Young runners often face nail issues like inconsistent thickness or ingrown toenails due to repetitive pressure and friction from training. Running, especially over long distances, places stress on the toes as they repeatedly hit the front of the shoe. This pressure can cause nails to thicken unevenly, making them brittle or prone to splitting. Ingrown toenails, where the nail grows into the surrounding skin, often result from wearing tight or poorly fitted shoes or improper trimming techniques. These conditions can lead to pain, swelling, or infection, impacting performance and comfort. Maintaining consistent nail care, such as trimming straight across and ensuring proper shoe fit, helps prevent these problems. If you are a young runner experiencing persistent toenail pain or ingrown toenails, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for individualized treatment.

Ingrown toenails can become painful if they are not treated properly. For more information about ingrown toenails, contact one of our podiatrists of The Sun Healthcare & Surgery Group. Our doctors 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 offices located in Antioch, Martinez, and Concord, CA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Podiatrists perform vascular testing to assess blood flow in the feet and legs, vital for diagnosing and managing conditions that impact circulation. These tests are particularly important for individuals with diabetes, peripheral artery disease, abbreviated PAD, or chronic foot wounds, as poor circulation can hinder healing and lead to severe complications. Common vascular tests include the ankle-brachial index, or ABI, which compares blood pressure in the ankle to the arm, and Doppler ultrasound, which visualizes blood flow in arteries and veins. Vascular testing helps identify narrowed or blocked vessels, allowing podiatrists to develop targeted treatment plans. Early detection of vascular issues is essential in preventing serious outcomes, including ulcers and, in extreme cases, amputation. If you have cold feet, numbness, or non-healing wounds on your feet, it is suggested that you contact a podiatrist for this kind of testing.

Vascular testing plays an important part in diagnosing disease like peripheral artery disease. If you have symptoms of peripheral artery disease, or diabetes, consult with one of our podiatrists from The Sun Healthcare & Surgery Group. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

What Is Vascular Testing?

Vascular testing checks for how well blood circulation is in the veins and arteries. This is most often done to determine and treat a patient for peripheral artery disease (PAD), stroke, and aneurysms. Podiatrists utilize vascular testing when a patient has symptoms of PAD or if they believe they might. If a patient has diabetes, a podiatrist may determine a vascular test to be prudent to check for poor blood circulation.

How Is it Conducted?

Most forms of vascular testing are non-invasive. Podiatrists will first conduct a visual inspection for any wounds, discoloration, and any abnormal signs prior to a vascular test.

 The most common tests include:

• Ankle-Brachial Index (ABI) examination
• Doppler examination
• Pedal pulses

These tests are safe, painless, and easy to do. Once finished, the podiatrist can then provide a diagnosis and the best course for treatment.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Antioch, Martinez, and Concord, CA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Swollen toes can result from various causes, ranging from injury to underlying health conditions. One of the most common reasons is trauma, such as a sprain or fracture, which can cause immediate swelling, pain, and bruising. Infections like cellulitis or ingrown toenails can also lead to localized swelling, often accompanied by redness and tenderness. Conditions such as gout, where uric acid crystals build up in the joints, can cause intense swelling and discomfort in the toes. In addition, circulatory problems, such as poor blood flow or heart disease, can cause fluid retention in the extremities, leading to swelling. Other causes may include inflammatory conditions like arthritis or certain medications that contribute to fluid buildup. If one or more toes are swollen, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can determine what the cause is, and offer appropriate treatment solutions.

Toe pain can disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, contact one of our podiatrists of The Sun Healthcare & Surgery Group. 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 Antioch, Martinez, and Concord, CA . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

A total contact cast is a specialized treatment option often recommended for people with diabetes who have foot ulcers that do not heal properly. A total contact cast is crafted to closely fit the contours of the foot and leg, allowing for even distribution of weight across the entire sole of the foot. By doing so, it minimizes pressure on ulcerated areas, which is essential for promoting faster healing. Inside the cast, a soft foam layer creates a buffer to reduce any pressure directly on the ulcer. Meanwhile, a bar on the bottom further aids in offloading weight when standing or walking. Since diabetic neuropathy can reduce sensation in the feet, many patients are unaware of developing sores, increasing the risk of ulcers. A podiatrist plays a key role in the application and management of a total contact cast, ensuring it remains secure and monitoring for any signs of complications. If you suffer from foot ulcers related to diabetes, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist to find out if a total contact cast is right for you.

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 The Sun Healthcare & Surgery Group. 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 Antioch, Martinez, and Concord, CA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.