An ingrown toenail develops when the edge of a nail grows into the surrounding skin, most often affecting the big toe. This can cause tenderness that makes walking or wearing shoes uncomfortable. Common symptoms include redness, swelling, and pain along the nail border. In more advanced cases, drainage or infection may develop. Ingrown toenails often occur when nails are trimmed too short or curved at the corners. Wearing tight footwear, repeated toe injuries, and naturally curved nails can also increase the risk. Recognizing the condition early can help prevent worsening irritation.

Stage 1 is the mildest stage, when the nail edge presses against nearby skin and causes discomfort. The area may look red or slightly swollen, especially when shoes rub against the toe. Early care and wearing properly fitting footwear may help reduce irritation, although persistent symptoms indicate the need for professional attention. Avoid digging into the nail corner, since this can injure the skin and increase the risk of infection.

During Stage 2, inflammation becomes more pronounced, with increased swelling and tenderness around the nail. The skin may become warm, and drainage or infection can begin to develop. Stage 3 is the most advanced stage, when ongoing inflammation may cause overgrown tissue around the nail edge. Pain can become persistent, and infection may be more difficult to manage. People with diabetes or poor circulation should seek prompt podiatric care because even minor toe problems can lead to serious complications.

A podiatrist will examine the nail and surrounding skin to determine the stage and check for infection. Treatment may include relieving pressure, carefully removing the ingrown nail edge, or prescribing medication when infection requires it. Recurrent cases may need a minor procedure to remove part of the nail and prevent that edge from growing back. If you have an ingrown toenail, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for effective relief and treatment solutions. 

Ingrown toenails can become painful if they are not treated properly. For more information about ingrown toenails, contact one of our podiatrists of Palm Beach Foot & Ankle. 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 Boynton Beach, Palm Beach Gardens, and West Palm Beach, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Aging affects the feet by changing their shape, strength, and flexibility. The natural cushioning beneath the heels and balls of the feet becomes thinner, while joints may grow stiffer and arches may flatten. Skin also becomes drier and easier to injure. These changes often lead to heel pain, arthritis, or corns and calluses. Bunions, hammertoes, and thickened toenails also make shoes uncomfortable. Foot pain may alter the way a person walks, reduce activity, and increase the risk of falling. This makes standing, walking, and maintaining balance more challenging, even when no injury has occurred.

Health conditions add to these concerns. Diabetes damages nerves and reduces circulation, making cuts or sores harder to notice and slower to heal. Arthritis causes pain, swelling, and limited joint movement. Poor circulation may leave the feet cold or cause wounds to heal slowly. Changes in balance, eyesight, or reach also make nail care and foot checks more difficult. Persistent numbness, skin color changes, or an open sore require prompt attention. New swelling, warmth, or severe pain should also be evaluated, especially when symptoms affect only one foot.

A podiatrist examines the skin, nails, and circulation to help identify the source of the infection. Care includes safely trimming problem nails, reducing painful corns, and treating infections or wounds. A podiatrist also assesses walking patterns and recommends properly fitted shoes. Custom orthotics or braces improve support, reduce pressure, and make movement more stable. For advanced joint damage or a severe deformity, the podiatrist may discuss whether surgery is appropriate. Regular visits are especially valuable for patients with diabetes, reduced feeling, or circulation problems. Early diagnosis protects mobility and prevents a small concern from becoming more serious. If you are experiencing foot problems as you age, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Proper foot care is something many older adults forget to consider. If you have any concerns about your feet and ankles, contact one of our podiatrists from Palm Beach Foot & Ankle. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

The Elderly and Their Feet

As we age we start to notice many changes in our body, but the elder population may not notice them right away. Medical conditions may prevent the elderly to take notice of their foot health right away. Poor vision is a lead contributor to not taking action for the elderly.

