A black toenail can develop when blood, debris, or pigment collects beneath or within the nail. Repeated pressure from wearing tight shoes can injure the toe, especially while running or hiking. A dropped object can also break tiny blood vessels under the nail and cause sudden pain, swelling, and dark color. Fungal infections sometimes thicken the nail and create debris that makes it look black. Natural pigment changes can produce dark streaks, particularly in people with darker skin. Less frequently, a black nail can point to diabetes, kidney disease, or heart disease. It can also be a sign of melanoma, a serious form of skin cancer.

A podiatrist should examine a black toenail when its cause is unclear. An exam is also needed if the nail changes shape or discoloration does not grow out naturally. The podiatrist can determine whether discoloration comes from trapped blood, infection, or pigment. Testing a small nail sample can help confirm fungus. A tissue sample may be examined when the dark area has features linked to melanoma. Prompt evaluation is especially important when discoloration spreads onto nearby skin, if pain becomes intense, or if drainage develops. 

A podiatrist can make a tiny opening in an injured nail to release trapped blood and ease pressure. The doctor can remove damaged nail material or treat an infection. Suspicious pigment changes can be tested, and care with a skin-cancer specialist can be arranged. To reduce injury risk, choose well-fitting shoes with enough toe room and proper support. Keep toenails trimmed straight across. Protective shoes can help when work creates a risk of heavy objects falling on the feet. Regular foot checks make new color changes easier to notice. If you have toenails that appear black or 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 John Jachimiak, DPM of Boulder County Foot & Ankle. 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 Boulder, CO . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Foot surgery may be recommended when ongoing foot pain, deformity, or injury does not improve with appropriate medical care. Many foot conditions can be managed without surgery, but some cases require a surgical procedure to restore function or relieve persistent discomfort. Foot surgery may be considered for certain problems, such as severe bunions, hammertoes, or fractures, that have affected normal foot alignment. Depending on the condition, surgery may also improve mobility and make walking more comfortable. Every patient is different, so the decision is based on the type of problem, its severity, and how much it affects daily activities. A thorough evaluation by a podiatrist helps determine whether surgery is an appropriate treatment option.

Before recommending foot surgery, a podiatrist carefully examines the foot and reviews the patient's symptoms, medical history, and imaging studies when needed. This evaluation helps identify the underlying cause of pain and determine the most effective treatment plan. The goal of surgery is to improve foot function while reducing pain and correcting structural problems. Recovery time depends on the procedure performed and the condition being treated. Regular follow-up appointments are an important part of the healing process because they allow progress to be monitored and treatment plans to be adjusted if necessary. Careful planning before surgery also helps patients understand what to expect throughout recovery.

Podiatrists are specially trained to diagnose foot conditions and perform surgical procedures when they are medically necessary. They also provide comprehensive care before and after surgery to support healing and help patients return to normal activities safely. Professional treatment focuses on restoring mobility, improving foot function, and reducing the risk of future complications. Early evaluation is important because delaying care may allow certain foot conditions to worsen. If chronic foot pain, a deformity, or a serious foot injury is limiting your daily activities, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for an evaluation and appropriate treatment options.

Foot surgery is sometimes necessary to treat a foot ailment. To learn more, contact John Jachimiak, DPM of Boulder County Foot & Ankle. our doctor will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.

When Is Surgery Necessary?

Foot and ankle surgery is generally reserved for cases in which less invasive, conservative procedures have failed to alleviate the problem. Some of the cases in which surgery may be necessary include:

• Removing foot deformities like bunions and bone spurs
• Severe arthritis that has caused bone issues
• Cosmetic reconstruction

What Types of Surgery Are There?

The type of surgery you receive will depend on the nature of the problem you have. Some of the possible surgeries include:

• Bunionectomy for painful bunions
• Surgical fusion for realignment of bones
• Neuropathy decompression surgery to treat nerve damage

Benefits of Surgery

Although surgery is usually a last resort, it can provide more complete pain relief compared to non-surgical methods and may allow you to finally resume full activity.

Surgical techniques have also become increasingly sophisticated. Techniques like endoscopic surgery allow for smaller incisions and faster recovery times.

