Your Foot & Ankle Learning Center

Stop blaming yourself for wearing those high heeled shoes or ill-fitting shoes when you were young. The cause of bunions has more to do with the foot structure you inherited and less to do with the type of shoes you…

The best success for treating nail fungus is when treatment is started early on in the infectious process. Most women polish their toenails all summer long (and possibly all year long) and never look closely at their nails when the…

Heel pain can be devastating, causing one to limp and avoid walking and exercise. It is so common that I see 3-4 people a day with trouble walking due to heel pain. Most people complain of pain that is worse…

An ingrown toenail may need professional removal when it keeps returning, becomes infected, fails to improve after one to two weeks of home care, or causes enough pain to affect walking and wearing shoes. In most cases, only the problem edge of the nail is removed, and the procedure is performed under local anesthesia.

Untreated toenail fungus can spread and become harder to treat over time. The nail may thicken, crumble, change shape, and become painful when walking or wearing shoes. The infection can also spread to other nails and surrounding skin, while damaged tissue may allow bacteria to enter and cause a more serious infection.

Flat feet can affect more than your feet. When collapsed arches cause the feet to roll inward, the change can place extra strain on your knees, hips, shins, and lower back. Common signs include inner knee pain, hip tightness, back aches, shin splints, and uneven shoe wear. Supportive footwear may help reduce these symptoms.

Untreated plantar fasciitis can progress from mild morning heel pain to chronic pain that affects your entire body. Ongoing stress may lead to tissue damage, plantar fascia tears, nerve entrapment, and changes in the way you walk, placing extra strain on your knees, hips, and back. Early treatment helps prevent long-term complications and speeds recovery.

An infected ingrown toenail is easy to recognize once you know the warning signs. Pus, spreading redness, warmth, constant throbbing pain, and a foul odor usually indicate infection rather than simple irritation. Getting prompt treatment helps prevent the infection from spreading and reduces the risk of recurring ingrown toenails.