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An ingrown toenail occurs when the edge of the toenail grows into the surrounding skin, causing irritation and discomfort. This condition most commonly affects the big toe and can result from improper nail trimming, wearing tight shoes, toe injuries, or inherited nail shapes. Symptoms include redness, swelling, pain along the nail edge, and sometimes infection with drainage or increased tenderness. If left untreated, an athlete's foot infection may worsen and lead to more serious complications. Diagnosis is usually made through a clinical examination of the affected toe. A podiatrist can provide relief by carefully removing the ingrown portion, treating any infection, and offering guidance on proper nail care. Ingrown toenails can cause severe pain and discomfort. If you have developed this condition, it is strongly suggested that you promptly contact a podiatrist who can offer appropriate treatment remedies.

Ingrown toenails can become painful if they are not treated properly. For more information about ingrown toenails, contact Kellvan Cheng, DPM of Elite Foot & 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 Carrollton, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Heel pain is one of the most common complaints seen in podiatry offices, and it can affect daily movement and quality of life. While plantar fasciitis is a frequent cause, heel pain can also result from bursitis, stress fractures, nerve entrapment, or inflammation of surrounding soft tissue. A step-by-step evaluation begins with identifying the exact location of the pain, when it occurs, and what activities make it worse. Imaging may be used to rule out less obvious causes. Treatment often begins with rest, supportive footwear, and stretching exercises, followed by custom orthotics or targeted exercise if needed. More persistent cases may require injection therapy or additional medical intervention. Addressing heel pain early can help avoid long-term issues. If your heel pain has not improved with basic at-home care or is interfering with your ability to walk, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Many people suffer from bouts of heel pain. For more information, contact Kellvan Cheng, DPM of Elite Foot & Ankle. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Causes of Heel Pain

Heel pain is often associated with plantar fasciitis. The plantar fascia is a band of tissues that extends along the bottom of the foot. A rip or tear in this ligament can cause inflammation of the tissue.

Achilles tendonitis is another cause of heel pain. Inflammation of the Achilles tendon will cause pain from fractures and muscle tearing. Lack of flexibility is also another symptom.

Heel spurs are another cause of pain. When the tissues of the plantar fascia undergo a great deal of stress, it can lead to ligament separation from the heel bone, causing heel spurs.

Why Might Heel Pain Occur?

• Wearing ill-fitting shoes                  
• Wearing non-supportive shoes
• Weight change           
• Excessive running

Treatments

Heel pain should be treated as soon as possible for immediate results. Keeping your feet in a stress-free environment will help. If you suffer from Achilles tendonitis or plantar fasciitis, applying ice will reduce the swelling. Stretching before an exercise like running will help the muscles. Using all these tips will help make heel pain a condition of the past.

If you have any questions please contact our office located in Carrollton, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Cuboid syndrome occurs when the cuboid bone in the foot becomes misaligned or partially dislocated, often leading to pain along the outer edge of the foot. It is commonly seen in athletes who engage in activities that involve repetitive stress, jumping, or quick directional changes. The condition can develop suddenly after an ankle injury or gradually due to overuse. Symptoms may include aching, weakness, and difficulty bearing weight on the affected side. Diagnosing cuboid syndrome can be challenging because it may not show up on standard imaging studies. Podiatrists often rely on a physical examination, medical history, and specific manipulation tests to confirm the diagnosis.  If you are an athlete and have pain in this part of your foot, it is suggested that you contact a podiatrist who can accurately diagnose and treat cuboid syndrome, allowing you to return safely to activity.

Cuboid syndrome, also known as cuboid subluxation, occurs when the joints and ligaments near the cuboid bone in the foot become torn. If you have cuboid syndrome, consult with Kellvan Cheng, DPM from Elite Foot & Ankle. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Cuboid syndrome is a common cause of lateral foot pain, which is pain on the outside of the foot. The condition may happen suddenly due to an ankle sprain, or it may develop slowly overtime from repetitive tension through the bone and surrounding structures.

Causes

The most common causes of cuboid syndrome include:

• Injury – The most common cause of this ailment is an ankle sprain.
• Repetitive Strain – Tension placed through the peroneus longus muscle from repetitive activities such as jumping and running may cause excessive traction on the bone causing it to sublux.
• Altered Foot Biomechanics – Most people suffering from cuboid subluxation have flat feet.

Symptoms

A common symptom of cuboid syndrome is pain along the outside of the foot which can be felt in the ankle and toes. This pain may create walking difficulties and may cause those with the condition to walk with a limp.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of cuboid syndrome is often difficult, and it is often misdiagnosed. X-rays, MRIs and CT scans often fail to properly show the cuboid subluxation. Although there isn’t a specific test used to diagnose cuboid syndrome, your podiatrist will usually check if pain is felt while pressing firmly on the cuboid bone of your foot.

Treatment

Just as the range of causes varies widely, so do treatments. Some more common treatments are ice therapy, rest, exercise, taping, and orthotics.

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