Toenails can turn black for a number of reasons, including injury as well as more serious health concerns. Repetitive pressure from shoes that do not fit correctly can cause bleeding beneath the nail, which looks black. A single blunt injury, such as dropping something heavy on the toe, may also lead to black discoloration. Infections, especially fungal infections, can cause debris buildup that darkens the nail. Pigmentation changes and certain medical conditions, like diabetes, kidney disease, or heart disease, may also affect nail color. In rare cases, a black toenail may be linked to melanoma, a serious form of skin cancer that can appear beneath the nail bed. A podiatrist can determine the source, recommend treatment, and address underlying problems that may be affecting the toes. If you have a discolored toenail, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam and appropriate treatment.

Toe pain can disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, contact one of our podiatrists of Podiatry Services . Our doctors 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 Murrieta, CA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Total ankle replacement is a surgical procedure designed to relieve pain and restore movement for people with severe ankle arthritis or injury. During the procedure, damaged bone and cartilage are replaced with artificial components that mimic the natural joint, allowing smoother motion and better flexibility. Unlike ankle fusion, which limits movement, this advanced technique preserves joint mobility and can improve overall balance and gait. Recovery takes time and involves targeted exercises to strengthen muscles and improve the range of motion. Wearing supportive footwear and a gradual return to activity can help protect the new joint. Many patients experience significant pain relief and improved quality of life after surgery. If chronic ankle pain or stiffness limits your ability to walk comfortably, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can evaluate whether total ankle replacement is the right option to help you move freely again.

In certain cases, in which the patient suffers from extreme pain or damage in a joint, joint replacement surgery may be deemed useful. If you have constant pain in a foot joint, consult with one of our podiatrists from Podiatry Services . Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

What Is Joint Replacement Surgery?

Over time, joints wear down; this can be exacerbated by diseases and conditions. Joint replacement surgery, also known as arthroplasty, is when a damaged joint is surgically removed and replaced with a prosthesis. Prostheses, which can be made of ceramic, plastic, or metal, act as joints in lieu of an actual joint. One of the most prevalent causes for joint replacement is arthritis.

Arthritis in the Foot

Arthritis can occur in any joint in the body, including in the feet. Common types of arthritis in the foot are osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and gout. The big toe is usually where arthritis occurs in the foot; this is known as hallux rigidus.

Joint Replacement Surgery in the Foot

The most common form of joint replacement in the foot is a first metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint placement. MTP joint replacement surgery is designed to treat hallux rigidus. Surgery is not intensive, and recovery occurs within one to two months after the procedure has been done. Overall, joint replacement surgery is a safe and effective way to treat pain in the joint of the foot.

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

Strengthening the ankles is an important way to improve stability and reduce the chance of future injury. The ankle joint, which connects the leg to the foot, relies on surrounding muscles and ligaments for balance and support. When those tissues become weak, the foot may be more prone to sprains, instability, or recurring pain. Ankle exercises that focus on strength can be grouped into static, resistance, and dynamic movements. Static exercises allow the ankle muscles to tighten without moving the joint, helping to rebuild strength after an injury. Resistance work, such as using bands to push or pull the foot in different directions, helps improve stability in daily walking or running. Dynamic exercises target the arches and toes, such as lifting the arch, scrunching a towel with the toes, or picking up objects to build strength in the smaller muscles of the foot. If you have ankle weakness, it is suggested that you schedule  an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam and appropriate treatment.

Exercising your feet regularly with the proper foot wear is a great way to prevent injuries and build strength. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact one of our podiatrists from Podiatry Services . Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Exercise for Your Feet

Exercise for your feet can help you gain strength, mobility and flexibility in your feet. They say that strengthening your feet can be just as rewarding as strengthening another part of the body. Your feet are very important, and we often forget about them in our daily tasks. But it is because of our feet that are we able to get going and do what we need to. For those of us fortunate enough to not have any foot problems, it is an important gesture to take care of them to ensure good health in the long run.

Some foot health exercises can include ankle pumps, tip-toeing, toe rises, lifting off the floor doing reps and sets, and flexing the toes. It is best to speak with Our doctors to determine an appropriate regimen for your needs. Everyone’s needs and bodies are different, and the activities required to maintain strength in the feet vary from individual to individual. 

Once you get into a routine of doing regular exercise, you may notice a difference in your feet and how strong they may become.

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

Puncture wounds on the feet occur when sharp objects such as nails, glass, or animal teeth pierce the skin and penetrate into deeper tissues. While puncture wounds may seem minor, they often create narrow entry points that drive bacteria and debris beneath the surface, which increases the risk of infection. Because the foot bears weight and is exposed to the ground, puncture wounds in this area can be more complicated than similar injuries elsewhere. Complications may include abscess formation, damage to tendons or bones, or serious infection requiring advanced care. A podiatrist can evaluate the extent of the puncture wound, ensure that any foreign material is safely removed, and determine whether imaging or surgery is necessary. Proper medical care can help prevent long-term problems, such as tissue damage, joint involvement, or in severe cases, limb loss. If you have sustained a puncture wound on the foot, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam and 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 one of our podiatrists from Podiatry Services . Our doctors 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 contact our office located in Murrieta, CA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.