The big toe is also known as the great toe, and is considered to be one of the most important joints in the body. It has various functions, including walking heel to toe, and balancing while running, jumping, or dancing. There is a joint on the bottom of the big toe that is known as the tarsometatarsal (TMT) joint, and the proximal Interphalangeal joint is found across from it. These joints can become damaged from participating in high-impact sporting activities, and will often become painful and swollen. Another form of discomfort occurring in the big toe is known as gout. This develops as a result of excess uric acid in the blood that can form crystals in the joints of the big toe, often causing debilitating pain. Extensor tendonitis is a foot condition that may happen from having tight calf muscles, and the pain is felt when the big toe is extended. Many people have osteoarthritis of the joints in the big toe, and a bunion may gradually develop, if not promptly treated. If you have pain in your big toe, it is strongly urged that you speak with a podiatrist who can properly diagnose and treat toe pain.

Toe pain can disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, contact Mark Isenberg, DPM of Center for Podiatric Excellence. 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 Pensacola, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

When a cut or sore on the foot lingers without getting better, it may be a sign of an underlying issue. Poor circulation can limit blood flow, slowing down the delivery of oxygen and nutrients needed for repair. Diabetes is another common factor, as high blood sugar often interferes with healing and raises the risk of infection. Sometimes, wounds fail to improve because of constant pressure or rubbing from footwear, which keeps reopening the skin. Nerve damage may also play a role, as people may not feel the injury worsening. In addition, not caring for the wound properly at the start, such as failing to clean it, cover it, or watch for signs of infection, can make recovery much harder. Delaying care for a non-healing wound can lead to serious complications. If you have a foot wound that is not improving, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for an evaluation and appropriate treatment.

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 Mark Isenberg, DPM from Center for Podiatric Excellence. 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 Pensacola, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Crooked toes are a problem that often develops gradually. They may be caused by wearing shoes that squeeze the toes, arthritis that affects joint alignment, or structural issues such as flat feet or high arches. Injuries and muscle imbalances can also contribute, especially when tendons and ligaments no longer hold the toes in their normal position. Conditions like hammertoes, claw toes, and mallet toes are all examples of crooked toe deformities. Treatment depends on the severity. In the early stages, wearing wider shoes, using protective padding, and adding custom orthotics can ease pressure and slow progression. Stretching and strengthening exercises may also help maintain flexibility. If pain and deformity worsen, surgical options can realign the toes and relieve discomfort. If you have painful crooked toes, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Hammertoes can be a painful condition to live with. For more information, contact Mark Isenberg, DPM of Center for Podiatric Excellence. Our doctor will answer any of your foot- and ankle-related questions.

Hammertoe

Hammertoe is a foot deformity that occurs due to an imbalance in the muscles, tendons, or ligaments that normally hold the toe straight. It can be caused by the type of shoes you wear, your foot structure, trauma, and certain disease processes.

Symptoms

• Painful and/or difficult toe movement
• Swelling
• Joint stiffness
• Calluses/Corns
• Physical deformity

Risk Factors

• Age – The risk of hammertoe increases with age
• Sex – Women are more likely to have hammertoe compared to men
• Toe Length – You are more likely to develop hammertoe if your second toe is longer than your big toe
• Certain Diseases – Arthritis and diabetes may make you more likely to develop hammertoe

Treatment

If you have hammertoe, you should change into a more comfortable shoe that provides enough room for your toes. Exercises such as picking up marbles may strengthen and stretch your toe muscles. Nevertheless, it is important to seek assistance from a podiatrist in order to determine the severity of your hammertoe and see which treatment option will work best for you.

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

An ingrown toenail occurs when the edge of the nail curves into the skin, causing tenderness, swelling, and sometimes infection. Early treatment can ease discomfort and prevent the problem from worsening. Soaking your foot in warm water with Epsom salts softens the nail and skin, making it easier to relieve pressure. Wearing roomy shoes or sandals also helps reduce irritation. One conservative method sometimes recommended is taping. By gently placing a strip of medical tape along the side of the toe and pulling the skin slightly away from the nail, the pressure can be reduced, giving the nail room to grow properly. However, this technique should be done carefully by a podiatrist to avoid cutting off circulation. If your symptoms do not improve or the toe becomes infected, it is suggested you see a podiatrist who may use additional treatments, including lifting the nail, using a splint, or removing part of the nail.

Ingrown toenails can become painful if they are not treated properly. For more information about ingrown toenails, contact Mark Isenberg, DPM of Center for Podiatric Excellence. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Ingrown Toenails

Ingrown toenails occur when a toenail grows sideways into the bed of the nail, causing pain, swelling, and possibly infection.

Causes

• Bacterial infections
• Improper nail cutting such as cutting it too short or not straight across
• Trauma to the toe, such as stubbing, which causes the nail to grow back irregularly
• Ill-fitting shoes that bunch the toes too close together
• Genetic predisposition

Prevention

Because ingrown toenails are not something found outside of shoe-wearing cultures, going barefoot as often as possible will decrease the likeliness of developing ingrown toenails. Wearing proper fitting shoes and using proper cutting techniques will also help decrease your risk of developing ingrown toenails.

Treatment

Ingrown toenails are a very treatable foot condition. In minor cases, soaking the affected area in salt or antibacterial soaps will not only help with the ingrown nail itself, but also help prevent any infections from occurring. In more severe cases, surgery is an option. In either case, speaking to your podiatrist about this condition will help you get a better understanding of specific treatment options that are right for you.

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