An ingrown toenail develops when the edge of a nail presses into the nearby skin instead of growing forward normally. The big toe is affected most often because it receives considerable pressure inside a shoe. Early signs include tenderness, redness, and swelling along one side of the nail. If bacteria enter the irritated area, drainage or a pocket of pus can appear. Patients with diabetes, poor circulation, or reduced feeling in the feet face a greater risk of complications. They should have any unusual nail changes examined promptly.

Several factors can cause an ingrown toenail. Cutting a nail too short or rounding its corners can encourage the edge to grow into the skin. Wearing tight shoes can squeeze the toes and increase pressure along the nail borders. A toe injury can also change the way the nail grows. Some patients inherit nails that curve sharply at the sides, making the problem more likely. Without professional care, continued irritation can lead to infection and increased pain. Severe redness, spreading swelling, or drainage requires prompt attention from a podiatrist.

A podiatrist can examine the nail, check for infection, and determine how deeply the edge has entered the skin. Treatment includes carefully trimming, lifting, or removing the troublesome nail section, depending on severity. When an ingrown toenail repeatedly returns, a minor procedure can treat part of the nail-growth area and prevent the same edge from growing back. The podiatrist can also address thick nails and recommend properly fitting shoes with enough room around the toes. Patients with diabetes or circulation problems benefit from professional nail care because small wounds can become serious quickly. Timely treatment eases pressure, protects nearby tissue, and lowers the risk of infection. Surgery is generally reserved for repeated or severe cases. If you have a painful ingrown toenail, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for effective relief and treatment 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 Michael Bess, DPM of Florida. Our podiatrist 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 West Palm Beach, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Flat feet occur when the arches are low or absent while standing. Some people are born with this foot shape without discomfort. In other patients, the arches flatten because of an injury or weakened tendons. Arthritis and excess body weight can also contribute. Symptoms include aching in the arches, heel pain, and swelling near the inner ankle. A person also may have tired feet after standing or notice changes in the way their shoes wear. Flat feet can affect how weight moves across the feet, placing added strain on joints and soft tissues.

A podiatrist can determine whether flat feet are responsible for the pain or another problem is involved. The examination includes checking the arches while the patient sits and stands. The podiatrist studies joint motion and the patient’s walking pattern. X-rays can show bone position, arthritis, or an injury. Other imaging can provide a closer look at tendons when damage is suspected. These findings help distinguish flexible flat feet from rigid flat feet. A flexible arch appears when no weight is placed on the foot, while a rigid arch remains flat. Identifying the type and cause allows the podiatrist to recommend care that matches the patient’s needs.

Treatment focuses on reducing pain, improving support, and helping the feet work efficiently. A podiatrist can prescribe custom orthotics that support the arches and guide weight across the feet. The doctor can also recommend shoes with firm heel support, adequate cushioning, and enough room for the toes. An ankle brace can provide added stability in certain cases. When a damaged tendon or severe bone misalignment causes lasting symptoms, surgery can repair the affected structures or improve their position. Regular podiatry visits can track changes in the arches and help prevent added strain on the ankles, knees, or hips. If you have foot pain related to flat feet, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for effective relief and management solutions. 

Flatfoot is a condition many people suffer from. If you have flat feet, contact Michael Bess, DPM from Florida. Our podiatrist will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Are Flat Feet?

Flatfoot is a condition in which the arch of the foot is depressed and the sole of the foot is almost completely in contact with the ground. About 20-30% of the population generally has flat feet because their arches never formed during growth.

Conditions & Problems:

Having flat feet makes it difficult to run or walk because of the stress placed on the ankles.

Alignment – The general alignment of your legs can be disrupted, because the ankles move inward which can cause major discomfort.

Knees – If you have complications with your knees, flat feet can be a contributor to arthritis in that area.  

Symptoms

• Pain around the heel or arch area
• Trouble standing on the tip toe
• Swelling around the inside of the ankle
• Flat look to one or both feet
• Having your shoes feel uneven when worn

Treatment

If you are experiencing pain and stress on the foot you may weaken the posterior tibial tendon, which runs around the inside of the ankle. 

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

Diabetic foot complications are problems that affect the skin, nerves, bones, or soft tissues of the feet in people with diabetes. High blood sugar can contribute to peripheral neuropathy and poor circulation, making injuries harder to notice and slower to heal. Common symptoms include numbness, burning, swelling, or an open sore. Risk factors include poorly controlled blood sugar, previous ulcers, and circulation problems. Early screening is important because a small blister or cut can become a serious diabetic foot wound when treatment is delayed.

