The toes are hard at work every time you stand, walk, run, hop, skip, or jump. They help to push the foot off the ground and to keep you balanced. When a toe is in pain it can negatively impact your normal daily activities. Among the numerous causes for toe pain, the chief one is trauma, such as stubbing a toe or dropping something heavy on it. This often causes severe bruising and affects your ability to bear weight. Other common causes of toe pain are bunions, hammertoes, nerve damage, and toenail problems. In addition, toe pain can be caused by gout (a type of arthritis), rheumatoid arthritis, sprains, or warts. Further causes include toenail infections, ingrown toenails, and athlete’s foot infections. Treatment by a chiropodist varies according to the underlying cause of the pain. In case of a broken or severely bruised toe, the remedy is usually to brace or splint the toe. Certain medications can be prescribed to relieve pain and injections may be administered. X-rays and imaging tests may be performed to determine the cause and severity of the toe pain. Custom orthotics may also be prescribed and fitted to counteract toe deformities or other problems. If your toe pain continues or worsens, it is suggested that you visit a chiropodist for an exam, diagnosis, and appropriate treatment options.
Toe pain can stem from various causes, each affecting comfort and mobility. Bunions, which are bony bumps at the base of the big toe, can lead to significant discomfort and swelling, often exacerbated by wearing narrow or poorly fitting shoes. Corns, which are thickened areas of skin that develop on the toes due to friction, can also cause pain, particularly when walking. Arthritis, particularly osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, can result in joint inflammation and stiffness, making toe movement painful and challenging. Additionally, wearing shoes that do not fit properly, whether too tight, too loose, or with inadequate support can contribute to a range of toe problems, including blisters, calluses, and general pain. If you have developed toe pain, it is suggested that you consult a chiropodist who can make a proper diagnosis and offer effective treatment solutions.
Toe pain is common and can have a variety of causes. Causes can range from a broken toe to an ingrown toenail. Many types of toe pain can be corrected, but any toe pain that inhibits your activities for an extended period should be discussed with a chiropodist. If you suffer from toe pain, please consult with one of the specialists from Thornhill Foot Clinic. Our chiropodists can help you maintain the health of your feet.
Common Causes of Toe Pain
- Trauma or fracture
- Cuts, sores, or bruises
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Gout
- Turf Toe
- Morton’s neuroma
- Blisters
- Corns
- Bunions
- Hammertoes
- Ingrown toenails
- Plantar warts
- Athlete’s Foot
Symptoms of Toe Pain
- Toe deformity
- Burning
- Numbness
- Toenail deformity
- Wart or ulcer
- Swelling
- Redness
When to See a Chiropodist
- Bleeding or severe swelling
- Trauma, such as a broken bone
- Discoloration or extreme swelling
- Inability to bear weight
- Persistent pain
- Wounds that won’t heal
Diagnosis of Toe Pain
A chiropodist can conduct a thorough examination of the painful toe or toes in order to determine the best course of treatment. The exam may include assessing the tenderness of the area, taking an X-ray or other diagnostic test, or assessing your gait and range of motion. A discussion of what led to the advanced pain issue may follow. Included will likely be a health history, as well as a list of medications you are taking and other previous injuries you may have sustained.
Treatment for Toe Pain
With such a wide range of possible causes for toe pain, treatment can be varied in scope and length. Sometimes, the chiropodist will recommend lifestyle and activity changes. In cases of trauma or other injuries, X-rays or imaging tests will likely be used to determine the severity of the problem, particularly if any bones have been broken. Treatment may also include injections of pain-relief medication or anti-inflammatory drugs. Certain injuries will require the splinting, bracing, or wrapping of injured toes. Orthotics or special shoes may be prescribed in cases of bone deformities and gait issues. Removal of warts, calluses, and corns may be needed. In other cases, such as with patients who have diabetes or rheumatoid arthritis, ongoing treatment may be required to avoid more serious problems.
