Ingrown toenails occur when the edge of a toenail grows into the surrounding skin, causing inflammation, pain,and possible infection. This condition often leads to redness, swelling, tenderness, and drainage surrounding the nail. Common causes include improper nail trimming, curved nails, wearing tight shoes that place pressure on the toes, and repeated trauma to the nail. Ingrown toenails are one of the most common nail problems treated in podiatry, and can worsen if not addressed early. A podiatrist can safely remove the ingrown portion of the nail, treat the infection, and provide guidance on proper nail care and footwear. If you notice toe pain, redness or swelling, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can accurately diagnose the problem, and offer effective relief and treatment solutions. 

Ingrown toenails can become painful if they are not treated properly. For more information about ingrown toenails, contact Neeta Hasmukh, DPM of Total 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

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 offices located in San Antonio, Uvalde, and Jourdanton, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Being overweight places extra stress on the feet with every step, and women can be especially affected as they get older. Added body weight increases pressure on foot joints, soft tissues, and the heel, which can lead to soreness, stiffness, or swelling. Pain often develops in areas that carry the greatest load, such as the ankles, midfoot, and toes. Wearing shoes with inadequate support, spending long hours standing, and wearing flip-flops can increase strain. Extra body weight can also change gait, causing the arch to flatten and increasing the pull on ligaments and tendons. This can interfere with walking and limit activity, creating a cycle where discomfort makes movement harder. A podiatrist can evaluate the feet, recommend better shoe choices, prescribe orthotics, or discuss additional treatment options. If you are experiencing foot pain linked to your weight, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and safe treatment.

Obesity has become very problematic at this point in time and can have extremely negative effects on the feet. If you’re an obese individual and are concerned about your feet, contact Neeta Hasmukh, DPM from Total Podiatry. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Obesity and Your Feet

Since your feet are what support your entire weight when standing, any additional weight can result in pain and swelling. Being overweight is one of the main contributors to foot complications.

Problems & Complications

Extra Weight – Even putting on just a few extra pounds could create serious complications for your feet. As your weight increases, your balance and body will shift, creating new stresses on your feet. This uneven weight distribution can cause pain, even while doing the simplest tasks, such as walking.

Diabetes – People who are overweight are at serious risk of developing type-2 diabetes, which has a drastic impact on the health of your feet. As you get older, your diabetes might worsen, which could lead to loss of feeling in your feet, sores, and bruises. You could also become more prone to various infections.

Plantar fasciitis – Pressure and stress that is placed on muscles, joints, and tendons can trigger plantar fasciitis, which is an inflammation of tissue that forms along the bottom of the foot. 

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in San Antonio, Uvalde, and Jourdanton, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Ankle pain while playing golf is a common issue that can affect performance and enjoyment of the game. A lack of mobility in the ankle joints places added stress on the surrounding muscles and ligaments, leading to discomfort during swings and walking the course. Weakness or lack of strength in the supporting muscles also contributes to instability and strain. Over time, these factors may result in chronic pain or injury if not properly addressed. A podiatrist can evaluate the mechanics of your feet and ankles, recommend supportive footwear or orthotics, and provide strengthening exercises to reduce stress. If you have foot or ankle pain from playing golf, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can offer effective relief and treatment solutions, while guiding you on foot strengthening techniques.

Ankle and foot injuries are common among athletes and in many sports. They can be caused by several problems and may be potentially serious. If you are feeling pain or think you were injured in a sporting event or when exercising, consult with Neeta Hasmukh, DPM from Total Podiatry. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Common Injuries

The most common injuries that occur in sporting activities include:

• Achilles Tendonitis
• Achilles Tendon Rupture
• Ankle Sprains
• Broken Foot
• Plantar Fasciitis
• Stress Fractures
• Turf Toe

Symptoms

Symptoms vary depending upon the injury and in some cases, there may be no symptoms at all. However, in most cases, some form of symptom is experienced. Pain, aching, burning, bruising, tenderness, tightness or stiffness, sensation loss, difficulty moving, and swelling are the most common symptoms.

Treatment

Just as symptoms vary depending upon the injury, so do treatment options. A common treatment method is known as the RICE method. This method involves rest, applying ice, compression and elevating the afflicted foot or ankle. If the injury appears to be more serious, surgery might be required, such as arthroscopic or reconstructive surgery. Lastly, rehabilitation or therapy might be needed to gain full functionality in the afflicted area. Any discomfort experienced by an athlete must be evaluated by a licensed, reputable medical professional.  

If you have any questions please contact our offices located in San Antonio, Uvalde, and Jourdanton, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Aging can affect the way the feet feel and move, and seniors often notice changes in balance, comfort, and stability as soft tissues lose elasticity and arches weaken. Joint stiffness, bunions, stress fractures, and changes in bone strength can make walking uncomfortable. This is especially true when shoes that lack adequate support or worn-down flip-flops place extra pressure on the toes and heels. Seniors are also more prone to conditions like plantar fasciitis and Achilles tendinitis as the arches flatten and the ligaments stretch. Regular foot checks help identify swelling, changes in toe alignment, and areas of irritation before they worsen. A podiatrist can assess gait, evaluate the health of the toes, ankles, and arches, and recommend treatment to protect long-term mobility and keep the feet functioning well. If you are an older adult experiencing foot problems, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and treatment.

Proper foot care is something many older adults forget to consider. If you have any concerns about your feet and ankles, contact Neeta Hasmukh, DPM from Total Podiatry. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

The Elderly and Their Feet

As we age we start to notice many changes in our body, but the elder population may not notice them right away. Medical conditions may prevent the elderly to take notice of their foot health right away. Poor vision is a lead contributor to not taking action for the elderly.

Common Conditions 

• Neuropathy – can reduce feeling in the feet and can hide many life-threatening medical conditions.
• Reduced flexibility – prevents the ability of proper toenail trimming, and foot cleaning. If left untreated, it may lead to further medical issues.
• Foot sores – amongst the older population can be serious before they are discovered. Some of the problematic conditions they may face are:
• Gouging toenails affecting nearby toe
• Shoes that don’t fit properly
• Pressure sores
• Loss of circulation in legs & feet
• Edema & swelling of feet and ankles

Susceptible Infections

Diabetes and poor circulation can cause general loss of sensitivity over the years, turning a simple cut into a serious issue.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in San Antonio, Uvalde, and Jourdanton, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.