Toe numbness and tingling are abnormal sensations often described as obdormition, which refers to a feeling of pins and needles or loss of sensation. These symptoms may be caused by peripheral neuropathy, where damaged nerves disrupt normal sensation in the feet. Diabetic neuropathy is a common form or neuropathy that develops from prolonged high blood sugar and can lead to burning, tingling, numbness, or pain in the toes. Symptoms may worsen at night or with prolonged standing. A podiatrist can evaluate nerve health, identify the underlying cause, and recommend treatment to protect sensation and prevent complications such as wounds or infections. If you notice ongoing numbness or tingling in your toes, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who can determine what the cause is, and offer effective relief tips.

Neuropathy

Neuropathy can be a potentially serious condition, especially if it is left undiagnosed. If you have any concerns that you may be experiencing nerve loss in your feet, consult with Emmanuel Bustos, DPM from New York. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment for neuropathy.

What Is Neuropathy?

Neuropathy is a condition that leads to damage to the nerves in the body. Peripheral neuropathy, or neuropathy that affects your peripheral nervous system, usually occurs in the feet. Neuropathy can be triggered by a number of different causes. Such causes include diabetes, infections, cancers, disorders, and toxic substances.

Symptoms of Neuropathy Include:

• Numbness
• Sensation loss
• Prickling and tingling sensations
• Throbbing, freezing, burning pains
• Muscle weakness

Those with diabetes are at serious risk due to being unable to feel an ulcer on their feet. Diabetics usually also suffer from poor blood circulation. This can lead to the wound not healing, infections occurring, and the limb may have to be amputated.

Treatment

To treat neuropathy in the foot, podiatrists will first diagnose the cause of the neuropathy. Figuring out the underlying cause of the neuropathy will allow the podiatrist to prescribe the best treatment, whether it be caused by diabetes, toxic substance exposure, infection, etc. If the nerve has not died, then it’s possible that sensation may be able to return to the foot.

Pain medication may be issued for pain. Electrical nerve stimulation can be used to stimulate nerves. If the neuropathy is caused from pressure on the nerves, then surgery may be necessary.

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

An ingrown toenail, also known as onychocryptosis, occurs when the edge of the toenail grows into the surrounding skin instead of over it. This condition often develops due to wearing tight shoes that place pressure on the toes or from a congenital pincer nail deformity that causes the nail to curve excessively. Common symptoms include pain and tenderness in the corner of the nail fold, along with redness, swelling, and irritation. If left untreated, an ingrown toenail can worsen and increase the risk of infection. A podiatrist can properly diagnose the condition, relieve discomfort, and safely treat the affected nail. If you have persistent toe pain or signs of an ingrown toenail,it is suggested that you schedule a visit with a podiatrist who can offer effective treatment solutions, which may include minor surgery for relief.

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 Emmanuel Bustos, DPM of New York. 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 the Upper West Side, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Management of chronic foot wounds requires careful evaluation and steady, consistent care to support healing. These wounds may include diabetic ulcers, pressure injuries, venous ulcers, and traumatic wounds that struggle to close on their own. A podiatrist uses the TIME principle to guide treatment. This approach focuses on tissue debridement to remove nonviable tissue, infection control to protect surrounding skin, moisture balance to create a healthy environment, and attention to the edges of the wound to encourage new growth. Advanced dressings, offloading techniques, and, in some cases, regenerative therapies can further support recovery. Early intervention is essential because chronic wounds can progress quickly and lead to serious complications. If you notice slow healing, increasing redness, drainage, or pain, it is suggested that you visit a podiatrist for a thorough assessment and a personalized treatment plan.

Wound care is an important part in dealing with diabetes. If you have diabetes and a foot wound or would like more information about wound care for diabetics, consult with Emmanuel Bustos, DPM from New York. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

What Is Wound Care?

Wound care is the practice of taking proper care of a wound. This can range from the smallest to the largest of wounds. While everyone can benefit from proper wound care, it is much more important for diabetics. Diabetics often suffer from poor blood circulation which causes wounds to heal much slower than they would in a non-diabetic. 

What Is the Importance of Wound Care?

While it may not seem apparent with small ulcers on the foot, for diabetics, any size ulcer can become infected. Diabetics often also suffer from neuropathy, or nerve loss. This means they might not even feel when they have an ulcer on their foot. If the wound becomes severely infected, amputation may be necessary. Therefore, it is of the upmost importance to properly care for any and all foot wounds.

How to Care for Wounds

The best way to care for foot wounds is to prevent them. For diabetics, this means daily inspections of the feet for any signs of abnormalities or ulcers. It is also recommended to see a podiatrist several times a year for a foot inspection. If you do have an ulcer, run the wound under water to clear dirt from the wound; then apply antibiotic ointment to the wound and cover with a bandage. Bandages should be changed daily and keeping pressure off the wound is smart. It is advised to see a podiatrist, who can keep an eye on it.

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

A bunion is a progressive foot deformity that develops when the joint at the base of the big toe shifts out of proper alignment, causing the toe to angle inward. Common causes include joint problems, poorly fitting shoes, and inherited foot structure influenced by genetics. Over time, uneven pressure on the joint leads to inflammation and structural changes. Symptoms often include a visible bump, redness, swelling, stiffness, and pain that worsens with walking or prolonged standing. As the condition progresses, normal movement of the foot may become limited. A podiatrist can evaluate joint alignment, identify contributing factors, and create a personalized treatment plan. Care may include footwear guidance, orthotics, padding, or advanced treatment options to relieve discomfort and slow progression. If you have the beginning signs of a bunion developing, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can offer you effective management tips.

If you are suffering from bunion pain, contact Emmanuel Bustos, DPM of New York. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is a Bunion?

Bunions are painful bony bumps that usually develop on the inside of the foot at the joint of the big toe. As the deformity increases over time, it may become painful to walk and wear shoes. Women are more likely to exacerbate existing bunions since they often wear tight, narrow shoes that shift their toes together. Bunion pain can be relieved by wearing wider shoes with enough room for the toes.

Causes

• Genetics – some people inherit feet that are more prone to bunion development
• Inflammatory Conditions - rheumatoid arthritis and polio may cause bunion development

Symptoms

• Redness and inflammation
• Pain and tenderness
• Callus or corns on the bump
• Restricted motion in the big toe

In order to diagnose your bunion, your podiatrist may ask about your medical history, symptoms, and general health. Your doctor might also order an x-ray to take a closer look at your feet. Nonsurgical treatment options include orthotics, padding, icing, changes in footwear, and medication. If nonsurgical treatments don’t alleviate your bunion pain, surgery may be necessary.

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