Parents are sometimes surprised to notice that a baby's toenail appears to be growing into the surrounding skin. In many cases, the nail is simply soft and naturally curved, making it look ingrown without causing a problem. A true ingrown toenail develops when the edge of the nail presses into the skin and causes irritation. This condition occurs most often on the big toe. Babies, toddlers, and young children can all develop an ingrown toenail. Causes include nails that curve inward, trimming the corners too short, and pressure from shoes that are too tight. Symptoms include redness, swelling, tenderness, and pain when the toe is touched. If the area becomes infected, drainage or pus can appear, and the skin can become increasingly swollen and sore.

A podiatrist can determine whether a child's toenail is truly ingrown or simply has a normal curve. This examination is important because treatment depends on the condition of the nail and the surrounding skin. A podiatrist can gently remove the portion of the nail causing irritation while protecting the healthy tissue. When infections are present, prompt treatment helps reduce discomfort and lowers the risk of the infection spreading. Children with recurring ingrown toenails can also be evaluated to determine whether the shape of the nail or another foot problem is contributing to repeated episodes.

Parents can help reduce the chance of ingrown toenails by trimming nails straight across instead of rounding the corners. Shoes should fit properly and leave enough room for growing toes. Regularly checking a child's feet also helps identify early signs of redness or swelling before the condition becomes more painful. Babies and young children cannot always explain where they hurt, so changes in walking, fussiness, or avoiding pressure on one foot deserve attention. If your child has symptoms of an ingrown toenail, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Ingrown toenails can become painful if they are not treated properly. For more information about ingrown toenails, contact John McGhan, DPM of Gold Canyon 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

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 Gold Canyon, AZ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Diabetes can affect the feet in ways that are easy to overlook until a serious problem develops. High blood sugar can damage nerves, reducing the ability to feel pain, heat, or injuries. This means a small cut or blister can go unnoticed. Diabetes can also reduce blood flow to the feet, making such wounds slower to heal and increasing the risk of infection. In such cases, a foot ulcer can develop. Even a minor injury from bumping the foot, stepping on a sharp object, or wearing shoes that do not fit properly can cause a foot ulcer. This open sore can become severe without prompt treatment. Because these injuries are not always painful, regular foot examinations by a podiatrist are an important part of protecting foot health.

A podiatrist carefully checks the skin, circulation, and nerve function to identify early warning signs. The examination also focuses on pressure points, changes in foot shape, and areas of irritation that increase the chance of skin breakdown. Professional care includes treating calluses, trimming thick toenails, and managing developing wounds in ways that encourage healing. A podiatrist can also recommend shoes that fit properly and provide better protection against rubbing and pressure. Early diagnosis and treatment can help lower the risk of infection, hospitalization, and surgery.

Regular visits with a podiatrist play an important role in preventing diabetic foot complications. Professional evaluations help detect changes that patients cannot always see or feel because of reduced sensation. Prompt treatment of small wounds and pressure-related skin problems can prevent them from becoming dangerous ulcers. Education provided by a podiatrist also helps patients understand why proper shoe fit and routine foot evaluations are essential for protecting mobility. Delaying care allows a small problem to become much more difficult to treat. If you have symptoms of a foot ulcer resulting from diabetes, it is suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can help 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 John McGhan, DPM from Gold Canyon Foot & Ankle. Our doctor 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 Gold Canyon, AZ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Lateral ankle sprains are among the most common foot and ankle injuries and often involve more than just the ankle joint. The midfoot and forefoot play a key role in stability, force distribution, and balance during movement. A lateral ankle sprain occurs when the ligaments on the outer side of the ankle are stretched or torn, usually due to an inward rolling motion of the foot. When this motion occurs, the midfoot and forefoot can also shift, placing additional strain on surrounding structures and increasing the risk of long-term instability.

