Consider visiting your podiatrist before you buy new shoes, especially if you’ve had any kind of toe or foot problems in the past. Even if you go straight to the store, spend sufficient time getting properly fitted and trying on new shoes if you have a disease that causes inflammation like arthritis or circulation issues such as diabetes. While Dr. Velimir Petkov and his team at Clifton, New Jersey podiatry clinic offer a wealth of treatment options to relieve toe pain, they’re just as helpful when you want to learn how to prevent problems that may limit your mobility. Call them at their office today.
You can have toe pain for a wide variety of reasons, which is why you need a firm diagnosis and appropriate treatment from a foot specialist. Whether you have big toe pain, toe joint pain or referred discomfort from another part of your foot, foot specialist Dr. Velimir Petkov at Premier Podiatry in Clifton, New Jersey delivers relief.
The reason for your toe pain is sometimes obvious, such as when you stub your toe or drop something heavy on your foot. At other times, the cause of your toe pain is more elusive, requiring the diagnostic expertise of an experienced podiatrist. Many foot and ankle conditions, left untreated, can lead to significant disability and permanent damage, so don’t wait to see your doctor.
Is All Toe Pain the Same?
Toe pain symptoms are generally similar regardless what the cause, varying by degrees. Arthritis, as an example, causes swelling in the joints; it’s often a source of big toe joint pain. Stiffness, numbness, pain and loss of movement that makes it difficult to wear socks is characteristic of big toe joint pain. Gout, a form of arthritis, affects ankles, feet and toes with sometimes debilitating pain.
Don’t try to diagnose your pain yourself. Seek the assistance of a best-rated foot doctor like Dr. Petkov who deals with foot problems on a daily basis. Without the correct diagnosis and the most appropriate treatment, you could cause more damage and serious consequences.
The Common Causes of Toe Pain
One of the most common causes of toe pain is wearing shoes that don’t fit properly or are inappropriate for specific exercises. High heels squeeze your toes in unnatural positions. According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, you may end up wearing the wrong-sized shoes when you buy online without trying them on first. This leads to problems that require big toe joint pain treatment or even surgery. Other common causes of toe pain include:
- Bunions, which you’ll notice when you get a hard lump on your toe, usually on the side of a big toe
- Ingrown toenails that, in addition to pain, can lead to infections
- A fracture, which is noticeable when the pain also comes with swelling and redness — and hurts the most when you walk on it
- Metatarsalgia that’s characterized by sharp or burning pain usually located on your big toe or around the middle toes and the ball of your foot
- Corns that are painful and can lead to ulcers if you have diabetes
- Athlete’s foot that causes itching and burning between your toes, as well as painful blisters and cracks
- Hammertoe that makes walking and even wearing most shoes difficult and painful
- Neuromas, which refer to nerve damage that causes referred pain and numbness in your toes
- Toe spurs that lead to stiffness and calluses
Women are prone to corns, ingrown toenails, toe spurs and bunions. Improper gaits, stress, overuse and injuries all cause toe pain. Running and walking on damaged toes exacerbates your pain and can create more serious injuries. Visit your Clifton, NJ podiatrist at the first sign of foot discomfort before the pain affects your mobility.
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Toe Pain Treatment Options
Big toe joint pain treatment and treatment for other foot, ankle and toe problems usually begins with conservative approaches that your podiatrist recommends after diagnosing the source of your pain. The first line of defense may include:
- Rest
- Ice
- Immobilization
- Oral anti-inflammatory and pain relief medications
- Injections of corticosteroids
- Lifestyle modifications
- Orthotics
- Platelet-rich plasma injections
If you don’t get relief shortly, minimally invasive procedures may be needed to fix toe problems, relieve pain and return you to your previous level of activity. At Premier Podiatry, treatment usually is performed right in the office, where risks are greatly minimized. Procedures to treat big toe pain and other issues affecting your toes include:
- Corn removal
- Cheilectomy
- Bunion removal procedure
- Hammer toe surgery
- Toenail fungus laser treatment
- Metatarsal surgery
- Morton’s neuroma surgery
- Ingrown toenail surgery
Don’t wait until you’re unable to participate in your favorite activities. Don’t limit your mobility with big toe pain that’s easily treatable. Contact Premier Podiatry today for quick, effective treatment.
Premier Podiatry: Velimir Petkov, DPM
925 Clifton Ave, Ste 107
Clifton, NJ 07013
502 Hamburg Turnpike, Ste. 105
Wayne, NJ 07470