A black toenail may appear alarming, and its causes can range from minor to more serious conditions. Repetitive trauma, such as pressure from shoes that do not fit properly, can cause bleeding beneath the toenail, which leads to dark discoloration. A blunt injury, like dropping a heavy object on the foot, can also damage the nail bed and cause blood to pool under the nail. Fungal infections may contribute as well, where debris buildup can turn the nail dark instead of the typical yellow or white. In some cases, pigmentation changes or underlying health conditions like diabetes, anemia, or heart disease can be factors. A podiatrist can identify the exact cause, provide treatment to address pain, infection, or nail damage, and determine if further testing is needed. If your toenail turns black in color, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam and appropriate treatment.

Toe pain can disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, contact Pedram Aslmand, DPM of Advanced Foot and Ankle Center. Our podiatrist can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Causes Toe Pain?

Most severe toe pain is caused due to a sports injury, trauma from dropping something heavy on the toe, or bumping into something rigid. Other problems can develop over time for various reasons.

Toe pain can be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

• Trauma
• Sports injury
• Wearing shoes that are too tight
• Arthritis
• Gout
• Corns and calluses
• Hammertoe
• Bunions
• Blisters
• Ingrown toenails
• Sprains
• Fractures (broken bones)
• Dislocations

When to See a Podiatrist

• Severe pain
• Persistent pain that lasts more than a week
• Signs of infection
• Continued swelling
• Pain that prevents walking

Diagnosis

In many cases the cause of toe pain is obvious, but in others, a podiatrist may want to use more advanced methods to determine the problem. These can range from simple visual inspections and sensation tests to X-rays and MRI scans. Prior medical history, family medical history, and any recent physical traumatic events will all be taken into consideration for a proper diagnosis.

Treatment

Treatments for toe pain and injuries vary and may include shoe inserts, padding, taping, medicines, injections, and in some cases, surgery. If you believe that you have broken a toe, please see a podiatrist as soon as possible.

If you have any questions please contact our offices located in Long Beach, CA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Basketball places heavy demands on the feet and ankles, making these areas particularly vulnerable to injury. The constant jumping, pivoting, and sudden directional changes often lead to ankle sprains, fractures, and tendon problems. A sprain occurs when the ligaments that stabilize the ankle are stretched or torn, often from landing on another player’s foot. Stress fractures may also develop from repeated impact, affecting bones like the talus or navicular in the ankle. High ankle sprains, which involve the ligaments that connect the tibia and fibula, are less common but typically more severe, requiring longer recovery.  A podiatrist can evaluate the extent of the basketball-related injury, provide effective treatment, and determine if surgery is necessary to restore stability and function. If you have sustained an ankle injury, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam and treatment.

Sports related foot and ankle injuries require proper treatment before players can go back to their regular routines. For more information, contact Pedram Aslmand, DPM of Advanced Foot and Ankle Center. Our podiatrist can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Sports Related Foot and Ankle Injuries

Foot and ankle injuries are a common occurrence when it comes to athletes of any sport. While many athletes dismiss the initial aches and pains, the truth is that ignoring potential foot and ankle injuries can lead to serious problems. As athletes continue to place pressure and strain the area further, a mild injury can turn into something as serious as a rupture and may lead to a permanent disability. There are many factors that contribute to sports related foot and ankle injuries, which include failure to warm up properly, not providing support or wearing bad footwear. Common injuries and conditions athletes face, including:

• Plantar Fasciitis
• Achilles Tendinitis
• Achilles Tendon Rupture
• Ankle Sprains

Sports related injuries are commonly treated using the RICE method. This includes rest, applying ice to the injured area, compression and elevating the ankle. More serious sprains and injuries may require surgery, which could include arthroscopic and reconstructive surgery. Rehabilitation and therapy may also be required in order to get any recovering athlete to become fully functional again. Any unusual aches and pains an athlete sustains must be evaluated by a licensed, reputable medical professional.

