DPM of Advanced Care Foot and Ankle. Our doctor 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 office located in Charleston, SC . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Hammertoe is a foot deformity characterized by an abnormal bending of the toe joints, causing the affected toes to resemble a hammer or claw. This condition typically affects the second, third, or fourth toes, although it can occur in any toe. Hammertoe often develops gradually over time, due to factors like ill-fitting shoes, foot structure abnormalities, or muscle imbalances. One of the noticeable features of hammertoe is the bending of the toe joints, resulting in a permanent, abnormal position that may cause pain, discomfort, or difficulty walking or wearing shoes. Other characteristic symptoms include corns or calluses forming on the tops of the affected toes due to friction and pressure from rubbing against footwear. Additionally, individuals with hammertoe may experience limited range of motion in the affected toes, making it challenging to straighten or flex them fully. If you notice a deformity in your toes, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam, a diagnosis and the appropriate treatment. 

Hammertoe

Hammertoes can be a painful condition to live with. For more information, contact Kenneth Donovan, DPM from Advanced Care Foot and Ankle. Our doctor will answer any of your foot- and ankle-related questions.

Hammertoe is a foot deformity that affects the joints of the second, third, fourth, or fifth toes of your feet. It is a painful foot condition in which these toes curl and arch up, which can often lead to pain when wearing footwear.

Symptoms

• Pain in the affected toes
• Development of corns or calluses due to friction
• Inflammation
• Redness
• Contracture of the toes

Causes

Genetics – People who are genetically predisposed to hammertoe are often more susceptible

Arthritis – Because arthritis affects the joints in your toes, further deformities stemming from arthritis can occur

Trauma – Direct trauma to the toes could potentially lead to hammertoe

Ill-fitting shoes – Undue pressure on the front of the toes from ill-fitting shoes can potentially lead to the development of hammertoe

Treatment

Orthotics – Custom made inserts can be used to help relieve pressure placed on the toes and therefore relieve some of the pain associated with it

Medications – Oral medications such as anti-inflammatories or NSAIDs could be used to treat the pain and inflammation hammertoes causes. Injections of corticosteroids are also sometimes used

Surgery – In more severe cases where the hammertoes have become more rigid, foot surgery is a potential option

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

Sharp heel pain and general foot pain can result from several conditions. Plantar fasciitis, a common cause, is characterized by inflammation of the thick band of tissue running along the bottom of the foot. Bursitis, the inflammation of fluid-filled sacs that cushion the bones, can also lead to significant foot pain. Gout, a form of arthritis resulting from the accumulation of uric acid crystals, often causes sudden and intense discomfort in the big toe or ankle. Tarsal tunnel syndrome, involving compression of the tibial nerve, can create sharp, tingling pain extending into the arch. Additionally, heel spurs, which are bony growths on the underside of the heel, can cause stabbing pain, especially while walking or standing. If you have any type of foot pain, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can determine the cause and offer treatment options.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with Kenneth Donovan, DPM from Advanced Care Foot and Ankle. Our doctor 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 office located in Charleston, SC . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Heel spurs are calcium deposits that develop on the underside of the heel bone, often without causing any discomfort. However, when the plantar fascia ligament, which connects the heel to the toes, undergoes excessive tension or strain, it can become inflamed. This may lead to a condition known as plantar fasciitis, which can cause the heel spur to press into the swollen ligament and cause significant pain. While heel spurs themselves are generally painless, they frequently accompany plantar fasciitis, with about 70 percent of cases showing the presence of a heel spur. Preventative measures include wearing shoes with proper arch support, using heel pads, maintaining a healthy weight, and performing calf stretches before engaging in strenuous activities. A podiatrist can provide a comprehensive treatment plan tailored to your specific needs, which may include custom orthotics, physical therapy, and recommendations for supportive footwear. Surgery may be needed to address severe cases, though it carries risks such as increased pain, nerve damage, and fallen arches. If you are experiencing heel pain, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam and treatment.

Heel spurs can be incredibly painful and sometimes may make you unable to participate in physical activities. To get medical care for your heel spurs, contact Kenneth Donovan, DPM from Advanced Care Foot and Ankle. Our doctor will do everything possible to treat your condition.

Heels Spurs

Heel spurs are formed by calcium deposits on the back of the foot where the heel is. This can also be caused by small fragments of bone breaking off one section of the foot, attaching onto the back of the foot. Heel spurs can also be bone growth on the back of the foot and may grow in the direction of the arch of the foot.

Older individuals usually suffer from heel spurs and pain sometimes intensifies with age. One of the main condition's spurs are related to is plantar fasciitis.

Pain

The pain associated with spurs is often because of weight placed on the feet. When someone is walking, their entire weight is concentrated on the feet. Bone spurs then have the tendency to affect other bones and tissues around the foot. As the pain continues, the feet will become tender and sensitive over time.

Treatments

There are many ways to treat heel spurs. If one is suffering from heel spurs in conjunction with pain, there are several methods for healing. Medication, surgery, and herbal care are some options.

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