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

Tarsal tunnel syndrome is a condition that develops when the tibial nerve becomes compressed as it passes through a narrow space on the inside of the ankle called the tarsal tunnel. This pressure can interfere with normal nerve function and cause discomfort in the foot and ankle. Symptoms often include burning pain, tingling, or numbness that may spread into the heel, arch, or toes. Some people also experience sharp, shooting pain that becomes worse when standing or walking. The symptoms may appear gradually or develop after an injury. Because several foot conditions can produce similar symptoms, a professional evaluation is important to determine the underlying cause and recommend the most appropriate treatment.

Several factors can contribute to tarsal tunnel syndrome, including flat feet, injuries, and swelling around the ankle. Inflammation or nearby growths may also place pressure on the tibial nerve. As nerve compression continues, symptoms may become more frequent and begin to affect balance or normal walking. Persistent nerve irritation can also make daily activities less comfortable. A thorough podiatry evaluation helps identify the source of the nerve compression and determine whether another condition is contributing to the symptoms. Early diagnosis allows treatment to begin before the condition progresses and causes more significant nerve-related problems.

A podiatrist specializes in diagnosing and treating tarsal tunnel syndrome by evaluating foot structure, ankle function, and walking mechanics. Professional treatment is based on the underlying cause and focuses on relieving pressure on the affected nerve while improving overall foot function. Early podiatry care may also help reduce discomfort, improve mobility, and lower the risk of long-term nerve damage. Regular follow-up visits allow your progress to be monitored and treatment to be adjusted when needed. If numbness, tingling, or pain in your foot or ankle is affecting your daily activities, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for an evaluation and appropriate treatment options.

Tarsal tunnel syndrome can be very uncomfortable to live with. If you are experiencing tarsal tunnel syndrome, contact John Jachimiak, DPM of Boulder County Foot & Ankle. 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 Boulder, CO . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Proper shoe fit is essential both for maintaining foot health and preventing pain. Wearing the correct shoe size supports natural foot alignment and reduces pressure on sensitive areas. A proper fit means the shoe provides enough space for the toes, a secure heel, and adequate support for the arch. Many people wear shoes that are too tight or too loose, which can lead to discomfort and long-term issues. Understanding how to fit shoes correctly helps reduce the risk of foot problems and improves daily comfort.

Symptoms of poorly-fitted shoes often include foot pain, blisters, and pressure points. Wearing tight shoes can compress the toes and lead to conditions such as bunions or hammertoes. Loose shoes may cause the foot to slide, creating friction and instability. Some individuals experience arch pain or heel discomfort due to lack of support. These symptoms can worsen with continued use of improperly fitted shoes, and may affect walking and posture.

Several risk factors increase the likelihood of wearing the wrong shoe size. Not having feet measured regularly is a common issue, as foot size can change over time. Shopping early in the day may result in selecting shoes that feel tight later, since feet tend to swell in the afternoon. Failing to try on both shoes or ignoring width can also lead to poor fit. The main cause of many foot problems is improper sizing, which places uneven pressure on the foot structure.

To ensure a proper fit, it is best to visit a store and have both feet measured in the store. Shopping in the afternoon allows for a more accurate fit when feet are slightly expanded. Walking in the shoes before purchasing helps confirm comfort and stability. If you have foot pain from wearing shoes that do not fit right, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for effective relief solutions, and additional guidance tips.

Getting the right shoe size is an important part of proper foot health. Seek the assistance of John Jachimiak, DPM from Boulder County Foot & Ankle. our doctor will provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Getting the Right Shoe Size

There are many people who wear shoes that are the incorrect size, negatively affecting their feet and posture. Selecting the right shoes is not a difficult process, so long as you keep several things in mind when it comes to choosing the right pair.

• When visiting the shoe store, use the tools available to measure your foot.
• Be sure there is ‘wiggle room’. There should be about an inch between your toes and the tip of your shoes.
• Do not always assume you are the same size, as manufacturers run differently.
• Purchase shoes later in the day, as your feet swell as the day progresses.
• If a shoe is not comfortable, it is not suitable. Most shoes can’t be ‘broken in’, and comfort should be the ultimate goal when it comes to choosing the right pair of shoes

As our feet hold our body weight and keep us moving, it is important to treat them right. Picking the right pair of shoes can provide your feet comfort and mobility without pain.

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