If you have any questions please contact our offices located in Long Beach, CA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Foot stress fractures are small cracks in the bones of the feet that develop gradually from repeated stress, rather than a sudden injury. Foot stress fractures often occur when people increase their activity level too quickly, as the foot muscles may not provide enough support to protect the bones. Sports like running, tennis, football, and gymnastics are frequent causes, as repeated impact on hard surfaces places strain on the metatarsals, heel bone, or navicular bone. Abnormal foot structure, such as flat feet or high arches, can also contribute by unevenly distributing pressure. Wearing shoes that lack adequate support or relying heavily on flip-flops may further increase the risk. Pain usually begins gradually, worsening with activity and resulting in swelling or tenderness. A podiatrist can identify the source of the pain and provide proper treatment. If you are experiencing symptoms of foot stress fractures, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam and treatment.

Activities where too much pressure is put on the feet can cause stress fractures. To learn more, contact Pedram Aslmand, DPM from Advanced Foot and Ankle Center. Our podiatrist can provide the care you need to keep your pain free and on your feet.

Dealing with Stress Fractures of the Foot and Ankle

Stress fractures occur in the foot and ankle when muscles in these areas weaken from too much or too little use.  The feet and ankles then lose support when walking or running from the impact of the ground. Since there is no protection, the bones receive the full impact of each step. Stress on the feet can cause cracks to form in the bones, thus creating stress fractures.

What Are Stress Fractures?

Stress fractures occur frequently in individuals whose daily activities cause great impact on the feet and ankles. Stress factors are most common among:

• Runners                                
• People affected with Osteoporosis
• Tennis or basketball players
• Gymnasts
• High impact workouts

Symptoms

Pain from the fractures occur in the area of the fractures and can be constant or intermittent. It will often cause sharp or dull pain with swelling and tenderness. Engaging in any kind of activity which involves high impact will aggravate pain.

If you have any questions please contact our offices located in Long Beach, CA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Exercises play an important role in restoring strength, flexibility, and balance after a foot or ankle injury. Toe raises are done by lifting onto the balls of the feet. This strengthens the calf muscles and supports ankle stability, which reduces the risk of reinjury. Towel scrunches involve using the toes to scrunch up a towel on the floor, which improves strength in the small muscles of the foot and enhances arch support and overall control. Ankle circles are done by slowly moving the ankle in circular motions, and helps to restore range of motion and reduces stiffness following periods of immobilization. These exercises not only rebuild strength but also improve balance and coordination, making daily activities and athletic movements safer and more comfortable. If you are recovering from a foot or ankle injury, it is suggested that you seek guidance from a podiatrist, which may include suggestions for exercises regarding your specific condition.

Ankle pain can be caused by a number of problems and may be potentially serious. If you have ankle pain, consult with Pedram Aslmand, DPM from Advanced Foot and Ankle Center. Our podiatrist will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Ankle pain is any condition that causes pain in the ankle. Due to the fact that the ankle consists of tendons, muscles, bones, and ligaments, ankle pain can come from a number of different conditions.

Causes

The most common causes of ankle pain include:

• Types of arthritis (rheumatoid, osteoarthritis, and gout)
• Ankle sprains
• Broken ankles
• Achilles tendonitis
• Achilles tendon rupture
• Stress fractures
• Bursitis
• Tarsal tunnel syndrome
• Plantar fasciitis

Symptoms

Symptoms of ankle injury vary based upon the condition. Pain may include general pain and discomfort, swelling, aching, redness, bruising, burning or stabbing sensations, and/or loss of sensation.

Diagnosis

Due to the wide variety of potential causes of ankle pain, podiatrists will utilize a number of different methods to properly diagnose ankle pain. This can include asking for personal and family medical histories and of any recent injuries. Further diagnosis may include sensation tests, a physical examination, and potentially x-rays or other imaging tests.

Treatment

Just as the range of causes varies widely, so do treatments. Some more common treatments are rest, ice packs, keeping pressure off the foot, orthotics and braces, medication for inflammation and pain, and surgery.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Long Beach, CA . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.