Common Conditions 

• Neuropathy – can reduce feeling in the feet and can hide many life-threatening medical conditions.
• Reduced flexibility – prevents the ability of proper toenail trimming, and foot cleaning. If left untreated, it may lead to further medical issues.
• Foot sores – amongst the older population can be serious before they are discovered. Some of the problematic conditions they may face are:
• Gouging toenails affecting nearby toe
• Shoes that don’t fit properly
• Pressure sores
• Loss of circulation in legs & feet
• Edema & swelling of feet and ankles

Susceptible Infections

Diabetes and poor circulation can cause general loss of sensitivity over the years, turning a simple cut into a serious issue.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Boynton Beach, Palm Beach Gardens, and West Palm Beach, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Rheumatoid arthritis, or RA, is an autoimmune condition that can cause ongoing inflammation in the joints. When RA affects the feet, it may make walking and daily activities uncomfortable. Symptoms can include swelling, warmth, and pain. Morning stiffness may last for an hour or longer. The feet can also develop changes in joint shape over time. These changes may affect balance and footwear comfort.

The metatarsophalangeal, or MTP joints, connect the toes to the long bones of the foot. RA can cause swelling and tenderness in these joints, making it painful to push off while walking. The proximal interphalangeal, or PIP joints, are located in the middle sections of the toes. Inflammation here may cause stiffness or changes in toe position. The distal interphalangeal, or DIP joints, are closest to the toenails. Although RA more commonly affects larger foot joints, these smaller joints can also become painful and inflamed.

Risk factors include family history, smoking, and being female. RA can occur at any age, although it often begins during adulthood. The exact cause is not fully understood. The immune system mistakenly attacks healthy joint tissue, which leads to inflammation. Persistent inflammation may damage cartilage and bone. It can also contribute to deformities that change how pressure is distributed across the foot.

A podiatrist can evaluate your feet, review symptoms, and recommend imaging or other testing when appropriate. Treatment may include wearing supportive footwear, custom orthotics, and medication management coordinated with your medical team. A podiatrist may also recommend padding to protect painful pressure areas and reduce irritation. Regular follow-up can help monitor joint changes and protect foot function. If you have symptoms of RA in the feet, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for effective relief and management solutions. 

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 one of our podiatrists of Palm Beach Foot & Ankle. Our doctors 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 offices located in Boynton Beach, Palm Beach Gardens, and West Palm Beach, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

A broken foot can make standing and walking painful, but not every fracture looks severe. Foot fractures range from tiny cracks to complete breaks in a bone. Some can even break through the skin. Symptoms can include pain, swelling, and trouble moving the foot. Bruising or tenderness can also develop after an injury. A visible change in the shape of the foot strongly suggests a fracture. However, some small breaks cause little pain and no obvious deformity, which can make them difficult to recognize without a careful evaluation.

Foot bones can break after a fall, a direct blow, or an awkward twist. Stress fractures are small cracks that develop from repeated force rather than one sudden injury. They can affect athletes who take part in high-impact activities and can develop after a rapid increase in exercise intensity. A broken foot can sometimes resemble a sprain because both injuries can cause pain and swelling. Fractures, however, can produce more intense and continuous pain. Difficulty bearing weight can also occur. Proper diagnosis is important because untreated fractures can heal in poor alignment and lead to lasting mobility problems.

A podiatrist can examine an injured foot and determine whether a fracture is likely. Imaging can help confirm a break and show its location and severity. Treatment depends on the type of fracture and whether the bones remain properly aligned. A podiatrist can use a protective boot or cast to keep the injured area stable while it heals. A podiatrist can also monitor healing and determine when it is safe to increase activity. If you have symptoms of a broken foot, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for diagnosis and treatment.

A broken foot requires immediate medical attention and treatment. If you need your feet checked, contact one of our podiatrists from Palm Beach Foot & Ankle. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Broken Foot Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

A broken foot is caused by one of the bones in the foot typically breaking when bended, crushed, or stretched beyond its natural capabilities. Usually the location of the fracture indicates how the break occurred, whether it was through an object, fall, or any other type of injury. 

Common Symptoms of Broken Feet:

• Bruising
• Pain
• Redness
• Swelling
• Blue in color
• Numbness
• Cold
• Misshapen
• Cuts
• Deformities

Those that suspect they have a broken foot shoot seek urgent medical attention where a medical professional could diagnose the severity.

Treatment for broken bones varies depending on the cause, severity and location. Some will require the use of splints, casts or crutches while others could even involve surgery to repair the broken bones. Personal care includes the use of ice and keeping the foot stabilized and elevated.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Boynton Beach, Palm Beach Gardens, and West Palm Beach, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.