After a long walk or a vigorous run, it is not uncommon to notice a toenail that has turned black, blue, or gray, often accompanied by swelling underneath the nail. This phenomenon, known as a black toenail, is typically caused by bleeding beneath the nail, medically termed a subungual hematoma. The most common cause of black toenail is trauma, such as stubbing your toe or dropping something heavy on it. It is also common among runners as the result of repetitive pressure as the toe hits the front of the shoe. A podiatrist can offer treatment options to alleviate discomfort from black toenail and aid in the healing process. For cases where the nail is significantly raised and painful, a procedure called trephination may be recommended, which involves creating a small hole in the nail to relieve pressure and facilitate drainage. Preventing black toenails involves ensuring proper footwear and sock fit, especially during physical activity. Shoes should allow for sufficient toe room to accommodate swelling, while proper lacing techniques can minimize toe trauma. If you have developed a black toenail that is causing pain, it is suggested that you visit a podiatrist for an exam and the appropriate treatment measures.

Toe pain can disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, contact one of our podiatrists of Cascade Foot Clinic. 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 feel free to contact our offices located in Bend and Redmond, OR . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Proper foot care is of extreme importance for diabetics to prevent serious complications, such as foot ulcers and possibly gangrene. A daily regimen begins with checking your feet daily for cuts, redness, swelling and sores, or any skin or nail changes. Use a mirror or ask for help if needed. Wash your feet daily with warm water, ensuring thorough drying and moisturizing except between toes. Always wear well-fitting shoes and socks or slippers to protect against injury, and inspect shoes regularly. Trim toenails straight across and seek podiatric assistance if necessary. Avoid self-treating corns or calluses. Schedule regular foot exams with a podiatrist, especially if you have nerve damage, to monitor sensation and blood flow. Promote circulation by elevating feet when sitting and incorporating gentle exercises. Choose low-impact activities like walking, biking, or swimming. It is suggested that people with diabetes schedule regular visits to a podiatrist to prevent or manage the serious complications caused by this disease.

Diabetic foot care is important in preventing foot ailments such as ulcers. If you are suffering from diabetes or have any other concerns about your feet, contact one of our podiatrists from Cascade Foot Clinic. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Diabetic Foot Care

Diabetes affects millions of people every year. The condition can damage blood vessels in many parts of the body, especially the feet. Because of this, taking care of your feet is essential if you have diabetes, and having a podiatrist help monitor your foot health is highly recommended.

The Importance of Caring for Your Feet

• Routinely inspect your feet for bruises or sores.
• Wear socks that fit your feet comfortably.
• Wear comfortable shoes that provide adequate support.

Patients with diabetes should have their doctor monitor their blood levels, as blood sugar levels play such a huge role in diabetic care. Monitoring these levels on a regular basis is highly advised.

It is always best to inform your healthcare professional of any concerns you may have regarding your feet, especially for diabetic patients. Early treatment and routine foot examinations are keys to maintaining proper health, especially because severe complications can arise if proper treatment is not applied.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Bend and Redmond, OR . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Clubfoot is a birth defect that affects approximately one in 1,000 infants in the United States. Features of clubfoot include a high arch, inward rotation of the foot, pointed toes, and stiffness, often accompanied by a tight Achilles tendon. Although the precise cause of what is called idiopathic clubfoot remains elusive, genetic factors are presumed to be influential. Diagnosis typically occurs either prenatally through ultrasound or at birth when the foot is found to be rigid. The Ponseti method, named after Dr. Ignatio Ponseti, stands as a highly effective treatment approach, which involves casting, minimal surgery to the Achilles tendon, and bracing. This method has revolutionized clubfoot management, offering an optimistic prognosis for affected children. With early intervention and consistent adherence to the Ponseti method, children with clubfoot can anticipate restored foot function. They can become active in sports and wear regular shoes. For parents confronted with the diagnosis of clubfoot in their child, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who can suggest treatment options. 

Congenital foot problems require immediate attention to avoid future complications. If you have any concerns, contact one of our podiatrists of Cascade Foot Clinic. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Congenital foot problems are deformities affecting the feet, toes, and/or ankles that children are born with. Some of these conditions have a genetic cause while others just happen. Some specific foot ailments that children may be born with include clubfeet, polydactyly/macrodactyly, and cleft foot. There are several other foot anomalies that can occur congenitally. What all of these conditions have in common is that a child may experience difficulty walking or performing everyday activities, as well as trouble finding footwear that fits their foot deformity. Some of these conditions are more serious than others. Consulting with a podiatrist as early as possible will help in properly diagnosing a child’s foot condition while getting the necessary treatment underway.

What are Causes of Congenital Foot Problem?

A congenital foot problem is one that happens to a child at birth. These conditions can be caused by a genetic predisposition, developmental or positional abnormalities during gestation, or with no known cause.

What are Symptoms of Congenital Foot Problems?

Symptoms vary by the congenital condition. Symptoms may consist of the following:

• Clubfoot, where tendons are shortened, bones are shaped differently, and the Achilles tendon is tight, causing the foot to point in and down. It is also possible for the soles of the feet to face each other.
• Polydactyly, which usually consists of a nubbin or small lump of tissue without a bone, a toe that is partially formed but has no joints, or an extra toe.
• Vertical talus, where the talus bone forms in the wrong position causing other bones in the foot to line up improperly, the front of the foot to point up, and the bottom of the foot to stiffen, with no arch, and to curve out.
• Tarsal coalition, when there is an abnormal connection of two or more bones in the foot leading to severe, rigid flatfoot.
• Cleft foot, where there are missing toes, a V-shaped cleft, and other anatomical differences.
• Macrodactyly, when the toes are abnormally large due to overgrowth of the underlying bone or soft tissue.

Treatment and Prevention

While there is nothing one can do to prevent congenital foot problems, raising awareness and receiving neonatal screenings are important. Early detection by taking your child to a podiatrist leads to the best outcome possible.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Bend and Redmond, OR . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.