A toe infection can cause pain, swelling, redness, and discharge, making daily activities difficult to complete. Common causes of toe infections include fungal infections like athlete’s foot or toenail fungus, bacterial infections from cuts or injuries, and ingrown toenails. Fungal infections thrive in warm, moist environments and can spread through shared surfaces or personal items. Bacterial infections often develop when bacteria enter the skin through small breaks, such as improperly trimmed nails or blisters. People with diabetes or circulation problems are at a higher risk, as they may not feel early symptoms, which allows infections to get worse. Signs of a more serious infection include fever, warmth surrounding the toe, or red streaks moving up the foot. Without treatment, an infection can spread to deeper tissues, increasing the risk of serious complications. A podiatrist can diagnose the cause of your infected toe, clean the affected area, and recommend the appropriate treatment. Antifungal medication, antibiotics, or minor procedures to remove infected tissue are among the options. If you believe your toe has become infected, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam, diagnosis, and treatment.

Toe pain can disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, contact Amir Shalev, DPM of Complete Foot & Ankle Care. 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 feel free to contact our office located in Las Vegas, NV . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Toenail fungus does not appear overnight, but once it takes hold, it is hard to ignore. At first, a small white or yellow spot may appear on the toenail. Over time, the nail thickens, turns yellow or brown, and may become brittle, crumbly, or even lift from the nail bed. Some people experience a foul odor, while others feel discomfort when wearing shoes. Treatment takes patience. Mild cases may improve with antifungal creams or medicated nail lacquers, but more stubborn infections often require prescription oral medication or laser treatments. In severe cases, the nail may need to be removed. Prevention is key. Keep feet clean and dry, wear breathable shoes, and avoid walking barefoot in public places like around pools or in locker rooms. Trim nails straight across and disinfect nail clippers. If the infection persists, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist who can recommend the best course of action.

If left untreated, toenail fungus may spread to other toenails, skin, or even fingernails. If you suspect you have toenail fungus it is important to seek treatment right away. For more information about treatment, contact Amir Shalev, DPM of Complete Foot & Ankle Care. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Symptoms

• Warped or oddly shaped nails
• Yellowish nails
• Loose/separated nail
• Buildup of bits and pieces of nail fragments under the nail
• Brittle, broken, thickened nail

Treatment

If self-care strategies and over-the-counter medications does not help your fungus, your podiatrist may give you a prescription drug instead. Even if you find relief from your toenail fungus symptoms, you may experience a repeat infection in the future.

Prevention

In order to prevent getting toenail fungus in the future, you should always make sure to wash your feet with soap and water. After washing, it is important to dry your feet thoroughly especially in between the toes. When trimming your toenails, be sure to trim straight across instead of in a rounded shape. It is crucial not to cover up discolored nails with nail polish because that will prevent your nail from being able to “breathe”.

In some cases, surgical procedure may be needed to remove the toenail fungus. Consult with your podiatrist about the best treatment options for your case of toenail fungus.  

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

Flat feet often get a bad reputation, but having low or no arches is not necessarily a medical issue. Many people with flat feet experience no pain, move just fine, and never need treatment. In fact, arches vary widely. Some people have naturally lower arches, and that is perfectly normal. One common myth is that flat feet always cause pain or lead to joint problems. While some people may develop discomfort due to wearing improper footwear or overuse, many with flat feet live pain-free. Another myth is that everyone with flat feet needs orthotics. In reality, treatment is only needed if symptoms arise, such as pain, fatigue, or instability. However, if you have painful flat feet, and it is affecting your mobility, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for intervention.

Flatfoot is a condition many people suffer from. If you have flat feet, contact Amir Shalev, DPM from Complete Foot & Ankle Care. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Are Flat Feet?

Flatfoot is a condition in which the arch of the foot is depressed and the sole of the foot is almost completely in contact with the ground. About 20-30% of the population generally has flat feet because their arches never formed during growth.

Conditions & Problems:

Having flat feet makes it difficult to run or walk because of the stress placed on the ankles.

Alignment – The general alignment of your legs can be disrupted, because the ankles move inward which can cause major discomfort.

Knees – If you have complications with your knees, flat feet can be a contributor to arthritis in that area.  

Symptoms

• Pain around the heel or arch area
• Trouble standing on the tip toe
• Swelling around the inside of the ankle
• Flat look to one or both feet
• Having your shoes feel uneven when worn

Treatment

If you are experiencing pain and stress on the foot you may weaken the posterior tibial tendon, which runs around the inside of the ankle. 

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Las Vegas, NV . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.