July 2023

Pincer nails occur when the nail plate excessively curves, pinching the surrounding skin. They are also known as trumpet nails and are the most painful type of ingrown toenail. Unlike classic ingrown toenails, which affect one side of the big toe, pincer nails can develop on any toenail and roll into the skin on both sides of the nail plate. This condition causes discomfort and can feel like a splinter or glass as the nail digs into the skin. If left untreated, it can lead to redness, tenderness, inflammation, and even infection. Pincer nails can be caused by genetics, tight shoes, and improper toenail cutting. The elderly and pregnant women are more prone to this issue. Relief can be achieved by straightening the toenail, and in some cases, surgery may be necessary. If you are experiencing pincer nails, it is strongly suggested that you seek treatment from a podiatrist.

Ingrown toenails may initially present themselves as a minor discomfort, but they may progress into an infection in the skin without proper treatment. For more information about ingrown toenails, contact Dr. Castillo of Bronx Foot Care. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Ingrown Toenails

Ingrown toenails are caused when the corner or side of a toenail grows into the soft flesh surrounding it. They often result in redness, swelling, pain, and in some cases, infection. This condition typically affects the big toe and may recur if it is not treated properly.

Causes

• Improper toenail trimming
• Genetics
• Improper shoe fitting
• Injury from pedicures or nail picking
• Abnormal gait
• Poor hygiene

You are more likely to develop an ingrown toenail if you are obese, have diabetes, arthritis, or have any fungal infection in your nails. Additionally, people who have foot or toe deformities are at a higher risk of developing an ingrown toenail.

Symptoms

Some symptoms of ingrown toenails are redness, swelling, and pain. In rare cases, there may be a yellowish drainage coming from the nail.

Treatment

Ignoring an ingrown toenail can have serious complications. Infections of the nail border can progress to a deeper soft-tissue infection, which can then turn into a bone infection. You should always speak with your podiatrist if you suspect you have an ingrown toenail, especially if you have diabetes or poor circulation.

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

Peripheral neuropathy indicates damage to nerves that serve the extremities, and it commonly affects the lower limbs, feet, and toes. This condition is often caused as a result of sustaining high levels of blood sugar and is common among diabetics. Symptoms include sensations of numbness and tingling in the feet and toes, mainly because the nerves that serve those areas are unable to send messages to the extremities. Other symptoms are loss of the ability to feel pain and changes in temperature. This puts a patient in danger of ignoring cuts and sores that develop on the feet. It also means they cannot tell if they are walking on an extremely hot surface that could burn their feet. Burning and shooting pains are common in people who have developed peripheral neuropathy, and these frequently occur during the night. In addition, the skin is overly sensitive to touch, and even having a sheet over the lower extremities can cause discomfort. If you believe you may have developed peripheral neuropathy, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist who can properly test for this condition and offer treatment options.

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 Dr. Castillo from Bronx Foot Care. 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 Bronx, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

One of the first signs of plantar fasciitis is heel pain. This pain will gradually worsen if medical attention is not promptly received. Plantar fasciitis is an inflamed or irritated plantar fascia, the band of tissue connecting the heel to the toes. It is instrumental in pointing and flexing the foot, which is crucial in completing daily activities. This condition can happen from standing on hard or uneven surfaces for long periods of time, or from wearing shoes that do not fit correctly. Mild relief may be found when the foot is rested and elevated, and gentle heel stretches are performed. An effective stretch consists of standing on a step while lowering one heel at a time and repeating for several repetitions. Some people may find it temporarily helps to wear a night splint, which can naturally stretch the calf, heel, and arch. If you have heel pain, it is strongly suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can provide you with more permanent solutions.

Plantar fasciitis is a common foot condition that is often caused by a strain injury. If you are experiencing heel pain or symptoms of plantar fasciitis, contact Dr. Castillo from Bronx Foot Care. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common causes of heel pain. The plantar fascia is a ligament that connects your heel to the front of your foot. When this ligament becomes inflamed, plantar fasciitis is the result. If you have plantar fasciitis you will have a stabbing pain that usually occurs with your first steps in the morning. As the day progresses and you walk around more, this pain will start to disappear, but it will return after long periods of standing or sitting.

What Causes Plantar Fasciitis?

• Excessive running
• Having high arches in your feet
• Other foot issues such as flat feet
• Pregnancy (due to the sudden weight gain)
• Being on your feet very often

There are some risk factors that may make you more likely to develop plantar fasciitis compared to others. The condition most commonly affects adults between the ages of 40 and 60. It also tends to affect people who are obese because the extra pounds result in extra stress being placed on the plantar fascia.

Prevention

• Take good care of your feet – Wear shoes that have good arch support and heel cushioning.
• Maintain a healthy weight
• If you are a runner, alternate running with other sports that won’t cause heel pain

There are a variety of treatment options available for plantar fasciitis along with the pain that accompanies it. Additionally, physical therapy is a very important component in the treatment process. It is important that you meet with your podiatrist to determine which treatment option is best for you.

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

Research has shown seniors may be more prone to falling in the colder months than at other times of the year. The body may change with the shorter days, and people may  be uncomfortable in the fall and winter months. While walking outside, it is beneficial to wear shoes that fit well and have textured soles, such as sneakers. Fall prevention techniques can be implemented in the household, and can be effective in keeping the home safe. These can include putting brighter bulbs in the lighting fixtures and removing worn rugs from the living area. It is beneficial to clear away existing clutter, which can be a tripping hazard. Many people find it helpful to have grab bars installed in the shower and toilet area, in addition to using a bathmat. Having regular physical and eye examinations can be useful in updating current prescriptions and eyeglasses, and engaging in a gentle stretching routine can help the body to become stronger. If you have questions about additional fall prevention techniques to use, it is suggested that you visit a podiatrist who can provide you with the information you are seeking.

Preventing falls among the elderly is very important. If you are older and have fallen or fear that you are prone to falling, consult with Dr. Castillo from Bronx Foot Care. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality advice and care.

Every 11 seconds, an elderly American is being treated in an emergency room for a fall related injury. Falls are the leading cause of head and hip injuries for those 65 and older. Due to decreases in strength, balance, senses, and lack of awareness, elderly persons are very susceptible to falling. Thankfully, there are a number of things older persons can do to prevent falls.

How to Prevent Falls

Some effective methods that older persons can do to prevent falls include:

• Enrolling in strength and balance exercise program to increase balance and strength
• Periodically having your sight and hearing checked
• Discuss any medications you have with a doctor to see if it increases the risk of falling
• Clearing the house of falling hazards and installing devices like grab bars and railings
• Utilizing a walker or cane
• Wearing shoes that provide good support and cushioning
• Talking to family members about falling and increasing awareness

Falling can be a traumatic and embarrassing experience for elderly persons; this can make them less willing to leave the house, and less willing to talk to someone about their fears of falling. Doing such things, however, will increase the likelihood of tripping or losing one’s balance. Knowing the causes of falling and how to prevent them is the best way to mitigate the risk of serious injury.  

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