The joint where the big toe connects to the foot is called the hallux. When this joint becomes stiff, it not only limits the ability to walk but also can become quite painful. This condition, termed hallux limitus, can result in arthritis and bone spurs. A callus may develop under the toe joint, and numbness and tingling may occur if nerves touch the bone spurs. Other symptoms of hallux limitus can include pain in the toe joint that worsens when you walk or flex the toe, and limping may result. Hallux limitus is thought to be caused predominantly by wear and tear in the joint. In some cases, abnormal foot structure, such as when the second toe is longer than the big toe, can possibly cause this condition. Wearing high heels that add pressure to the big toe joint is another potential reason hallux limitus can develop. A podiatrist can examine the toe joint with an X-ray to determine the extent of the condition. In some cases, custom orthotics can be prescribed to help correct the condition. If your big toe joint causes pain, especially while walking, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist.

Toe pain can disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, contact one of our podiatrists of The Podiatry Center, PC. Our doctors 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 Millburn, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

The summer months encourage people to wear lighter shoes, flip flops and sandals that can fit into this category. These types of shoes may be ideal for the beach and pool area but are not meant to be worn while in the work environment. The kind of work shoes that need to be purchased depends largely on the type of work that is being done. People who work around glass, nails, or other sharp objects may benefit from wearing work boots, which may help in preventing a foot injury. Additionally, wearing shoes that fit correctly may be beneficial in avoiding foot fatigue, which is a chronic foot ache. Foot fatigue may be reduced when the feet are rested and elevated during breaks. Many working environments require employees to wear shoes that are slip resistant and have adequate traction. If you would like more information about the best type of work shoes for your profession, it is suggested that you confer with a podiatrist who can offer you tips on how to buy work shoes that are right for you.

While working on the feet, it is important to take the proper care of them. For more information about working on your feet, contact one of our podiatrists from The Podiatry Center, PC. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Working on Your Feet

Standing on your feet for long periods of time can cause stress and pain in your feet. Your whole body may experience change in terms of posture, back pain, bunions, callouses and or plantar warts. There are ways to avoid these conditions with proper foot care, smart choices and correct posture.

Positive Changes

Negative heeled shoe – Choosing this shoe type places the heel slightly lower than the ball of the foot. These are great for overall foot health. Find shoes that fit you correctly.

Go barefoot – Our feet were not designed to be enclosed for all hours of the day. Try to periodically expose your feet to air.

Eliminate Pain

Foot Exercises – Performing simple exercises, incorporating yoga and doing stretches are beneficial. This will allow increased blood flow to the area and muscles of the foot.

Achilles tendon – Stretching the foot out flat on the floor will relax the calf muscles and tendon. These exercises can be performed almost anywhere. Make sure you add these exercises to your daily regimen. 

With a little bit of this information and knowing more about foot health, you will notice changes. Foot stretches and proper footwear will help with pain and prevent further issues.

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

For anyone who has suffered from swollen ankles, you know how uncomfortable this can be. Such swelling can make it hard to walk, and the skin on the ankle may feel tight and stretched. Swelling of the ankles can result from a variety of things including injury, like a broken leg or sprained ankle, inflammation, and fluid retention. Ankles are a common lower extremity to experience swelling because of the accumulation of fluids in the body and gravity. Those more likely to experience swelling in their ankles include seniors, those who are overweight, and those who spend a prolonged time on their feet or in hot weather. Pregnant women are another group of people who are prone to ankle swelling because of their natural fluid retention, pressure on veins from the extra weight they are carrying, and a fluctuation of hormones. Swollen ankles are typically temporary, and resting and elevating the feet can resolve the problem. However, if the swelling is from an underlying health condition, like diabetes, a blood clot, heart failure, or even a problem with high blood pressure during pregnancy, it can be a more serious situation requiring immediate medical care. If you are experiencing swelling in your ankles and it is causing you persistent or worsening pain, or if you have other symptoms, it is strongly suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist to understand what is underlying the swelling and obtain treatment.

Ankle pain can be caused by a number of problems and may be potentially serious. If you have ankle pain, consult with one of our podiatrists from The Podiatry Center, PC. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Ankle pain is any condition that causes pain in the ankle. Due to the fact that the ankle consists of tendons, muscles, bones, and ligaments, ankle pain can come from a number of different conditions.

Causes

The most common causes of ankle pain include:

• Types of arthritis (rheumatoid, osteoarthritis, and gout)
• Ankle sprains
• Broken ankles
• Achilles tendinitis
• Achilles tendon rupture
• Stress fractures
• Bursitis
• Tarsal tunnel syndrome
• Plantar fasciitis

Symptoms

Symptoms of ankle injury vary based upon the condition. Pain may include general pain and discomfort, swelling, aching, redness, bruising, burning or stabbing sensations, and/or loss of sensation.

Diagnosis

Due to the wide variety of potential causes of ankle pain, podiatrists will utilize a number of different methods to properly diagnose ankle pain. This can include asking for personal and family medical histories and of any recent injuries. Further diagnosis may include sensation tests, a physical examination, and potentially x-rays or other imaging tests.

Treatment

Just as the range of causes varies widely, so do treatments. Some more common treatments are rest, ice packs, keeping pressure off the foot, orthotics and braces, medication for inflammation and pain, and surgery.

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

More than half of pregnant women experience some type of foot problem. Common ailments can include collapsed arches, swelling, cracked heels, and foot pain. Fallen arches are largely due to a weight gain and the release of a hormone called relaxin. This hormone, which relaxes the ligaments in the feet and ankles as well as other body parts, contributes to the appearance of flat feet. A common complaint during pregnancy is swollen feet, which is the result of a buildup of fluid in the lower extremities. Pregnant women are cautioned not to stand for long periods of time, and to keep their feet elevated as often as possible. Heel pain caused by an inflammation of the plantar fascia can be treated by wearing shoes that have more arch support and ample cushioning. Certain exercises can also help to reduce the symptoms. Hormonal changes during pregnancy can cause the skin to dry out, and as it becomes more difficult to reach the feet to keep them properly moisturized, cracked heels may develop. These can become painful and lead to infection if ignored. If you are experiencing any foot problems during pregnancy, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist.

Pregnant women with swollen feet can be treated with a variety of different methods that are readily available. For more information about other cures for swollen feet during pregnancy, consult with one of our podiatrists from The Podiatry Center, PC. Our doctors will attend to all of your foot and ankle needs.

What Foot Problems Can Arise During Pregnancy?

One problem that can occur is overpronation, which occurs when the arch of the foot flattens and tends to roll inward.  This can cause pain and discomfort in your heels while you’re walking or even just standing up, trying to support your baby.  

Another problem is edema, or swelling in the extremities. This often affects the feet during pregnancy but tends to occur in the later stages. 

How Can I Keep My Feet Healthy During Pregnancy?

• Wearing orthotics can provide extra support for the feet and help distribute weight evenly
• Minimize the amount of time spent walking barefoot
• Wear shoes with good arch support
• Wear shoes that allow for good circulation to the feet
• Elevate feet if you experience swelling
• Massage your feet
• Get regular, light exercise, such as walking, to promote blood circulation to the feet

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