An ingrown toenail develops when the edge of a toenail grows into the surrounding skin. This problem most often affects the big toe and can cause tenderness, redness, or pain. Some people notice drainage when inflammation or infection develops. Ingrown toenails can make wearing shoes uncomfortable, and may worsen while walking. Early attention can prevent a minor nail problem from becoming more painful or difficult to manage.

Several factors can increase the risk of ingrown toenails. Younger males may experience them more often, particularly during active years. Wearing narrow shoes can squeeze the toes and push the nail edge into nearby skin. Genetics can also play a role, because naturally curved or unusually shaped nails may be more likely to become ingrown. Diabetes is another important risk factor because foot problems may heal more slowly and complications can develop more easily.

A podiatrist can examine the nail, surrounding skin, and signs of infection before recommending treatment. Mild cases may improve with careful nail care and footwear changes. When symptoms are persistent, a podiatrist may gently lift or remove the affected nail edge. A partial nail removal procedure may be recommended for recurring cases. The area is cleaned, protected, and monitored as it heals. Patients should follow wound-care instructions and avoid pressure on the toe.

Symptoms should not be ignored when pain, swelling, or drainage continues. Proper nail trimming can help reduce future problems. Toenails should generally be cut straight across rather than deeply rounded at the corners. Wearing comfortable shoes with enough toe room can also reduce pressure. People with diabetes should seek podiatric foot care instead of attempting to treat a painful ingrown toenail themselves. If you have an ingrown toenail, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for effective relief and treatment solutions, which may include minor surgery.

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

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.

Bunions, plantar fasciitis, and Morton’s neuroma are frequent causes of foot pain. Each condition affects the foot differently and may develop from pressure, structural concerns, or repeated stress. Recognizing symptoms early can help you seek care before discomfort interferes with walking, exercise, or work. A podiatrist can provide helpful guidance.

A bunion is a prominence that develops at the base of the big toe when the joint moves out of alignment. Symptoms can include swelling, redness, and difficulty wearing shoes. Family history and narrow footwear can increase risk. Plantar fasciitis involves irritation of the plantar fascia, the tissue supporting the bottom of the foot. It commonly causes heel pain that is worse with the first steps after rest. Repetitive activity, tight calf muscles, and unsupportive shoes may contribute.

Morton’s neuroma is a thickening or irritation of tissue around a nerve between the third and fourth toes. Symptoms may include burning pain, tingling, or a feeling that something is inside the shoe. High-heeled or narrow shoes can increase pressure on the forefoot. Activities involving repeated impact can raise risk. Similar symptoms can come from different conditions and require different treatments.

A podiatrist begins by discussing your symptoms, activities, and medical history. A physical examination can identify tenderness, alignment changes, or movement problems. Imaging tests may be recommended to confirm a diagnosis or rule out another condition. Treatment may include wearing supportive footwear, activity changes, or orthotics. If you have foot pain or a known foot disorder, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

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.

Gout is a form of inflammatory arthritis that often affects the feet, especially the big toe. It develops when uric acid builds up in the blood and forms sharp crystals inside a joint. These crystals trigger inflammation, causing sudden pain, and tenderness. An attack may begin overnight and make walking uncomfortable. Repeated attacks can eventually damage joints or cause tophi, which are firm uric acid deposits beneath the skin.

Several risk factors can increase the chance of developing gout. Family history may raise susceptibility, while obesity, kidney disease, and high blood pressure can also contribute. Certain medications may affect uric acid levels. Regular alcohol use and frequent consumption of purine-rich foods, including some meats and seafood, may increase risk. Dehydration can also contribute to flare-ups. Gout is not caused by one food alone. Genetics, health conditions, and lifestyle habits can all influence uric acid levels.

A podiatrist begins by reviewing your symptoms and medical history, then examining the affected foot. Testing or imaging may be recommended to support the diagnosis and rule out other causes of joint pain. During a gout attack, treatment may include medication to reduce inflammation and control pain. For recurring attacks, your podiatrist may discuss long-term uric acid management. Guidance about hydration, nutrition, and weight management can also help reduce future problems.

