Blog

Blog

Causes of Ingrown Toenails in Babies

Ingrown toenails in babies occur when the sharp edge of a toenail grows into the surrounding skin, leading to redness, swelling, and possible infection. This can happen when the corners of the nail grow too deeply into the toe or when nails are trimmed too short. Risk factors include improper nail care, natural nail shape, and repeated irritation. Symptoms may include tenderness, inflammation, and discomfort when touching the affected area. Early attention is important to prevent complications. A podiatrist can safely treat the condition, relieve pain, and provide guidance on proper nail care and footwear. If your baby has signs of an ingrown toenail, it is  suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can offer effective relief solutions.

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 Dr. Howard Horowitz of Bowie Foot & Ankle . Our doctor 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 office located in Bowie, MD . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Read more about Ingrown Toenails

A Rare Cause of Leg Pain and Involuntary Toe Movements

Painful legs and moving toes syndrome is an uncommon condition that causes ongoing leg discomfort along with slow, involuntary toe movements. The pain is often described as aching, burning, or deep, and can be constant or come and go. At the same time, the toes may move on their own in a twisting or writhing pattern without control. This condition is sometimes linked to nerve injury, spinal problems, or past trauma, but the exact cause is not always clear. Diagnosis involves a detailed exam and may include imaging or nerve testing to rule out other conditions. Treatment focuses on reducing pain and controlling movement through medications, nerve-based therapies, or targeted exercise. Because symptoms can be complex and long-lasting, early evaluation is important. If you notice ongoing leg pain with unusual toe movements, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Some foot conditions may require additional professional care. If you have any concerns, contact Dr. Howard Horowitz of Bowie Foot & Ankle . Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Rare Foot Conditions

The majority of foot conditions are common and can be treated by a podiatrist.  Standard diagnostic procedures are generally used to identify specific conditions and treatment can be rendered. A podiatrist also treats rare foot conditions which can be difficult to diagnose and may need extra attention and care. 

There are many rare foot conditions that can affect children. Some of these can include:

  • Freiberg’s disease
  • Kohler’s disease
  • Maffucci syndrome

Freiberg’s disease - This can be seen as a deterioration and flattening of a metatarsal bone that exists in the ball of the foot. It typically affects pre-teen and teenage girls, but can affect anyone at any age. Symptoms that can accompany this can be swelling, stiffness, and the patient may limp. 

Kohler’s disease - This often targets the bone in the arch of the foot and affects younger boys. It can lead to an interruption of the blood supply which ultimately can lead to bone deterioration. The patient may limp or experience tenderness, swelling, and redness.

Maffucci syndrome - This affects the long bones in a child’s foot leading to the development of abnormal bone lesions. They are benign growths and typically develop in early childhood and the bones may be susceptible to breaking. 

A podiatrist can properly diagnose and treat all types of rare foot conditions. If your child is affected by any of these symptoms or conditions, please don’t hesitate to call our office so the correct treatment method can begin.

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

Read more about Rare Foot Conditions

When Swelling Develops in a Lower Limb

The lower limbs include the parts of the body from the knee down to the foot and toes. Podiatrists often treat conditions that affect this region because problems in the leg, ankle, or foot can affect walking and balance. Swelling in the lower limb can occur for many different reasons. Common causes include injuries such as sprains or fractures, infections, inflammation of joints, or problems with tendons and ligaments. Circulation issues can also lead to swelling, especially when veins have difficulty returning blood from the legs back to the heart. In some cases, fluid builds up in the tissues, causing the leg, ankle, or foot to appear puffy or tight. Long periods of standing, certain medications, and medical conditions may also contribute. Because swelling can signal many different problems, proper evaluation is important. If you notice persistent swelling in the leg, ankle, or foot, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Swollen feet can be a sign of an underlying condition. If you have any concerns, contact Dr. Howard Horowitz of Bowie Foot & Ankle . Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Swollen feet are a common ailment among pregnant women and people who stand or sit for extended periods. Aging may increase the possibility of swollen feet and patients who are obese often notice when their feet are swelling too. There may be medical reasons why swollen feet occur:

  • Phlebitis - A condition that causes the veins to become inflamed and can also cause leg pain.
  • Liver disease - This may lead to low blood levels of albumin which is a protein. This can cause fluid in the blood to pass into the tissues and several areas of the body can become swollen.
  • Heart failure - When the heart doesn’t pump properly the blood that is normally pumped back to the heart can pool in the veins of the legs causing swollen feet.
  • Kidney disease - One of the main functions of the kidneys is releasing excess fluid in the body. This type of condition can make it difficult for the kidneys to function properly, and as a result the feet may become swollen.
  • Deep-vein thrombosis (DVT)- This is a serious condition where blood clots form in the veins of the legs. They can block the return of blood from the legs to the heart which may cause the feet to swell. It is important to be treated by a podiatrist if this condition is present.

Swollen feet can also be caused by bone and tendon conditions, including fractures, arthritis, and tendinitis. Additionally, there may be skin and toenail conditions and an infection may cause the feet to swell. Patients who take medicine to treat high blood pressure may be prone to getting swollen feet. 

Many patients elevate their feet to help relieve the swelling and this is generally a temporary remedy. When a podiatrist is consulted the reason behind the swelling can be uncovered and subsequently treated.

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

Read more about Swelling of the Feet

Wounds That Don't Heal Need to Be Checked

Your feet are covered most of the day. If you're diabetic, periodic screening is important for good health. Numbness is often a sign of diabetic foot and can mask a sore or wound.

How Children’s Feet Grow and Change

Children’s feet go through many changes as they grow. At birth, the foot is soft and flexible, with bones that are still forming. As a child begins to stand, walk, and run, the structures of the foot gradually strengthen and develop. Muscles, ligaments, and bones work together to support balance and movement. It is common for young children to appear flat-footed because a layer of soft tissue hides the developing arch. As growth continues, the arch usually becomes more visible. However, some children may experience discomfort, unusual walking patterns, or fatigue in their feet or legs. These concerns can sometimes be linked to alignment differences or other structural factors. Early attention can help support healthy development and comfortable movement. If you notice ongoing foot pain, frequent tripping, or uneven shoe wear in your child, it is suggested that you seek an evaluation by a podiatrist to determine the cause and guide appropriate treatment.

The health of a child’s feet is vital to their overall well-being. If you have any questions regarding foot health, contact Dr. Howard Horowitz of Bowie Foot & Ankle . Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Tips for Keeping Children's Feet Healthy

  • Make sure their shoes fit properly
  • Look for any signs of in-toeing or out-toeing
  • Check to see if they have Clubfoot (condition that affects your child’s foot and ankle, twisting the heel and toes inward) which is one of the most common nonmajor birth defects.
  • Lightly cover your baby’s feet (Tight covers may keep your baby from moving their feet freely, and could prevent normal development)
  • Allow your toddler to go shoeless (Shoes can be restricting for a young child’s foot)
  • Cut toenails straight across to avoid ingrown toenails
  • Keep your child’s foot clean and dry
  • Cover cuts and scrapes. Wash any scratches with soap and water and cover them with a bandage until they’ve healed.

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

Read more about How to Care for Your Child's Feet

Connect With Us