Black toenails can be alarming. They usually develop after trauma, like stubbing a toe or dropping a heavy object on the foot. Blood becomes trapped beneath the nail, creating the dark appearance. Repeated pressure from wearing shoes that do not fit correctly also causes bruising, especially in runners and people who spend long hours on their feet. In other cases, a fungal infection changes the nail color after entering through a small crack near the nail. Certain health problems, like diabetes, can also affect nail color. Although uncommon, a dark streak beneath the nail sometimes points to a serious skin cancer that requires prompt evaluation.

A podiatrist examines the affected toenail and asks about recent injuries, daily activities, and the types of shoes you wear. The examination helps determine whether the discoloration comes from bleeding beneath the nail, a fungal infection, or another medical condition. When necessary, a small sample of the nail is collected for laboratory testing to identify a fungal infection. Imaging studies help evaluate severe injuries involving the toe. If the appearance raises concern for skin cancer, a biopsy is performed. A biopsy involves removing a small piece of tissue so it can be examined under a microscope. Early diagnosis helps protect the nail and identify serious conditions before they become more difficult to treat.

Treatment depends on the cause of the discoloration. A podiatrist can relieve painful pressure beneath the nail after certain injuries by safely draining the trapped blood. Damaged nails that cannot heal properly sometimes require removal. Fungal infections receive appropriate medical treatment and regular monitoring to encourage healthy nail growth. Patients with diabetes or circulation problems benefit from careful foot evaluations because these conditions increase the risk of nail complications. Prompt care also helps reduce the chance of permanent nail damage. If you have toenails that are discolored, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Toe pain can disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, contact Darline Kulhan, DPM of Scarsdale Foot Specialists PC. 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 Scarsdale, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Plantar warts are skin growths that develop on the soles of the feet. They are caused by certain types of human papillomavirus, or HPV. The virus enters through tiny cuts or weakened areas in the skin. Plantar warts, also known as verrucas, can appear alone or in a cluster, called a mosaic wart. Because pressure from standing pushes the growth inward, it usually looks flat rather than raised. Signs include a rough patch, tiny black dots, and thickened skin. The black dots are small blood vessels, not dirt. A wart on a weight-bearing area can cause sharp pain or tenderness when walking.

Plantar warts spread through direct contact with HPV or surfaces carrying the virus. Damp floors in locker rooms, public showers, and pool areas create settings where exposure can occur. Infection is more likely when the skin is wet, cracked, or scraped. The virus can also move to another part of the foot when a wart is scratched or picked. Not every rough spot is a wart. Corns, calluses, and other skin growths can look similar. A podiatrist can examine the area, trim away a small amount of thick skin, and check for signs that confirm the diagnosis. This evaluation is especially important if the growth bleeds, changes appearance, or causes persistent pain.

Treatment depends on the wart’s size, depth, and location. The podiatrist also considers how it affects daily activity. Office care includes carefully applied chemical treatments or cryotherapy, which freezes affected tissue. Stubborn warts can require repeated visits because the virus can remain in nearby skin. A podiatrist can reduce thick skin, ease pressure, and protect painful areas with padding or off-loading devices. Treatment requires extra care for patients with diabetes, poor circulation, or reduced feeling in the feet. Follow-up visits help track healing and address returning growths. If you have developed a planter wart, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Plantar warts can be very uncomfortable. If you need your feet checked, contact Darline Kulhan, DPM from Scarsdale Foot Specialists PC. Our doctor will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.

About Plantar Warts

Plantar warts are the result of HPV, or human papillomavirus, getting into open wounds on the feet. They are mostly found on the heels or balls of the feet.

While plantar warts are generally harmless, those experiencing excessive pain or those suffering from diabetes or a compromised immune system require immediate medical care. Plantar warts are easily diagnosed, usually through scraping off a bit of rough skin or by getting a biopsy.

Symptoms

• Lesions on the bottom of your feet, usually rough and grainy
• Hard or thick callused spots
• Wart seeds, which are small clotted blood vessels that look like little black spots
• Pain, discomfort, or tenderness of your feet when walking or standing

Treatment

• Freezing
• Electric tool removal
• Laser Treatment
• Topical Creams (prescription only)
• Over-the-counter medications

To help prevent developing plantar warts, avoid walking barefoot over abrasive surfaces that can cause cuts or wounds for HPV to get into. Avoiding direct contact with other warts, as well as not picking or rubbing existing warts, can help prevent the further spread of plantar warts. However, if you think you have developed plantar warts, speak to your podiatrist. He or she can diagnose the warts on your feet and recommend the appropriate treatment options.

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

Tarsal tunnel syndrome develops when the tibial nerve becomes compressed as it passes through the tarsal tunnel on the inside of the ankle. This narrow space is formed by bone and soft tissue, and it protects important nerves and tendons that supply the foot. When the tibial nerve is irritated or damaged, it can disrupt normal sensation and movement. Tarsal tunnel syndrome is similar to other nerve compression disorders and can significantly affect daily activities if left untreated.

