Items filtered by date: May 2025

An ingrown toenail occurs when the edge of the nail grows into the surrounding skin, causing pain, redness, swelling, and sometimes infection. Soaking the foot in warm water with Epsom salts can help reduce inflammation and soften the nail. Keeping the foot clean and dry afterward is essential. Gently lifting the nail edge with a clean piece of cotton or dental floss may relieve pressure, but this should only be attempted in mild cases. Wearing tight shoes or socks can worsen the condition and should be avoided. Mild pain relievers may help with discomfort. If the area becomes increasingly red, warm, or begins to drain pus, these are signs of infection. Recurrent or severe ingrown toenails may require a minor in-office procedure to remove part of the nail or the nail root. If home care is not effective, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for safe and lasting treatment.

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 one of our podiatrists of Ankle and Foot Centers of Missouri, P.C.. Our doctors 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 offices located in the Greater Kansas City area . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

An ankle fracture is a break in one or more bones that form the ankle joint. The ankle consists of the tibia, fibula, and talus. These bones come together to form a stable joint that allows the foot to move up, down, and side to side. Ligaments surrounding the joint help maintain its stability. An ankle fracture can range from a small crack to a complete break that may shift the bones out of place. Common causes include sudden twisting movements, falls, sports injuries, or car accidents. The injury may cause swelling, bruising, pain, and difficulty bearing weight. If you believe you have fractured your ankle, it is strongly suggested that you contact a podiatrist who can accurately diagnose and treat broken ankles.

Broken ankles need immediate treatment. If you are seeking treatment, contact one of our podiatrists from Ankle and Foot Centers of Missouri, P.C.. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet. 

Broken Ankles
A broken ankle is experienced when a person fractures their tibia or fibula in the lower leg and ankle area. Both of these bones are attached at the bottom of the leg and combine to form what we know to be our ankle.

When a physician is referring to a break of the ankle, he or she is usually referring to a break in the area where the tibia and fibula are joined to create our ankle joint. Ankles are more prone to fractures because the ankle is an area that suffers a lot of pressure and stress. There are some obvious signs when a person experiences a fractured ankle, and the following symptoms may be present.

Symptoms of a Fractured Ankle

• Excessive pain when the area is touched or when any pressure is placed on the ankle
•  Swelling around the area
•  Bruising of the area
• Area appears to be deformed

If you suspect an ankle fracture, it is recommended to seek treatment as soon as possible. The sooner you have your podiatrist diagnose the fracture, the quicker you’ll be on the way towards recovery.

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

Toe pain can stem from a variety of conditions, each affecting movement and comfort in different ways. Bunions and bunionettes are bony bumps that develop at the base of the big toe or the little toe, often causing pain, swelling, and difficulty with footwear. Arthritis, including osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, can lead to stiffness, inflammation, and joint pain in the toes, sometimes making walking difficult. Infections such as ingrown toenails or fungal conditions may also cause discomfort, redness, and tenderness. Additionally, inflammatory issues like gout can result in sudden, intense pain and swelling, especially in the big toe. If you have developed toe pain, it is suggested that you contact a podiatrist who can determine the cause and offer appropriate treatment solutions.

Toe pain can disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, contact one of our podiatrists of Ankle and Foot Centers of Missouri, P.C.. 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 the Greater Kansas City area . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Flat feet, also known as pes planus or fallen arches, occur when the arch of your foot collapses, remaining flat while standing or walking. This can cause discomfort, particularly after long periods of time on the feet. Flexible flatfoot is common in children and often persists into adulthood without symptoms. However, when pain develops, a podiatrist may recommend orthotic shoe inserts to support the arch and reduce strain. Rigid flatfoot, by contrast, is more serious and often linked to structural abnormalities. Rigid flatfoot can cause significant foot pain, poor balance, and limited mobility. For children with certain congenital deformities or teenagers with fused foot bones, surgery may be required to restore alignment and function. Adults who develop flat feet after trauma or from unknown causes may benefit from a combination of custom orthotics and surgery to correct dislocations or relieve pressure on the joints. A podiatrist can evaluate the severity of your flatfoot in order to recommend an appropriate solution. If flat feet are causing your foot pain, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for appropriate treatment options.

Flatfoot is a condition many people suffer from. If you have flat feet, contact one of our podiatrists from Ankle and Foot Centers of Missouri, P.C.. Our doctors 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 offices located in the Greater Kansas City area . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.