Toe pain does not always come from an injury and can often result from underlying conditions that affect the feet. Skin problems are a common source of toe pain. Corns, calluses, blisters, warts, athlete’s foot, and ingrown toenails may cause discomfort, redness, or swelling. Infections can also lead to painful changes in the toenails or surrounding skin. Joint issues, such as bunions, bunionettes, hammer toes, arthritis, or gout, can make walking difficult and alter toe alignment. Pain may also develop in the ball of the foot from metatarsalgia. Nerve problems such as Morton’s neuroma, tarsal tunnel syndrome, or neuropathy can produce tingling, burning, or numbness in the toes. Additionally, circulatory changes, often seen in people with diabetes, can further contribute to nerve damage and pain. A podiatrist can diagnose the source of your toe pain and provide effective treatment, depending on the condition. If you are experiencing toe pain, 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 Desiree Garzon, DPM of County Wide Foot, Ankle, & Wound Care. Our doctor 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 our offices located in Boynton Beach, and Wellington, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Ingrown toenails develop when the edge of the nail grows into the surrounding skin, leading to pain, redness, swelling, and sometimes infection. This condition most often affects the big toe, especially along the lateral edge. Causes include hereditary nail shape, poorly fitting shoes that compress the toes, trauma, and trimming nails too short or with rounded corners. A podiatrist can assess the severity of the ingrown toenail and provide the appropriate treatment, which may include surgery in recurring or severe cases. Conservative options involve carefully lifting and supporting the nail edge to reduce pressure on the skin. In more advanced cases, a podiatrist may recommend partial removal of the nail or removal of the nail matrix, the tissue located under the base of the nail, just beneath the cuticle and behind the nail plate, to prevent regrowth in the affected section. These approaches relieve pain, correct the ingrown edge, and lower the risk of infection or complications. If you have a problematic ingrown toenail, it is suggested that you suchedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an evaluation and appropriate treatment.

Ingrown toenails may initially present themselves as a minor discomfort, but they may progress into an infection in the skin without proper treatment. For more information about ingrown toenails, contact Desiree Garzon, DPM of County Wide Foot, Ankle, & Wound Care. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Ingrown Toenails

Ingrown toenails are caused when the corner or side of a toenail grows into the soft flesh surrounding it. They often result in redness, swelling, pain, and in some cases, infection. This condition typically affects the big toe and may recur if it is not treated properly.

Causes

• Improper toenail trimming
• Genetics
• Improper shoe fitting
• Injury from pedicures or nail picking
• Abnormal gait
• Poor hygiene

You are more likely to develop an ingrown toenail if you are obese, have diabetes, arthritis, or have any fungal infection in your nails. Additionally, people who have foot or toe deformities are at a higher risk of developing an ingrown toenail.

Symptoms

Some symptoms of ingrown toenails are redness, swelling, and pain. In rare cases, there may be a yellowish drainage coming from the nail.

Treatment

Ignoring an ingrown toenail can have serious complications. Infections of the nail border can progress to a deeper soft-tissue infection, which can then turn into a bone infection. You should always speak with your podiatrist if you suspect you have an ingrown toenail, especially if you have diabetes or poor circulation.

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

When the nerves in the feet lose sensation or do not send signals properly, the risk of injury increases. Cuts, blisters, or sores may go unnoticed and can become infected before they are detected. Reduced awareness of temperature can lead to burns from hot surfaces, or frostbite in cold conditions. Balance may be affected, making falls more likely. Over time, untreated injuries and infections can progress to serious tissue damage, sometimes requiring surgical intervention. Chronic pain from nerve damage can also interfere with daily activities, sleep, and overall quality of life. In people with diabetes, these complications are especially concerning, as slower healing can lead to further medical issues. Regular foot checks, wearing protective footwear, and prompt attention to any changes are essential steps in prevention. If you have symptoms of nerve damage, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for a thorough evaluation and guided advice.

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 Desiree Garzon, DPM from County Wide Foot, Ankle, & Wound Care. Our doctor 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 our offices located in Boynton Beach, and Wellington, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.