The Winograd technique is a surgical procedure used to treat certain painful or recurring ingrown toenails. An ingrown toenail occurs when part of the nail grows into the surrounding skin, creating irritation along the nail border. Common symptoms include pain, redness, and swelling. Tenderness and drainage may also be common. The condition often affects the big toe and may become more difficult to manage when pressure from shoes continues to irritate the area.

During a Winograd procedure, a podiatrist first examines the affected toe and determines whether surgery is appropriate. The toe is typically numbed with local anesthesia before treatment begins. The podiatrist removes the affected section of the nail along with a small amount of nearby tissue. In many cases, part of the nail-producing tissue is also treated to reduce the chance that the troublesome nail edge will grow back.

Healing begins after the procedure is completed and the toe is dressed. A podiatrist provides specific instructions for cleaning and protecting the surgical site. Patients may need to limit activities that place pressure on the toe and choose comfortable, open, or roomy footwear while healing. Follow-up appointments help the podiatrist evaluate the wound, monitor nail growth, and address any concerns. Keeping the area clean and following instructions can support a smoother recovery.

The Winograd technique can be helpful when an ingrown toenail repeatedly causes discomfort or does not respond to simpler treatment. It is not necessary for every case, so professional evaluation is important before deciding on surgery. If you have persistent symptoms, recurring ingrown toenails, or difficulty walking because of nail pain, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can discuss the benefits of this procedure with you.

Foot surgery is sometimes necessary to treat a foot ailment. To learn more, contact Dr. Castillo of Bronx Foot Care. Our doctor will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.

When Is Surgery Necessary?

Foot and ankle surgery is generally reserved for cases in which less invasive, conservative procedures have failed to alleviate the problem. Some of the cases in which surgery may be necessary include:

• Removing foot deformities like bunions and bone spurs
• Severe arthritis that has caused bone issues
• Cosmetic reconstruction

What Types of Surgery Are There?

The type of surgery you receive will depend on the nature of the problem you have. Some of the possible surgeries include:

• Bunionectomy for painful bunions
• Surgical fusion for realignment of bones
• Neuropathy decompression surgery to treat nerve damage

Benefits of Surgery

Although surgery is usually a last resort, it can provide more complete pain relief compared to non-surgical methods and may allow you to finally resume full activity.

Surgical techniques have also become increasingly sophisticated. Techniques like endoscopic surgery allow for smaller incisions and faster recovery times.

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

Plantar fibromatosis is a condition in which firm nodules develop within the plantar fascia, which is the thick band of tissue that supports the arch along the bottom of the foot. These growths are usually noncancerous, but they may become uncomfortable over time, especially while walking or standing for long periods. Many people first notice a small lump in the arch that slowly becomes more noticeable or tender with pressure. In some cases, the nodules remain painless, while others may experience aching, irritation, or difficulty wearing certain shoes comfortably. The exact cause is not always clear, but the condition has been linked to repetitive stress, genetics, and certain medical conditions. A podiatrist can examine the foot, evaluate the size and location of the growths, and recommend treatment to reduce discomfort and improve mobility. Care may include orthotics, padding, stretching, injections, or additional treatment for more advanced cases. If you notice painful lumps or thickened tissue along the arch of the foot, it is suggested that you visit a podiatrist for evaluation and appropriate treatment.

A plantar fibroma may disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, contact Dr. Castillo of Bronx Foot Care. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Plantar Fibroma

A plantar fibroma is a fibrous knot in the arch of the foot. It is embedded in the plantar fascia which is a band of tissue that extends from the heel to the toes along the bottom of the foot. There can be multiple plantar fibromas in the feet at the same time. There are no known causes for this condition. If you have a plantar fibroma, there will be a bump in the arch of your foot that cannot be missed. Any associated pain is most often due to a shoe rubbing against the nodule. Non-surgical options, such as steroid injections, physical therapy, and orthotics should be tried first. Surgery is a last resort and is the only thing that will remove a plantar fibroma entirely. Consult with a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and to determine the treatment regimen that is right for you.

What Causes a Plantar Fibroma?

While there are no specific causes identified, a plantar fibroma can possibly come from genetic predisposition or the formation of scar tissue that forms from healing the tears in the plantar fascia.

What Are the Symptoms of a Plantar Fibroma?

There will be a noticeable lump in the arch of the foot that may or may not cause pain. If pain is felt, it is typically because a shoe is rubbing up against the lump or when walking or standing barefoot.

Treatment and Prevention

A plantar fibroma will not disappear without treatment, but it can get smaller and be a non-issue. If pain persists, a podiatrist examines the foot and when the arch of the foot is pressed, pain can be felt down to the toes. An MRI or biopsy might be performed to help diagnose or evaluate the plantar fibroma. The following non-surgical options are generally enough to reduce the size and pain of these nodules:

• Steroid injections
• Orthotics
• Physical therapy to help apply anti-inflammatory creams on the bump 

Surgery is considered if the mass increases in size and the patient continues to feel pain after non-surgical methods are tried.

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

Ankle pain is a frequent concern that can affect mobility and daily activities. It is defined as discomfort or inflammation in or around the ankle joint, which connects the foot to the lower leg. Several conditions can lead to ankle pain, including Achilles tendinitis, edema, arthritis, and bursitis. Each condition affects the ankle in a different way, but all can interfere with stability and movement. Understanding these causes helps individuals identify symptoms and seek appropriate care.

