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Sharp pain in the big toe can be caused by various conditions, each requiring different treatments. Common culprits can include bunions, ingrown toenails, turf toe, arthritis, sesamoiditis, gout, and injuries like sprains or fractures. Bunions cause deformity and pain at the base of the toe, often due to wearing ill-fitting shoes or prolonged standing. Ingrown toenails, usually from improper nail trimming or pressure from tight shoes, can cause significant pain and swelling. Turf toe results from excessive stress on the big toe joint, which is common among athletes. Sesamoiditis, affecting the tiny bones under the big toe, causes dull, intermittent pain. Gout, a metabolic disorder, triggers sudden, severe pain due to uric acid crystal buildup. Lastly, sprains and fractures from trauma or overextension cause throbbing pain and swelling. Persistent or severe symptoms require an evaluation from a podiatrist. This foot doctor can diagnose the cause and suggest appropriate treatments, including orthotics, medication, or possibly surgery. If you are suffering pain in the big toe, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam, diagnosis, and treatment options.

Toe pain can disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, contact one of our podiatrists of Eastern Carolina Foot & Ankle Specialists. 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 Greenville, NC . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Heel pain, often linked to conditions such as plantar fasciitis, is a prevalent complaint that affects the bottom or back of the heel. This pain typically results from inflammation, overuse, or injury to the plantar fascia, a thick band of tissue that supports the arch of the foot. Factors contributing to heel pain include excessive walking or standing, wearing improper footwear, obesity, and age-related changes. The pain is usually sharp and most intense during the first steps in the morning or after long periods of rest. It can significantly interfere with daily activities, making walking, exercising, and even standing difficult. Diagnosis involves a physical examination, patient history, and sometimes imaging tests like X-rays or MRI scans to rule out fractures or other issues. Treatment typically includes rest, anti-inflammatory medications, and stretching exercises. Custom orthotics and targeted stretching exercises may also be recommended. If you have persistent or severe heel pain, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for specialized care and treatment.

Many people suffer from bouts of heel pain. For more information, contact one of our podiatrists of Eastern Carolina Foot & Ankle Specialists. 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 Greenville, NC . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Pronation is the natural side-to-side movement of the foot during walking or running. It is essential for shock absorption and navigating uneven surfaces. However, problems arise when this movement is excessive. Overpronation, where the foot rolls too far inward, can cause prolonged ground contact and increased stress on the leg's alignment. This may lead to injuries like plantar fasciitis, shin splints, and knee pain. Conversely, underpronation, or insufficient inward roll, causes the foot to remain rigid, failing to absorb shock effectively. This places undue stress on the outer edge of the foot, increasing the likelihood of stress fractures. Identifying pronation issues can often be done through a professional gait analysis conducted by a podiatrist. In some cases, a podiatrist might recommend custom orthotics to provide additional support and correct alignment issues. Selecting appropriate footwear and strengthening foot and ankle muscles can help manage pronation-related problems. If you experience foot pain linked to pronation, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam and treatment.

If you have any concerns about your feet, contact one of our podiatrists from Eastern Carolina Foot & Ankle Specialists. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Biomechanics in Podiatry

Podiatric biomechanics is a particular sector of specialty podiatry with licensed practitioners who are trained to diagnose and treat conditions affecting the foot, ankle and lower leg. Biomechanics deals with the forces that act against the body, causing an interference with the biological structures. It focuses on the movement of the ankle, the foot and the forces that interact with them.

A History of Biomechanics

• Biomechanics dates back to the BC era in Egypt where evidence of professional foot care has been recorded.
• In 1974, biomechanics gained a higher profile from the studies of Merton Root, who claimed that by changing or controlling the forces between the ankle and the foot, corrections or conditions could be implemented to gain strength and coordination in the area.

Modern technological improvements are based on past theories and therapeutic processes that provide a better understanding of podiatric concepts for biomechanics. Computers can provide accurate information about the forces and patterns of the feet and lower legs.

Understanding biomechanics of the feet can help improve and eliminate pain, stopping further stress to the foot.

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