Bruised toenails, also known as subungual hematomas, typically result from trauma or injury to the toe. The sensitive nail bed can easily sustain damage from sudden impact or repetitive pressure, leading to discoloration and discomfort. Trauma, such as stubbing the toe or dropping a heavy object on it, can cause blood vessels beneath the nail to rupture. This leads to the accumulation of blood and the characteristic dark discoloration, usually dark blue or black. If left untreated, bruised toenails can lead to a spread of discoloration or even nail detachment, along with an increased risk of infection. Proper footwear, especially for runners, and caution in high-risk activities are key factors in reducing the likelihood of trauma to the toenails. Recognizing the symptoms of bruised toenails enables individuals to seek timely treatment, prevent potential complications and promote faster recovery. If you've experienced a problematic bruised toenail, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for treatment. 

Toe pain can disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, contact Dr. Kirk Sherris of Liberty Bay Foot & Ankle. Our doctor 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 feel free to contact our office located in Poulsbo, WA . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Ingrown toenails occur when the edge of a toenail grows into the surrounding skin, leading to pain, swelling, and sometimes infection. The main causes include improper nail trimming, wearing tight footwear, and trauma to the toe. To prevent ingrown toenails, it is essential to trim nails correctly. Cut toenails straight across rather than rounding the edges to avoid them growing into the skin. Additionally, keeping nails at a moderate length helps prevent pressure from shoes. The pain from ingrown toenails is due to the nail cutting into the sensitive skin, causing inflammation and sometimes infection. This pressure and irritation trigger significant discomfort, making even simple activities like walking painful. Proper nail care and wearing well-fitting shoes can reduce the risk of developing ingrown toenails and alleviate the associated pain. If you have developed an ingrown toenail, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can treat this condition, which may include minor surgery.

Ingrown toenails can become painful if they are not treated properly. For more information about ingrown toenails, contact Dr. Kirk Sherris of Liberty Bay Foot & Ankle. Our doctor 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 office located in Poulsbo, WA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Heel spurs are bony growths that develop on the underside of the heel bone, often causing heel pain. They form when calcium deposits build up over time, usually due to strain on foot muscles and ligaments, stretching of the plantar fascia, or repeated tearing of the membrane that covers the heel bone. People most at risk include those with flat feet or high arches, athletes who engage in a lot of running and jumping, and individuals who are overweight or wear poorly fitted shoes. Symptoms of heel spurs include sharp pain in the heel, especially while standing up in the morning or after sitting for a long time, and a feeling of a small, hard lump under the heel. Treatment generally involves rest, wearing orthotic inserts, gentle exercises, and taking anti-inflammatory medications. However, for persistent pain, a minimally invasive procedure called a percutaneous plantar fasciotomy, which involves releasing tension in the fascia can be an alternative to surgically removing the spur. If you think you have a heel spur, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan that is right for you.

Foot surgery is sometimes necessary to treat a foot ailment. To learn more, contact Dr. Kirk Sherris of Liberty Bay Foot & Ankle. Our doctor will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.

When Is Surgery Necessary?

Foot and ankle surgery is generally reserved for cases in which less invasive, conservative procedures have failed to alleviate the problem. Some of the cases in which surgery may be necessary include:

• Removing foot deformities like bunions and bone spurs
• Severe arthritis that has caused bone issues
• Cosmetic reconstruction

What Types of Surgery Are There?

The type of surgery you receive will depend on the nature of the problem you have. Some of the possible surgeries include:

• Bunionectomy for painful bunions
• Surgical fusion for realignment of bones
• Neuropathy decompression surgery to treat nerve damage

Benefits of Surgery

Although surgery is usually a last resort, it can provide more complete pain relief compared to non-surgical methods and may allow you to finally resume full activity.

Surgical techniques have also become increasingly sophisticated. Techniques like endoscopic surgery allow for smaller incisions and faster recovery times.

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

Flat feet, or fallen arches, occur when the arches of the feet do not develop properly or collapse over time. This condition can be caused by genetic factors, injury, arthritis, or the natural aging process. Obesity and pregnancy may also contribute to the development of flat feet due to increased pressure on the arches. Common symptoms include foot pain, particularly in the heel or arch area, swelling along the inside of the ankle, and difficulty standing on tiptoe. Flat feet can lead to problems with walking or running and may cause discomfort in the legs and lower back. Proper diagnosis and treatment by a podiatrist can help to manage symptoms and prevent further complications. If you have flat feet, it is suggested that you are under the care of this type of doctor who can help you manage this condition and guide you toward relief solutions.

Flatfoot is a condition many people suffer from. If you have flat feet, contact Dr. Kirk Sherris from Liberty Bay Foot & Ankle. Our doctor 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 Poulsbo, WA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.