Ankle pain can result from many causes including sprains, arthritis, tendon injuries, plantar fasciitis, and overuse. Symptoms include swelling, stiffness, sharp or aching pain, and difficulty walking or standing for long periods of time. Risk factors, such as improper footwear, obesity, high impact sports, and previous injuries, increase the chance of developing ankle problems. Left untreated, ankle pain can interfere with mobility and overall quality of life. A podiatrist can diagnose the underlying cause, provide personalized treatments, and recommend supportive footwear or therapies to relieve discomfort and restore function. If you have persistent ankle pain, it is suggested that you schedule a visit with a podiatrist who can diagnose the problem and provide you with effective treatment solutions.

Ankle pain can have many different causes and the pain may potentially be serious. If you have ankle pain, consult with Shalonda Davidson, DPM from Instride Carolina Foot Care. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Ankle pain is any condition that causes pain in the ankle. Due to the fact that the ankle consists of tendons, muscles, bones, and ligaments, ankle pain can come from a number of different conditions.

Causes

The most common causes of ankle pain include:

• Types of arthritis (rheumatoid, osteoarthritis, and gout)
• Ankle sprains
• Broken ankles
• Achilles tendinitis
• Achilles tendon rupture
• Stress fractures
• Tarsal tunnel syndrome
• Plantar fasciitis

Symptoms

Symptoms of ankle injury vary based upon the condition. Pain may include general pain and discomfort, swelling, aching, redness, bruising, burning or stabbing sensations, and/or loss of sensation.

Diagnosis

Due to the wide variety of potential causes of ankle pain, podiatrists will utilize a number of different methods to properly diagnose ankle pain. This can include asking for personal and family medical histories and of any recent injuries. Further diagnosis may include sensation tests, a physical examination, and potentially x-rays or other imaging tests.

Treatment

Just as the range of causes varies widely, so do treatments. Some more common treatments are rest, ice packs, keeping pressure off the foot, orthotics and braces, medication for inflammation and pain, and surgery.

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

Ingrown toenails are a common and often painful condition where the edge of the toenail grows into the surrounding skin. This can lead to redness, swelling, tenderness, and sometimes infection. Patients may notice warmth, drainage, or even pus around the affected area. Walking or wearing shoes may become uncomfortable or difficult. Common causes include improper nail trimming, tight-fitting shoes, or a naturally curved nail shape. While some cases can be managed at home, persistent or infected ingrown toenails require professional care. A podiatrist can diagnose the condition through a physical exam and determine the best course of treatment. Options may include lifting the nail, partial nail removal, or in recurring cases, removing part of the nail root to prevent regrowth. Proper care and hygiene guidance will also be provided to prevent future issues. If you are experiencing pain, swelling, or signs of infection around a toenail, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for effective relief and care.

Ingrown toenails may initially present themselves as a minor discomfort, but they may progress into an infection in the skin without proper treatment. For more information about ingrown toenails, contact Shalonda Davidson, DPM of Instride Carolina Foot Care. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Ingrown Toenails

Ingrown toenails are caused when the corner or side of a toenail grows into the soft flesh surrounding it. They often result in redness, swelling, pain, and in some cases, infection. This condition typically affects the big toe and may recur if it is not treated properly.

Causes

• Improper toenail trimming
• Genetics
• Improper shoe fitting
• Injury from pedicures or nail picking
• Abnormal gait
• Poor hygiene

You are more likely to develop an ingrown toenail if you are obese, have diabetes, arthritis, or have any fungal infection in your nails. Additionally, people who have foot or toe deformities are at a higher risk of developing an ingrown toenail.

Symptoms

Some symptoms of ingrown toenails are redness, swelling, and pain. In rare cases, there may be a yellowish drainage coming from the nail.

Treatment

Ignoring an ingrown toenail can have serious complications. Infections of the nail border can progress to a deeper soft-tissue infection, which can then turn into a bone infection. You should always speak with your podiatrist if you suspect you have an ingrown toenail, especially if you have diabetes or poor circulation.

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

The cuboid bone is a small, cube-shaped bone on the outer side of the foot between the heel bone and the 4th and 5th metatarsal. It helps provide stability and supports weight during movement. Cuboid syndrome occurs when this bone becomes partially dislocated or misaligned, leading to pain and difficulty walking. Symptoms include aching on the outer foot, swelling, and reduced range of motion. Causes can involve overuse, ankle sprains, improper footwear, or repetitive strain. Risk factors include flat feet, high arches, and participation in sports with sudden directional changes. A podiatrist can diagnose cuboid syndrome, realign the bone, provide supportive taping, and recommend a change in footwear or custom orthotics. If you have persistent outer foot pain, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can accurately diagnose and treat what might be going on.

Cuboid syndrome, also known as cuboid subluxation, occurs when the joints and ligaments near the cuboid bone in the foot become torn. If you have cuboid syndrome, consult with Shalonda Davidson, DPM from Instride Carolina Foot Care. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Cuboid syndrome is a common cause of lateral foot pain, which is pain on the outside of the foot. The condition may happen suddenly due to an ankle sprain, or it may develop slowly overtime from repetitive tension through the bone and surrounding structures.

Causes

The most common causes of cuboid syndrome include:

• Injury – The most common cause of this ailment is an ankle sprain.
• Repetitive Strain – Tension placed through the peroneus longus muscle from repetitive activities such as jumping and running may cause excessive traction on the bone causing it to sublux.
• Altered Foot Biomechanics – Most people suffering from cuboid subluxation have flat feet.

Symptoms

A common symptom of cuboid syndrome is pain along the outside of the foot which can be felt in the ankle and toes. This pain may create walking difficulties and may cause those with the condition to walk with a limp.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of cuboid syndrome is often difficult, and it is often misdiagnosed. X-rays, MRIs and CT scans often fail to properly show the cuboid subluxation. Although there isn’t a specific test used to diagnose cuboid syndrome, your podiatrist will usually check if pain is felt while pressing firmly on the cuboid bone of your foot.

Treatment

Just as the range of causes varies widely, so do treatments. Some more common treatments are ice therapy, rest, exercise, taping, and orthotics.

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

Toe pain can come from various conditions, including athlete’s foot, bunions, and ingrown toenails, each with its own causes and symptoms. Athlete’s foot is a fungal infection often caused by sweaty feet and exposure to damp environments, like locker rooms. Athlete’s foot can lead to itching, burning, redness, and peeling skin. Bunions are bony bumps that form at the base of the big toe, often due to genetics, poor footwear, or arthritis, causing pain, swelling, and difficulty walking. Ingrown toenails occur when the edge of a nail grows into the surrounding skin, often from improper trimming or tight shoes. This may lead to pain, redness, swelling, and sometimes infection. Any of these conditions can make walking painful and reduce your quality of life. A podiatrist can diagnose the problem through a physical exam, lab tests, or imaging. Treatments include antifungal medications, orthotics, nail care, or minor procedures to relieve discomfort and correct the issue. If you have toe pain, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for appropriate treatment solutions.

Toe pain can disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, contact Shalonda Davidson, DPM of Instride Carolina 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 Statesville, NC . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.