An ingrown toenail develops when the side of a nail presses into the skin. The affected toe can become painful, red, and swollen. Drainage can signal a more serious problem. Wearing tight shoes, curved nails, and improper trimming can increase pressure along the nail edge. A podiatrist examines the toe to determine how deeply the nail has entered the skin. The exam includes checking for infection and concerns that could affect healing. Patients with diabetes, poor blood flow, or reduced feeling should seek prompt professional care because small toe problems can become serious.

Treatment depends on pain, swelling, and skin damage. For a mild ingrown nail, a podiatrist can lift the nail edge away from the irritated skin. A splint or brace can hold the edge properly while the nail grows forward. The podiatrist can also trim the nail correctly and reduce thick areas that press against the toe. When infection is present, the foot doctor evaluates its severity and provides treatment. Professional care protects the skin, eases pressure, and lowers the risk of the problem becoming worse. The podiatrist can explain which shoe shapes provide enough room for the toes.

A painful or repeated ingrown toenail can require a minor procedure. After numbing the toe, the podiatrist removes the narrow section of nail that is cutting into the skin. In recurring cases, the nail root beneath that section is treated so the troublesome edge does not grow back. Removal of the nail is less common and is reserved for severe problems. Prevention includes trimming nails straight across, avoiding torn nail corners, and choosing properly fitting shoes. Regular podiatric checks are helpful for patients who have circulation problems or a reduced feeling in their feet. If you have an ingrown toenail, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Toe pain can disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, contact Steven Ginex, DPM of Palm Desert Podiatry. 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 Palm Desert, CA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Athlete's foot is a common fungal infection that affects the skin on the feet. Although it often begins between the toes, it can also spread to other areas of the foot if left untreated. The infection thrives in warm, moist environments, making locker rooms, public showers, and swimming pool areas common places for exposure. Symptoms include itching, burning, and cracked skin. Some people also notice redness, peeling, or a rash that causes ongoing discomfort. In more severe cases, the skin may become painful or develop blisters. Because other skin conditions can appear similar, a professional evaluation is important to confirm the cause and recommend the most appropriate treatment.

Several factors can increase the risk of developing athlete's foot. Wearing damp footwear, sharing personal items, or spending time in moist environments may increase the chance of infection. People who sweat heavily or have small breaks in the skin may also be more susceptible. Without proper treatment, the infection can spread to the toenails or other areas of the body. Persistent symptoms may also make walking and other daily activities uncomfortable. Identifying the infection early allows treatment to begin before the condition becomes more difficult to manage.

A podiatrist can diagnose athlete's foot by examining the affected skin and determining whether additional testing is needed. Professional treatment focuses on eliminating the fungal infection, relieving symptoms, and helping prevent complications. If the infection has spread or continues to return, a podiatrist can recommend more advanced treatment options based on the severity of the condition. Early podiatry care may also reduce the risk of long-term skin or nail problems. If itching, peeling, or burning skin on your feet is affecting your comfort, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for an evaluation and appropriate treatment options.

Athlete’s foot is an inconvenient condition that can be easily reduced with the proper treatment. If you have any concerns about your feet and ankles, contact Steven Ginex, DPM from Palm Desert Podiatry.  Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Athlete’s Foot: The Sole Story

Athlete's foot, also known as tinea pedis, can be an extremely contagious foot infection. It is commonly contracted in public changing areas and bathrooms, dormitory style living quarters, around locker rooms and public swimming pools, or anywhere your feet often come into contact with other people.

Solutions to Combat Athlete’s Foot

• Hydrate your feet by using lotion
• Exfoliate
• Buff off nails
• Use of anti-fungal products
• Examine your feet and visit your doctor if any suspicious blisters or cuts develop

Athlete’s foot can cause many irritating symptoms such as dry and flaking skin, itching, and redness. Some more severe symptoms can include bleeding and cracked skin, intense itching and burning, and even pain when walking. In the worst cases, Athlete’s foot can cause blistering as well. Speak to your podiatrist for a better understanding of the different causes of Athlete’s foot, as well as help in determining which treatment options are best for you.

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

Ankle pain can make walking, standing, and other everyday activities more difficult. The ankle is a complex joint that supports body weight while allowing the foot to move in several directions. Pain may develop suddenly after an injury, or appear gradually because of repeated stress on the joint. Common causes include sprains, arthritis, and tendon problems. In some cases, ankle pain may also result from fractures or inflammation affecting nearby tissues. Symptoms range from mild discomfort to severe pain that limits normal movement. Because many different conditions can affect the ankle, a professional evaluation is important to identify the cause and determine the most appropriate treatment. Early care may also help prevent ongoing pain and improve long-term joint function.

