Split toenails, medically known as onychoschizia, refer to the condition where the toenail becomes brittle and begins to separate or peel. This often occurs when the nail loses moisture and becomes fragile. Common causes include repeated trauma, excessive exposure to water, and harsh chemicals found in nail products. Fungal infections and certain medical conditions can also contribute to weakened nail structure. Aging naturally increases the risk, as the nails tend to dry out and thin over time. Nutritional deficiencies, particularly a lack of vitamin B7 or iron, may make nails more susceptible to splitting. Individuals who frequently wear tight footwear or perform repetitive movements involving their toes may face a higher risk. If your toenails have split, it is suggested that you promptly contact a podiatrist who can determine the cause and offer appropriate treatment solutions.

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 feel free to contact our office located in Carrollton, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Neuropathic wounds are a common complication in individuals with peripheral neuropathy, particularly those with diabetes. Because nerve damage reduces the ability to feel pain, pressure, or injury, small wounds may go unnoticed and worsen over time. These ulcers often develop on the bottom of the foot or over bony areas that endure repetitive stress. Without prompt care, they can become infected, leading to more serious complications, including tissue death or limb loss. Proper footwear, regular foot inspections, and early intervention are essential to preventing these wounds from progressing. Managing blood sugar levels and maintaining good hygiene are also key components of prevention and care. A multidisciplinary approach that includes wound debridement, pressure relief, and infection control improves healing outcomes. If you notice a sore on your foot that does not heal or becomes increasingly painful, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for a diagnosis and 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 Kellvan Cheng, DPM from Elite Foot & Ankle. Our doctor 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 feel free to contact our office located in Carrollton, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

As we grow older and our bodies carry more weight, it is natural for the feet to feel the strain. These hard-working structures support us every day, and over time, they may begin to show signs of stress. Joints can become stiffer, arches may weaken, and extra weight increases pressure on bones, tendons, and ligaments. What starts as a minor ache can develop into persistent pain, making walking and daily activities more difficult. It is important to know that you are not alone, and help is available. With the right care, many causes of foot pain can be managed or relieved entirely. Addressing foot pain early often prevents further problems and supports long-term mobility. If you are experiencing foot discomfort that is affecting your quality of life, it is suggested you see a podiatrist for a diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with Kellvan Cheng, DPM from Elite Foot & Ankle. Our doctor 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 office located in Carrollton, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Cracked heels are an uncomfortable foot issue that can cause pain, especially when pressure is applied while walking or standing. The primary cause of cracked heels is dry skin, which can worsen due to prolonged standing, wearing open-back shoes, or exposure to harsh weather. Conditions like obesity, diabetes, and skin disorders such as eczema can also contribute to the problem. As the skin loses moisture and elasticity, it thickens and eventually cracks, leading to pain and even infection. A podiatrist can help treat cracked heels by thoroughly examining your feet and providing professional care. Treatment may include debridement to remove dead skin, moisturizing therapies, and recommendations for proper footwear. A podiatrist may also suggest orthotics or other interventions to address underlying causes, promoting healing and preventing future cracks. If you are dealing with painful cracked heels, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for a treatment plan.

If the skin on your feet starts to crack, you may want to see a podiatrist to find treatment. 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

It is important to moisturize your cracked heels in order to prevent pain, bleeding, and infection. The reason cracked heels form is because the skin on the foot is too dry to support the immense pressure placed on them. When the foot expands, the dry skin on the foot begins to split.

Ways to Help Heal Them

• Invest in a good foot cream
• Try Using Petroleum Jelly
• Ease up on Soaps
• Drink Plenty of Water

Ways to Prevent Cracked Heels

• Moisturize After Showering
• Skip a Shower
• Keep Shower Water Lukewarm
• Don’t Scrub Your Feet

If you are unsure how to proceed in treating cracked heels, seek guidance from a podiatrist. Your doctor will help you with any questions or information you may need. 

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.

When heel pain from plantar fasciitis does not go away after several months, it is considered chronic. This condition can limit your ability to walk, work, or enjoy physical activity. A proper evaluation looks at how long the pain has lasted, what treatments have been tried, and if other issues are involved. Treatment for chronic plantar fasciitis may include custom orthotics, stretching exercises, shockwave therapy, or in some cases, surgery. Addressing the problem early and with the right approach can prevent long-term discomfort and improve your quality of life. Each case is different, so care should be tailored to your specific needs and lifestyle. If your heel pain has lasted for months, it is suggested that you speak with a podiatrist to explore long-term treatment options.

Plantar fasciitis is a common foot condition that is often caused by a strain injury. If you are experiencing heel pain or symptoms of plantar fasciitis, 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.

What Is Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common causes of heel pain. The plantar fascia is a ligament that connects your heel to the front of your foot. When this ligament becomes inflamed, plantar fasciitis is the result. If you have plantar fasciitis you will have a stabbing pain that usually occurs with your first steps in the morning. As the day progresses and you walk around more, this pain will start to disappear, but it will return after long periods of standing or sitting.

What Causes Plantar Fasciitis?

• Excessive running
• Having high arches in your feet
• Other foot issues such as flat feet
• Pregnancy (due to the sudden weight gain)
• Being on your feet very often

There are some risk factors that may make you more likely to develop plantar fasciitis compared to others. The condition most commonly affects adults between the ages of 40 and 60. It also tends to affect people who are obese because the extra pounds result in extra stress being placed on the plantar fascia.

Prevention

• Take good care of your feet – Wear shoes that have good arch support and heel cushioning.
• Maintain a healthy weight
• If you are a runner, alternate running with other sports that won’t cause heel pain

There are a variety of treatment options available for plantar fasciitis along with the pain that accompanies it. Additionally, physical therapy is a very important component in the treatment process. It is important that you meet with your podiatrist to determine which treatment option is best 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.