A toe sprain occurs when the ligaments that support the toe are stretched or torn, often from stubbing the toe, sudden twisting, or impact during sports. Although it may seem minor, a sprain can cause swelling, bruising, and difficulty walking. Many people mistake a sprain for a fracture, but only a proper examination can confirm the diagnosis. Because the toes play an important role in balance and push-off while walking, even a small injury can affect comfort and mobility. Prompt care helps prevent further damage and promotes proper healing so you can stay active without lingering pain. If you notice persistent swelling, pain, or stiffness after injuring your toe, it is suggested that you visit a podiatrist for an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan tailored to your specific needs.

Toe pain can disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, contact Brian Doerr, DPM of Florida. 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 Fort Meyers, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Wearing high heels may enhance height and appearance, but frequent use can lead to significant foot problems. The unnatural position of the foot places pressure on the toes and forefoot, often causing bunions and hammertoes. The elevated heel strains the Achilles tendon, leading to Achilles tendonitis, and increases tension on the plantar fascia, resulting in plantar fasciitis. Over time, these conditions can cause chronic pain and limit mobility. A podiatrist can assess the damage, relieve discomfort, and recommend supportive footwear or custom orthotics. If you have pain from wearing high heels, it is suggested that you visit a podiatrist who can treat various foot conditions, and guide you on how to choose heels that are better for your feet.

High heels have a history of causing foot and ankle problems. If you have any concerns about your feet or ankles, contact Brian Doerr, DPM from Florida. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Effects of High Heels on the Feet

High heels are popular shoes among women because of their many styles and societal appeal.  Despite this, high heels can still cause many health problems if worn too frequently.

Which Parts of My Body Will Be Affected by High Heels?

• Ankle Joints
• Achilles Tendon – May shorten and stiffen with prolonged wear
• Balls of the Feet
• Knees – Heels cause the knees to bend constantly, creating stress on them
• Back – They decrease the spine’s ability to absorb shock, which may lead to back pain.  The vertebrae of the lower back may compress.

What Kinds of Foot Problems Can Develop from Wearing High Heels?

• Corns
• Calluses
• Hammertoe
• Bunions
• Morton’s Neuroma
• Plantar Fasciitis

How Can I Still Wear High Heels and Maintain Foot Health?

If you want to wear high heeled shoes, make sure that you are not wearing them every day, as this will help prevent long term physical problems.  Try wearing thicker heels as opposed to stilettos to distribute weight more evenly across the feet.  Always make sure you are wearing the proper shoes for the right occasion, such as sneakers for exercising.  If you walk to work, try carrying your heels with you and changing into them once you arrive at work.  Adding inserts to your heels can help cushion your feet and absorb shock. Full foot inserts or metatarsal pads are available. 

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

Keeping your ankles flexible and strong can prevent injuries and ease discomfort. Common stretches include ankle circles, which involve rotating the ankle slowly in both directions to increase mobility. The Achilles stretch is performed by leaning forward against a wall with one leg extended behind to stretch the tendon. Additionally, the towel stretch is done by sitting with your leg straight, looping a towel around your foot, and gently pulling toward you to lengthen the calf. The band stretch uses a resistance band to improve ankle strength and flexibility. A podiatrist can recommend the right stretches for your ankle condition, and guide you through safe techniques. If you have ankle pain, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who can offer effective relief solutions.

Why Stretching Is Important for Your Feet

Stretching the feet is a great way to prevent injuries. If you have any concerns with your feet consult with Brian Doerr, DPM from Florida. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Stretching the Feet

Stretching the muscles in the foot is an important part in any physical activity. Feet that are tight can lead to less flexibility and make you more prone to injury. One of the most common forms of foot pain, plantar fasciitis, can be stretched out to help ease the pain. Stretching can not only ease pain from plantar fasciitis but also prevent it as well. However, it is important to see a podiatrist first to determine if stretching is right for you. Podiatrists can also recommend other ways to stretch your feet. Once you know whether stretching is right for you, here are some excellent stretches you can do.

• Using a foam roller or any cylindrical object (a water bottle or soda can will do), roll the object under your foot back and forth. You should also exert pressure on the object. Be sure to do this to both feet for a minute. Do this exercise three times each.
• Similar to the previous exercise, take a ball, such as a tennis ball, and roll it under your foot while seated and exert pressure on it.
• Grab a resistance band or towel and take a seat. If you are using a towel, fold it length wise. Next put either one between the ball of your foot and heel and pull with both hands on each side towards you. Hold this for 15 seconds and then switch feet. Do this three times for each foot.
• Finally hold your big toe while crossing one leg over the other. Pull the toe towards you and hold for 15 seconds. Once again do this three times per foot.

It is best to go easy when first stretching your foot and work your way up. If your foot starts hurting, stop exercising to ice and rest the foot. It is advised that you then see a podiatrist for help.

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