There are many types of crooked toes, including hammertoe, mallet toe, claw toe, curly toe, and overlapping toe. These abnormalities may be caused by a genetic disposition, tight or ill-fitting shoes, injury or trauma, or obesity. Nerve damage and joint damage are other possible causes. If left untreated, any of these types of crooked toes may cause further complications, the most common of which are pain and irritation when wearing shoes. Other problems that may develop from crooked toes are inflammation, open sores, corns, and calluses. Treatment options depend on the type, severity, and length of the particular condition. The first suggestion for treating any type of crooked toe is to change footwear to accommodate it. This may include buying shoes that fit correctly or not wearing certain types of shoes, such as high heels. Various exercises, taping, splints, and surgery are other treatment options. If the pain from a crooked toe worsens, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist. This foot specialist can examine the toe and make a determination on how best to treat it.
Toe pain can disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, contact Dawn Miles, DPM of Florida. 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 feel free to contact one of our offices located in Palatka and Saint Augustine, FL. We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.
It can be easy to confuse strains and sprains because both can cause ankle pain. An ankle sprain is the result of overstretching a ligament. This can happen to anyone, but is especially common among those involved in strenuous physical activity. A strain is the tearing of a muscle or tendon. Strains and sprains frequently occur in tandem, as the result of a sudden injury to the ankle joint. The ankle joint is a complex structure involving bones, ligaments, tendons, and muscles that work together to allow the body to move and absorb the stress of that movement. If too much weight is applied or the joint is stretched too far, injuries to any of the elements of the ankle joint can occur. Sprains and strains can range from a slight tear to a complete rupture. Treatment is dependent on the severity of the injury, as is recovery time. In most cases, healing from an ankle injury is likely to take months. If you have experienced an ankle injury, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam, a diagnosis, and a course of treatment.
Ankle sprains are common but need immediate attention. If you need your feet checked, contact Dawn Miles, DPM from Florida. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
How Does an Ankle Sprain Occur?
Ankle sprains take place when the ligaments in your ankle are torn or stretched beyond their limits. There are multiple ways that the ankle can become injured, including twisting or rolling over onto your ankle, putting undue stress on it, or causing trauma to the ankle itself.
What Are the Symptoms?
Mild to moderate bruising
Limited mobility
Swelling
Discoloration of the skin (depending on severity)
Preventing a Sprain
Wearing appropriate shoes for the occasion
Stretching before exercises and sports
Knowing your limits
Treatment of a Sprain
Treatment of a sprain depends on the severity. Many times, people are told to rest and remain off their feet completely, while others are given an air cast. If the sprain is very severe, surgery may be required.
If you have suffered an ankle sprain previously, you may want to consider additional support such as a brace and regular exercises to strengthen the ankle.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Palatka and Saint Augustine, FL. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
A common cause of heel pain is a foot condition known as plantar fasciitis. This condition affects the plantar fascia, which is the band of tissue connecting the heel to the toes. Plantar fasciitis can cause debilitating heel pain and may gradually worsen until medical attention is received. Intense heel pain can also be a result of Achilles tendinopathy, which is a heel and lower calf injury that happens from overuse. Some people who have peripheral neuropathy have a tingling or numbing sensation in their heel that can be uncomfortable. Rheumatoid arthritis can cause the cartilage to tear in the heel and surrounding area and may cause inflammation, stiffness, and reduced range of motion. If you are experiencing heel pain for any reason, it is strongly suggested that you speak with a podiatrist who can determine what the cause is and offer the correct treatment solutions.
Many people suffer from bouts of heel pain. For more information, contact Dawn Miles, DPM of Florida. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
Causes of Heel Pain
Heel pain is often associated with plantar fasciitis. The plantar fascia is a band of tissues that extends along the bottom of the foot. A rip or tear in this ligament can cause inflammation of the tissue.
Achilles tendonitis is another cause of heel pain. Inflammation of the Achilles tendon will cause pain from fractures and muscle tearing. Lack of flexibility is also another symptom.
Heel spurs are another cause of pain. When the tissues of the plantar fascia undergo a great deal of stress, it can lead to ligament separation from the heel bone, causing heel spurs.
Why Might Heel Pain Occur?
Wearing ill-fitting shoes
Wearing non-supportive shoes
Weight change
Excessive running
Treatments
Heel pain should be treated as soon as possible for immediate results. Keeping your feet in a stress-free environment will help. If you suffer from Achilles tendonitis or plantar fasciitis, applying ice will reduce the swelling. Stretching before an exercise like running will help the muscles. Using all these tips will help make heel pain a condition of the past.
If you have any questions please contact one of our offices located in Palatka and Saint Augustine, FL. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
Diabetes can harm the feet and can lead to serious complications. If one has diabetes, there can be loss of feeling in the feet. Because of this, a good foot care regimen is critical. This can include washing, drying, and moisturizing the feet daily. It is important to check the feet each day for abnormalities, such as sores, blisters, or swelling. A hand mirror can help with this if one has trouble seeing or reaching their feet. Walking barefoot is discouraged since it can be easy to step on something and hurt the feet without realizing it. Also, wearing shoes that fit well and do not have linings that may cause friction on the feet is part of a good foot care plan. Additionally, keeping blood sugar levels under control is crucial. If you have diabetes and want to do what you can to make sure your feet are not harmed, it is suggested that you include a podiatrist as part of your medical team for regular examinations and management tips.
Diabetic foot care is important in preventing foot ailments such as ulcers. If you are suffering from diabetes or have any other concerns about your feet, contact Dawn Miles, DPM from Florida. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
Diabetic Foot Care
Diabetes affects millions of people every year. The condition can damage blood vessels in many parts of the body, especially the feet. Because of this, taking care of your feet is essential if you have diabetes, and having a podiatrist help monitor your foot health is highly recommended.
The Importance of Caring for Your Feet
Routinely inspect your feet for bruises or sores.
Wear socks that fit your feet comfortably.
Wear comfortable shoes that provide adequate support.
Patients with diabetes should have their doctor monitor their blood levels, as blood sugar levels play such a huge role in diabetic care. Monitoring these levels on a regular basis is highly advised.
It is always best to inform your healthcare professional of any concerns you may have regarding your feet, especially for diabetic patients. Early treatment and routine foot examinations are keys to maintaining proper health, especially because severe complications can arise if proper treatment is not applied.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Palatka and Saint Augustine, FL. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
