Ingrown toenails are a common and often painful condition where the edge of the toenail grows into the surrounding skin. This can lead to redness, swelling, tenderness, and sometimes infection. Patients may notice warmth, drainage, or even pus around the affected area. Walking or wearing shoes may become uncomfortable or difficult. Common causes include improper nail trimming, tight-fitting shoes, or a naturally curved nail shape. While some cases can be managed at home, persistent or infected ingrown toenails require professional care. A podiatrist can diagnose the condition through a physical exam and determine the best course of treatment. Options may include lifting the nail, partial nail removal, or in recurring cases, removing part of the nail root to prevent regrowth. Proper care and hygiene guidance will also be provided to prevent future issues. If you are experiencing pain, swelling, or signs of infection around a toenail, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for effective relief and care.

Ingrown toenails can become painful if they are not treated properly. For more information about ingrown toenails, contact Kenneth Williams, DPM of Texas. 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

Because ingrown toenails are not something found outside of shoe-wearing cultures, going barefoot as often as possible will decrease the likeliness of developing ingrown toenails. 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 San Antonio and Beeville, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune condition that can cause inflammation, stiffness, and joint damage in many parts of the body, including the feet and ankles. In these areas, the disease often leads to swelling, tenderness, and reduced mobility, making walking and daily activities more challenging. Over time, joint structures may change shape, causing deformities such as bunions, hammertoes, or collapsed arches. These changes can alter the way weight is distributed across the feet, increasing discomfort and the risk of additional problems. Podiatrists play an important role in managing these symptoms by recommending supportive footwear, orthotics, exercises, and, in some cases, discussing surgical options. Addressing issues early can help preserve mobility and reduce pain. If you have rheumatoid arthritis and notice increasing discomfort or changes in your feet or ankles, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for relief and management tips.

Because RA affects more than just your joints, including the joints in your feet and ankles, it is important to seek early diagnosis from your podiatrist if you feel like the pain in your feet might be caused by RA. For more information, contact Kenneth Williams, DPM of Texas. Our doctor will assist you with all of your podiatric concerns.

What Is Rheumatoid Arthritis?

Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disorder in which the body’s own immune system attacks the membranes surrounding the joints. Inflammation of the lining and eventually the destruction of the joint’s cartilage and bone occur, causing severe pain and immobility.

Rheumatoid Arthritis of the Feet

Although RA usually attacks multiple bones and joints throughout the entire body, almost 90 percent of cases result in pain in the foot or ankle area.

Symptoms

• Swelling and pain in the feet
• Stiffness in the feet
• Pain on the ball or sole of feet
• Joint shift and deformation

Diagnosis

Quick diagnosis of RA in the feet is important so that the podiatrist can treat the area effectively. Your doctor will ask you about your medical history, occupation, and lifestyle to determine the origin of the condition. Rheumatoid Factor tests help to determine if someone is affected by the disease.

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

Neuropathy is a condition where the nerves are damaged or not functioning properly, often affecting the feet. This can lead to neuralgia, which is sharp, burning nerve pain, or cause numbness, tingling, and loss of sensation. Feet may feel weak or overly sensitive. Risk factors of neuropathy include diabetes, alcohol use, infections, and certain medications. These symptoms can increase the risk of injury, infection, and balance issues. A podiatrist can help by identifying the type and cause of neuropathy and offering treatment to manage symptoms, protect the feet, and improve quality of life. If you notice unusual sensations or pain in your feet, it is suggested that you contact a podiatrist to begin proper care and prevent further complications.

Neuropathy

Neuropathy can be a potentially serious condition, especially if it is left undiagnosed. If you have any concerns that you may be experiencing nerve loss in your feet, consult with Kenneth Williams, DPM from Texas. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment for neuropathy.

What Is Neuropathy?

Neuropathy is a condition that leads to damage to the nerves in the body. Peripheral neuropathy, or neuropathy that affects your peripheral nervous system, usually occurs in the feet. Neuropathy can be triggered by a number of different causes. Such causes include diabetes, infections, cancers, disorders, and toxic substances.

Symptoms of Neuropathy Include:

• Numbness
• Sensation loss
• Prickling and tingling sensations
• Throbbing, freezing, burning pains
• Muscle weakness

Those with diabetes are at serious risk due to being unable to feel an ulcer on their feet. Diabetics usually also suffer from poor blood circulation. This can lead to the wound not healing, infections occurring, and the limb may have to be amputated.

Treatment

To treat neuropathy in the foot, podiatrists will first diagnose the cause of the neuropathy. Figuring out the underlying cause of the neuropathy will allow the podiatrist to prescribe the best treatment, whether it be caused by diabetes, toxic substance exposure, infection, etc. If the nerve has not died, then it’s possible that sensation may be able to return to the foot.

Pain medication may be issued for pain. Electrical nerve stimulation can be used to stimulate nerves. If the neuropathy is caused from pressure on the nerves, then surgery may be necessary.

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

Toe pain, which can range from mild discomfort to severe irritation, often signals an underlying issue. Common causes include bunions, which show as a bony bump on the side of the foot, and ingrown toenails that pierce the surrounding skin. Morton’s neuroma can cause sharp, burning pain between the toes, while gout results in sudden joint inflammation and swelling. Additionally, cellulitis, a serious skin infection, can also lead to pain and redness. A podiatrist can diagnose the cause, provide treatments such as medications, orthotics, or minor procedures, and help prevent complications. Ignoring toe pain can affect mobility and overall foot health. If you are experiencing toe pain, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who can provide an accurate diagnosis and treatment.

Toe pain can disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, contact Kenneth Williams, DPM of Texas. Our doctor 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 San Antonio and Beeville, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.