There are reasons that pain in the big toe can occur. It may happen suddenly from an injury or it can gradually occur. Pain in this toe may be a symptom indicating an existing medical condition and a podiatrist can determine what that condition is. Gout is a condition that develops suddenly and affects the joints in the big toe. It can produce excruciating pain and discomfort and may be controlled by the types of foods that are eaten. Additionally, a bunion is another condition that gradually occurs. Bunions are characterized by a bony protrusion that forms on the side of the big toe. Severe bunions may cause pain and larger shoes may need to be purchased to accommodate the bunion. Some people develop ingrown toenails which generally affects the big toe. When left untreated, an infection may occur and medical attention is often sought. A sudden injury can produce a broken toe and relief and stability may be found when the affected toe is taped to the toe next to it. If you have pain in your big toe, it is strongly advised that you consult with a podiatrist who can determine what the cause is followed by implementing effective treatment strategies.

Toe pain can disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, contact Mack Jay Groves IV, DPM of Practice. 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 our office located in Covington, LA . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Yearly, foot fractures affect millions of people worldwide. Each foot has 26 bones, numerous tendons, joints, and muscles, and there are risks that a foot fracture can occur from an injury. The biggest bone in the foot is called the calcaneus. The bone located on the top of the foot is known as the talus. The metatarsals are in the forefoot, in addition to several bones that are in each toe. Any one of these bones can break due to a fall or if something heavy drops on them. In severe breaks, a bone can protrude from the skin and this can make the foot appear deformed. Surgery is often necessary to move the bone back in place and healing can take several weeks. The majority of broken feet are treated by using a walking cast or a boot. The cast can often provide the support that is necessary as the healing process occurs. If you have broken your foot, it is strongly suggested that you confer with a podiatrist who can provide the best treatment options for you. 

A broken foot requires immediate medical attention and treatment. If you need your feet checked, contact Mack Jay Groves IV, DPM from Practice. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Broken Foot Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

A broken foot is caused by one of the bones in the foot typically breaking when bended, crushed, or stretched beyond its natural capabilities. Usually the location of the fracture indicates how the break occurred, whether it was through an object, fall, or any other type of injury. 

Common Symptoms of Broken Feet:

• Bruising
• Pain
• Redness
• Swelling
• Blue in color
• Numbness
• Cold
• Misshapen
• Cuts
• Deformities

Those that suspect they have a broken foot shoot seek urgent medical attention where a medical professional could diagnose the severity.

Treatment for broken bones varies depending on the cause, severity and location. Some will require the use of splints, casts or crutches while others could even involve surgery to repair the broken bones. Personal care includes the use of ice and keeping the foot stabilized and elevated.

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

Tarsal tunnel release surgery is a procedure that can help relieve pain and numbness from a condition known as tarsal tunnel syndrome. The tarsal tunnel is located between the bump on the inner ankle and the ligaments that stretch across the foot. This surgery is done to take off pressure on a nerve in this area. This type of surgery can be done endoscopically or open – the former requires fewer and smaller incisions than the latter. One is given anesthesia to either numb the surgery area or induce sleep prior to the surgery being performed so as not to feel pain. The ligament in the ankle will be cut to relieve the pressure on the tibial nerve and any spurs or cysts contributing to discomfort will be removed. Since weight cannot be put on the ankle right after the surgery but movement is necessary to prevent blood clots, exercises will be suggested. If you have pain in this part of your foot, see a podiatrist who can make a proper diagnosis and evaluate whether you are a candidate for tarsal tunnel release surgery.

Tarsal tunnel syndrome can be very uncomfortable to live with. If you are experiencing tarsal tunnel syndrome, contact Mack Jay Groves IV, DPM of Practice. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome

Tarsal tunnel syndrome, which can also be called tibial nerve dysfunction, is an uncommon condition of misfiring peripheral nerves in the foot. The tibial nerve is the peripheral nerve in the leg responsible for sensation and movement of the foot and calf muscles. In tarsal tunnel syndrome, the tibial nerve is damaged, causing problems with movement and feeling in the foot of the affected leg.

Common Cause of Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome

• Involves pressure or an injury, direct pressure on the tibial nerve for an extended period of time, sometimes caused by other body structures close by or near the knee.
• Diseases that damage nerves, including diabetes, may cause tarsal tunnel syndrome.
• At times, tarsal tunnel syndrome can appear without an obvious cause in some cases.

The Effects of Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome

• Different sensations, an afflicted person may experience pain, tingling, burning or other unusual sensations in the foot of the affected leg.
• The foot muscles, toes and ankle become weaker, and curling your toes or flexing your foot can become difficult.
• If condition worsens, infections and ulcers may develop on the foot that is experiencing the syndrome.

A physical exam of the leg can help identify the presence of tarsal tunnel syndrome. Medical tests, such as a nerve biopsy, are also used to diagnose the condition. Patients may receive physical therapy and prescriptive medication. In extreme cases, some may require surgery.

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