Pain in the big toe can stem from several foot conditions that affect the bones, joints, or soft tissues. A bunion, for example, develops when the big toe angles toward the second toe, leading to swelling, irritation, and a bony bump at the joint. Ingrown toenails are another common cause of big toe pain, where the nail grows into the skin, producing tenderness and inflammation. Turf toe, which is a sprain of the big toe joint, often results from sports or other activities that put stress on the forefoot. Arthritis, in the metatarsophalangeal, or MTP,  joint may also lead to stiffness and chronic big toe pain. Other sources include sesamoiditis, which irritates the small bones under the big toe, gout caused by uric acid buildup, and fractures or sprains from direct injury. If you have sharp pain in the big toe, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam, diagnosis, and treatment.

Toe pain can disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, contact Larry J. Kipp, DPM of Coastal Podiatry Center. 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 New Port Richey, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Ankle tendonitis is inflammation of the tendons around the ankle joint, often caused by overuse, improper footwear, flat feet, or sudden increases in physical activity. Common types include Achilles tendonitis, posterior tibial tendonitis, and peroneal tendonitis. Symptoms may involve aching, swelling, stiffness, and tenderness along the affected tendon, especially after activity or in the morning. The area may appear red or warm and can become painful when walking, climbing stairs, or standing for long periods. The pain is usually localized but can radiate along the ankle or lower leg. A podiatrist can diagnose the specific type of tendonitis through a physical examination, medical history, and imaging studies, such as ultrasound or MRI. Treatment may include anti-inflammatory medications, custom orthotics, targeted exercises, and temporary immobilization. In more severe cases, advanced therapies or surgery may be needed. Since untreated tendonitis can lead to chronic pain or tendon rupture, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist.

Ankle pain can have many different causes and the pain may potentially be serious. If you have ankle pain, consult with Larry J. Kipp, DPM from Coastal Podiatry Center. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Ankle pain is any condition that causes pain in the ankle. Due to the fact that the ankle consists of tendons, muscles, bones, and ligaments, ankle pain can come from a number of different conditions.

Causes

The most common causes of ankle pain include:

• Types of arthritis (rheumatoid, osteoarthritis, and gout)
• Ankle sprains
• Broken ankles
• Achilles tendinitis
• Achilles tendon rupture
• Stress fractures
• Tarsal tunnel syndrome
• Plantar fasciitis

Symptoms

Symptoms of ankle injury vary based upon the condition. Pain may include general pain and discomfort, swelling, aching, redness, bruising, burning or stabbing sensations, and/or loss of sensation.

Diagnosis

Due to the wide variety of potential causes of ankle pain, podiatrists will utilize a number of different methods to properly diagnose ankle pain. This can include asking for personal and family medical histories and of any recent injuries. Further diagnosis may include sensation tests, a physical examination, and potentially x-rays or other imaging tests.

Treatment

Just as the range of causes varies widely, so do treatments. Some more common treatments are rest, ice packs, keeping pressure off the foot, orthotics and braces, medication for inflammation and pain, and surgery.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in New Port Richey, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

A diabetic foot ulcer is an open sore or wound that develops on the foot of a person with diabetes, often caused by poor circulation, nerve damage, or high blood sugar levels. These ulcers can lead to serious infections, if not treated promptly. Proper care includes keeping the wound clean, protecting it from pressure or friction, monitoring for signs of infection, and managing blood sugar levels. Symptoms include redness, swelling, discharge, or persistent pain. A podiatrist can help by evaluating the ulcer, providing specialized wound care, and recommending protective footwear or orthotics. This foot doctor can also develop a treatment plan to promote healing and prevent complications. If you have diabetes and have developed a foot ulcer, it is strongly suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can help you to manage this serious condition.

Wound care is an important part in dealing with diabetes. If you have diabetes and a foot wound or would like more information about wound care for diabetics, consult with Larry J. Kipp, DPM from Coastal Podiatry Center. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

What Is Wound Care?

Wound care is the practice of taking proper care of a wound. This can range from the smallest to the largest of wounds. While everyone can benefit from proper wound care, it is much more important for diabetics. Diabetics often suffer from poor blood circulation which causes wounds to heal much slower than they would in a non-diabetic. 

What Is the Importance of Wound Care?

While it may not seem apparent with small ulcers on the foot, for diabetics, any size ulcer can become infected. Diabetics often also suffer from neuropathy, or nerve loss. This means they might not even feel when they have an ulcer on their foot. If the wound becomes severely infected, amputation may be necessary. Therefore, it is of the upmost importance to properly care for any and all foot wounds.

How to Care for Wounds

The best way to care for foot wounds is to prevent them. For diabetics, this means daily inspections of the feet for any signs of abnormalities or ulcers. It is also recommended to see a podiatrist several times a year for a foot inspection. If you do have an ulcer, run the wound under water to clear dirt from the wound; then apply antibiotic ointment to the wound and cover with a bandage. Bandages should be changed daily and keeping pressure off the wound is smart. It is advised to see a podiatrist, who can keep an eye on it.

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

Broken toes can cause significant discomfort and limit mobility. Toe fractures usually occur from stubbing the toe, dropping something heavy on the foot, or sustaining a sports-related impact. Symptoms include swelling, bruising, and pain when walking or applying pressure. Diagnosis is confirmed through an exam and imaging to assess the extent of the fracture and determine if the bone is displaced. Stable, nondisplaced fractures may be managed with protective footwear to reduce movement and pressure, while displaced fractures often require a procedure to realign the bone. Fractures of the big toe tend to be more serious due to this toe’s role in balance and walking. Big toe injuries may require stabilization or even surgery if the damage is severe. A podiatrist can provide a proper diagnosis, realignment, and supportive devices to promote healing and prevent long-term complications. If you are experiencing pain from a broken toe, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam, diagnosis, and treatment.

A broken toe can be very painful and lead to complications if not properly fixed. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Larry J. Kipp, DPM from Coastal Podiatry Center. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What to Know About a Broken Toe

Although most people try to avoid foot trauma such as banging, stubbing, or dropping heavy objects on their feet, the unfortunate fact is that it is a common occurrence. Given the fact that toes are positioned in front of the feet, they typically sustain the brunt of such trauma. When trauma occurs to a toe, the result can be a painful break (fracture).

Symptoms of a Broken Toe

• Throbbing pain
• Swelling
• Bruising on the skin and toenail
• The inability to move the toe
• Toe appears crooked or disfigured
• Tingling or numbness in the toe

Generally, it is best to stay off of the injured toe with the affected foot elevated.

Severe toe fractures may be treated with a splint, cast, and in some cases, minor surgery. Due to its position and the pressure it endures with daily activity, future complications can occur if the big toe is not properly treated.

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