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Helping Children With Ingrown Toenails

Tuesday, 21 April 2026

Ingrown toenails are common in children and can cause surprising discomfort. This problem occurs when the edge of the nail grows into the surrounding skin. Wearing tight shoes, improper nail trimming, and sports injuries are frequent causes. Early signs include redness, swelling, and tenderness along the nail border. If bacteria enter the area, drainage and increased pain may develop. Treatment depends on how advanced the condition is. Mild cases may improve with warm water soaks, gentle lifting of the nail edge, and wearing wider shoes. It is important to trim nails straight across rather than rounding the corners. When infection or severe pain is present, a podiatrist may carefully remove a portion of the nail to relieve pressure and allow healing. Prompt care prevents complications and helps children return to normal activities quickly. If your child has ongoing toe pain or signs of infection, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Ingrown toenails can become painful if they are not treated properly. For more information about ingrown toenails, contact Dr. Sybil J. Fisher of Texas. 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

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 one of our offices located in Houston and Sugar Land, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Symptoms and Causes of Metatarsal Pain

Tuesday, 14 April 2026

Metatarsal pain, known as metatarsalgia, occurs in the ball of the foot where long bones of the foot absorb body weight during standing and walking. People often notice burning, sharp, or aching discomfort beneath the toes, sometimes accompanied by numbness, tingling, or a feeling of walking on a stone. Symptoms worsen with activity, standing, or tight footwear. Causes of metatarsal pain include repetitive impact from sports, stress fractures, arthritis, and high arches. Toe deformities, such as hammertoes, and pressure shifts created by narrow or high heeled shoes are other factors. A podiatrist can perform a biomechanical examination, evaluate gait patterns, order imaging, and provide care that redistributes pressure and treats the disorder to prevent progression and complications. If you have pain in the ball of the foot, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam, diagnosis, and ongoing treatment.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with Dr. Sybil J. Fisher from Texas. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Causes

Foot pain is a very broad condition that could be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

Bunions
Hammertoes
Plantar Fasciitis
Bone Spurs
Corns
Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
Ingrown Toenails
Arthritis (such as Gout, Rheumatoid, and Osteoarthritis)
Flat Feet
Injury (from stress fractures, broken toe, foot, ankle, Achilles tendon ruptures, and sprains)
And more

Diagnosis

To figure out the cause of foot pain, podiatrists utilize several different methods. This 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

Treatment depends upon the cause of the foot pain. Whether it is resting, staying off the foot, or having surgery; podiatrists have a number of treatment options available for foot pain.

How Peripheral Artery Disease Affects Foot and Ankle Skin

Tuesday, 07 April 2026

Peripheral artery disease, or PAD, reduces blood flow to the lower limbs, limiting the oxygen and nutrients needed to keep skin healthy. In the feet and ankles, this often leads to dryness, thinning, and increased sensitivity. Skin may appear shiny, pale, or cool to the touch, and hair growth can diminish. Even minor cuts or pressure areas may heal slowly because circulation is impaired. Over time, poor blood supply increases the risk of skin breakdown, ulcers, and infection, especially when combined with reduced sensation. Color changes, cracking, or persistent redness should not be ignored, as they may signal worsening circulation. Wearing proper footwear, daily skin checks, and prompt care of small injuries are essential for protection. If changes in foot or ankle skin are noticed, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Peripheral artery disease can pose a serious risk to your health. It can increase the risk of stroke and heart attack. If you have symptoms of peripheral artery disease, consult with Dr. Sybil J. Fisher from Texas. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is when arteries are constricted due to plaque (fatty deposits) build-up. This results in less blood flow to the legs and other extremities. The main cause of PAD is atherosclerosis, in which plaque builds up in the arteries.

Symptoms

Symptoms of PAD include:

Claudication (leg pain from walking)
Numbness in legs
Decrease in growth of leg hair and toenails
Paleness of the skin
Erectile dysfunction
Sores and wounds on legs and feet that won’t heal
Coldness in one leg

It is important to note that a majority of individuals never show any symptoms of PAD.

Diagnosis

While PAD occurs in the legs and arteries, Podiatrists can diagnose PAD. Podiatrists utilize a test called an ankle-brachial index (ABI). An ABI test compares blood pressure in your arm to you ankle to see if any abnormality occurs. Ultrasound and imaging devices may also be used.

Treatment

Fortunately, lifestyle changes such as maintaining a healthy diet, exercising, managing cholesterol and blood sugar levels, and quitting smoking, can all treat PAD. Medications that prevent clots from occurring can be prescribed. Finally, in some cases, surgery may be recommended.

Gout Pain Can Be Managed

Wednesday, 01 April 2026

Gout is a painful, inflammatory form of arthritis. Those affected will typically feel an intense stiffness in the joints of their feet, particularly in the big toe. Schedule a visit to learn about how gout can be managed and treated.

Hammertoe and the Role of Podiatric Care

Tuesday, 31 March 2026

Hammertoe is a deformity that causes one of the smaller toes to bend abnormally at the middle joint, creating a curled or hammer-like appearance. This condition often develops due to a muscle imbalance that places excessive pressure on the toe. Common symptoms include pain, swelling, redness, corns, calluses, and difficulty wearing shoes comfortably. Over time, the joint may become stiff and less flexible. Risk factors include wearing tight or narrow footwear, foot structure abnormalities, arthritis, and previous toe injuries. Early evaluation is important to prevent progression. A podiatrist can provide customized treatment, such as padding and orthotics, as well as offer footwear guidance or corrective procedures as needed. If you have symptoms of a hammertoe, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can offer appropriate treatment solutions.

Hammertoes can be a painful condition to live with. For more information, contact Dr. Sybil J. Fisher of Texas. Our doctor will answer any of your foot- and ankle-related questions.

Hammertoe

Hammertoe is a foot deformity that occurs due to an imbalance in the muscles, tendons, or ligaments that normally hold the toe straight. It can be caused by the type of shoes you wear, your foot structure, trauma, and certain disease processes.

Symptoms

Painful and/or difficult toe movement
Swelling
Joint stiffness
Calluses/Corns
Physical deformity

Risk Factors

Age – The risk of hammertoe increases with age
Sex – Women are more likely to have hammertoe compared to men
Toe Length – You are more likely to develop hammertoe if your second toe is longer than your big toe
Certain Diseases – Arthritis and diabetes may make you more likely to develop hammertoe

Treatment

If you have hammertoe, you should change into a more comfortable shoe that provides enough room for your toes. Exercises such as picking up marbles may strengthen and stretch your toe muscles. Nevertheless, it is important to seek assistance from a podiatrist in order to determine the severity of your hammertoe and see which treatment option will work best for you.

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