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Dealing With Stiffness in the Big Toe

Stiffness in the big toe is often caused by a form of arthritis that affects the joint at the base of the toe called hallux rigidus. It mainly affects the metatarsophalangeal, or MTP,  joint that connects the first long bone of the foot to the first bone of the toe. This joint plays a key role in walking and pushing off the ground. Over time, the cartilage, which is the smooth tissue that cushions joints, can wear down. This leads to pain and swelling and limits movement. People over 50 are more likely to develop big toe stiffness due to wear and tear. Symptoms include difficulty bending the toe, discomfort when walking, or a bump forming on top of the joint. A podiatrist can perform a physical exam, order X-rays, and prescribe medical treatment to reduce pain, improve joint motion, and slow joint damage. If you notice stiffness in the big toe, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam, diagnosis, and treatment.

Toe pain can disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, contact one of our podiatrists of Pennsylvania Foot & Ankle. 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 contact one of our offices located in Bensalem, Philadelphia, Northeast Philadelphia, Yardley, PA, and Hamilton, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

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When Oral Treatment Is Used for Toenail Fungus

Toenail fungus, also called onychomycosis, often starts slowly, but can become stubborn, over time. Mild cases may respond to topical care, but thicker, discolored, or spreading infections often need a different approach. Oral treatment is sometimes recommended when multiple nails are involved, the nail is significantly thickened, or previous treatments have failed. These medications work from the inside out, reaching the nail through the bloodstream to target fungus beneath the nail plate. Because nails grow slowly, treatment usually continues for several months while healthy nails replace damaged nails. Oral therapy is not right for everyone and requires proper evaluation, including review of medical history and monitoring, when appropriate. Used correctly, it can improve nail appearance, comfort, and long-term results. If toenail fungus is persistent or worsening, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist to determine the most appropriate treatment plan.

For more information about treatment, contact one of our podiatrists of Pennsylvania Foot & Ankle. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Toenail Fungus Treatment

Toenail fungus is a condition that affects many people and can be especially hard to get rid of. Fortunately, there are several methods to go about treating and avoiding it.

Antifungals & Deterrence

Oral antifungal medicine has been shown to be effective in many cases. It is important to consult with a podiatrist to determine the proper regiment for you, or potentially explore other options.

Applying foot powder on the feet and shoes helps keep the feet free of moisture and sweat.

Sandals or open toed shoes – Wearing these will allow air movement and help keep feet dry. They also expose your feet to light, which fungus cannot tolerate. Socks with moisture wicking material also help as well.

If you have any questions please contact one of our offices located in Bensalem, Philadelphia, Northeast Philadelphia, Yardley, PA, and Hamilton, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

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It's Time for Beautiful Feet

You don't need an excuse to have beautiful nails. Step outside without worrying about the appearance of your feet.

Symptoms and Causes of Peripheral Neuropathy

Peripheral neuropathy occurs when nerves outside the brain and spinal cord are damaged, disrupting communication with the feet. Many patients first notice numbness, tingling, burning, or sharp shooting pain that often begins in the toes and gradually spreads upward. Reduced sensation can make it difficult to feel temperature, pressure, or injury, increasing the risk of unnoticed blisters, sores, and balance problems while walking. Diabetes is the most common cause, as long-term elevated blood sugar damages nerve fibers and circulation. Other causes include traumatic injury, poor blood flow, infections, autoimmune disorders, vitamin deficiencies, kidney or liver disease, toxin exposure, and certain cancers. A podiatrist can perform neurological and vascular testing, evaluate skin integrity, manage pressure areas, and provide medical care to help prevent infection and tissue breakdown. If you have foot problems associated with peripheral neuropathy, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam, diagnosis, and ongoing treatment.

Neuropathy

Neuropathy can be a potentially serious condition, especially if it is left undiagnosed. If you have any concerns that you may be experiencing nerve loss in your feet, consult with one of our podiatrists from Pennsylvania Foot & Ankle. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment for neuropathy.

What Is Neuropathy?

Neuropathy is a condition that leads to damage to the nerves in the body. Peripheral neuropathy, or neuropathy that affects your peripheral nervous system, usually occurs in the feet. Neuropathy can be triggered by a number of different causes. Such causes include diabetes, infections, cancers, disorders, and toxic substances.

Symptoms of Neuropathy Include:

  • Numbness
  • Sensation loss
  • Prickling and tingling sensations
  • Throbbing, freezing, burning pains
  • Muscle weakness

Those with diabetes are at serious risk due to being unable to feel an ulcer on their feet. Diabetics usually also suffer from poor blood circulation. This can lead to the wound not healing, infections occurring, and the limb may have to be amputated.

Treatment

To treat neuropathy in the foot, podiatrists will first diagnose the cause of the neuropathy. Figuring out the underlying cause of the neuropathy will allow the podiatrist to prescribe the best treatment, whether it be caused by diabetes, toxic substance exposure, infection, etc. If the nerve has not died, then it’s possible that sensation may be able to return to the foot.

Pain medication may be issued for pain. Electrical nerve stimulation can be used to stimulate nerves. If the neuropathy is caused from pressure on the nerves, then surgery may be necessary.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Bensalem, Philadelphia, Northeast Philadelphia, Yardley, PA, and Hamilton, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

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When Everyday Foot Problems Affect Comfort

Common foot problems can affect people of all ages and activity levels, often developing gradually or after injury. They are frequently caused by wearing improper footwear, repetitive stress, abnormal foot structure, or underlying health conditions, such as diabetes or circulation issues. Symptoms include pain and swelling or visible changes in the skin or nails. The feet may look red, swollen, or have bumps like corns or bunions. Additionally, they can feel sore or tender when walking or standing. A podiatrist can help by beginning with a careful examination of foot structure, gait, and overall health, sometimes using imaging to diagnose the underlying issue. Treatment options include footwear adjustments, custom orthotics, targeted exercises to improve strength and flexibility, and therapies to reduce pain and inflammation. Early care supports long- term mobility and prevents complications. If you are experiencing foot issues, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with one of our podiatrists from Pennsylvania Foot & Ankle. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Causes

Foot pain is a very broad condition that could be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

  • Bunions
  • Hammertoes
  • Plantar Fasciitis
  • Bone Spurs
  • Corns
  • Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
  • Ingrown Toenails
  • Arthritis (such as Gout, Rheumatoid, and Osteoarthritis)
  • Flat Feet
  • Injury (from stress fractures, broken toe, foot, ankle, Achilles tendon ruptures, and sprains)
  • And more

Diagnosis

To figure out the cause of foot pain, podiatrists utilize several different methods. This 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

Treatment depends upon the cause of the foot pain. Whether it is resting, staying off the foot, or having surgery; podiatrists have a number of treatment options available for foot pain.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Bensalem, Philadelphia, Northeast Philadelphia, Yardley, PA, and Hamilton, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Read more about Foot Pain

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