A fungal infection in the toenails begins when tiny organisms settle under the nail and gradually alter its appearance. The nail may become thicker, take on a yellow or cloudy tone, or lose its smooth surface over time. Some people notice that shoes feel tighter, while others see the nail becoming crumbly or uneven as the infection progresses. Because the fungus lives beneath the hard nail plate, it often continues to grow unless properly treated. A podiatrist can examine the nail, confirm the cause, and create a plan that targets the infection at its source. Care may involve medicated applications, oral therapy, precise nail care, or advanced in-office treatments designed to limit fungal growth and improve the look and comfort of the nail. If your toenails are changing in ways that concern you, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for effective treatment solutions.

If left untreated, toenail fungus may spread to other toenails, skin, or even fingernails. If you suspect you have toenail fungus it is important to seek treatment right away. For more information about treatment, contact David Williams, DPM of El Paso Feet. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Symptoms

• Warped or oddly shaped nails
• Yellowish nails
• Loose/separated nail
• Buildup of bits and pieces of nail fragments under the nail
• Brittle, broken, thickened nail

Treatment

If self-care strategies and over-the-counter medications does not help your fungus, your podiatrist may give you a prescription drug instead. Even if you find relief from your toenail fungus symptoms, you may experience a repeat infection in the future.

Prevention

In order to prevent getting toenail fungus in the future, you should always make sure to wash your feet with soap and water. After washing, it is important to dry your feet thoroughly especially in between the toes. When trimming your toenails, be sure to trim straight across instead of in a rounded shape. It is crucial not to cover up discolored nails with nail polish because that will prevent your nail from being able to “breathe”.

In some cases, surgical procedure may be needed to remove the toenail fungus. Consult with your podiatrist about the best treatment options for your case of toenail fungus.  

If you have any questions please contact our office located in El Paso, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Clubfoot is a common birth defect in which a baby is born with one or both feet turned inward and downward due to abnormal development of muscles, ligaments, and bones. The exact causes are not always known, but may include genetic factors and differences in fetal development during pregnancy. The Ponseti treatment method is the most widely used approach for care and involves gentle stretching, casting, and bracing to gradually correct foot position and function. A podiatrist plays an important role in monitoring foot development, guiding treatment, and supporting long-term mobility and comfort. Early care leads to the best outcomes. If your child has been born with clubfoot, it is strongly suggested that you have a podiatrist on your healthcare team who can provide effective treatment and compassionate guidance.

Congenital foot problems require immediate attention to avoid future complications. If you have any concerns, contact David Williams, DPM of El Paso Feet. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Congenital foot problems are deformities affecting the feet, toes, and/or ankles that children are born with. Some of these conditions have a genetic cause while others just happen. Some specific foot ailments that children may be born with include clubfeet, polydactyly/macrodactyly, and cleft foot. There are several other foot anomalies that can occur congenitally. What all of these conditions have in common is that a child may experience difficulty walking or performing everyday activities, as well as trouble finding footwear that fits their foot deformity. Some of these conditions are more serious than others. Consulting with a podiatrist as early as possible will help in properly diagnosing a child’s foot condition while getting the necessary treatment underway.

What are Causes of Congenital Foot Problem?

A congenital foot problem is one that happens to a child at birth. These conditions can be caused by a genetic predisposition, developmental or positional abnormalities during gestation, or with no known cause.

What are Symptoms of Congenital Foot Problems?

Symptoms vary by the congenital condition. Symptoms may consist of the following:

• Clubfoot, where tendons are shortened, bones are shaped differently, and the Achilles tendon is tight, causing the foot to point in and down. It is also possible for the soles of the feet to face each other.
• Polydactyly, which usually consists of a nubbin or small lump of tissue without a bone, a toe that is partially formed but has no joints, or an extra toe.
• Vertical talus, where the talus bone forms in the wrong position causing other bones in the foot to line up improperly, the front of the foot to point up, and the bottom of the foot to stiffen, with no arch, and to curve out.
• Tarsal coalition, when there is an abnormal connection of two or more bones in the foot leading to severe, rigid flatfoot.
• Cleft foot, where there are missing toes, a V-shaped cleft, and other anatomical differences.
• Macrodactyly, when the toes are abnormally large due to overgrowth of the underlying bone or soft tissue.

Treatment and Prevention

While there is nothing one can do to prevent congenital foot problems, raising awareness and receiving neonatal screenings are important. Early detection by taking your child to a podiatrist leads to the best outcome possible.

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

Plantar fasciitis is a common condition that occurs when the thick band of tissue on the bottom of the foot becomes irritated and inflamed. It often develops from repetitive stress, wearing improper footwear, prolonged standing, high arches, or flat feet. Symptoms usually include sharp heel pain when taking the first steps in the morning, discomfort after activity, and tenderness along the arch. A podiatrist can diagnose the condition, provide a custom treatment plan, offer orthotics, and guide stretching and strengthening exercises to relieve pressure on the plantar fascia. If heel pain is affecting your daily life, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can accurately diagnose and treat what may be going on.

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 David Williams, DPM from El Paso Feet. 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 El Paso, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Ingrown toenail surgery is often recommended when an ingrown nail becomes painful or infected. Symptoms usually include swelling, drainage, and overgrown skin along the nail edge. The toe may look inflamed or shiny and can feel sore at first, then progress to sharp pain, throbbing, or tenderness that makes wearing shoes difficult. Causes include repeated improper nail trimming, tight footwear, and genetic factors that cause the nail to curve into the skin. A podiatrist can help from the start by examining the toe, confirming the diagnosis, and determining whether infection or deeper tissue involvement is present. Early care may include conservative treatment, but when symptoms persist, a minor in-office surgical procedure can safely remove the ingrown portion of the nail. Treatment then moves into proper wound care, infection prevention, and long-term solutions to reduce recurrence. If you have a painful ingrown toenail, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist.

Ingrown toenails can become painful if they are not treated properly. For more information about ingrown toenails, contact David Williams, DPM of El Paso Feet. Our doctor 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

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 office located in El Paso, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.