The symptoms of ankle pain vary depending on the underlying problem. Many people experience swelling, stiffness, or tenderness surrounding the joint. Others notice bruising or difficulty putting weight on the affected foot. Pain may become worse while walking, climbing stairs, or participating in physical activities. Reduced flexibility and limited range of motion can also interfere with work, exercise, and daily routines. Persistent ankle pain should not be ignored because untreated problems may lead to additional joint stress and reduced mobility. Identifying the source of pain early allows treatment to begin before symptoms become more severe and may help support a smoother recovery.

A podiatrist specializes in diagnosing and treating conditions that affect the feet and ankles. During an examination, the podiatrist evaluates the joint, reviews symptoms, and determines the cause of the pain before creating an individualized treatment plan. Treatment may help reduce pain, improve joint function, and restore mobility based on the specific diagnosis. Early podiatry care may also help prevent further joint damage and support a safe return to normal activities. If you have ankle pain, swelling, or difficulty walking, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for an evaluation and appropriate treatment options.

Ankle pain can have many different causes and the pain may potentially be serious. If you have ankle pain, consult with Steven Ginex, DPM from Palm Desert Podiatry. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Ankle pain is any condition that causes pain in the ankle. Due to the fact that the ankle consists of tendons, muscles, bones, and ligaments, ankle pain can come from a number of different conditions.

Causes

The most common causes of ankle pain include:

• Types of arthritis (rheumatoid, osteoarthritis, and gout)
• Ankle sprains
• Broken ankles
• Achilles tendinitis
• Achilles tendon rupture
• Stress fractures
• Tarsal tunnel syndrome
• Plantar fasciitis

Symptoms

Symptoms of ankle injury vary based upon the condition. Pain may include general pain and discomfort, swelling, aching, redness, bruising, burning or stabbing sensations, and/or loss of sensation.

Diagnosis

Due to the wide variety of potential causes of ankle pain, podiatrists will utilize a number of different methods to properly diagnose ankle pain. This can include asking for personal and family medical histories and of any recent injuries. Further diagnosis may include sensation tests, a physical examination, and potentially x-rays or other imaging tests.

Treatment

Just as the range of causes varies widely, so do treatments. Some more common treatments are rest, ice packs, keeping pressure off the foot, orthotics and braces, medication for inflammation and pain, and surgery.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Palm Desert, CA . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

When a toenail grows into the surrounding skin and causes ongoing pain, foot surgery can provide lasting relief. This problem usually affects the big toe and can make even short walks uncomfortable. As the ingrown toenail presses deeper into the skin, the area becomes red, tender, and difficult to touch. Drainage or repeated infections may return after temporary improvement. When the condition continues or keeps coming back, a podiatrist can examine the toe, explain the cause, and determine whether surgery is the best treatment. Surgery removes the part of the nail causing the problem, and in some cases, the entire nail is removed. A podiatrist also decides whether to treat the area where the toenail grows to help prevent the ingrown toenail from coming back. 

Before recommending surgery, the podiatrist reviews your health history and examines the toe carefully. This helps in choosing the treatment that offers the best chance for healing, while also reducing the risk of future problems. Ingrown toenail surgery is usually performed with a local anesthetic, which numbs the toe while the patient remains awake. The procedure generally takes only a few minutes, and most patients return home the same day. Depending on the condition of the toe, the podiatrist removes part of the nail or the entire nail. Medication can be used to prevent the troublesome section of the nail from growing back. 

Recovery includes protecting the treated toe and following the podiatrist's instructions carefully. Mild discomfort, swelling, and tenderness are expected while the area heals. Like any procedure, surgery includes possible risks. These include bleeding, infection, and scarring. In some cases, the ingrown toenail returns and another procedure becomes necessary. Most patients experience significant relief once healing is complete and can return to normal daily activities after their podiatrist says it is safe. If you have an extremely painful ingrown toenail, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist to see if surgery is the right choice for you.

Foot surgery is sometimes necessary to treat a foot ailment. To learn more, contact Steven Ginex, DPM of Palm Desert Podiatry. Our doctor will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.

When Is Surgery Necessary?

Foot and ankle surgery is generally reserved for cases in which less invasive, conservative procedures have failed to alleviate the problem. Some of the cases in which surgery may be necessary include:

• Removing foot deformities like bunions and bone spurs
• Severe arthritis that has caused bone issues
• Cosmetic reconstruction

What Types of Surgery Are There?

The type of surgery you receive will depend on the nature of the problem you have. Some of the possible surgeries include:

• Bunionectomy for painful bunions
• Surgical fusion for realignment of bones
• Neuropathy decompression surgery to treat nerve damage

Benefits of Surgery

Although surgery is usually a last resort, it can provide more complete pain relief compared to non-surgical methods and may allow you to finally resume full activity.

Surgical techniques have also become increasingly sophisticated. Techniques like endoscopic surgery allow for smaller incisions and faster recovery times.

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