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 Jeffrey Radack, DPM of Texas Regional Foot & Ankle Clinics. 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 McKinney and Coppell, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Tarsal tunnel syndrome is a condition that occurs when the tibial nerve, which runs through the inside of the ankle, becomes compressed. This compression can lead to a range of symptoms, commonly including a tingling sensation, numbness, or a burning pain in the foot, especially in the sole or arch. Some people may also experience these sensations extending to the heel, toes, or up into the calf. The discomfort often worsens with activity and can become more pronounced at night. Tarsal tunnel syndrome can be caused by anything that increases pressure in the tarsal tunnel, such as swelling from an injury, flat feet that strain the nerve, or growths like cysts. If you suspect tarsal tunnel syndrome, it is suggested that you seek prompt evaluation from a podiatrist.

Tarsal tunnel syndrome can be very uncomfortable to live with. If you are experiencing tarsal tunnel syndrome, contact Jeffrey Radack, DPM of Texas Regional Foot & Ankle Clinics. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome

Tarsal tunnel syndrome, which can also be called tibial nerve dysfunction, is an uncommon condition of misfiring peripheral nerves in the foot. The tibial nerve is the peripheral nerve in the leg responsible for sensation and movement of the foot and calf muscles. In tarsal tunnel syndrome, the tibial nerve is damaged, causing problems with movement and feeling in the foot of the affected leg.

Common Cause of Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome

• Involves pressure or an injury, direct pressure on the tibial nerve for an extended period of time, sometimes caused by other body structures close by or near the knee.
• Diseases that damage nerves, including diabetes, may cause tarsal tunnel syndrome.
• At times, tarsal tunnel syndrome can appear without an obvious cause in some cases.

The Effects of Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome

• Different sensations, an afflicted person may experience pain, tingling, burning or other unusual sensations in the foot of the affected leg.
• The foot muscles, toes and ankle become weaker, and curling your toes or flexing your foot can become difficult.
• If condition worsens, infections and ulcers may develop on the foot that is experiencing the syndrome.

A physical exam of the leg can help identify the presence of tarsal tunnel syndrome. Medical tests, such as a nerve biopsy, are also used to diagnose the condition. Patients may receive physical therapy and prescriptive medication. In extreme cases, some may require surgery.

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

Treatment for Achilles tendon pain involves a comprehensive approach to alleviate discomfort and promote healing. Short-term use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, NSAIDs, under medical supervision can provide relief from Achilles tendon pain. Incorporating warm-up exercises, stretching, and resistance training to strengthen the lower leg muscles and improve tendon function may be prescribed. Orthotic devices such as shoe inserts can help to redistribute pressure away from the Achilles tendon and facilitate healing. Surgical intervention is reserved for cases where conservative treatments have failed, involving procedures such as tendon removal or reattachment. For a personalized treatment plan to treat Achilles tendon pain, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist. 

Achilles tendon injuries need immediate attention to avoid future complications. If you have any concerns, contact Jeffrey Radack, DPM of Texas Regional Foot & Ankle Clinics. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is the Achilles Tendon?

The Achilles tendon is a tendon that connects the lower leg muscles and calf to the heel of the foot. It is the strongest tendon in the human body and is essential for making movement possible. Because this tendon is such an integral part of the body, any injuries to it can create immense difficulties and should immediately be presented to a doctor.

What Are the Symptoms of an Achilles Tendon Injury?

There are various types of injuries that can affect the Achilles tendon. The two most common injuries are Achilles tendinitis and ruptures of the tendon.

