Ingrown toenails can range from mildly painful to severely infected, but treatment options are highly effective. Early, conservative care often includes warm soaks, proper nail trimming, topical antibiotics, and protective padding to relieve pressure. In more persistent cases, a podiatrist may recommend partial nail avulsion, a minor procedure that removes the ingrown portion of the nail. For recurring or severe conditions, a matrixectomy, a procedure that permanently removes part of the nail root to stop regrowth, may be performed to permanently prevent that part of the nail from growing back. These in-office procedures are typically quick, safe, and provide long-term relief. Addressing the problem early helps prevent infection, swelling, and worsening pain. Whether your symptoms are new or ongoing, professional evaluation ensures the most appropriate treatment plan. Do not ignore the discomfort of an ingrown toenail. It is suggested that you schedule a visit with a podiatrist to receive expert care, and get back on your feet comfortably.

Ingrown toenails can become painful if they are not treated properly. For more information about ingrown toenails, contact the foot specialists of Academy Foot and Ankle Specialists. 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 Southlake, Keller (Fort Worth), Hurst, North Richland Hills, Flower Mound, Argyle, and Denton, TX. . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Bicycle spoke injuries in children occur when a child’s foot or leg becomes caught in the rotating spokes of a bicycle wheel, often leading to trauma of the ankle and surrounding tissues. This type of entrapment can cause fractures, soft tissue damage, and significant pain. Symptoms include swelling, bruising, difficulty bearing weight, and visible injury to the ankle or lower leg. Risk factors include riding without proper foot protection, loose seating positions, and lack of protective guards on bicycles. These injuries can be serious and require prompt evaluation. A podiatrist can assess the extent of damage, provide appropriate treatment, and guide recovery to restore function. If your child has symptoms of a fractured ankle from bicycling riding, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can offer appropriate relief and treatment solutions.

Ankle and foot injuries are common among athletes and in many sports. They can be caused by several problems and may be potentially serious. If you are feeling pain or think you were injured in a sporting event or when exercising, consult with the foot specialists from Academy Foot and Ankle Specialists. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Common Injuries

The most common injuries that occur in sporting activities include:

• Achilles Tendonitis
• Achilles Tendon Rupture
• Ankle Sprains
• Broken Foot
• Plantar Fasciitis
• Stress Fractures
• Turf Toe

Symptoms

Symptoms vary depending upon the injury and in some cases, there may be no symptoms at all. However, in most cases, some form of symptom is experienced. Pain, aching, burning, bruising, tenderness, tightness or stiffness, sensation loss, difficulty moving, and swelling are the most common symptoms.

Treatment

Just as symptoms vary depending upon the injury, so do treatment options. A common treatment method is known as the RICE method. This method involves rest, applying ice, compression and elevating the afflicted foot or ankle. If the injury appears to be more serious, surgery might be required, such as arthroscopic or reconstructive surgery. Lastly, rehabilitation or therapy might be needed to gain full functionality in the afflicted area. Any discomfort experienced by an athlete must be evaluated by a licensed, reputable medical professional.  

If you have any questions please contact our offices located in Southlake, Keller (Fort Worth), Hurst, North Richland Hills, Flower Mound, Argyle, and Denton, TX. . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Wearing high heels changes the way the body stands and walks. The raised heel pushes body weight forward onto the ball of the foot, which can lead to bunions, hammertoes, and burning pain under the toes. Because the foot is held at an angle, the ankle becomes less stable, and the calf muscles gradually tighten. This makes walking less natural and can cause ankle sprains. Over time, the knees, hips, and lower back compensate for this altered posture, which can lead to aching legs and back discomfort after only a short period of standing or walking. A podiatrist can examine foot alignment, identify pressure points, and determine whether structural changes have developed. Treatment options include custom orthotics, protective padding, and professional care for irritated joints, nerves, or deformities caused by prolonged wearing of high-heeled shoes. If you have foot pain after wearing high heels, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam, diagnosis, and treatment.

