Items filtered by date: January 2025

Tuesday, 28 January 2025 00:00

Sources of Big Toe Pain

Big toe pain can stem from various conditions, including turf toe and sesamoid fractures, both of which are common in athletes. Turf toe is a sprain of the ligaments surrounding the big toe joint. It is typically caused by hyperextension of the toe during activities like running or football. Symptoms include pain, swelling, and limited movement in the big toe. A sesamoid fracture involves a break in the small bones called sesamoids, under the big toe joint. This injury is often caused by repetitive stress, sudden impact, or wearing improper footwear. Symptoms include localized pain, swelling, bruising, and difficulty bearing weight on the foot. Treatment for both conditions may involve rest, anti-inflammatory medications, and wearing a stiff-soled shoe or brace to limit toe joint movement. In severe cases, a podiatrist may recommend custom orthotics, targeted exercises, or surgery to promote healing. If you have toe pain, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist.

Toe pain can disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, contact one of our podiatrists of Foot & 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 feel free to contact our office located in Nampa, ID Fruitlland, ID . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

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Sesamoiditis is a condition that involves inflammation of the sesamoid bones, which are two small bones located beneath the big toe joint. These bones help with the pressure and movement of the toe during walking and running. Sesamoiditis is a common cause of metatarsalgia, a condition characterized by pain and inflammation in the ball of the foot. The most common cause of sesamoiditis is repetitive pressure or trauma, often resulting from activities like running or wearing ill-fitting shoes. Symptoms of sesamoiditis include pain under the big toe, swelling, and tenderness, particularly when walking, running, or pressing on the area. The pain may worsen with activities that put extra pressure on the feet. To diagnose sesamoiditis, a podiatrist will typically conduct a physical exam and may order imaging tests like X-rays or MRI scans to confirm the diagnosis and rule out other conditions. If you have pain in this area of your foot, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who can accurately diagnose and treat sesamoiditis.

Sesamoiditis is an unpleasant foot condition characterized by pain in the balls of the feet. If you think you’re struggling with sesamoiditis, contact one of our podiatrists of Foot & Ankle Medical Center . Our doctors will treat your condition thoroughly and effectively.

Sesamoiditis

Sesamoiditis is a condition of the foot that affects the ball of the foot. It is more common in younger people than it is in older people. It can also occur with people who have begun a new exercise program, since their bodies are adjusting to the new physical regimen. Pain may also be caused by the inflammation of tendons surrounding the bones. It is important to seek treatment in its early stages because if you ignore the pain, this condition can lead to more serious problems such as severe irritation and bone fractures.

Causes of Sesamoiditis

  • Sudden increase in activity
  • Increase in physically strenuous movement without a proper warm up or build up
  • Foot structure: those who have smaller, bonier feet or those with a high arch may be more susceptible

Treatment for sesamoiditis is non-invasive and simple. Doctors may recommend a strict rest period where the patient forgoes most physical activity. This will help give the patient time to heal their feet through limited activity. For serious cases, it is best to speak with your doctor to determine a treatment option that will help your specific needs.

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

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Thursday, 16 January 2025 00:00

Ankle Fracture? Don’t Wait for Treatment

If you're suffering from an ankle fracture, professional attention shouldn't wait. Fractures may worsen over time and can make completing everyday activities incredibly difficult. See your specialist for treatment and guidance through the healing process. 

Tuesday, 14 January 2025 00:00

Nerve Pain on the Top of the Foot

Nerve pain on the top of the foot is often caused by pressure or irritation from tight shoes or laces. This pressure can compress nerves, leading to pain, numbness, or tingling that may spread to the toes. Activities that involve repetitive movement, such as running or dancing, can worsen the problem, especially when combined with foot mechanics or wearing improper footwear. Bony growths or inflammation can also contribute to nerve pain on top of the foot, also referred to as vamp disease, by pressing against nearby tissues. A podiatrist can identify the root cause of this discomfort through a detailed examination and imaging, if needed. Treatments focus on relieving pressure on the nerves, which may include changes in footwear or adjustments to how shoes are laced. For more persistent cases, it is suggested that you contact a podiatrist who may recommend surgery to remove bony growths or reduce nerve compression. 

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 one of our podiatrists from Foot & Ankle Medical Center . Our doctors 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 Nampa, ID Fruitlland, ID . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

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