Items filtered by date: October 2025

Ingrown toenails occur when the edge of the toenail grows into the surrounding skin, causing discomfort and sometimes infection. Common causes include improper nail trimming, wearing tight or narrow shoes, injury, or hereditary factors. Symptoms often include pain, redness, swelling, and tenderness along the side of the toenail. In more severe cases, there may be drainage or signs of infection, making walking or wearing shoes uncomfortable. Visually, the affected area may appear swollen and inflamed, with skin that is red and irritated. A podiatrist can diagnose ingrown toenails through a physical examination and patient history. Treatment options range from conservative care such as soaking, proper nail trimming techniques, and footwear advice, to minor surgical procedures that remove part of the nail to relieve pressure. Early intervention can prevent complications and relieve pain. For a proper diagnosis and effective treatment, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist.

Ingrown toenails can become painful if they are not treated properly. For more information about ingrown toenails, contact Dr. Richard Silverstein of Union Foot Care. 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 Havre de Grace, MD . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Pain in the front of the foot, particularly around the smaller toes, can develop from irritation, overuse, or structural changes in the joints and soft tissues. Wearing tight shoes, high heels, or repetitive stress can inflame the tendons, ligaments, or nerves that support the toes, leading to discomfort or swelling. Sometimes the issue involves joint misalignment or a buildup of pressure beneath the ball of the foot. Advanced imaging such as an MRI scan can help identify hidden causes like soft tissue injury or early joint damage that may not appear on X-rays. Treatment focuses on relieving pressure, improving foot mechanics, and reducing inflammation through custom orthotics, footwear modification, and targeted exercises. If you experience ongoing pain in the lesser toes, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist who can pinpoint the cause and recommend effective options for restoring comfort and balance.

Toe pain can disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, contact Dr. Richard Silverstein of Union Foot Care. 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 contact our office located in Havre de Grace, MD . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Soccer players put their feet under constant stress, which can lead to several common problems. Scrapes may occur from contact with the ground or another player. Athlete’s foot is a fungal infection that thrives in damp shoes, causing itching and redness. Blisters form from friction between the skin and cleats, while calluses develop as thickened skin from repeated pressure. Ingrown toenails can result from improper nail trimming or tight footwear, causing pain and swelling. Prevention includes wearing well-fitted cleats, keeping feet clean and dry, and trimming nails correctly. A podiatrist can diagnose and treat these issues, while offering personalized advice for prevention. If you enjoy playing soccer, and have developed foot or ankle pain, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who can treat various issues of this nature. 

Ankle and foot injuries are common among athletes and in many sports. They can be caused by several problems and may be potentially serious. If you are feeling pain or think you were injured in a sporting event or when exercising, consult with Dr. Richard Silverstein from Union Foot Care. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Common Injuries

The most common injuries that occur in sporting activities include:

• Achilles Tendonitis
• Achilles Tendon Rupture
• Ankle Sprains
• Broken Foot
• Plantar Fasciitis
• Stress Fractures
• Turf Toe

Symptoms

Symptoms vary depending upon the injury and in some cases, there may be no symptoms at all. However, in most cases, some form of symptom is experienced. Pain, aching, burning, bruising, tenderness, tightness or stiffness, sensation loss, difficulty moving, and swelling are the most common symptoms.

Treatment

Just as symptoms vary depending upon the injury, so do treatment options. A common treatment method is known as the RICE method. This method involves rest, applying ice, compression and elevating the afflicted foot or ankle. If the injury appears to be more serious, surgery might be required, such as arthroscopic or reconstructive surgery. Lastly, rehabilitation or therapy might be needed to gain full functionality in the afflicted area. Any discomfort experienced by an athlete must be evaluated by a licensed, reputable medical professional.  

If you have any questions please contact our office located in Havre de Grace, MD . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Selecting the right running shoes is essential for comfort, performance, and injury prevention. The best choice depends on foot shape, gait, and running goals. Runners with flat feet may need stability shoes, while those with high arches may benefit from cushioned support. Understanding your gait, whether neutral, where your foot lands evenly and rolls naturally, overpronated, where your foot rolls inward excessively, or supinated, where your foot rolls outward too much, also helps in finding proper footwear. Wearing the wrong shoes can lead to foot pain, shin splints, plantar fasciitis, or stress fractures. A podiatrist can evaluate your foot structure and gait, recommend the right shoe type, and provide orthotics, if needed. If you have foot pain while running, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can treat various foot conditions, and provide additional guidance on appropriate shoes to wear for your running style.

You should always make sure your running shoes fit properly in order to avoid injury. For more information, contact Dr. Richard Silverstein from Union Foot Care. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Choosing the Right Running Shoe for Your Foot Type

Improper shoe sizing can cause a myriad of problems for your feet. Shoes that don’t fit you properly can lead to muscular imbalances in your body, which can result in foot, knee, and hip injuries.

Tips for Finding the Right Running Shoe

• Make sure you have a thumb’s width of wiggle room between the end of your longest toe and the front of the shoe.
• There should be little to no slipping at the heel
• Don’t assume your size in one shoe brand will be your size in another
• Do not lace up your shoes too tightly
• Walk around in the store with your new shoes before you buy them

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