Items filtered by date: August 2025

An ingrown toenail occurs when the edge of the nail grows into the surrounding skin, often resulting in pain, redness, swelling, and sometimes infection. It may appear inflamed, feel tender to the touch, and may produce drainage, if infected. Contributing factors include improper nail trimming, wearing ill-fitting footwear, or trauma to the toe. Podiatrists treat ingrown toenails using various methods, including partial or full nail removal, topical or oral antibiotics, and, in some cases, a surgical procedure to permanently prevent regrowth of the problematic portion of the nail. Following surgical treatment, it is important to follow your podiatrist’s postoperative instructions carefully. This typically includes keeping the foot clean and dry and avoiding strenuous activity for up to two weeks, or as advised. Wearing open-toed or loose-fitting shoes helps to reduce pressure on the healing toe. Your podiatrist will provide guidance on proper nail care to prevent recurrence, such as trimming nails straight across and avoiding wearing overly tight footwear. It is suggested that you contact your podiatrist promptly if you experience increased pain, redness, swelling, drainage, or signs of fever post-surgery.

Ingrown toenails can become painful if they are not treated properly. For more information about ingrown toenails, contact one of our podiatrists of Garnet & Carbonell, DPM, LLC. Our doctors 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

Because ingrown toenails are not something found outside of shoe-wearing cultures, going barefoot as often as possible will decrease the likeliness of developing ingrown toenails. 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 offices located in Palmetto Bay, South Miami, and Homestead, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Plantar fasciitis is a common source of heel and arch pain, often linked to inflammation where a band of tissue called the plantar fascia attaches to the heel bone. This tissue supports the arch of the foot and can develop tiny tears from repeated strain. Pain typically feels worse with the first steps after sleeping or resting. Risk factors of plantar fasciitis include prolonged standing, repetitive foot strain, and shoes that lack adequate support. A podiatrist can examine the foot to confirm plantar fasciitis and provide treatment options, such as custom orthotics to improve foot alignment and cushioning. If pain persists, a podiatrist may recommend corticosteroid injections or surgery, in severe cases. Surgery may involve releasing part of the plantar fascia to relieve tension and remove any bone spurs that have formed. If you have foot pain indicating plantar fasciitis, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam and appropriate treatment options.

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 one of our podiatrists from Garnet & Carbonell, DPM, LLC. Our doctors 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 offices located in Palmetto Bay, South Miami, and Homestead, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.