Ingrown toenails develop when the edge of a nail grows into the surrounding skin, leading to redness, swelling, and pain along the nail border. Shoes that crowd the toes, improper trimming, repetitive pressure, and nail shape all contribute to this problem. While early cases may cause mild irritation, ongoing ingrowth can lead to infection, drainage, and difficulty wearing shoes or walking comfortably. Treatment depends on severity and recurrence. Conservative care may include careful trimming, soaking, and reducing pressure on the toe. When symptoms persist or return, a more advanced procedure is often recommended. In clinical practice, partial nail removal combined with treatment of the nail root is commonly used to prevent regrowth of the problematic edge. More invasive surgical approaches are far less frequently needed. If an ingrown toenail becomes painful, infected, or recurrent, it is suggested that an evaluation by a podiatrist can provide effective and lasting relief.

Ingrown toenails can become painful if they are not treated properly. For more information about ingrown toenails, contact one of our podiatrists of APEX Foot & Ankle Center. 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

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 Fort Myers, Shellpoint, and Naples, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Athlete’s foot is a contagious fungal infection that affects the skin on the feet, particularly between the toes. It develops in warm, moist environments and is commonly caused by walking barefoot in public showers, locker rooms, or around pools. Risk factors include wearing tight or non-breathable shoes, excessive sweating, and compromised immune function. Symptoms often include itching, redness, peeling, burning, and cracking of the skin. Preventive measures include keeping feet clean and dry, changing socks regularly, wearing breathable shoes, and avoiding walking barefoot in shared spaces. A podiatrist can diagnose athlete’s foot, provide effective antifungal treatment, and recommend strategies to prevent recurrence. If you notice persistent itching or skin changes on your feet, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can treat this condition, which may include prescribed medication.

Athlete’s Foot

Athlete’s foot is often an uncomfortable condition to experience. Thankfully, podiatrists specialize in treating athlete’s foot and offer the best treatment options. If you have any questions about athlete’s foot, consult with one of our podiatrists from APEX Foot & Ankle Center. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality treatment.

What Is Athlete’s Foot?

Tinea pedis, more commonly known as athlete’s foot, is a non-serious and common fungal infection of the foot. Athlete’s foot is contagious and can be contracted by touching someone who has it or infected surfaces. The most common places contaminated by it are public showers, locker rooms, and swimming pools. Once contracted, it grows on feet that are left inside moist, dark, and warm shoes and socks.

Prevention

The most effective ways to prevent athlete’s foot include:

• Thoroughly washing and drying feet
• Avoid going barefoot in locker rooms and public showers
• Using shower shoes in public showers
• Wearing socks that allow the feet to breathe
• Changing socks and shoes frequently if you sweat a lot

Symptoms

Athlete’s foot initially occurs as a rash between the toes. However, if left undiagnosed, it can spread to the sides and bottom of the feet, toenails, and if touched by hand, the hands themselves. Symptoms include:

• Redness
• Burning
• Itching
• Scaly and peeling skin

Diagnosis and Treatment

Diagnosis is quick and easy. Skin samples will be taken and either viewed under a microscope or sent to a lab for testing. Sometimes, a podiatrist can diagnose it based on simply looking at it. Once confirmed, treatment options include oral and topical antifungal medications.

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

The foot and ankle serve as the foundation for balance, movement, and overall body alignment, supporting every step taken throughout daily life. Their structure includes bones, joints, and ligaments that work together to create strength and flexibility, while absorbing shock with each stride. Soft tissue, such as muscles and tendons, provides stability and helps control motion during walking and standing. When foot balance is out of alignment, conditions such as plantar fasciitis, ankle instability, tendon strain, and joint pain may develop, often affecting posture and comfort beyond the feet. If you have foot pain, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can evaluate alignment, diagnose underlying issues, and provide treatment through orthotics or other medical care.

If you have any concerns about your feet, contact one of our podiatrists from APEX Foot & Ankle Center. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Biomechanics in Podiatry

Podiatric biomechanics is a particular sector of specialty podiatry with licensed practitioners who are trained to diagnose and treat conditions affecting the foot, ankle and lower leg. Biomechanics deals with the forces that act against the body, causing an interference with the biological structures. It focuses on the movement of the ankle, the foot and the forces that interact with them.

A History of Biomechanics

• Biomechanics dates back to the BC era in Egypt where evidence of professional foot care has been recorded.
• In 1974, biomechanics gained a higher profile from the studies of Merton Root, who claimed that by changing or controlling the forces between the ankle and the foot, corrections or conditions could be implemented to gain strength and coordination in the area.

Modern technological improvements are based on past theories and therapeutic processes that provide a better understanding of podiatric concepts for biomechanics. Computers can provide accurate information about the forces and patterns of the feet and lower legs.

Understanding biomechanics of the feet can help improve and eliminate pain, stopping further stress to the foot.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Fort Myers, Shellpoint, and Naples, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Morton’s neuroma is a painful condition that most often affects a nerve between the third and fourth toes, and it develops from repeated pressure or irritation. It may not always be visible, but the area can appear slightly swollen, and patients often describe a burning, tingling, or stabbing sensation and feeling like they are walking on a pebble. Causes include tight footwear, high heels, foot deformities, or activities that place stress on the forefoot. Symptoms may worsen with standing or walking and ease when shoes are removed. A podiatrist begins with a thorough exam and orders imaging if needed to confirm the diagnosis and rule out other problems. Treatment may include footwear changes, custom orthotics to reduce pressure, and targeted therapies, such as injections or exercises. Early care can prevent progression and improve comfort. If you suspect you have Morton’s neuroma, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist.

Morton’s neuroma is a very uncomfortable condition to live with. If you think you have Morton’s neuroma, contact one of our podiatrists of APEX Foot & Ankle Center. Our doctors will attend to all of your foot care needs and answer any of your related questions.  

Morton’s Neuroma

Morton's neuroma is a painful foot condition that commonly affects the areas between the second and third or third and fourth toe, although other areas of the foot are also susceptible. Morton’s neuroma is caused by an inflamed nerve in the foot that is being squeezed and aggravated by surrounding bones.

What Increases the Chances of Having Morton’s Neuroma?

• Ill-fitting high heels or shoes that add pressure to the toe or foot
• Jogging, running or any sport that involves constant impact to the foot
• Flat feet, bunions, and any other foot deformities

Morton’s neuroma is a very treatable condition. Orthotics and shoe inserts can often be used to alleviate the pain on the forefront of the feet. In more severe cases, corticosteroids can also be prescribed. In order to figure out the best treatment for your neuroma, it’s recommended to seek the care of a podiatrist who can diagnose your condition and provide different treatment options.

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