High heels have a history of causing foot and ankle problems. If you have any concerns about your feet or ankles, contact the foot specialists from Academy Foot and Ankle Specialists. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Effects of High Heels on the Feet

High heels are popular shoes among women because of their many styles and societal appeal.  Despite this, high heels can still cause many health problems if worn too frequently.

Which Parts of My Body Will Be Affected by High Heels?

• Ankle Joints
• Achilles Tendon – May shorten and stiffen with prolonged wear
• Balls of the Feet
• Knees – Heels cause the knees to bend constantly, creating stress on them
• Back – They decrease the spine’s ability to absorb shock, which may lead to back pain.  The vertebrae of the lower back may compress.

What Kinds of Foot Problems Can Develop from Wearing High Heels?

• Corns
• Calluses
• Hammertoe
• Bunions
• Morton’s Neuroma
• Plantar Fasciitis

How Can I Still Wear High Heels and Maintain Foot Health?

If you want to wear high heeled shoes, make sure that you are not wearing them every day, as this will help prevent long term physical problems.  Try wearing thicker heels as opposed to stilettos to distribute weight more evenly across the feet.  Always make sure you are wearing the proper shoes for the right occasion, such as sneakers for exercising.  If you walk to work, try carrying your heels with you and changing into them once you arrive at work.  Adding inserts to your heels can help cushion your feet and absorb shock. Full foot inserts or metatarsal pads are available. 

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Southlake, Keller (Fort Worth), Hurst, North Richland Hills, Flower Mound, Argyle, and Denton, TX. . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Most foot wounds heal with time and proper care, but some fail to improve, despite treatment. Poor circulation is a common reason, as reduced blood flow limits oxygen and nutrient delivery needed for healing. Diabetes can also slow recovery by affecting nerves, immune response, and blood vessels, making injuries harder to feel and treat early. Ongoing pressure from walking, wearing ill-fitting shoes, or abnormal foot structure may repeatedly reopen wounds. Infection is another major factor, as bacteria can delay tissue repair and increase inflammation. Certain wounds become chronic when underlying conditions are not addressed. Skin breakdown may continue if pressure points are not offloaded, or if moisture and friction persist. Early evaluation is important to prevent complications. When a foot wound does not show signs of healing or continues to worsen, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist as quickly as possible for appropriate treatment.

Wound care is an important part in dealing with diabetes. If you have diabetes and a foot wound or would like more information about wound care for diabetics, consult with the foot specialists from Academy Foot and Ankle Specialists. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

What Is Wound Care?

Wound care is the practice of taking proper care of a wound. This can range from the smallest to the largest of wounds. While everyone can benefit from proper wound care, it is much more important for diabetics. Diabetics often suffer from poor blood circulation which causes wounds to heal much slower than they would in a non-diabetic. 

What Is the Importance of Wound Care?

While it may not seem apparent with small ulcers on the foot, for diabetics, any size ulcer can become infected. Diabetics often also suffer from neuropathy, or nerve loss. This means they might not even feel when they have an ulcer on their foot. If the wound becomes severely infected, amputation may be necessary. Therefore, it is of the upmost importance to properly care for any and all foot wounds.

How to Care for Wounds

The best way to care for foot wounds is to prevent them. For diabetics, this means daily inspections of the feet for any signs of abnormalities or ulcers. It is also recommended to see a podiatrist several times a year for a foot inspection. If you do have an ulcer, run the wound under water to clear dirt from the wound; then apply antibiotic ointment to the wound and cover with a bandage. Bandages should be changed daily and keeping pressure off the wound is smart. It is advised to see a podiatrist, who can keep an eye on it.

If you have any questions please contact our offices located in Southlake, Keller (Fort Worth), Hurst, North Richland Hills, Flower Mound, Argyle, and Denton, TX. . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.