Toe pain can arise from several common conditions that affect comfort and mobility. Bunions occur when the joint at the base of the big toe becomes enlarged and at the top of the toe leans toward the smaller toes, resulting in soreness and swelling. Gout is a form of arthritis caused by uric acid buildup that triggers sudden, intense pain and redness, often in the big toe. An ingrown toenail develops when the nail grows into the surrounding skin, causing tenderness and possible infection. A podiatrist can diagnose the cause of toe pain through examination, imaging, and lab testing, offering treatments such as medication, custom orthotics, or performing minor procedures. If you have persistent toe pain, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can accurately diagnose what is going on, and guide you toward effective treatment solutions.
Toe pain can disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, contact One of our podiatrists of Foot and Ankle Medical Center. Our doctors 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 offices located in New Port Richey and Spring Hill, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
Constant care and regular evaluation are important for a foot or ankle fracture. If left untreated, foot or ankle fractures can worsen over time and create more serious problems.
Don't wait to be examined if you believe you've experienced a foot or ankle fracture.
Onychomycosis is a fungal infection that affects the toenails, causing them to become thickened, discolored, brittle, and sometimes painful. It is often caused by fungi that thrive in warm, moist environments such as shoes, locker rooms, and public showers. Risk factors include excessive sweating, poor foot hygiene, or a weakened immune system. Symptoms include yellow or white streaks on the nail, foul odor, or nail separation from the nail bed. A podiatrist can diagnose the infection through examination and testing, then recommend antifungal medications, laser therapy, or nail debridement. If you notice changes in your toenails, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who can provide appropriate treatment for toenail fungus.
If left untreated, toenail fungus may spread to other toenails, skin, or even fingernails. If you suspect you have toenail fungus it is important to seek treatment right away. For more information about treatment, contact One of our podiatrists of Foot and Ankle Medical Center. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
Symptoms
- Warped or oddly shaped nails
- Yellowish nails
- Loose/separated nail
- Buildup of bits and pieces of nail fragments under the nail
- Brittle, broken, thickened nail
Treatment
If self-care strategies and over-the-counter medications does not help your fungus, your podiatrist may give you a prescription drug instead. Even if you find relief from your toenail fungus symptoms, you may experience a repeat infection in the future.
Prevention
In order to prevent getting toenail fungus in the future, you should always make sure to wash your feet with soap and water. After washing, it is important to dry your feet thoroughly especially in between the toes. When trimming your toenails, be sure to trim straight across instead of in a rounded shape. It is crucial not to cover up discolored nails with nail polish because that will prevent your nail from being able to “breathe”.
In some cases, surgical procedure may be needed to remove the toenail fungus. Consult with your podiatrist about the best treatment options for your case of toenail fungus.
If you have any questions please contact our offices located in New Port Richey and Spring Hill, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
As people age, changes in foot biomechanics can lead to discomfort and reduced mobility. Soft tissue stiffness, decreased range of motion, and decreased strength often contribute to foot pain and difficulty performing weight bearing activities. These changes can impair balance and increase the risk of falls, affecting overall independence and quality of life. A podiatrist can evaluate gait, recommend supportive footwear, provide custom orthotics, and suggest exercises to improve strength and flexibility. If you are a senior and have foot pain, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can treat various foot conditions, and guide you on keeping your feet healthy, strong, and capable of supporting an active lifestyle at any age.
If you have any concerns about your feet, contact One of our podiatrists from Foot and Ankle Medical Center. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
Biomechanics in Podiatry
Podiatric biomechanics is a particular sector of specialty podiatry with licensed practitioners who are trained to diagnose and treat conditions affecting the foot, ankle and lower leg. Biomechanics deals with the forces that act against the body, causing an interference with the biological structures. It focuses on the movement of the ankle, the foot and the forces that interact with them.
A History of Biomechanics
- Biomechanics dates back to the BC era in Egypt where evidence of professional foot care has been recorded.
- In 1974, biomechanics gained a higher profile from the studies of Merton Root, who claimed that by changing or controlling the forces between the ankle and the foot, corrections or conditions could be implemented to gain strength and coordination in the area.
Modern technological improvements are based on past theories and therapeutic processes that provide a better understanding of podiatric concepts for biomechanics. Computers can provide accurate information about the forces and patterns of the feet and lower legs.
Understanding biomechanics of the feet can help improve and eliminate pain, stopping further stress to the foot.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in New Port Richey and Spring Hill, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
