An ingrown toenail may seem like a small concern at first, but it can quickly turn into a painful issue, if not addressed. This condition occurs when the edge of the nail grows into the surrounding skin, leading to tenderness, swelling, and sometimes infection. Common causes include wearing shoes that are too tight, trimming nails too short, genetic predisposition, or injury to the toe. Simple steps, such as keeping feet clean, choosing properly fitted footwear, and cutting nails straight across can reduce the risk of developing one. Warm water soaks can provide temporary relief, but recurring cases should not be ignored. Left untreated, an ingrown toenail may progress into a more serious problem that interferes with walking comfortably. If you are struggling with an ingrown toenail, it is suggested that you schedule a visit with a podiatrist to ensure proper care.

Ingrown toenails may initially present themselves as a minor discomfort, but they may progress into an infection in the skin without proper treatment. For more information about ingrown toenails, contact George Tellam, DPM of Ankle & Foot Associates. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Ingrown Toenails

Ingrown toenails are caused when the corner or side of a toenail grows into the soft flesh surrounding it. They often result in redness, swelling, pain, and in some cases, infection. This condition typically affects the big toe and may recur if it is not treated properly.

Causes

• Improper toenail trimming
• Genetics
• Improper shoe fitting
• Injury from pedicures or nail picking
• Abnormal gait
• Poor hygiene

You are more likely to develop an ingrown toenail if you are obese, have diabetes, arthritis, or have any fungal infection in your nails. Additionally, people who have foot or toe deformities are at a higher risk of developing an ingrown toenail.

Symptoms

Some symptoms of ingrown toenails are redness, swelling, and pain. In rare cases, there may be a yellowish drainage coming from the nail.

Treatment

Ignoring an ingrown toenail can have serious complications. Infections of the nail border can progress to a deeper soft-tissue infection, which can then turn into a bone infection. You should always speak with your podiatrist if you suspect you have an ingrown toenail, especially if you have diabetes or poor circulation.

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

Cold-related foot injuries, such as frostbite, chilblains, and trench foot, occur when feet are exposed to prolonged cold and damp conditions. Frostbite happens in freezing temperatures, leading to tissue damage as blood flow slows. Symptoms include numbness, discoloration, and potentially blistering. Chilblains, or painful, itchy swelling, develop when skin repeatedly warms up too quickly after cold exposure, causing blood vessels to leak. Trench foot, resulting from prolonged dampness in cold conditions, leads to tissue breakdown, swelling, and pain. These injuries are especially common among outdoor workers, hikers, and individuals without proper cold-weather footwear. Prevention involves wearing insulated, moisture-wicking socks and waterproof boots to keep feet warm and dry. If symptoms develop, it is suggested that you rewarm feet and visit a podiatrist promptly, so that the severity can be assessed and complications avoided.

Toe pain can disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, contact George Tellam, DPM of Ankle & Foot Associates. 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 offices located in Orange Park and Jacksonville Beach, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Fungal nail infections, also known as onychomycosis, affect the toenails and can spread, if left untreated. They are caused by fungi that thrive in warm, moist environments, including locker rooms, public showers, and sweaty shoes. Among the symptoms are thickened, discolored, brittle, or crumbling nails, often accompanied by a foul odor. Infected nails may appear yellow, brown, or white, and may feel painful or uncomfortable while walking or wearing shoes. The nail may also lift from the nail bed, increasing the risk of further infection. A podiatrist can accurately diagnose a fungal infection through clinical examination and lab testing. Treatment options include topical or oral antifungal medications, or, in severe cases, nail removal. A podiatrist may also trim and thin the affected nail to reduce discomfort and improve effectiveness of treatment. If you have a fungal nail infection, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist to properly identify the infection, and begin the most effective treatment plan.

For more information about treatment, contact George Tellam, DPM of Ankle & Foot Associates. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Toenail Fungus Treatment

Toenail fungus is a condition that affects many people and can be especially hard to get rid of. Fortunately, there are several methods to go about treating and avoiding it.

Antifungals & Deterrence

Oral antifungal medicine has been shown to be effective in many cases. It is important to consult with a podiatrist to determine the proper regiment for you, or potentially explore other options.

Applying foot powder on the feet and shoes helps keep the feet free of moisture and sweat.

Sandals or open toed shoes – Wearing these will allow air movement and help keep feet dry. They also expose your feet to light, which fungus cannot tolerate. Socks with moisture wicking material also help as well.

If you have any questions please contact our offices located in Orange Park and Jacksonville Beach, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Ankle instability occurs when the ligaments that support the ankle become stretched or torn, leaving the joint vulnerable to repeated sprains. This condition is commonly seen after multiple ankle injuries, and patients often describe their ankle as rolling inward or feeling as if it may give way. True ankle instability results from weakened ligaments. However, functional instability refers to pain or altered mechanics that create the sensation of looseness, even if the ligaments remain stable. Both forms can cause discomfort on the outside or inside of the ankle due to strain on tendons or irritation from altered joint motion. Risk factors include prior ankle sprains, and participation in sports that demand quick changes in direction. A podiatrist can evaluate the extent of instability, identify whether the problem is structural or functional, and recommend treatment. If you experience the feeling that your ankle is giving way, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Ankle pain can have many different causes and the pain may potentially be serious. If you have ankle pain, consult with George Tellam, DPM from Ankle & Foot Associates. 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 offices located in Orange Park and Jacksonville Beach, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.