Symptoms of a lateral ankle sprain include pain on the outer ankle, swelling, bruising, and difficulty bearing weight. When the midfoot and forefoot are involved, patients may also report pain along the arch or the ball of the foot. There may be tenderness when pressing on the midfoot joints and a feeling of weakness or instability when walking. Chronic ankle instability can develop if the ligaments do not heal properly, leading to repeated sprains and a persistent sense of the ankle giving way during activity.

Risk factors for these injuries include poor foot alignment, weak stabilizing muscles, and improper footwear. Individuals with flat feet or high arches may experience uneven pressure distribution, which affects how the midfoot and forefoot absorb impact. Sudden changes in direction, uneven surfaces, and lack of balance training can increase the likelihood of injury. Previous ankle sprains are a major risk factor for chronic instability, especially when rehabilitation is incomplete or delayed.

Understanding the connection between the ankle, midfoot, and forefoot is essential for proper recovery and prevention. Strengthening exercises that target the intrinsic foot muscles and improve proprioception can enhance stability and reduce reinjury risk. Supportive footwear and custom orthotics may help maintain proper alignment during activity. If you have ankle pain related to instability or sprains, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for effective relief and treatment solutions.

Ankle sprains are common but need immediate attention. If you need your feet checked, contact John McGhan, DPM from Gold Canyon Foot & Ankle. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

How Does an Ankle Sprain Occur?

Ankle sprains take place when the ligaments in your ankle are torn or stretched beyond their limits. There are multiple ways that the ankle can become injured, including twisting or rolling over onto your ankle, putting undue stress on it, or causing trauma to the ankle itself.

What Are the Symptoms?

• Mild to moderate bruising
• Limited mobility
• Swelling
• Discoloration of the skin (depending on severity)

Preventing a Sprain

• Wearing appropriate shoes for the occasion
• Stretching before exercises and sports
• Knowing your limits

Treatment of a Sprain

Treatment of a sprain depends on the severity.  Many times, people are told to rest and remain off their feet completely, while others are given an air cast. If the sprain is very severe, surgery may be required.

If you have suffered an ankle sprain previously, you may want to consider additional support such as a brace and regular exercises to strengthen the ankle.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Gold Canyon, AZ . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Foot pain that becomes worse at night can be frustrating and disruptive. Aching, burning, or throbbing pain can make it difficult to fall asleep or stay asleep. Nighttime foot pain can develop from conditions that affect the bones, joints, nerves, or soft tissues of the feet. One common cause is plantar fasciitis, which is irritation of a band of tissue that supports the arch. Although plantar fasciitis is known for causing pain with the first steps in the morning, some people also notice discomfort when resting at night. Arthritis can also lead to aching pain and stiffness after a day of activity. Foot pain at night can be linked to inflammation that becomes more noticeable when the body is at rest.

Nerve-related problems are another possible source of nighttime foot pain. Nerves that become compressed or irritated can produce burning, tingling, or shooting sensations. Peripheral neuropathy, a condition that involves damaged nerves, can also cause discomfort that feels stronger in the evening hours. Diabetes is one of the leading causes of this type of nerve damage. Other foot conditions associated with nighttime pain include bunions, Morton’s neuroma, and tendon injuries. Morton’s neuroma develops when a nerve between the toes becomes irritated, leading to burning pain and numbness. A podiatrist can determine the cause of pain through a physical examination, a review of medical history, and X-rays or other imaging studies, when necessary.

Because nighttime foot pain has many possible causes, obtaining an accurate diagnosis is important. Once the podiatrist identifies the source of the problem, treatment options follow. Included are custom orthotics, medication, or other medical therapies designed to reduce pain and improve foot function. Early evaluation can also help detect underlying health conditions that contribute to ongoing discomfort. Addressing the problem promptly can improve sleep quality and help patients return to normal daily activities with greater comfort. If you have foot pain at night, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam and appropriate treatment.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with John McGhan, DPM from Gold Canyon Foot & Ankle. 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.

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