Diabetic foot management begins with regular screening and careful daily observation. A podiatrist may check protective sensation, circulation, and areas exposed to pressure. Wounds are also classified according to their depth, tissue involvement, and circulation status. The Wagner classification is commonly used to describe diabetic foot ulcers from superficial wounds through deeper ulcers that involve bone or extensive tissue damage. An accurate classification helps guide treatment decisions and follow-up.

When a diabetic foot wound is identified, a podiatrist examines its size, depth, and surrounding skin. Treatment may involve wound cleaning, pressure relief, and appropriate dressings. The podiatrist may also remove unhealthy tissue when necessary and recommend specialized footwear or off-loading devices to reduce pressure. If an infection is suspected, additional medical treatment may be required. Regular follow-up allows the wound to be monitored and treatment adjusted as healing progresses.

Preventing complications requires consistent foot care and professional monitoring. People with diabetes should avoid walking barefoot and promptly report new wounds, color changes, or drainage. Wearing proper footwear and routine podiatric examinations can reduce the risk of serious problems and support long-term foot health. If you have diabetes and notice changes in your feet, or have difficulty managing foot complications, it is suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can help you to manage this serious condition.

Diabetic foot care is important in preventing foot ailments such as ulcers. If you are suffering from diabetes or have any other concerns about your feet, contact Michael Bess, DPM from Florida. Our podiatrist can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Diabetic Foot Care

Diabetes affects millions of people every year. The condition can damage blood vessels in many parts of the body, especially the feet. Because of this, taking care of your feet is essential if you have diabetes, and having a podiatrist help monitor your foot health is highly recommended.

The Importance of Caring for Your Feet

• Routinely inspect your feet for bruises or sores.
• Wear socks that fit your feet comfortably.
• Wear comfortable shoes that provide adequate support.

Patients with diabetes should have their doctor monitor their blood levels, as blood sugar levels play such a huge role in diabetic care. Monitoring these levels on a regular basis is highly advised.

It is always best to inform your healthcare professional of any concerns you may have regarding your feet, especially for diabetic patients. Early treatment and routine foot examinations are keys to maintaining proper health, especially because severe complications can arise if proper treatment is not applied.

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

Corns are thick, hardened areas of skin that form when repeated pressure or rubbing affects a specific part of the foot. They often develop on the toes, between the toes, or on the soles of the feet. A corn can have a hard center and feel tender when pressure is placed on it. Shoes that are too narrow or do not fit properly can increase pressure on the toes. A toe that bends or sits differently can rub against a shoe and create friction. Corns are different from calluses because they usually form in a smaller, more focused area. They are not contagious, but they can become painful and make standing or walking uncomfortable.

A podiatrist can examine a corn and determine what is causing the repeated pressure. This evaluation can also help distinguish a corn from other skin problems, including a plantar wart. Care focuses on reducing pressure and relieving discomfort. A podiatrist can safely remove thickened skin, recommend changes that reduce rubbing, and assess whether a foot shape or toe problem is contributing to the corn. Removing a corn without addressing the source of pressure can allow it to return.

In some cases, a corn is connected to an underlying bone or toe problem. When other treatments do not provide enough relief, a podiatrist can discuss whether surgery is appropriate. Surgery can address a structural problem that continues to create pressure on the affected area. A podiatrist can explain the available options based on the location and severity of the corn. Patients with reduced sensation in their feet also need careful evaluation because they might not notice an injury caused by a corn. Professional assessment can help protect the skin and reduce complications, especially when symptoms are persistent or severe. Corns can be painful, and may cause difficulty in completing daily activities. If you have developed a corn, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for effective relief and treatment solutions.

If you have any concerns regarding your feet and ankles, contact Michael Bess, DPM of Florida. Our podiatrist will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Corns: What Are They? and How Do You Get Rid of Them?
Corns can be described as areas of the skin that have thickened to the point of becoming painful or irritating. They are often layers and layers of the skin that have become dry and rough, and are normally smaller than calluses.

Ways to Prevent Corns
There are many ways to get rid of painful corns such as wearing:

• Well-fitting socks
• Comfortable shoes that are not tight around your foot
• Shoes that offer support

Treating Corns
Treatment of corns involves removing the dead skin that has built up in the specific area of the foot. Consult with Our podiatrist to determine the best treatment option for your case of corns.

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