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Symptoms and Causes of Ingrown Toenails

Ingrown toenails, which often affect the big toe, can become painful when the nail edge grows into the surrounding skin. Ingrown toenails are common among adolescents, people with diabetes, and those who wear tight shoes. Early symptoms include pain and redness, while more advanced cases may lead to swelling, discharge, and infection. Risk factors include improper trimming of nails, trauma, congenital nail shape issues, and excessive pressure from wearing ill-fitting shoes. When left untreated, an ingrown toenail can lead to bacterial or fungal infections, thickened tissue, or even nail deformity. Treatments by a podiatrist include oral or topical antibiotics to address infection, use of nail splints to lift the nail edge, or cutting away inflamed tissue. In persistent or recurrent cases, partial or total removal of the nail matrix through surgery or chemical treatment may be necessary. If you are experiencing pain from an ingrown toenail, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for appropriate treatment.

Ingrown toenails can become painful if they are not treated properly. For more information about ingrown toenails, contact Dr. Mark Gagnon of Advanced Podiatry. 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 one of our offices located in Crestwood, Orland Park, and Summit, IL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

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What Parents Should Know About Children’s Foot Problems

Children can experience several foot conditions as they grow, some of which are part of normal development while others may require medical attention. Hypermobile flat feet are often flexible and painless, typically improving with age. In-toeing, where the feet turn inward, and out-toeing, where they point outward, are common gait variations seen in young children and usually resolve without treatment. High arches, or pes cavus, may indicate a neurological issue if accompanied by pain or imbalance. Additionally, clubfoot is a more serious condition present at birth, where the foot appears twisted out of position and requires early intervention. Observing your child’s foot shape, walking pattern, and comfort level is important. If your child exhibits any of the above foot conditions, it is suggested that you contact a podiatrist who can monitor your child's foot health. 

Making sure that your children maintain good foot health is very important as they grow. If you have any questions, contact Dr. Mark Gagnon of Advanced Podiatry. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Keeping Children's Feet Healthy

Having healthy feet during childhood can help prevent medical problems later in life, namely in the back and legs. As children grow, their feet require different types of care. Here are some things to consider...

Although babies do not walk yet, it is still very important to take care of their feet.

Avoid putting tight shoes or socks on his or her feet.

Allow the baby to stretch and kick his or her feet to feel comfortable.

As a toddler, kids are now on the move and begin to develop differently. At this age, toddlers are getting a feel for walking, so don’t be alarmed if your toddler is unsteady or ‘walks funny’. 

As your child gets older, it is important to teach them how to take care of their feet.

Show them proper hygiene to prevent infections such as fungus.

Be watchful for any pain or injury.

Have all injuries checked by a doctor as soon as possible.

Comfortable, protective shoes should always be worn, especially at play.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Crestwood, Orland Park, and Summit, IL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

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Understanding Bone Growth Under the Nail and Ingrown Toenails

Some people develop a hard lump under the toenail, often near the big toe. This bump, known as subungual exostosis, is an overgrowth of bone that can push the nail upward or make shoes feel uncomfortable. Over time, the pressure may lead to a painful ingrown toenail, a condition called chronic onychocryptosis. This happens when the nail grows into the surrounding skin, causing swelling, redness, and sometimes infection. The bone growth and the ongoing nail problem often go hand in hand, making the toe sore and hard to treat at home. A podiatrist can take X-rays to confirm the bone growth and suggest the best treatment, which may include minor surgery to remove the bump and help the nail grow normally again. If you have a painful or abnormal toenail that does not get better, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Toe pain can disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, contact Dr. Mark Gagnon of Advanced 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 one of our offices located in Crestwood, Orland Park, and Summit, IL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

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Common Causes of Blisters While Hiking

Blisters are a frequent issue for hikers and can make even the most enjoyable trek uncomfortable. They form when repeated pressure and friction cause the skin layers to separate, allowing fluid to accumulate as a protective response. Direct friction from ill-fitting boots or socks rubbing against the skin increases the risk of blister formation. Moisture from sweat or wet conditions softens the skin, making it more prone to irritation and damage. Extended hiking over rough or uneven terrain can further intensify these effects. Foot blisters can be painful, causing hiking to become difficult. If you have developed a blister while hiking, it is suggested that you visit a podiatrist who can offer you relief and preventative methods.

Blisters are prone to making everyday activities extremely uncomfortable. If your feet are hurting, contact Dr. Mark Gagnon of Advanced Podiatry. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Foot Blisters

Foot blisters develop as a result of constantly wearing tight or ill-fitting footwear. This happens due to the constant rubbing from the shoe, which can often lead to pain.

What Are Foot Blisters?

A foot blister is a small fluid-filled pocket that forms on the upper-most layer of the skin. Blisters are filled with clear fluid and can lead to blood drainage or pus if the area becomes infected.

How Do Blisters Form?

Blisters on the feet are often the result of constant friction of skin and material, usually by shoe rubbing. Walking in sandals, boots, or shoes that don’t fit properly for long periods of time can result in a blister. Having consistent foot moisture and humidity can easily lead to blister formation.

Prevention & Treatment

It is important to properly care for the affected area in order to prevent infection and ease the pain. Do not lance the blister and use a Band-Aid to provide pain relief. Also, be sure to keep your feet dry and wear proper fitting shoes. If you see blood or pus in a blister, seek assistance from a podiatrist.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Crestwood, Orland Park, and Summit, IL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

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Why Live with Pain and Numbness in Your Feet?

Suffering from this type of pain? You may have the foot condition known as Morton's neuroma. Morton's neuroma may develop as a result of ill-fitting footwear and existing foot deformities. We can help.

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