Pain in the big toe joint, or first metatarsophalangeal joint, may result from a variety of conditions that affect the bones and soft tissue structures of the forefoot. This joint links the long bone of the foot to the base of the big toe and bears significant stress during walking and running. Common causes of pain in the big toe joint include bunions, arthritis, gout, metatarsalgia, and turf toe. A bunion can result when the top of the big toe shifts toward the second toe, causing the bottom of the toe to shift away from the foot. Arthritis, including osteoarthritis and inflammatory types, can damage the joint cartilage, leading to stiffness and pain. Gout, another form of arthritis, may produce sudden swelling due to uric acid crystal deposits in the big toe joint. Turf toe, common in athletes and dancers, may occur from forced upward bending of the toe. A podiatrist can evaluate the underlying cause of your big toe joint pain and may recommend surgery when other methods are not effective. If you have pain in the joint of your big toe, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for appropriate treatment.

Toe pain can disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, contact one of our podiatrists of Lakewood Family Foot and 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 feel free to contact our office located in Lakewood, CA . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

A bruised heel, also known as a heel contusion, occurs when the fat pad under your heel becomes damaged from repeated impact or a hard landing. Common causes include running on hard surfaces, jumping sports, or wearing shoes that lack proper support. It typically feels like a deep, dull ache or tenderness directly under the heel, especially when standing or walking. In contrast, a broken heel, or heel bone fracture, is much more severe, and often results from a traumatic injury like a fall from height or a car accident. Symptoms include intense pain, swelling, bruising, and difficulty bearing weight. Both conditions can make walking painful, but a broken heel usually requires more intensive treatment and a longer recovery period. A podiatrist can perform a physical exam and imaging tests to determine the cause of your heel pain and develop a personalized treatment plan that may include rest, orthotics, or targeted exercises. If you have heel pain, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist.

Many people suffer from bouts of heel pain. For more information, contact one of our podiatrists of Lakewood Family Foot and Ankle. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Causes of Heel Pain

Heel pain is often associated with plantar fasciitis. The plantar fascia is a band of tissues that extends along the bottom of the foot. A rip or tear in this ligament can cause inflammation of the tissue.

Achilles tendonitis is another cause of heel pain. Inflammation of the Achilles tendon will cause pain from fractures and muscle tearing. Lack of flexibility is also another symptom.

Heel spurs are another cause of pain. When the tissues of the plantar fascia undergo a great deal of stress, it can lead to ligament separation from the heel bone, causing heel spurs.

Why Might Heel Pain Occur?

• Wearing ill-fitting shoes                  
• Wearing non-supportive shoes
• Weight change           
• Excessive running

Treatments

Heel pain should be treated as soon as possible for immediate results. Keeping your feet in a stress-free environment will help. If you suffer from Achilles tendonitis or plantar fasciitis, applying ice will reduce the swelling. Stretching before an exercise like running will help the muscles. Using all these tips will help make heel pain a condition of the past.

If you have any questions please contact our office located in Lakewood, CA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Children can experience several foot conditions as they grow, some of which are part of normal development while others may require medical attention. Hypermobile flat feet are often flexible and painless, typically improving with age. In-toeing, where the feet turn inward, and out-toeing, where they point outward, are common gait variations seen in young children and usually resolve without treatment. High arches, or pes cavus, may indicate a neurological issue if accompanied by pain or imbalance. Additionally, clubfoot is a more serious condition present at birth, where the foot appears twisted out of position and requires early intervention. Observing your child’s foot shape, walking pattern, and comfort level is important. If your child exhibits any of the above foot conditions, it is suggested that you contact a podiatrist who can monitor your child's foot health. 

Making sure that your children maintain good foot health is very important as they grow. If you have any questions, contact one of our podiatrists of Lakewood Family Foot and Ankle. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Keeping Children's Feet Healthy

Having healthy feet during childhood can help prevent medical problems later in life, namely in the back and legs. As children grow, their feet require different types of care. Here are some things to consider...

Although babies do not walk yet, it is still very important to take care of their feet.

Avoid putting tight shoes or socks on his or her feet.

Allow the baby to stretch and kick his or her feet to feel comfortable.

As a toddler, kids are now on the move and begin to develop differently. At this age, toddlers are getting a feel for walking, so don’t be alarmed if your toddler is unsteady or ‘walks funny’. 

As your child gets older, it is important to teach them how to take care of their feet.

Show them proper hygiene to prevent infections such as fungus.

Be watchful for any pain or injury.

Have all injuries checked by a doctor as soon as possible.

Comfortable, protective shoes should always be worn, especially at play.

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