Ongoing redness, swelling, and pain surrounding a toenail are often treated as a nail fold infection or an ingrown toenail. However, another condition called retronychia may be the cause. Retronychia happens when a new nail grows under an old nail and pushes it backward into the skin. This can look very similar to other nail problems, which can lead to confusion and delayed care. Signs may include repeated flare ups, thickened nails, and pain with pressure or shoes. Standard treatments may not work because the cause is different. Without proper care, this condition can lead to infection or lasting nail changes. Early identification helps guide the right treatment and can prevent complications. If symptoms do not improve or keep returning, it is suggested you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for appropriate treatment.

Ingrown toenails can become painful if they are not treated properly. For more information about ingrown toenails, contact one of our podiatrists of Complete Foot & Ankle Specialists, LLC. our doctors 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 offices located in Bellefontaine, OH and Springfield, OH . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Foot pain that includes cramping can be uncomfortable and sometimes sudden, often causing the muscles in the foot or toes to tighten or spasm. These cramps may feel sharp, pulling, or twisting, and can occur during rest, sleep, or activity. The foot may appear tense or stiff during an episode, and soreness can linger afterward. Common causes include muscle fatigue, dehydration, and poor circulation. Electrolyte imbalance or unsupportive footwear are other factors. Certain conditions, such as nerve issues or overuse, also can contribute to frequent cramping. A podiatrist can evaluate the pattern and triggers of the cramps, examine foot structure, and help identify any underlying concerns. Treatment includes supportive footwear, custom orthotics, and targeted exercises to improve flexibility and reduce muscle strain. Guidance on hydration and proper foot care may also be provided. Early attention can help prevent recurring discomfort and improve overall foot function. If you have foot pain from cramps, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with one of our podiatrists from Complete Foot & Ankle Specialists, LLC. 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 Bellefontaine, OH and Springfield, OH . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

A hammertoe is a deformity in which one of the smaller toes bends downward at the middle joint, creating a curled or claw-like appearance. Over time, the toe may become stiff and difficult to straighten. Hammertoe can develop from muscle imbalance,  wearing improper footwear, or arthritis. Symptoms include pain while  walking, irritation from shoe pressure, and the formation of corns or calluses on the top of the toe or at the tip. The affected toe may look raised at the joint with redness or thickened skin from friction. A podiatrist can evaluate the flexibility of the toe and determine the severity of the deformity. Early treatment includes padding, footwear changes, and custom orthotics to relieve pressure and improve alignment. Targeted exercises may help maintain flexibility in milder cases. When the deformity becomes rigid or painful, surgery may be considered to realign the toe. If you have a hammertoe, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for appropriate treatment solutions.

Hammertoes can be a painful condition to live with. For more information, contact one of our podiatrists of Complete Foot & Ankle Specialists, LLC. our doctors will answer any of your foot- and ankle-related questions.

Hammertoe

Hammertoe is a foot deformity that occurs due to an imbalance in the muscles, tendons, or ligaments that normally hold the toe straight. It can be caused by the type of shoes you wear, your foot structure, trauma, and certain disease processes.

Symptoms

• Painful and/or difficult toe movement
• Swelling
• Joint stiffness
• Calluses/Corns
• Physical deformity

Risk Factors

• Age – The risk of hammertoe increases with age
• Sex – Women are more likely to have hammertoe compared to men
• Toe Length – You are more likely to develop hammertoe if your second toe is longer than your big toe
• Certain Diseases – Arthritis and diabetes may make you more likely to develop hammertoe

Treatment

If you have hammertoe, you should change into a more comfortable shoe that provides enough room for your toes. Exercises such as picking up marbles may strengthen and stretch your toe muscles. Nevertheless, it is important to seek assistance from a podiatrist in order to determine the severity of your hammertoe and see which treatment option will work best for you.

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

Sever’s disease is a common cause of heel pain in growing adolescents, especially those involved in sports. It is an overuse condition that affects the growth plate in the heel, where repetitive stress leads to inflammation and discomfort. This occurs when the heel bone grows faster than the surrounding muscles and tendons, creating tension and irritation. Risk factors include rapid growth, high activity levels, and wearing improper footwear. Symptoms often include heel pain during activity, tenderness, and limping. A podiatrist can evaluate the condition, recommend supportive footwear, provide custom orthotics, and guide stretching and activity modification. Early care can relieve pain and prevent worsening symptoms. If your active child is limping or has heel pain, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can accurately diagnose the problem, and offer effective relief solutions.

Sever's disease often occurs in children and teens. If your child is experiencing foot or ankle pain, see one of our podiatrists from Complete Foot & Ankle Specialists, LLC. our doctors can treat your child’s foot and ankle needs.

Sever’s Disease

Sever’s disease is also known as calcaneal apophysitis, which is a medical condition that causes heel pain I none or both feet. The disease is known to affect children between the ages of 8 and 14.

Sever’s disease occurs when part of the child’s heel known as the growth plate (calcaneal epiphysis) is attached to the Achilles tendon. This area can suffer injury when the muscles and tendons of the growing foot do not keep pace with bone growth. Therefore, the constant pain which one experiences at the back of the heel will make the child unable to put any weight on the heel. The child is then forced to walk on their toes.

Symptoms

Acute pain – Pain associated with Sever’s disease is usually felt in the heel when the child engages in physical activity such as walking, jumping and or running.

Highly active – Children who are very active are among the most susceptible in experiencing Sever’s disease, because of the stress and tension placed on their feet.

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