Items filtered by date: February 2024

Pain in the big toe joint is a common source of discomfort that affects mobility and overall quality of life for many individuals. Whether stemming from age-related wear and tear, conditions like bunions, or physical injuries, understanding the underlying causes is vital for effective management. Hallux rigidus, characterized by joint degeneration and restricted movement, often accompanies osteoarthritis and may require surgical intervention in severe cases. Bunions are bony protrusions that often necessitate changes in footwear and orthotic support, with surgery as a potential solution for more severe cases. Physical injuries to the big toe joint can lead to swelling, pain, and an increased risk of developing arthritis or other joint-related issues. When conservative treatments fail to provide adequate relief, surgical options such as bunionectomy, joint realignment, or fusion may be needed. If you have persistent pain in the big toe, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam and a diagnosis, before deciding on the right treatment. 

Toe pain can disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, contact Mital Patel, DPM of South Shore 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 Massapequa, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Corns, small areas of thickened skin that develop on the feet due to friction or pressure, can cause discomfort and pain if left untreated. These hardened patches often form on areas of the feet subjected to repeated rubbing from ill-fitting shoes, abnormal foot mechanics, or prolonged standing. Corns can interfere with daily activities, and professional removal methods offer long-lasting solutions for persistent corns. Podiatrists and foot specialists employ various techniques to safely and effectively remove corns, depending on their severity and location. Common removal methods include paring, where the thickened skin is carefully trimmed using specialized instruments, and chemical treatments, such as salicylic acid solutions, to dissolve the hardened tissue. In cases where corns are deeply embedded or accompanied by underlying foot issues, podiatrists may recommend orthotic devices or corrective measures to alleviate pressure and prevent recurrence. Seeking professional care from a podiatrist for corn removal ensures proper treatment and reduces the risk of complications, promoting optimal foot health and comfort for individuals dealing with this foot ailment. If you have a corn on your foot, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who can successfully remove the corn, in addition to offering you effective prevention techniques.

Corns can make walking very painful and should be treated immediately. If you have questions regarding your feet and ankles, contact Mital Patel, DPM of South Shore Podiatry. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Corns: What Are They? And How Do You Get Rid of Them?
Corns are thickened areas on the skin that can become painful. They are caused by excessive pressure and friction on the skin. Corns press into the deeper layers of the skin and are usually round in shape.

Ways to Prevent Corns
There are many ways to get rid of painful corns such as:

• Wearing properly fitting shoes that have been measured by a professional
• Wearing shoes that are not sharply pointed or have high heels
• Wearing only shoes that offer support

Treating Corns

Although most corns slowly disappear when the friction or pressure stops, this isn’t always the case. Consult with your podiatrist to determine the best treatment option for your case of corns.

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

Toenail fungus, a common and contagious nail infection, can be impacted by footwear. Understanding how shoes can contribute to toenail fungus is the first step toward the prevention and recurrence of fungal infections. Tight, ill-fitting shoes create the right environment for fungus to grow, because these shoes trap sweat and moisture and provide a warm, dark space. Airflow helps keep feet dry, but tighter shoes often don’t have good ventilation. On the other hand, breathable, moisture-wicking footwear can reduce the risk of toenail fungus. Fungal infections are contagious, so it’s best to avoid sharing shoes. Regularly disinfecting shoes can also help prevent the spread of fungal infections. Not only are your feet happier overall when you prioritize comfort, proper fit, and breathability in your shoes, but you also minimize the likelihood of toenail fungus taking hold and persisting. If you suspect toenail fungus, it is suggested you consult with a podiatrist who can provide a treatment plan and personalized recommendations for footwear. 

For more information about treatment, contact Mital Patel, DPM of South Shore Podiatry. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Toenail Fungus Treatment

Toenail fungus is a condition that affects many people and can be especially hard to get rid of. Fortunately, there are several methods to go about treating and avoiding it.

Antifungals & Deterrence

Oral antifungal medicine has been shown to be effective in many cases. It is important to consult with a podiatrist to determine the proper regiment for you, or potentially explore other options.

Applying foot powder on the feet and shoes helps keep the feet free of moisture and sweat.

Sandals or open toed shoes – Wearing these will allow air movement and help keep feet dry. They also expose your feet to light, which fungus cannot tolerate. Socks with moisture wicking material also help as well.

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

When grappling with the discomfort of ingrown toenails, partial and total nail avulsion emerges as a viable solution. Partial nail avulsion involves the removal of a portion of the affected nail, addressing the ingrown edge, and providing relief. This procedure aims to eliminate the problematic segment while preserving the overall integrity of the nail. Conversely, total nail avulsion involves completely removing the toenail, offering a more comprehensive approach to severe or recurrent ingrown toenails. Both procedures are typically performed under local anesthesia to minimize discomfort. Proper postoperative care is vital to promote healing and prevent complications following avulsion. Understanding the differences between partial and total nail avulsion allows individuals to make informed decisions in collaboration with podiatrists. If you have developed an ingrown toenail, it is strongly suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can determine if one of these types of surgery is right for you.

Ingrown toenails may initially present themselves as a minor discomfort, but they may progress into an infection in the skin without proper treatment. For more information about ingrown toenails, contact Mital Patel, DPM of South Shore Podiatry. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Ingrown Toenails

Ingrown toenails are caused when the corner or side of a toenail grows into the soft flesh surrounding it. They often result in redness, swelling, pain, and in some cases, infection. This condition typically affects the big toe and may recur if it is not treated properly.

Causes

• Improper toenail trimming
• Genetics
• Improper shoe fitting
• Injury from pedicures or nail picking
• Abnormal gait
• Poor hygiene

You are more likely to develop an ingrown toenail if you are obese, have diabetes, arthritis, or have any fungal infection in your nails. Additionally, people who have foot or toe deformities are at a higher risk of developing an ingrown toenail.

Symptoms

Some symptoms of ingrown toenails are redness, swelling, and pain. In rare cases, there may be a yellowish drainage coming from the nail.

Treatment

Ignoring an ingrown toenail can have serious complications. Infections of the nail border can progress to a deeper soft-tissue infection, which can then turn into a bone infection. You should always speak with your podiatrist if you suspect you have an ingrown toenail, especially if you have diabetes or poor circulation.

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