Items filtered by date: October 2025

Toe pain can arise from several common conditions that affect comfort and mobility. Bunions occur when the joint at the base of the big toe becomes enlarged and at the top of the toe leans toward the smaller toes, resulting in soreness and swelling. Gout is a form of arthritis caused by uric acid buildup that triggers sudden, intense pain and redness, often in the big toe. An ingrown toenail develops when the nail grows into the surrounding skin, causing tenderness and possible infection. A podiatrist can diagnose the cause of toe pain through examination, imaging, and lab testing, offering treatments such as medication, custom orthotics, or performing minor procedures. If you have persistent toe pain, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can accurately diagnose what is going on, and guide you toward effective treatment solutions.

Toe pain can disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, contact one of our podiatrists of Podiatry Health Center. Our doctors 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 Dothan, AL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Tarsal tunnel syndrome occurs when the posterior tibial nerve becomes compressed as it travels through the tarsal tunnel on the inside of the ankle. The tarsal tunnel is similar to the carpal tunnel in the wrist. This pressure on the nerve can cause pain, tingling, numbness, or burning sensations in the foot and ankle. Common causes include flat feet, injury, swelling, or systemic conditions like diabetes. Risk factors involve repetitive stress and prolonged standing. A podiatrist can diagnose tarsal tunnel syndrome through a physical exam and nerve testing, then create a treatment plan that may include orthotics or minimally invasive procedures. If you have persistent ankle or foot pain, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can accurately diagnose and treat what may be going on.

Tarsal tunnel syndrome can be very uncomfortable to live with. If you are experiencing tarsal tunnel syndrome, contact one of our podiatrists of Podiatry Health Center. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome

Tarsal tunnel syndrome, which can also be called tibial nerve dysfunction, is an uncommon condition of misfiring peripheral nerves in the foot. The tibial nerve is the peripheral nerve in the leg responsible for sensation and movement of the foot and calf muscles. In tarsal tunnel syndrome, the tibial nerve is damaged, causing problems with movement and feeling in the foot of the affected leg.

Common Cause of Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome

• Involves pressure or an injury, direct pressure on the tibial nerve for an extended period of time, sometimes caused by other body structures close by or near the knee.
• Diseases that damage nerves, including diabetes, may cause tarsal tunnel syndrome.
• At times, tarsal tunnel syndrome can appear without an obvious cause in some cases.

The Effects of Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome

• Different sensations, an afflicted person may experience pain, tingling, burning or other unusual sensations in the foot of the affected leg.
• The foot muscles, toes and ankle become weaker, and curling your toes or flexing your foot can become difficult.
• If condition worsens, infections and ulcers may develop on the foot that is experiencing the syndrome.

A physical exam of the leg can help identify the presence of tarsal tunnel syndrome. Medical tests, such as a nerve biopsy, are also used to diagnose the condition. Patients may receive physical therapy and prescriptive medication. In extreme cases, some may require surgery.

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

Falls around the house are a major concern for seniors and can lead to serious foot problems, such as fractures, sprains, and wounds that take longer to heal. Prevention begins with simple daily habits. Do not rush when moving from place to place, and have medications reviewed to reduce side effects that affect balance. Additionally, wear supportive shoes indoors and outdoors, and have vision and hearing checked regularly to improve awareness of surroundings. A podiatrist can treat foot or ankle injuries from falls, recommend proper footwear, and provide strategies to improve stability and safety. If you or a loved one have foot pain from falling, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can treat various foot and ankle injuries, and guide you on additional falls prevention tips. 

Preventing falls among the elderly is very important. If you are older and have fallen or fear that you are prone to falling, consult with one of our podiatrists from Podiatry Health Center. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality advice and care.

Every 11 seconds, an elderly American is being treated in an emergency room for a fall related injury. Falls are the leading cause of head and hip injuries for those 65 and older. Due to decreases in strength, balance, senses, and lack of awareness, elderly persons are very susceptible to falling. Thankfully, there are a number of things older persons can do to prevent falls.

How to Prevent Falls

Some effective methods that older persons can do to prevent falls include:

• Enrolling in strength and balance exercise program to increase balance and strength
• Periodically having your sight and hearing checked
• Discuss any medications you have with a doctor to see if it increases the risk of falling
• Clearing the house of falling hazards and installing devices like grab bars and railings
• Utilizing a walker or cane
• Wearing shoes that provide good support and cushioning
• Talking to family members about falling and increasing awareness

Falling can be a traumatic and embarrassing experience for elderly persons; this can make them less willing to leave the house, and less willing to talk to someone about their fears of falling. Doing such things, however, will increase the likelihood of tripping or losing one’s balance. Knowing the causes of falling and how to prevent them is the best way to mitigate the risk of serious injury.  

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

A broken toe occurs when one of the toe bones fractures due to trauma, stubbing, or dropping a heavy object on it. Causes include sports injuries, accidents, or repetitive stress. Risk factors are osteoporosis, poor footwear, and high impact activities. Symptoms may include swelling, bruising, and difficulty walking. Taping can help stabilize the toe if the break is minor, determined by evaluating pain, alignment, and mobility. The process involves gently wrapping the injured toe to its neighbor for support while avoiding circulation issues. A podiatrist can confirm the diagnosis, and provide treatment, which may or may not include buddy taping. If you suspect you have broken your pinky toe, it is strongly suggested that you promptly consult a podiatrist who can accurately diagnose the injury and offer the best treatment solution, preventing long-term complications.

Broken toes may cause a lot of pain and should be treated as soon as possible. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact one of our podiatrists from Podiatry Health Center. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Is a Broken Toe?

A broken toe occurs when one or more of the toe bones of the foot are broken after an injury. Injuries such as stubbing your toe or dropping a heavy object on it may cause a toe fracture.

Symptoms of a Broken Toe

• Swelling
• Pain (with/without wearing shoes)
• Stiffness
• Nail Injury

Although the injured toe should be monitored daily, it is especially important to have a podiatrist look at your toe if you have severe symptoms. Some of these symptoms include worsening or new pain that is not relieved with medication, sores, redness, or open wounds near the toe.

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