Symptoms of tarsal tunnel syndrome often include pain in the ankle, the bottom of the foot, and the toes. This pain may feel sharp, burning, or tingling and can worsen with prolonged standing or walking. Some individuals experience numbness or a pins and needles sensation that radiates along the sole. Weakness in the foot muscles may also develop, which can affect balance and stability. Symptoms may come and go at first but often become more persistent.

Several causes can lead to compression of the tibial nerve. Injury to the ankle, such as a sprain or fracture, may create swelling that places pressure on the nerve. Flat feet can increase strain by causing the foot to roll inward, which tightens structures around the tunnel. Other causes include cysts, varicose veins, or inflammation that reduces the available space for the nerve. Any condition that alters the anatomy of the ankle can increase the risk of nerve compression.

Risk factors for tarsal tunnel syndrome include repetitive stress on the foot, poor biomechanics, and underlying health conditions that affect nerve function. Individuals with diabetes or arthritis may be more susceptible due to inflammation or nerve sensitivity. Wearing unsupportive footwear and engaging in high-impact activities can also contribute to the problem. If you have symptoms of tarsal tunnel syndrome, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Tarsal tunnel syndrome can be very uncomfortable to live with. If you are experiencing tarsal tunnel syndrome, contact Darline Kulhan, DPM of Scarsdale Foot Specialists PC. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome

Tarsal tunnel syndrome, which can also be called tibial nerve dysfunction, is an uncommon condition of misfiring peripheral nerves in the foot. The tibial nerve is the peripheral nerve in the leg responsible for sensation and movement of the foot and calf muscles. In tarsal tunnel syndrome, the tibial nerve is damaged, causing problems with movement and feeling in the foot of the affected leg.

Common Cause of Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome

• Involves pressure or an injury, direct pressure on the tibial nerve for an extended period of time, sometimes caused by other body structures close by or near the knee.
• Diseases that damage nerves, including diabetes, may cause tarsal tunnel syndrome.
• At times, tarsal tunnel syndrome can appear without an obvious cause in some cases.

The Effects of Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome

• Different sensations, an afflicted person may experience pain, tingling, burning or other unusual sensations in the foot of the affected leg.
• The foot muscles, toes and ankle become weaker, and curling your toes or flexing your foot can become difficult.
• If condition worsens, infections and ulcers may develop on the foot that is experiencing the syndrome.

A physical exam of the leg can help identify the presence of tarsal tunnel syndrome. Medical tests, such as a nerve biopsy, are also used to diagnose the condition. Patients may receive physical therapy and prescriptive medication. In extreme cases, some may require surgery.

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

Pregnancy brings many changes that can affect the feet and ankles. As body weight increases, the feet carry more pressure with every step. Hormonal changes also cause ligaments, which are strong bands of tissue connecting bones, to become more flexible. This can allow the arches to lower and the feet to become slightly longer or wider. Many women notice foot pain, swelling, and increased fatigue while walking. Balance can also change as the body's center of gravity shifts forward. These changes sometimes continue after pregnancy, making early attention important. A podiatrist can evaluate these changes, explain what is happening, and recommend treatment that improves comfort. Research has shown that pregnancy-related changes in foot structure can affect movement and place extra stress on the feet.

Several foot problems can develop during pregnancy because of these physical changes. Heel pain, arch pain, and flat feet can become more noticeable as pressure on the feet increases. Swelling surrounding the ankles and feet can also make shoes feel tighter and less comfortable. Shoes that lack proper support can increase strain on the feet and make symptoms worse. A podiatrist examines foot alignment, walking patterns, and areas of increased pressure to identify the source of discomfort. This detailed evaluation helps guide treatment that supports healthier foot function and improves stability throughout pregnancy.

A podiatrist creates a treatment plan based on each patient's symptoms and foot structure. Treatment includes custom orthotics, wearing supportive shoes, and regular monitoring of foot health. Orthotics help improve alignment and reduce stress on painful areas. Supportive shoes improve stability and comfort while walking. Early treatment can reduce discomfort, improve mobility, and help prevent long-lasting foot problems after pregnancy. Regular podiatry visits also allow changes in the feet to be monitored as pregnancy progresses. If you have symptoms of pregnancy-related foot problems, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for effective relief and management tips. 

Pregnant women with swollen feet can be treated with a variety of different methods that are readily available. For more information about other cures for swollen feet during pregnancy, consult with Darline Kulhan, DPM from Scarsdale Foot Specialists PC. Our doctor will attend to all of your foot and ankle needs.

What Foot Problems Can Arise During Pregnancy?

One problem that can occur is overpronation, which occurs when the arch of the foot flattens and tends to roll inward.  This can cause pain and discomfort in your heels while you’re walking or even just standing up, trying to support your baby.  

Another problem is edema, or swelling in the extremities. This often affects the feet during pregnancy but tends to occur in the later stages. 

How Can I Keep My Feet Healthy During Pregnancy?

• Wearing orthotics can provide extra support for the feet and help distribute weight evenly
• Minimize the amount of time spent walking barefoot
• Wear shoes with good arch support
• Wear shoes that allow for good circulation to the feet
• Elevate feet if you experience swelling
• Massage your feet
• Get regular, light exercise, such as walking, to promote blood circulation to the feet

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