Items filtered by date: June 2024

Toe swelling can result from a variety of causes, ranging from minor issues to more serious health conditions. One common cause is injury, such as stubbing your toe or dropping something heavy on it, which can lead to bruising and swelling. Infections, including fungal infections like athlete's foot or bacterial infections, can also cause swelling and redness. Arthritis, particularly gout, is another culprit, often leading to painful, swollen toes due to the buildup of uric acid crystals. Poor circulation, which can be associated with conditions like diabetes or peripheral artery disease, may cause fluid buildup in the toes, resulting in swelling. Additionally, wearing ill-fitting shoes that pinch or put pressure on the toes can lead to swelling and discomfort. If you have swollen toes, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can determine what the cause is, and offer appropriate treatment solutions.

Toe pain can disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, contact Dr. Barbara Davis of Gilbert Podiatry. 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 feel free to contact our office located in Gilbert, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Finding the perfect pair of running shoes for your child involves more than just picking the trendiest style off the shelf. It's about ensuring that their feet are properly supported and protected, especially during their active play and sports activities. Look for features, such as arch support, a shock-absorbing sole, firm heel support, and easy-to-fasten closures like laces or Velcro. Prioritize fit by having your child's feet measured for both length and width, and make sure they try on several pairs to find the best match for their foot shape. Remember that shoe sizes can vary between brands, so focus on how the shoe feels rather than the number on the label. Pay attention to details like toe wiggle room, snug yet comfortable heel fit, and proper alignment of the ball of the foot. And don't forget, a good shoe should feel comfortable right from the start. There shouldn't be a need to break them in. If you're unsure about the fit or need help with a specific foot problem, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist who can offer tailored recommendations based on your child's specific needs.

Making sure that your children maintain good foot health is very important as they grow. If you have any questions, contact Dr. Barbara Davis of Gilbert Podiatry. Our doctor 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 Gilbert, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

When it comes to running, selecting the appropriate footwear is essential for comfort, performance, and injury prevention. For long-distance running, cushioned shoes with ample support are ideal to absorb shock and reduce fatigue, enhancing endurance. Trail running demands shoes with rugged outsoles and superior traction to navigate uneven terrain and provide stability on rocky paths. If you are into sprinting or track running, lightweight shoes with minimal cushioning and a snug fit promote agility and speed. Cross-training shoes offer versatility for various activities, blending features suitable for running, jumping, and lateral movements. For those with overpronation or flat feet, motion-control shoes with reinforced arch support help correct gait imbalances and prevent injuries. Conversely, neutral shoes suit runners with normal pronation, offering balanced cushioning and support. If you have developed pain from wearing the wrong type of running shoes, it is suggested that you visit a podiatrist who can treat any foot ailment, and educate you about what type of shoes to purchase for your running style.

You should always make sure your running shoes fit properly in order to avoid injury. For more information, contact Dr. Barbara Davis from Gilbert Podiatry. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Choosing the Right Running Shoe for Your Foot Type

Improper shoe sizing can cause a myriad of problems for your feet. Shoes that don’t fit you properly can lead to muscular imbalances in your body, which can result in foot, knee, and hip injuries.

Tips for Finding the Right Running Shoe

• Make sure you have a thumb’s width of wiggle room between the end of your longest toe and the front of the shoe.
• There should be little to no slipping at the heel
• Don’t assume your size in one shoe brand will be your size in another
• Do not lace up your shoes too tightly
• Walk around in the store with your new shoes before you buy them

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

Foot health serves as a silent communicator, often revealing underlying issues within the body. Foot cramps, seemingly innocuous, can indicate dehydration or nutrient deficiencies, while swollen feet may signify heart, kidney, or circulatory problems. Cold feet could be a sign of poor circulation or thyroid dysfunction, requiring attention to prevent further complications. Similarly, tingling sensations in the feet may point to a pinched nerve elsewhere in the body. Ignoring these signals can lead to developing health issues over time. Paying attention to foot health is thus imperative, not just for comfort but for overall well-being. Regular foot care, including proper footwear, moisturizing, and gentle exercises, can promote circulation and alleviate discomfort. However, if symptoms persist, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment. 

When dealing with systemic disease of the feet, it is extremely important to check the affected areas routinely so that any additional problems are caught quickly.  If you have any concerns about your feet and ankles contact Dr. Barbara Davis from Gilbert Podiatry. Our doctor will assist you with all of your podiatric needs.

Systemic Diseases of the Feet

Systemic diseases affect the whole body, and symptoms usually are displayed in the feet. This condition can make a patient’s ability to walk unbearable.  Systemic diseases include gout, diabetes mellitus, neurological disorders, and arthritis.

Gout – is caused by an excess of uric acid in the body. Common symptoms include pain, inflammation, and redness at the metatarsal/phalangeal joint of the base big toe. Gout can be treated by NSAIDs to relieve pain and inflammation, and other drugs that lower the acid levels in the body.

Diabetes mellitus – is an increase in the level of blood sugar that the body cannot counteract with its own insulin. Failure to produce enough insulin is a factor in Diabetes.

Diabetes of the Feet

Diabetic Neuropathy – may lead to damaged nerves and affect the feet through numbness and loss of sensation.

Peripheral Vascular Disease – can restrict the blood flow to the feet, and often times lead to amputation of the feet. 

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