Achilles Tendinitis Symptoms

• Inflammation
• Dull to severe pain
• Increased blood flow to the tendon
• Thickening of the tendon

Rupture Symptoms

• Extreme pain and swelling in the foot
• Total immobility

Treatment and Prevention

Achilles tendon injuries are diagnosed by a thorough physical evaluation, which can include an MRI. Treatment involves rest, physical therapy, and in some cases, surgery. However, various preventative measures can be taken to avoid these injuries, such as:

• Thorough stretching of the tendon before and after exercise
• Strengthening exercises like calf raises, squats, leg curls, leg extensions, leg raises, lunges, and leg presses

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in McKinney and Coppell, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Blisters are small fluid-filled pockets that commonly form on the skin and can be particularly bothersome when they develop on the feet. Whether caused by friction from wearing ill-fitting shoes, prolonged walking, running, or heat, blisters can cause discomfort and interfere with daily activities. While most blisters on the feet heal naturally within a week, it is essential to avoid popping them yourself, as this can increase the risk of infection and prolong recovery time. Instead, gently cover the blister with a dry, sterile dressing to help protect it as it heals. If there are signs of infection, such as redness, swelling, or pus, seeking prompt medical attention from a podiatrist is suggested. Podiatrists may prescribe antibiotics for infected blisters or perform procedures like blister drainage under sterile conditions for larger or more painful blisters. If you experience persistent or recurrent blisters on your feet, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist to ensure safe and effective treatment as well as prevention strategies.

Blisters may appear as a single bubble or in a cluster. They can cause a lot of pain and may be filled with pus, blood, or watery serum. If your feet are hurting, contact Jeffrey Radack, DPM of Texas Regional Foot & Ankle Clinics. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Foot Blisters

Foot blisters are often the result of friction. This happens due to the constant rubbing from shoes, which can lead to pain.

What Are Foot Blisters?

A foot blister is a small fluid-filled pocket that forms on the upper-most layer of the skin. Blisters are filled with clear fluid and can lead to blood drainage or pus if the area becomes infected.

Symptoms

(Blister symptoms may vary depending on what is causing them)

• Bubble of skin filled with fluid
• Redness
• Moderate to severe pain
• Itching

Prevention & Treatment

In order to prevent blisters, you should be sure to wear comfortable shoes with socks that cushion your feet and absorb sweat. Breaking a blister open may increase your chances of developing an infection. However, if your blister breaks, you should wash the area with soap and water immediately and then apply a bandage to the affected area. If your blisters cause severe pain it is important that you call your podiatrist right away.

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

Athlete's foot, also known as tinea pedis, is a common fungal infection of the foot caused by dermatophytes. This infection thrives in warm, moist environments and is often the result of coming into contact with contaminated surfaces, like locker room floors. Symptoms include scaling, peeling skin, and redness between the toes. Other symptoms of athlete’s foot are blistering and itching. If left untreated, athlete's foot can lead to secondary bacterial infections or allergic reactions, particularly in individuals with a compromised immune system or diabetes. Prevention involves maintaining good foot hygiene, wearing breathable footwear, and avoiding sharing personal items, like shoes or towels. If you suspect you have athlete's foot or experience severe symptoms like excessive redness, swelling, or pus, it's essential to seek prompt medical attention from a podiatrist. A podiatrist can provide an accurate diagnosis and recommend an advanced treatment plan to alleviate complications. For help in dealing with a stubborn athlete’s foot infection, It is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist. 

Athlete’s foot is an inconvenient condition that can be easily reduced with the proper treatment. If you have any concerns about your feet and ankles, contact Jeffrey Radack, DPM from Texas Regional Foot & Ankle Clinics.  Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Athlete’s Foot: The Sole Story

Athlete's foot, also known as tinea pedis, can be an extremely contagious foot infection. It is commonly contracted in public changing areas and bathrooms, dormitory style living quarters, around locker rooms and public swimming pools, or anywhere your feet often come into contact with other people.

Solutions to Combat Athlete’s Foot

• Hydrate your feet by using lotion
• Exfoliate
• Buff off nails
• Use of anti-fungal products
• Examine your feet and visit your doctor if any suspicious blisters or cuts develop

Athlete’s foot can cause many irritating symptoms such as dry and flaking skin, itching, and redness. Some more severe symptoms can include bleeding and cracked skin, intense itching and burning, and even pain when walking. In the worst cases, Athlete’s foot can cause blistering as well. Speak to your podiatrist for a better understanding of the different causes of Athlete’s foot, as well as help in determining which treatment options are best for you.

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