An ingrown toenail develops when the side of a nail presses into the skin. The affected toe can become painful, red, and swollen. Drainage can signal a more serious problem. Wearing tight shoes, curved nails, and improper trimming can increase pressure along the nail edge. A podiatrist examines the toe to determine how deeply the nail has entered the skin. The exam includes checking for infection and concerns that could affect healing. Patients with diabetes, poor blood flow, or reduced feeling should seek prompt professional care because small toe problems can become serious.

Treatment depends on pain, swelling, and skin damage. For a mild ingrown nail, a podiatrist can lift the nail edge away from the irritated skin. A splint or brace can hold the edge properly while the nail grows forward. The podiatrist can also trim the nail correctly and reduce thick areas that press against the toe. When infection is present, the foot doctor evaluates its severity and provides treatment. Professional care protects the skin, eases pressure, and lowers the risk of the problem becoming worse. The podiatrist can explain which shoe shapes provide enough room for the toes.

A painful or repeated ingrown toenail can require a minor procedure. After numbing the toe, the podiatrist removes the narrow section of nail that is cutting into the skin. In recurring cases, the nail root beneath that section is treated so the troublesome edge does not grow back. Removal of the nail is less common and is reserved for severe problems. Prevention includes trimming nails straight across, avoiding torn nail corners, and choosing properly fitting shoes. Regular podiatric checks are helpful for patients who have circulation problems or a reduced feeling in their feet. If you have an ingrown toenail, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Toe pain can disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, contact one of our podiatrists of PA Foot & Ankle Associates. 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 contact one of our offices located in Allentown, Easton, Northampton, Bath, and Chew Street in Allentown, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

A bunion is a bony bump that forms at the base of the big toe when the joint becomes misaligned. This condition develops over time as the big toe shifts toward the other toes, creating pressure and inflammation. Bunion surgery is a procedure performed to correct this deformity and reduce pain when conservative treatments do not provide relief. The definition of bunion surgery includes realigning the bone, ligaments, and tendons to restore proper foot function and reduce discomfort.

Symptoms of a bunion often include a visible bump, swelling, and persistent pain around the joint. Some individuals experience stiffness or difficulty wearing shoes due to pressure on the affected area. Risk factors for bunions include genetics, foot structure, and wearing tight or narrow shoes that crowd the toes. High-heeled footwear may also increase pressure on the front of the foot, worsening the condition. Over time, these factors can lead to joint damage and limited mobility.

Bunion surgery is typically recommended when pain interferes with daily activities or when the deformity continues to worsen. The procedure is performed by making small incisions near the affected joint and correcting the alignment of the bone. In some cases, the surgeon may remove part of the bone or reposition it using small screws or pins. Recovery involves rest, proper footwear, and gradual return to activity. The goal of surgery is to reduce pain, improve alignment, and restore normal foot function.

Understanding the causes and treatment options for bunions can help individuals make informed decisions about their care. Early management with proper footwear and support may slow progression, but advanced cases may require surgical correction. Monitoring symptoms and seeking professional advice can improve long-term outcomes. If you have a bunion and are considering surgery, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can determine if this type of foot surgery is right for you.

Foot surgery is sometimes necessary to treat a foot ailment. To learn more, contact one of our podiatrists of PA Foot & Ankle Associates. Our doctors 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 one of our offices located in Allentown, Easton, Northampton, Bath, and Chew Street in Allentown, PA . 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 injury can involve the tibia, which is the larger lower leg bone. It can also involve the fibula, the smaller bone on the outside of the leg. Less often, the talus, which connects the leg to the foot, is affected. The location of the break helps determine whether the ankle remains stable or becomes unstable. A stable fracture keeps the joint properly lined up. An unstable fracture allows the bones to shift. Types of ankle fractures depend on which part of the ankle is broken. Some involve the outside of the ankle, some affect the inside, and others involve both sides. The most serious fractures can affect three areas of the ankle joint. These injuries usually require more advanced treatment because the bones are no longer properly lined up.

Fractured ankles happen when the bones are forced beyond their normal limits. A sudden twist while playing sports can cause a break. Falling on uneven ground can also fracture the ankle. Car accidents and other high-impact injuries create enough force to break one or more bones. The type of injury depends on the direction and strength of the force. It also depends on the position of the foot when the accident occurs. Symptoms include severe pain, swelling, bruising, and difficulty standing or walking. 

A podiatrist can help by examining the ankle and ordering imaging studies to identify the exact location and pattern of the fracture. This information guides treatment and helps protect the ankle joint from further damage. Stable fractures sometimes heal without surgery, while unstable fractures may require surgery to restore proper alignment. Regular follow-up visits allow the podiatrist to monitor healing and check that the bones remain in the correct position. If you have symptoms of a broken ankle, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for appropriate treatment.

Broken ankles need immediate treatment. If you are seeking treatment, contact one of our podiatrists from PA Foot & Ankle Associates. 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 one of our offices located in Allentown, Easton, Northampton, Bath, and Chew Street in Allentown, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.