Cracked heels are a common foot problem. They occur when areas of skin on your heels become dry and thicken, forming calluses. Over time, these calluses can crack, causing discomfort or pain in the heel. Other symptoms associated with cracked heels include flaky skin, itching, bleeding, redness, inflammation, and foot wounds. Additionally, deep, painful cracks known as fissures can form on the heels. Fissures leave your heels at an increased risk of becoming infected.
Cracked heels may be caused by standing for prolonged periods of time, walking barefoot or in open-back shoes, wearing poorly fitted shoes, taking lengthy hot showers, using harsh soaps to wash your feet, and living in a climate with cold temperatures or low humidity. Sometimes cracked heels can be caused by an underlying medical condition, such as a vitamin deficiency, fungal infection, or psoriasis.
Fortunately, there are many ways to prevent cracked heels and to treat them when they occur. You may be able to prevent cracked heels by wearing supportive, well-fitting shoes with a closed back, wearing orthotic devices to pad your heels as you walk, or wearing padded socks. Keeping your feet exfoliated and moisturized is also a key step, in both prevention and treatment. Applying a thick moisturizer on the heels regularly is highly recommended.
If you have chronic cracked heels, cracked heels that don’t respond to home treatment, or if you are diabetic or have peripheral neuropathy, it is suggested that you see a chiropodist for treatment.
Cracked heels are a common foot condition where the skin on the heels becomes dry, thickened, and fissured. This problem can arise from several factors such as prolonged standing, wearing open-back shoes, and inadequate foot care. Symptoms typically include pain, dryness, and visible cracks or splits in the heel skin. People with certain conditions like diabetes or obesity, which exacerbate pressure on the feet, are more prone to developing cracked heels. Additionally, those who live in dry climates or have a tendency towards poor hydration may also experience this issue. If you have cracked heels, it is suggested that you consult a chiropodist who can effectively treat this condition.
Cracked heels, also known as heel fissures, can cause pain and discomfort. If your cracked heels are bothering you, please consult with one of the specialists from Thornhill Foot Clinic. Our chiropodists will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.
Dry, thickened skin around the rim of the heel is typically the first sign of cracked heels. While this condition is common and usually just a nuisance, some cases can be more severe. If left untreated and as more pressure is placed on the heel, the cracks become deeper and eventually walking and standing can be painful. These deep cracks or fissures can bleed and also become infected. Those with diabetes need to be especially careful as fissures could lead to diabetic foot ulcers.
Causes
Cracked heels can be the result of several different factors, including:
Dry skin
Taking long, hot showers or using harsh soaps
Standing for long periods of time
Walking barefoot
Walking in shoes with an open back, such as sandals or flip flops
Wearing shoes that do not fit properly
Living in a cold or dry climate
Certain skin conditions, such as eczema or psoriasis
Treatment
There are many at-home treatment remedies for cracked heels. Applying moisturizers to the heel can help hydrate the skin. Soaking your feet in warm water and exfoliating them with a loofah or pumice stone can help to buff away dead skin cells. If you are afflicted with cracked heels, it is recommended that you see a chiropodist for treatment.
Prevention
You can prevent cracked heels by:
Avoiding standing in one position for prolonged periods of time
Wearing well-fitted shoes with a closed back
Washing your feet with gentle soaps and lukewarm water
Moisturizing the feet daily
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
Your feet are covered most of the day. If you're diabetic, periodic screening is important for good health. Numbness is often a sign of diabetic foot and can mask a sore or wound.
Your feet are covered most of the day. If you're diabetic, periodic screening is important for good health. Numbness is often a sign of diabetic foot and can mask a sore or wound.
Your feet are covered most of the day. If you're diabetic, periodic screening is important for good health. Numbness is often a sign of diabetic foot and can mask a sore or wound.
Foot pain is a common symptom of a large variety of injuries and medical conditions. A diagnosis can be narrowed down by describing the locations and type of pain that you are experiencing.
Pain in the heel is often caused by plantar fasciitis, an inflammation of the ligament that runs along the bottom of the foot and connects the heel to the toes. Plantar fasciitis usually causes stabbing heel pains and the pain is at its worst upon arising in the morning or when taking your first steps after a long period of rest. Heel pain can also be caused by heel spurs, bruises on the fat pad of the heel, or heel fractures.
