Ingrown toenails occur when the edge of a nail grows into the surrounding skin, creating irritation that can quickly become painful. This condition often develops from improper nail trimming, tight footwear, injury, or natural nail shape. Symptoms may begin with tenderness and progress to swelling, redness, and increasing pain, sometimes joined by drainage, warmth, or infection. The affected toe may look inflamed or puffy along the nail border, and it can feel sore, throbbing, or sharply painful, especially when walking or wearing shoes. Left untreated, ingrown toenails can worsen and interfere with daily activities. A podiatrist can help by carefully examining the nail and surrounding tissue to confirm the diagnosis and assess severity. Early treatment may include trimming, lifting, or protecting the nail edge, along with guidance on proper foot care. More advanced cases may require partial nail removal, medication, or corrective procedures to prevent recurrence. If you have a painful ingrown toenail, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist.

Ingrown toenails can become painful if they are not treated properly. For more information about ingrown toenails, 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.

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

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 our office located in Murrieta, CA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Unusual sensations in the toes, such as pins and needles, burning, or reduced feeling, can interfere with walking and balance. These changes often relate to nerve irritation or reduced blood flow. Common causes include diabetes, nerve compression in the foot or lower leg, repetitive pressure from footwear, vitamin deficiencies, or lower back issues that affect nerve pathways. Prolonged sitting or standing may also contribute. Symptoms can range from mild tingling to complete loss of sensation, weakness, or sensitivity to temperature. Some people notice symptoms worsen at night or during activity, while others experience constant discomfort. Treatment depends on identifying the underlying cause. Care may involve footwear adjustments, orthotics, nerve-focused treatment, circulation support, or management of systemic conditions. Early evaluation helps prevent progression and protects mobility. If you have persistent or worsening changes in sensation in your toes, it is suggested that you visit a podiatrist for a complete assessment involving a proper diagnosis and care.

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.

Neglecting foot health can lead to pain, skin problems, nail concerns, and changes in walking that place strain on the ankles and lower legs. Taking care of your feet is essential because they support body weight, absorb impact, and help maintain balance with every step. Simple habits like keeping feet clean and dry, trimming toenails properly, and wearing shoes that fit well can reduce the risk of irritation, infection, and deformities. Daily attention also makes it easier to notice changes in skin color, swelling, thickened nails, or areas of pressure that may signal a developing problem. As people age or remain on their feet for long periods, flexibility and strength in the feet can decline, increasing the risk of instability and injury. A podiatrist can evaluate foot structure, identify early concerns, and recommend care or treatment to protect mobility. If you have foot discomfort or notice unusual changes, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam and treatment.

Everyday foot care is very important to prevent infection and other foot ailments. If you need your feet checked, 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.

Everyday Foot Care

Often, people take care of their bodies, face and hair more so than they do for their feet. But the feet are a very important aspect of our bodies, and one that we should pay more attention to. Without our feet, we would not be able to perform most daily tasks.

It is best to check your feet regularly to make sure there are no new bruises or cuts that you may not have noticed before. For dry feet, moisturizer can easily be a remedy and can be applied as often as necessary to the affected areas. Wearing shoes that fit well can also help you maintain good foot health, as well as making it easier to walk and do daily activities without the stress or pain of ill-fitting shoes, high heels, or even flip flops. Wearing clean socks with closed shoes is important to ensure that sweat and bacteria do not accumulate within the shoe. Clean socks help to prevent Athlete’s foot, fungi problems, bad odors, and can absorb sweat.

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.

Swollen ankles and feet can develop for many reasons, ranging from simple fluid buildup after a long day to circulation problems, vein issues, medication effects, or conditions such as diabetes and arthritis. The swelling may feel tight, heavy, or warm, and shoes may suddenly feel snug. Some people notice puffiness that improves with rest, while others see persistent fullness that returns each day. Because the feet and ankles sit far from the heart, they are especially sensitive to changes in circulation and pressure. A podiatrist can evaluate the pattern of swelling, check skin and nail health, assess circulation, and identify whether the cause is mechanical, inflammatory, or related to an underlying medical condition. Treatment may include wearing supportive footwear, targeted compression, activity guidance, or wound care if the skin becomes affected. If swelling continues or begins to limit daily movement, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for effective relief solutions.

Swollen feet can be a sign of an underlying condition. 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.

Swollen feet are a common ailment among pregnant women and people who stand or sit for extended periods. Aging may increase the possibility of swollen feet and patients who are obese often notice when their feet are swelling too. There may be medical reasons why swollen feet occur:

• Phlebitis - A condition that causes the veins to become inflamed and can also cause leg pain.
• Liver disease - This may lead to low blood levels of albumin which is a protein. This can cause fluid in the blood to pass into the tissues and several areas of the body can become swollen.
• Heart failure - When the heart doesn’t pump properly the blood that is normally pumped back to the heart can pool in the veins of the legs causing swollen feet.
• Kidney disease - One of the main functions of the kidneys is releasing excess fluid in the body. This type of condition can make it difficult for the kidneys to function properly, and as a result the feet may become swollen.
• Deep-vein thrombosis (DVT)- This is a serious condition where blood clots form in the veins of the legs. They can block the return of blood from the legs to the heart which may cause the feet to swell. It is important to be treated by a podiatrist if this condition is present.

Swollen feet can also be caused by bone and tendon conditions, including fractures, arthritis, and tendinitis. Additionally, there may be skin and toenail conditions and an infection may cause the feet to swell. Patients who take medicine to treat high blood pressure may be prone to getting swollen feet. 

Many patients elevate their feet to help relieve the swelling and this is generally a temporary remedy. When a podiatrist is consulted the reason behind the swelling can be uncovered and subsequently treated.

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.