Items filtered by date: June 2023

While we normally think of a stubbed toe as a painful, but minor injury, sometimes these accidents can cause fractures, sprains, broken toenails, and infections. The impact from a stubbed toe can be severe and lead to intense pain that can become worse.  A stubbed toe refers to an injury that happens when the toe is hit or jammed. The toe may hit a wall or door, catch on an object, or be hurt from a trip or fall. At first, the stubbed toe will be extremely painful, and the pain will radiate to other parts of the foot and ankle. It may be painful to put weight on the injured foot. This happens from the many nerves located in the toes, and there is little fat in these digits. It can be difficult to tell how severe the injury is from a stubbed toe because initially, the same symptoms are present. If the pain persists or gets worse, it is suggested that medical care be sought from a chiropodist to determine if an individual has suffered a strain, sprain, break, or bone bruise, and appropriate treatment can be discussed.

Toe pain is common and can have a variety of causes. Causes can range from a broken toe to an ingrown toenail. Many types of toe pain can be corrected, but any toe pain that inhibits your activities for an extended period should be discussed with a chiropodist. If you suffer from toe pain, please consult with Emily Yu, B.Sc from Uptown Foot Care Clinic. Our specialist can help you maintain the health of your feet.

Common Causes of Toe Pain 

• Trauma or fracture
• Cuts, sores, or bruises
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Gout
• Turf Toe
• Morton’s neuroma
• Blisters
• Corns
• Bunions
• Hammertoes
• Ingrown toenails
• Plantar warts
• Athlete’s Foot

Symptoms of Toe Pain

• Toe deformity
• Burning
• Numbness
• Toenail deformity
• Wart or ulcer
• Swelling
• Redness

When to See a Chiropodist

• Bleeding or severe swelling
• Trauma, such as a broken bone
• Discoloration or extreme swelling
• Inability to bear weight
• Persistent pain
• Wounds that won’t heal

Diagnosis of Toe Pain

A chiropodist can conduct a thorough examination of the painful toe or toes in order to determine the best course of treatment. The exam may include assessing the tenderness of the area, taking an X-ray or other diagnostic test, or assessing your gait and range of motion. A discussion of what led to the advanced pain issue may follow. Included will likely be a health history, as well as a list of medications you are taking and other previous injuries you may have sustained.

Treatment for Toe Pain

With such a wide range of possible causes for toe pain, treatment can be varied in scope and length. Sometimes, the chiropodist will recommend lifestyle and activity changes. In cases of trauma or other injuries, X-rays or imaging tests will likely be used to determine the severity of the problem, particularly if any bones have been broken. Treatment may also include injections of pain-relief medication or anti-inflammatory drugs. Certain injuries will require the splinting, bracing, or wrapping of injured toes. Orthotics or special shoes may be prescribed in cases of bone deformities and gait issues. Removal of warts, calluses, and corns may be needed. In other cases, such as with patients who have diabetes or rheumatoid arthritis, ongoing treatment may be required to avoid more serious problems. 

Many people enjoy walking during the cold months more so than at other times of the year. It is important to protect the feet during the winter season to avoid having circulation problems or other serious conditions such as frostbite. There are several methods of keeping the feet warm during long walks. These can include wearing leather or mesh shoes, in addition to wearing two pairs of socks. Some people find it beneficial to wrap their shoes in duct tape, which may help keep the cold air away from the feet. If there is snow on the walking trail or it begins to rain, it is wise to keep the feet as dry as possible. This can be accomplished by wearing waterproof shoes. Wearing toe warmers can provide heat for several hours and can be placed above or below the toes. If you would like more information about how to protect your feet during cold walks, it is suggested that you consult with a chiropodist who can provide you with additional tips.

The winter months can bring about new or worsening foot and ankle problems. If you’re suffering from foot or ankle pain, please consult with Emily Yu, B.Sc from Uptown Foot Care Clinic. Our specialist can help you maintain the health of your lower limbs and your mobility. 

Winter Foot Problems

• Cracked heels - Dry, cracked skin on the heels of the feet that is associated with cold, dry weather

• Athlete’s foot - A fungal infection on the skin of the feet

• Blisters - Fluid-filled bubbles of skin that usually form in response to friction 

• Fractures - Broken bones in the feet or ankles 

• Metatarsalgia - General foot pain

• Chilblains - Spasming of the small blood vessels in the toes in response to exposure to cold weather 

• Raynaud’s disease - Numbness, pain, and color changes in the toes due to cold weather 

Prevention

• Wear warm socks and shoes

• Avoid prolonged exposure to the cold

• Moisturize the heels regularly

• Keep your feet clean and dry 

• Walk carefully in areas that may be icy 

• Wear non-slip shoes 

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

A Lisfranc injury is a dislocation or fracture in the midfoot area. Though rare, it is something that can cause long-term damage if not treated. This type of injury typically occurs after stepping into a small hole, causing a twisting force with body weight on top. It can also result from car accidents. Symptoms include pain in this area, difficulty with weight bearing, and swelling on the top of the foot. An imaging test can detect this injury, which can consist of having an X-ray, bone scan, or MRI taken. Once confirmed, a cast with a toe plate extending beneath the toes can be used to immobilize the affected joint. If you have pain in your midfoot area, it is strongly suggested that you make an appointment with a chiropodist immediately for a proper diagnosis and treatment.

Foot pain is a common problem treated by chiropodists. If you have foot pain, please consult with Emily Yu, B.Sc from Uptown Foot Care Clinic. Our specialist can help you maintain the health of your lower limbs and your mobility. 

When you are experiencing foot pain, it’s important to note the type of pain and its location, as this can help determine a diagnosis. 

Pain in the top of the foot may be caused by:

• Stress fractures

• Sinus tarsi syndrome

• Extensor tendonitis

• Tibialis anterior tendonitis

• Gout

• Athlete’s foot

• Ganglion cysts

Pain in the bottom of the foot may be caused by:

• Plantar fasciitis

• Foot cramps

• Tarsal tunnel syndrome

• Plantar fibromatosis

• Posterior tibial tendonitis

• Stress fractures

• Flat feet

Pain on the side of the foot may be caused by:

• Ankle sprain

• Cuboid syndrome

• Peroneal tendonitis

• Stress fractures

• Bunions

• Corns or calluses

• Posterior tibial tendonitis

Heel pain may be caused by:

• Plantar fasciitis

• Achilles tendonitis

• Bone spurs

• Heel fractures

• Retrocalcaneal bursitis

• Sever’s disease 

Pain in the toes may be caused by:

• Gout

• Hammertoe

• Turf toe 

• Bunions

• Ingrown toenails

• Blisters 

• Arthritis

These and many more conditions can be treated by a chiropodist. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.