Gout can be painful, but recognizing symptoms early gives you an opportunity to seek care before attacks become more frequent. Sudden big-toe pain, swelling, or warmth should not be ignored, especially when symptoms return. A podiatrist can determine whether gout is responsible and create a treatment plan based on your needs. With appropriate care, many people can reduce flare-ups and protect their joints. If you have had one or more gout attacks, it is suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can help you to manage this painful condition.

Gout is a foot condition that requires certain treatment and care. If you are seeking treatment, contact Kenneth Donovan, DPM from Advanced Care Foot and Ankle. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Is Gout?

Gout is a type of arthritis caused by a buildup of uric acid in the bloodstream. It often develops in the foot, especially the big toe area, although it can manifest in other parts of the body as well. Gout can make walking and standing very painful and is especially common in diabetics and the obese.

People typically get gout because of a poor diet. Genetic predisposition is also a factor. The children of parents who have had gout frequently have a chance of developing it themselves.

Gout can easily be identified by redness and inflammation of the big toe and the surrounding areas of the foot. Other symptoms include extreme fatigue, joint pain, and running high fevers. Sometimes corticosteroid drugs can be prescribed to treat gout, but the best way to combat this disease is to get more exercise and eat a better diet.

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.

Rheumatoid arthritis, or RA, is a long-term autoimmune disease that can affect joints throughout the body. An autoimmune disease occurs when the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissues. RA often begins in the small joints of the hands and feet, and more than 90 percent of people with the disease eventually develop foot or ankle symptoms. In the joints, RA causes inflammation that can damage cartilage and weaken the tissues that provide support. Foot and ankle symptoms may include pain, swelling, and stiffness. Unlike some other forms of arthritis, RA commonly affects the same joints on both sides of the body.

As rheumatoid arthritis progresses, it can affect several areas of the foot and ankle. Ankle involvement may make stairs or inclines difficult, while advanced disease can make ordinary walking painful. In the middle of the foot, weakened ligaments can cause the arch to collapse and change the shape of the foot. RA can also contribute to bunions, claw toes, and pain under the ball of the foot. These structural changes may create areas of abnormal pressure and make wearing shoes uncomfortable. Joint stiffness can also increase as cartilage damage progresses, further limiting comfortable foot movement.

A podiatrist can evaluate how rheumatoid arthritis is affecting the feet and ankles by examining areas of tenderness, joint flexibility, and changes in foot shape. Imaging may also be needed to assess the bones or surrounding soft tissues. Treatment for foot symptoms depends on the location of pain and the amount of joint damage. Professional options include custom orthotics or other supportive devices to decrease pressure and improve comfort. If rheumatoid arthritis is causing persistent foot or ankle pain that affects your mobility, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for an evaluation and appropriate treatment options.

Because RA affects more than just your joints, including the joints in your feet and ankles, it is important to seek early diagnosis from your podiatrist if you feel like the pain in your feet might be caused by RA. For more information, contact Kenneth Donovan, DPM of Advanced Care Foot and Ankle. Our doctor will assist you with all of your podiatric concerns.

What Is Rheumatoid Arthritis?

Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disorder in which the body’s own immune system attacks the membranes surrounding the joints. Inflammation of the lining and eventually the destruction of the joint’s cartilage and bone occur, causing severe pain and immobility.

Rheumatoid Arthritis of the Feet

Although RA usually attacks multiple bones and joints throughout the entire body, almost 90 percent of cases result in pain in the foot or ankle area.

Symptoms

• Swelling and pain in the feet
• Stiffness in the feet
• Pain on the ball or sole of feet
• Joint shift and deformation

Diagnosis

Quick diagnosis of RA in the feet is important so that the podiatrist can treat the area effectively. Your doctor will ask you about your medical history, occupation, and lifestyle to determine the origin of the condition. Rheumatoid Factor tests help to determine if someone is affected by the disease.

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.