Pain in the ball of the foot can be caused by Morton’s neuroma, in which the tissue of the nerves between the bases of the toes become thickened, causing tingling and numbness. Other causes of pain in the ball of the foot include metatarsalgia or sesamoiditis.
Pain in the arch of the foot can be caused by plantar fasciitis or having flat feet or fallen arches. Pain in the toes can be caused by many conditions, including gout, bunions, hammertoes, ingrown toenails, toe sprains or fractures, arthritis, and corns.
To find out what is causing your foot pain, it is recommended that you consult with a chiropodist, who can diagnose your condition and offer the appropriate treatments.
Sore feet can be caused by various factors, including wearing high heels, ill-fitting shoes, and standing for long durations. Pregnancy, flat feet, diabetes, and calluses are other factors. High heels, especially those over two inches, can distort the natural shape of the foot and affect balance, which leads to pain and an increased risk of fractures and ankle sprains. Ill-fitting shoes, whether too tight or too narrow, can irritate the feet, resulting in pain and inflammation. Pregnant women often experience foot pain caused by increased body weight and shifts in their center of gravity. Standing for extended periods of time can result in sore feet, swelling, and inflammation because of the excessive pressure placed on joints and muscles. People with flat feet lack the natural arch that provides support which can lead to sore feet. Lastly, calluses, which are hardened skin areas from stress or pressure, can be painful and inhibit normal walking. A chiropodist can help diagnose and treat these issues, offering relief and improving foot health. If you regularly experience sore feet, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a chiropodist.
Foot pain is a common problem treated by chiropodists. If you have foot pain, please consult with one of the specialists from Thornhill Foot Clinic. Our chiropodists can help you maintain the health of your lower limbs and your mobility.
When you are experiencing foot pain, it’s important to note the type of pain and its location, as this can help determine a diagnosis.
Pain in the top of the foot may be caused by:
Stress fractures
Sinus tarsi syndrome
Extensor tendonitis
Tibialis anterior tendonitis
Gout
Athlete’s foot
Ganglion cysts
Pain in the bottom of the foot may be caused by:
Plantar fasciitis
Foot cramps
Tarsal tunnel syndrome
Plantar fibromatosis
Posterior tibial tendonitis
Stress fractures
Flat feet
Pain on the side of the foot may be caused by:
Ankle sprain
Cuboid syndrome
Peroneal tendonitis
Stress fractures
Bunions
Corns or calluses
Posterior tibial tendonitis
Heel pain may be caused by:
Plantar fasciitis
Achilles tendonitis
Bone spurs
Heel fractures
Retrocalcaneal bursitis
Sever’s disease
Pain in the toes may be caused by:
Gout
Hammertoe
Turf toe
Bunions
Ingrown toenails
Blisters
Arthritis
These and many more conditions can be treated by a chiropodist. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
Running and walking are excellent activities to promote physical fitness and maintain mobility. But whether you are a runner or a walker, finding the right pair of shoes can be difficult. It can be helpful to review how running and walking shoes may differ and what kind of shoes each type of exercise needs.
Runners need shoes that have adequate cushioning in the heel and forefoot. This is because while running, the runner’s feet impact the ground with three times their body weight with each step. When considering the heel of the running shoes, note the heel height and whether or not the heel is flared. Runners need a higher heel than walkers in order to provide them with stability. A flared heel can also help with this. Finally, running shoes need to be flexible. Most running shoes are flexible in the arch or midfoot region, but it’s also possible to find running shoes that are flexible in the forefoot. The best running shoes for you will depend on your gait.
Walkers need shoes that are supportive but do not need the same level of cushioning as runners. The heels of walking shoes don’t need to be as high as those of running shoes, but a flared heel can help walkers with their foot stability as well. Walking shoes also need to be flexible.
With all of this said, walking shoes may be more difficult to find on the market than running shoes. This begs the question: can you walk in running shoes? The answer is yes. However, you should not run in walking shoes. For more information about this topic, please consult with a chiropodist.
