An ingrown toenail occurs when the edge of the nail grows into the surrounding skin, causing pain, redness, swelling, and sometimes infection. This condition most often affects the big toe and can worsen, if left untreated. When conservative care does not resolve the problem or when infection continues to return, ingrown toenail surgery may be necessary. The procedure involves carefully removing the portion of the nail that is causing irritation, and, in some cases, treating the nail root to prevent recurrence. A podiatrist performs this procedure safely and comfortably in an office setting while guiding proper healing. If you have persistent toe pain or infection from an ingrown toenail, it is suggested that you promptly consult a podiatrist who can determine if this type of surgery needs to be performed.

Foot surgery is sometimes necessary to treat a foot ailment. To learn more, contact Moody Mankerious, DPM of Fusion Foot and Ankle. Our practitioner 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 offices located in Fort Worth and Arlington, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Heel fat pad syndrome occurs when the natural cushioning under the heel becomes thinned, displaced, or less effective. The fat pad is designed to absorb shock during walking and standing. When it loses integrity, the heel bone is exposed to increased pressure. This often leads to deep, bruise-like pain that worsens with weight-bearing activities, especially when walking barefoot or on hard surfaces. Aging, repetitive impact, obesity, prior heel injury, and improper footwear are common contributing factors. Symptoms may feel similar to plantar fasciitis, but the pain is usually centered directly under the heel rather than along the arch. Management focuses on protecting and supporting the heel. Wearing cushioned shoes, heel cups, orthotics, and activity modification can help reduce stress on the area. Addressing walking mechanics and avoiding thin-soled shoes are also helpful. If heel pain continues, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for a diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Many people suffer from bouts of heel pain. For more information, contact Moody Mankerious, DPM of Fusion Foot and Ankle. Our practitioner can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Causes of Heel Pain

Heel pain is often associated with plantar fasciitis. The plantar fascia is a band of tissues that extends along the bottom of the foot. A rip or tear in this ligament can cause inflammation of the tissue.

Achilles tendonitis is another cause of heel pain. Inflammation of the Achilles tendon will cause pain from fractures and muscle tearing. Lack of flexibility is also another symptom.

Heel spurs are another cause of pain. When the tissues of the plantar fascia undergo a great deal of stress, it can lead to ligament separation from the heel bone, causing heel spurs.

Why Might Heel Pain Occur?

• Wearing ill-fitting shoes                
• Wearing non-supportive shoes
• Weight change           
• Excessive running

Treatments

Heel pain should be treated as soon as possible for immediate results. Keeping your feet in a stress-free environment will help. If you suffer from Achilles tendonitis or plantar fasciitis, applying ice will reduce the swelling. Stretching before an exercise like running will help the muscles. Using all these tips will help make heel pain a condition of the past.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Fort Worth and Arlington, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Thyroid acropachy is a rare condition linked to autoimmune thyroid disease, most often associated with Graves disease. It causes changes in bones and soft tissues of the hands and feet. In the feet, symptoms may include swelling, clubbing of the toes, skin thickening, and discomfort that affects walking or shoe fit. These changes result from immune system activity that triggers inflammation and abnormal bone growth. Thyroid acropachy usually appears after other thyroid-related symptoms have been present and may occur alongside eye or skin involvement. Treatment focuses on managing the underlying thyroid condition and reducing inflammation. Wearing supportive footwear, custom orthotics, and monitoring foot structure can help maintain comfort and mobility. Because symptoms can mimic other foot disorders, proper evaluation is important. If unusual swelling, toe changes, or foot discomfort occur with thyroid disease, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate care.

When dealing with systemic disease of the feet, it is extremely important to check the affected areas routinely so that any additional problems are caught quickly.  If you have any concerns about your feet and ankles contact Moody Mankerious, DPM from Fusion Foot and Ankle. Our practitioner will assist you with all of your podiatric needs.

Systemic Diseases of the Feet

Systemic diseases affect the whole body, and symptoms usually are displayed in the feet. This condition can make a patient’s ability to walk unbearable.  Systemic diseases include gout, diabetes mellitus, neurological disorders, and arthritis.

Gout – is caused by an excess of uric acid in the body. Common symptoms include pain, inflammation, and redness at the metatarsal/phalangeal joint of the base big toe. Gout can be treated by NSAIDs to relieve pain and inflammation, and other drugs that lower the acid levels in the body.

Diabetes mellitus – is an increase in the level of blood sugar that the body cannot counteract with its own insulin. Failure to produce enough insulin is a factor in Diabetes.

Diabetes of the Feet

Diabetic Neuropathy – may lead to damaged nerves and affect the feet through numbness and loss of sensation.

Peripheral Vascular Disease – can restrict the blood flow to the feet, and often times lead to amputation of the feet. 

If you have any questions please contact our offices located in Fort Worth and Arlington, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.