A toenail can fall off for a variety of reasons, most commonly from an injury or repetitive trauma to the toe. Stubbing the toe, dropping something heavy on it, or wearing shoes that create excessive pressure can cause blood to collect under the nail, which can lead to detachment. Fungal infections are another frequent cause of toenail loss, as they weaken the nail. The infection leads to changes in thickness, shape, and color before separation occurs. Skin conditions like psoriasis or eczema may also affect the nail matrix, the area where new nail tissue forms, and result in toenail loss. Before a toenail falls off, people often notice loosening at the tip, discoloration, or pain surrounding the nail bed. A podiatrist can examine the foot, determine the cause, and provide treatment to protect nail regrowth and relieve pain. If your toenail is loose or falling off, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam and appropriate treatment.

Toe pain can disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, contact Gary Saphire, DPM of Parkway Podiatry. 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 Brooklyn, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Many falls in older adults begin at ground level, with the feet and ankles. Changes in balance, muscle strength, or sensation can make it harder to react quickly when a surface is uneven or slippery. Foot pain, poorly fitting shoes, or conditions like arthritis and neuropathy add to the risk. A single fall can lead to serious injuries such as ankle fractures or chronic joint pain, often reducing confidence and independence. Preventing falls starts with healthy feet. Regular podiatric checkups, wearing supportive footwear, and attention to any changes in gait can make a significant difference in safety and mobility. If you notice unsteadiness, foot pain, or frequent tripping, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist to address these issues before they lead to a fall or injury.

Preventing falls among the elderly is very important. If you are older and have fallen or fear that you are prone to falling, consult with Gary Saphire, DPM from Parkway Podiatry. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality advice and care.

Every 11 seconds, an elderly American is being treated in an emergency room for a fall related injury. Falls are the leading cause of head and hip injuries for those 65 and older. Due to decreases in strength, balance, senses, and lack of awareness, elderly persons are very susceptible to falling. Thankfully, there are a number of things older persons can do to prevent falls.

How to Prevent Falls

Some effective methods that older persons can do to prevent falls include:

• Enrolling in strength and balance exercise program to increase balance and strength
• Periodically having your sight and hearing checked
• Discuss any medications you have with a doctor to see if it increases the risk of falling
• Clearing the house of falling hazards and installing devices like grab bars and railings
• Utilizing a walker or cane
• Wearing shoes that provide good support and cushioning
• Talking to family members about falling and increasing awareness

Falling can be a traumatic and embarrassing experience for elderly persons; this can make them less willing to leave the house, and less willing to talk to someone about their fears of falling. Doing such things, however, will increase the likelihood of tripping or losing one’s balance. Knowing the causes of falling and how to prevent them is the best way to mitigate the risk of serious injury.  

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

Wearing high heels often leads to blisters due to friction, pressure, and lack of cushioning. Wearing tight or poorly fitted shoes can rub against the skin, creating irritation and fluid-filled pockets that cause discomfort. High heels also force the foot into unnatural positions, increasing strain on certain areas. To prevent blisters, consider buying heels a size larger for extra space, choosing wedges for better balance, and alternating shoes to reduce pressure points. Moisture-wicking socks or hosiery and protective pads can also help. A podiatrist can safely treat existing blisters, recommend proper footwear, and offer advice to prevent future irritation. If you have blisters from wearing high heels, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can treat various foot conditions, and guide you on better high heel options.

Blisters may appear as a single bubble or in a cluster. They can cause a lot of pain and may be filled with pus, blood, or watery serum. If your feet are hurting, contact Gary Saphire, DPM of Parkway Podiatry. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Foot Blisters

Foot blisters are often the result of friction. This happens due to the constant rubbing from shoes, which can lead to pain.

What Are Foot Blisters?

A foot blister is a small fluid-filled pocket that forms on the upper-most layer of the skin. Blisters are filled with clear fluid and can lead to blood drainage or pus if the area becomes infected.

Symptoms

(Blister symptoms may vary depending on what is causing them)

• Bubble of skin filled with fluid
• Redness
• Moderate to severe pain
• Itching

Prevention & Treatment

In order to prevent blisters, you should be sure to wear comfortable shoes with socks that cushion your feet and absorb sweat. Breaking a blister open may increase your chances of developing an infection. However, if your blister breaks, you should wash the area with soap and water immediately and then apply a bandage to the affected area. If your blisters cause severe pain it is important that you call your podiatrist right away.

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

Plantar fasciitis is inflammation of the thick band of tissue that supports the arch of the foot, often causing heel pain. Gentle stretching and strengthening exercises can reduce discomfort and promote healing. A calf stretch is done by standing facing a wall, placing one foot behind the other, and leaning forward to stretch the back calf. A calf stretch on a step involves lowering your heels off the edge of a step to lengthen the calf muscles. Additionally, the towel scrunch strengthens the arch by pulling a towel toward you with your toes, and marble pick-ups train foot control by lifting marbles with your toes. Plantar fasciitis can be painful, and may cause difficulty in completing daily tasks. If you have heel pain,, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can diagnose the problem and offer you relief and treatment solutions, which may include targeted exercises.

Exercising your feet regularly with the proper foot wear is a great way to prevent injuries and build strength. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Gary Saphire, DPM from Parkway Podiatry. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Exercise for Your Feet

Exercise for your feet can help you gain strength, mobility and flexibility in your feet. They say that strengthening your feet can be just as rewarding as strengthening another part of the body. Your feet are very important, and we often forget about them in our daily tasks. But it is because of our feet that are we able to get going and do what we need to. For those of us fortunate enough to not have any foot problems, it is an important gesture to take care of them to ensure good health in the long run.

Some foot health exercises can include ankle pumps, tip-toeing, toe rises, lifting off the floor doing reps and sets, and flexing the toes. It is best to speak with Our doctor to determine an appropriate regimen for your needs. Everyone’s needs and bodies are different, and the activities required to maintain strength in the feet vary from individual to individual. 

Once you get into a routine of doing regular exercise, you may notice a difference in your feet and how strong they may become.

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