A toenail may turn black after the toe is hit, crushed, or pressed repeatedly inside a tight shoe, common among runners. The dark color usually comes from blood trapped under the nail after the area beneath it has been injured. As this blood builds up, it can cause throbbing pain from strong pressure. A podiatrist will examine the black toenail, check how well the toe moves, and make sure blood flow to the area is normal. An X-ray may be taken to see if the bone at the tip of the toe is broken. If pressure under the nail is causing pain, a podiatrist can create a tiny opening in the nail to gently drain the trapped blood and relieve discomfort. In more serious cases, part of the nail may need to be removed so the damaged tissue underneath can heal properly. This can also reduce the risk of nail changes later. If you notice a toenail that has changed in color, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam, diagnosis, and treatment.

Toe pain can disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, 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.

What Causes Toe Pain?

Most severe toe pain is caused due to a sports injury, trauma from dropping something heavy on the toe, or bumping into something rigid. Other problems can develop over time for various reasons.

Toe pain can be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

• Trauma
• Sports injury
• Wearing shoes that are too tight
• Arthritis
• Gout
• Corns and calluses
• Hammertoe
• Bunions
• Blisters
• Ingrown toenails
• Sprains
• Fractures (broken bones)
• Dislocations

When to See a Podiatrist

• Severe pain
• Persistent pain that lasts more than a week
• Signs of infection
• Continued swelling
• Pain that prevents walking

Diagnosis

In many cases the cause of toe pain is obvious, but in others, a podiatrist may want to use more advanced methods to determine the problem. These 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

Treatments for toe pain and injuries vary and may include shoe inserts, padding, taping, medicines, injections, and in some cases, surgery. If you believe that you have broken a toe, please see a podiatrist as soon as possible.

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.

Cracked heels are common in cooler weather because cold air and indoor heating dry out the skin. The skin on the bottom of the heel is naturally thick to handle body weight and pressure. When it becomes too dry, it loses flexibility and can split. These splits, often called fissures, are deep cracks that may cause pain, bleeding, or infection. Standing for long periods, wearing open-backed shoes, and taking long, hot showers can make the problem worse. People with diabetes or poor circulation may have a harder time healing and can face more serious complications. A podiatrist can examine the heels, safely trim thick, hardened skin, and provide professional treatment that helps restore moisture and protect the skin. Early medical care can reduce pain and prevent infection. If you have cracked heels that cause pain, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam, diagnosis, and safe treatment.

Cracked heels are unsightly and can cause further damage to your shoes and feet. If you have any concerns, contact Kellvan Cheng, DPM from Elite Foot & Ankle. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Cracked Heels

Cracked heels appear unappealing and can make it harder for you walk around in sandals. Aside from looking unpleasant, cracked heels can also tear stockings, socks, and wear out your shoes. There are several methods to help restore a cracked heel and prevent further damage.

How Do You Get Them?

Dry skin is the number one culprit in creating cracked heels. Many athletes, walkers, joggers, and even swimmers suffer from cracked heels. Age and skin oil production play a role to getting cracked heels as well.

Promote Healing

Over the counter medicines can help, especially for those that need instant relief or who suffer from chronic dry feet.

Wear Socks – Wearing socks with medicated creams helps lock in moisture.

Moisturizers – Applying both day and night will help alleviate dryness which causes cracking.

Pumice Stones – These exfoliate and remove dead skin, which allows for smoother moisturizer application and better absorption into the skin. 

Change in Diet

Eating healthy with a well-balanced diet will give the skin a fresh and radiant look. Your body responds to the kinds of food you ingest. Omega-3 fatty acids and zinc supplements can also revitalize skin tissue.

Most importantly, seek professional help if unsure how to proceed in treating cracked heels. A podiatrist will help you with any questions or information needed. 

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.

For individuals with diabetes, a simple blister can quickly become a serious foot problem. Blisters often develop from friction caused by tight shoes, moisture, or increased activity. They may appear as clear fluid filled bubbles on the skin, sometimes surrounded by redness or warmth. While a blister might feel mildly tender at first, diabetics may not notice pain or early warning signs because of reduced sensation caused by nerve damage. Slower healing, caused by poor circulation, can allow even a small blister to break open and lead to infection. The skin may look swollen, shiny, or irritated, and drainage or odor can signal a more advanced issue. Careful daily inspection, proper footwear, and keeping feet clean and dry are essential preventive steps. A podiatrist can evaluate the blister, assess circulation and nerve function, provide safe treatment, and recommend protective footwear or custom inserts. If you are diabetic and dealing with foot blisters, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist.

Diabetic foot care is important in preventing foot ailments such as ulcers. If you are suffering from diabetes or have any other concerns about your feet, contact Kellvan Cheng, DPM from Elite Foot & Ankle. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Diabetic Foot Care

Diabetes affects millions of people every year. The condition can damage blood vessels in many parts of the body, especially the feet. Because of this, taking care of your feet is essential if you have diabetes, and having a podiatrist help monitor your foot health is highly recommended.

The Importance of Caring for Your Feet

• Routinely inspect your feet for bruises or sores.
• Wear socks that fit your feet comfortably.
• Wear comfortable shoes that provide adequate support.

Patients with diabetes should have their doctor monitor their blood levels, as blood sugar levels play such a huge role in diabetic care. Monitoring these levels on a regular basis is highly advised.

It is always best to inform your healthcare professional of any concerns you may have regarding your feet, especially for diabetic patients. Early treatment and routine foot examinations are keys to maintaining proper health, especially because severe complications can arise if proper treatment is not applied.

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.

Ingrown toenails are often blamed on trimming habits or wearing tight shoes, but underlying foot structure can sometimes influence how often the problem returns. In most cases, changes to overall foot alignment are not needed to prevent or manage this condition. Many people develop ingrown nails despite having otherwise typical foot mechanics. There are situations, however, where a flattened arch changes how pressure is distributed across the forefoot. This altered loading can increase stress along the edges of the toenails, especially while walking or standing for long periods of time. Gradually, that added pressure may worsen nail irritation or make healing more difficult after treatment. Addressing footwear, nail care, and pressure relief usually remains the primary focus, but structural factors may be considered in select cases. If ingrown toenails are persistent or painful, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

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

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 care needs.