People who enjoy running may notice that they have developed pain in their big toe. This pain can cause difficulty when walking or running and can occur for various reasons. These causes may include the amount of force the joints in the big toe endure while running, in addition to how the heel strikes the ground. This can lead to your foot pronating, meaning the foot rolls inward to absorb the shock. This is followed by pushing off, and the weight of the body travels to the big toe. Some people may have bunions and they appear as a bony bump on the side of the big toe. Bunions often arise from wearing shoes that do not fit correctly. People who run can experience increased toe pain if they are afflicted with a bunion. It is suggested that the shoes worn fit correctly for the style of running that is desired, and this may help to reduce toe pain. If you would like more information about why toe pain occurs, in addition to learning about effective prevention methods, please consult with a podiatrist.

Toe pain can disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, contact Jennifer Swan, DPM of Right Step Foot 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 office located in Westerville, OH . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Lawn bowling can be fun and provide competition in a friendly community of like-minded people. As with many sports, one can sustain foot and ankle injuries in lawn bowling. Common foot and ankle injuries from this activity include falls resulting in fractures, especially to the ankle. It is important to warm up properly, stretch, and do balance and strength training exercises before beginning any physical activity. Maintain proper form and technique during play. Also, it is imperative to let injuries heal properly before getting back to play, as this will help prevent worsening of the original injury, re-injury, strains, and sprains. See a podiatrist if your feet or ankles have been injured during lawn bowling. This foot and ankle care professional can evaluate the problem and provide treatment that will get you back into the sport you derive so much enjoyment from as soon as possible.

Ankle and foot injuries are common among athletes and in many sports. They can be caused by several problems and may be potentially serious. If you are feeling pain or think you were injured in a sporting event or when exercising, consult with Jennifer Swan, DPM from Right Step Foot Care. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Common Injuries

The most common injuries that occur in sporting activities include:

• Achilles Tendonitis
• Achilles Tendon Rupture
• Ankle Sprains
• Broken Foot
• Plantar Fasciitis
• Stress Fractures
• Turf Toe

Symptoms

Symptoms vary depending upon the injury and in some cases, there may be no symptoms at all. However, in most cases, some form of symptom is experienced. Pain, aching, burning, bruising, tenderness, tightness or stiffness, sensation loss, difficulty moving, and swelling are the most common symptoms.

Treatment

Just as symptoms vary depending upon the injury, so do treatment options. A common treatment method is known as the RICE method. This method involves rest, applying ice, compression and elevating the afflicted foot or ankle. If the injury appears to be more serious, surgery might be required, such as arthroscopic or reconstructive surgery. Lastly, rehabilitation or therapy might be needed to gain full functionality in the afflicted area. Any discomfort experienced by an athlete must be evaluated by a licensed, reputable medical professional.  

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

A condition known as sesamoiditis occurs when tissues that embed the two tiny sesamoid bones just under the base of the big toe become inflamed. Sesamoiditis is considered to be an overuse injury, caused when pressure is repeatedly put on the ball of the foot, especially when flexing the big toe. As a result, this injury is common among runners, football players, dancers and basketball players. Treatments vary for sesamoiditis, and experts find that a combination of them works best. Included are eliminating the activities that cause the overuse, taking pain medication, and performing certain exercises. Wearing shoes that fit properly is recommended, and wearing high-heels or any shoes that force the weight onto the ball of the foot should be avoided. In some cases, depending on the severity of the sesamoiditis, cortisone injections can be effective in reducing the symptoms of pain, swelling, and difficulty bearing weight. Gel and foam orthotics are often used to reduce the pain. To find out more about treating sesamoiditis, please consult a podiatrist.   

Sesamoiditis is an unpleasant foot condition characterized by pain in the balls of the feet. If you think you’re struggling with sesamoiditis, contact Jennifer Swan, DPM of Right Step Foot Care. Our doctor will treat your condition thoroughly and effectively.

Sesamoiditis

Sesamoiditis is a condition of the foot that affects the ball of the foot. It is more common in younger people than it is in older people. It can also occur with people who have begun a new exercise program, since their bodies are adjusting to the new physical regimen. Pain may also be caused by the inflammation of tendons surrounding the bones. It is important to seek treatment in its early stages because if you ignore the pain, this condition can lead to more serious problems such as severe irritation and bone fractures.

Causes of Sesamoiditis

• Sudden increase in activity
• Increase in physically strenuous movement without a proper warm up or build up
• Foot structure: those who have smaller, bonier feet or those with a high arch may be more susceptible

Treatment for sesamoiditis is non-invasive and simple. Doctors may recommend a strict rest period where the patient forgoes most physical activity. This will help give the patient time to heal their feet through limited activity. For serious cases, it is best to speak with your doctor to determine a treatment option that will help your specific needs.

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

Experts believe that a certain amount of exercise is beneficial to women who are pregnant. One of the easiest ways to accomplish this is to develop a walking schedule. It is suggested to begin with 15 minutes three times a week at a moderate pace and work up to 30 minutes at a brisker pace. The recommended goal is 150 minutes of walking in a week. It is a good idea when embarking on any exercise regime to check with a medical professional before you begin. Be sure to wear walking shoes that offer the cushioning and support needed to account for the gradual increase in baby weight. Also, it’s a good idea to have your feet measured, as swelling that is common during pregnancy can change your foot size. It may be wise to have a companion to accompany you. It is recommended that you keep the back straight, head and eyes level, and look forward and not down when you walk. If at any time while walking you feel overtired, suddenly unwell, or in pain, stop immediately to rest. For more information, please contact a podiatrist. 

Pregnant women with swollen feet can be treated with a variety of different methods that are readily available. For more information about other cures for swollen feet during pregnancy, consult with Jennifer Swan, DPM from Right Step Foot Care. Our doctor will attend to all of your foot and ankle needs.

What Foot Problems Can Arise During Pregnancy?

One problem that can occur is overpronation, which occurs when the arch of the foot flattens and tends to roll inward.  This can cause pain and discomfort in your heels while you’re walking or even just standing up, trying to support your baby.  

Another problem is edema, or swelling in the extremities. This often affects the feet during pregnancy but tends to occur in the later stages. 

How Can I Keep My Feet Healthy During Pregnancy?

• Wearing orthotics can provide extra support for the feet and help distribute weight evenly
• Minimize the amount of time spent walking barefoot
• Wear shoes with good arch support
• Wear shoes that allow for good circulation to the feet
• Elevate feet if you experience swelling
• Massage your feet
• Get regular, light exercise, such as walking, to promote blood circulation to the feet

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