Symptoms of ankle pain vary depending on the underlying condition. Achilles tendinitis involves irritation of the tendon that connects the calf muscles to the heel, often causing stiffness and pain during movement. Edema refers to swelling caused by fluid buildup, which can make the ankle appear enlarged and feel tight. Arthritis involves joint inflammation, leading to stiffness, reduced range of motion, and persistent discomfort. Bursitis occurs when fluid filled sacs that cushion the joint become inflamed, causing localized pain and tenderness. These symptoms may develop gradually or appear suddenly.

Risk factors for ankle pain include overuse, aging, and underlying health conditions. Individuals who participate in repetitive activities or high impact sports may place excessive strain on the ankle. Wearing poor footwear and lack of support can also contribute to discomfort. Arthritis risk increases with age and joint wear, while edema may be linked to circulation issues. Bursitis can develop from repeated pressure or irritation. These factors can combine to increase stress on the ankle joint and surrounding tissues.

Managing ankle pain involves identifying the cause and taking steps to reduce strain. Rest, wearing supportive footwear, and proper movement techniques can help relieve symptoms. Early evaluation is important to prevent worsening conditions and maintain joint health. Addressing symptoms promptly can improve recovery and reduce long term issues. If you have ankle pain, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Ankle pain can be caused by a number of problems and may be potentially serious. If you have ankle pain, consult with Dr. Castillo from Bronx Foot Care. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Ankle pain is any condition that causes pain in the ankle. Due to the fact that the ankle consists of tendons, muscles, bones, and ligaments, ankle pain can come from a number of different conditions.

Causes

The most common causes of ankle pain include:

• Types of arthritis (rheumatoid, osteoarthritis, and gout)
• Ankle sprains
• Broken ankles
• Achilles tendonitis
• Achilles tendon rupture
• Stress fractures
• Bursitis
• Tarsal tunnel syndrome
• Plantar fasciitis

Symptoms

Symptoms of ankle injury vary based upon the condition. Pain may include general pain and discomfort, swelling, aching, redness, bruising, burning or stabbing sensations, and/or loss of sensation.

Diagnosis

Due to the wide variety of potential causes of ankle pain, podiatrists will utilize a number of different methods to properly diagnose ankle pain. This can include asking for personal and family medical histories and of any recent injuries. Further diagnosis may include sensation tests, a physical examination, and potentially x-rays or other imaging tests.

Treatment

Just as the range of causes varies widely, so do treatments. Some more common treatments are rest, ice packs, keeping pressure off the foot, orthotics and braces, medication for inflammation and pain, and surgery.

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

Peripheral artery disease, or PAD, develops when arteries in the legs become narrow or blocked. As a result, the feet receive less oxygen-rich blood. PAD can cause aching, cramping, and numbness in the legs and feet. Some individuals also experience weakness. Pain can begin when walking and ease with rest. Warning signs include cold feet and toes, pale skin, and slow-growing toenails. The skin can look bluish, smooth, or shiny. Because symptoms can seem related to aging or inactivity, patients do not seek care until the disease is more severe.

Reduced circulation makes foot injuries harder to heal. A cut can develop into an open sore because the tissue lacks enough blood to repair itself. Watch for wounds on the toes, heels, or ankles that heal slowly. Resting foot pain, skin-color changes, and unusually cool areas also deserve prompt attention. Severe PAD can lead to tissue death, called gangrene, and could require surgery or loss of limb. PAD also raises the risk of heart attack and stroke. Smoking can worsen PAD, so quitting is an important step. Regular exercise can improve circulation and reduce leg pain, but patients should ask their podiatrist to recommend appropriate activities.

A podiatrist can examine the feet for changes that point to poor circulation. The visit can include checking skin temperature, checking for pulses, and examining nails and wounds. A podiatrist can also perform or arrange an ankle-brachial index test. This test compares blood pressure at the ankle with blood pressure in the arm. The results can show whether blood flow to the legs is reduced. A podiatrist can manage wounds and help prevent infection. Early diagnosis protects the feet and supports better overall health. If you have symptoms of peripheral artery disease, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and appropriate treatment and management solutions.

Peripheral artery disease can pose a serious risk to your health. It can increase the risk of stroke and heart attack. If you have symptoms of peripheral artery disease, consult with Dr. Castillo from Bronx Foot Care. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is when arteries are constricted due to plaque (fatty deposits) build-up. This results in less blood flow to the legs and other extremities. The main cause of PAD is atherosclerosis, in which plaque builds up in the arteries.

Symptoms

Symptoms of PAD include:

• Claudication (leg pain from walking)
• Numbness in legs
• Decrease in growth of leg hair and toenails
• Paleness of the skin
• Erectile dysfunction
• Sores and wounds on legs and feet that won’t heal
• Coldness in one leg

It is important to note that a majority of individuals never show any symptoms of PAD.

Diagnosis

While PAD occurs in the legs and arteries, Podiatrists can diagnose PAD. Podiatrists utilize a test called an ankle-brachial index (ABI). An ABI test compares blood pressure in your arm to you ankle to see if any abnormality occurs. Ultrasound and imaging devices may also be used.

Treatment

Fortunately, lifestyle changes such as maintaining a healthy diet, exercising, managing cholesterol and blood sugar levels, and quitting smoking, can all treat PAD. Medications that prevent clots from occurring can be prescribed. Finally, in some cases, surgery may be recommended.

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