Are your toes in trouble? Are you walking into the new year with some pain, discomfort or noticeable changes? Start the new year with confidence by visiting our office for a checkup. If you’re not sure of what kind of toe trouble requires a visit to our office, Dr. Brandon A. Macy of Clark Podiatry Center has a few warning signs for you to consider. Here’s the first tip: Pain is never normal. If you have pain, consider yourself warned.

New colors

If your toe — or toenail — has changed color recently, it’s time to make an appointment with our office. Changes to your feet, especially color changes, should not be ignored. Different colors can be signs of infection, bruising, or a circulation issue, among other possibilities. Don’t wait for the color to disappear, find the cause of the change as soon as possible.

Painful steps

It may not seem like a big deal at the time, but that slight pain could be something serious. As you’re walking, pain should not define each step. Discomfort could be the sign of a fracture, a sprain, an ingrown toenail, or infection.

Itchiness or an odor

Are you trying to reach that itchy part between your toes? Are you suddenly shy about kicking off your shoes? Itchy feet or an odor can be a sign of a fungal infection. These symptoms are not only annoying but also harmful to others. Conditions like athlete’s foot can be easily spread. One of the big mistakes that people make is using an over-the-counter medication to treat an infection that may require something different.

If something feels different about your toes, let us do the investigation. Don’t ignore this very important part of your feet; your mobility depends on it. Add to your resolutions list by scheduling an appointment with Clark Podiatry Center and calling 732-382-3470. Dr. Brandon A. Macy is a board-certified podiatrist at our Clark, New Jersey office. New Jersey’s Children’s Foot Health Institute is a part of the Clark Podiatry Center, too.