

Question:
Anonymous
1/5/2008
what could be the cause of my big toenail turning blue? a couple of the other nails also have some darkening.
Expert Answer:
Tennessee Foot and
1/5/2008
A black, purple, or brownish discoloration under or involving a toenail is frequently due to trauma to the toe nail, such as when something is dropped on the toe. The color results from a blood clot or bleeding under the nail, and may involve the entire nail or just a small portion of it. This can be very painful when the entire nail is involved, and may need medical attention to relieve the pressure caused by bleeding under the toenail.
Although it is very rare, a more serious cause of black toenails is malignant melanoma. Since early diagnosis and treatment of melanoma improves the chances for a good outcome, it is important that all black toenails be evaluated by a qualified foot and ankle surgeon to rule out this cause.
Other rare causes of black toenails include fungal infections, chronic ingrown nails, or health problems affecting the rest of the body.
Question:
Anonymous
12/3/2007
I have been running for about 6months now. I run about 35 miles a week on average. I have been wearing the same brand and fit of running shoe for these months - switching them as the heel wears. I...
Expert Answer:
Tennessee Foot and
12/3/2007
Sounds like your may be experiencing a form of posterior tibial tendonitis which can lead to posterior tibial dysfuntion . You should visit your local podiatirst for an evaluation of your condition and discuss treatment options.. Also, you may visit http://www.footphysicians.com/footankleinfo/pttd.htm for additional information. Hope this helps.
Question:
Anonymous
11/23/2007
i wrote to you last week about my big toe being red and tender to the touch i also did the research you suggested on ingrown nails and that is what i think i have i cut my nails rounded at the top...
Expert Answer:
Tennessee Foot and
11/23/2007
"Bathroom surgery" at home is not advised. It is important that the offending nail border be removed in it's entirety to help prevent infection. In addition, a procedure can be performed to keep the ingrown nail from coming back. I would suggest calling for an appointment. I will work with you concerning your financial situation.
-Dr. Anna
Question:
Anonymous
11/23/2007
Why do my feet swell and cramp. I also have a numb feeling in
the pads of my feet. My legs also cramp. I take potassium and
magnesium - someone told me that a lack of both could cause...
Expert Answer:
Tennessee Foot and
11/23/2007
Swelling of the feet may be due to many factors, including trauma, infection, tumor, varicose veins, improper function of the lymphatic system, poor circulation, hypertension, and congestive heart failure, to name a few. A visit to your local podiatrist will be important to recommend treatment based on examination and diagnosis of the cause of the swelling.
Question:
Anonymous
11/18/2007
my big toe is red and very tender to the touch also it is coming to a point it is not white like a pimple would be it has been this way for 2 days and it is hard to put socks on
Expert Answer:
Tennessee Foot and
11/18/2007
Is this from an ingrown toenail? Visit www.footphysicians.com/footankleinfo/ingrown-toenail.htm for additional information and treatment options. Your description is somewhat vague. If this does not answer your question then you should have the toe examined by a podiatrist.
Question:
Anonymous
11/17/2007
my name is Claire, and I have a little swelling by my ankle bone
on each foot, it does not hurt in any way, but I've never had anything like this before, do you have any idea what can be causing...
Expert Answer:
Tennessee Foot and
11/17/2007
Swelling of the ankles may be due to many factors, including trauma, infection, tumor, varicose veins, improper function of the lymphatic system, poor circulation, hypertension, and congestive heart failure, to name a few. A careful examination by a foot and ankle surgeon can help to diagnose the problem and recommend treatment options.
Question:
Anonymous
11/16/2007
I have a burning almost like a spur sensation on the left side of my ankle on my right foot. When I try to stand the bottom of my arch near the heel hurts and makes it hard to walk or stand for...
Expert Answer:
Tennessee Foot and
11/16/2007
Sounds like you may have a condition called Plantar Fasciitis. Please visit www.footphysicians.com/footankleinfo/heel-pain.htm for additional information and treatment options.
Question:
Anonymous
11/15/2007
My left heel feels broke down. Sometime it feels like someone beat it with a board, especially after I have been sitting for awhile.
Expert Answer:
Tennessee Foot and
11/15/2007
Sounds like you may have a condition called Plantar Fasciitis. Please visit www.footphysicians.com/footankleinfo/heel-pain.htm for additional information and treatment options.
Question:
Anonymous
11/14/2007
I power walk everday at first my calves hurt so I switched runners.My calves no longer its the outside of my feet they ache so bad.I'm very frustrated what should I do?
Expert Answer:
Tennessee Foot and
11/14/2007
Sounds like you need to either slow down or decrease you distance running. You may also need a different pain of shoes based on your foot type and gait pattern. An appropriate shoe can make a huge difference in pain relief when walking or running. Visit a professional running shoe store such as Runner's Market for assistance in shoegear.
Question:
Anonymous
11/14/2007
Sometimes (about three or four times a month) one of my toes goes completely white and is numb. I think it might be a blod clot, but after I rub it for a while the blood rushes back to the toe. I...
Expert Answer:
Tennessee Foot and
11/14/2007
If a finger or toe turns white and cold it is usually a result of some type or vascular blockage. This can be dangerous because if the problem is not corrected soon it may lead to gangrene and loss of the digit. There is also a condition called Raynaud's disease which can give a similar appearance. Check with your regular doctor about this. You may also need to see a vascular specialist.