Tuesday, 22 October 2024 00:00

Toe joint pain can significantly affect mobility and comfort. Metatarsalgia causes pain in the ball of the foot, often from excessive pressure on the metatarsal bones leading to toes. This discomfort can worsen with activity as well as wearing tight footwear. Hammertoe deformities also contribute to toe pain as one or more toes bend abnormally, leading to pressure and irritation. Morton’s neuroma, a thickening of tissue surrounding a nerve leading to the toes, causes sharp, burning pain and tingling sensations. Osteoarthritis is another common cause that results in joint degeneration and stiffness, which make movement difficult. If you have toe pain, it is suggested that you contact a podiatrist who can accurately diagnose and treat the cause.

Toe pain can disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, contact Michael Tomey, DPM of Cary Foot & Ankle Specialists. 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 Cary, NC . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

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Tuesday, 15 October 2024 00:00

Ankle strengthening exercises can improve stability and reduce the risk of injuries like sprains or strains. The ankle joint supports body weight and enables movement, so keeping its muscles, tendons, and ligaments strong is vital. Exercises such as calf raises, towel curls, and the ankle rotations target these areas and help prevent weakness that may lead to injury. Regular strengthening can also enhance your balance and flexibility, which is especially useful for athletes or others recovering from a sprain or strain. Tight or weakened ankles can limit mobility and inhibit carrying out daily activities, but consistent exercise can help alleviate these issues. A podiatrist can guide you in selecting the right exercises and provide personalized advice based on your particular condition. Incorporating these exercises into a regular routine can promote overall foot and ankle health. If you have ankle instability, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who can guide you on what type of ankle strengthening excercises to perform.

Exercising your feet regularly with the proper foot wear is a great way to prevent injuries and build strength. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Michael Tomey, DPM from Cary Foot & Ankle Specialists. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Exercise for Your Feet

Exercise for your feet can help you gain strength, mobility and flexibility in your feet. They say that strengthening your feet can be just as rewarding as strengthening another part of the body. Your feet are very important, and we often forget about them in our daily tasks. But it is because of our feet that are we able to get going and do what we need to. For those of us fortunate enough to not have any foot problems, it is an important gesture to take care of them to ensure good health in the long run.

Some foot health exercises can include ankle pumps, tip-toeing, toe rises, lifting off the floor doing reps and sets, and flexing the toes. It is best to speak with Our doctor to determine an appropriate regimen for your needs. Everyone’s needs and bodies are different, and the activities required to maintain strength in the feet vary from individual to individual. 

Once you get into a routine of doing regular exercise, you may notice a difference in your feet and how strong they may become.

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

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Friday, 11 October 2024 00:00

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.

Tuesday, 08 October 2024 00:00

Heel spurs are bony growths that form on the bottom of the heel bone. They often form as a result of prolonged strain on the muscles and ligaments in the foot. Repetitive activities like walking, running, or standing on hard surfaces can contribute to the development of a heel spur. Wearing poorly fitted shoes without adequate cushioning can also contribute to their formation. People with arthritis or plantar fasciitis, or who are carrying excess weight are at higher risk for developing heel spurs. Symptoms of heel spurs include heel pain, swelling, and warmth in the affected area, but some people may experience no symptoms at all. For that reason these growths are often detected through X-rays taken for other foot issues. Treatment options for painful heel spurs include stretching exercises, footwear modifications, or medication to reduce pain and prevent further complications. If you have unexplained heel pain, it may be due to a heel spur, and it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam, diagnosis, and treatment.

Heel spurs can be incredibly painful and sometimes may make you unable to participate in physical activities. To get medical care for your heel spurs, contact Michael Tomey, DPM from Cary Foot & Ankle Specialists. Our doctor will do everything possible to treat your condition.

Heels Spurs

Heel spurs are formed by calcium deposits on the back of the foot where the heel is. This can also be caused by small fragments of bone breaking off one section of the foot, attaching onto the back of the foot. Heel spurs can also be bone growth on the back of the foot and may grow in the direction of the arch of the foot.

Older individuals usually suffer from heel spurs and pain sometimes intensifies with age. One of the main condition's spurs are related to is plantar fasciitis.

Pain

The pain associated with spurs is often because of weight placed on the feet. When someone is walking, their entire weight is concentrated on the feet. Bone spurs then have the tendency to affect other bones and tissues around the foot. As the pain continues, the feet will become tender and sensitive over time.

Treatments

There are many ways to treat heel spurs. If one is suffering from heel spurs in conjunction with pain, there are several methods for healing. Medication, surgery, and herbal care are some options.

If you have any questions feel free to contact our office located in Cary, NC . We offer the latest in diagnostic and treatment technology to meet your needs.

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