Toe joint pain often affects the big toe, which absorbs much of the body’s weight when walking. This discomfort can stem from a variety of causes. Gout is one of the most common, resulting from a buildup of uric acid crystals in the joint that leads to sudden pain. Structural problems like hammertoes, mallet toes, and claw toes can also strain toe joints, causing inflammation and stiffness over time. A bunion, which forms when the big toe pushes inward toward the others, creates pressure and misalignment that may result in toe joint pain. A form of arthritis in the big toe, called hallux rigidus, leads to stiffness and difficulty in bending the joint. Toe joint pain may also result from turf toe, which involves stretched ligaments due to the toe bending too far back. If you are experiencing pain in toe joints, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam, diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Toe pain can disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, contact one of our podiatrists of Columbus Podiatry & Surgery. Our podiatrists 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 Columbus, OH . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Flat feet occur when the arches of the feet collapse or fail to develop properly, leading to discomfort and mobility issues. Symptoms include arch pain, ankle swelling, stiffness, and aching in the calf muscles after standing or walking for long periods. Causes can include genetics, obesity, pregnancy, or injury that weakens the supporting structures of the foot. A podiatrist can assess the severity of flat feet, provide custom orthotics, recommend supportive footwear, and offer exercises to reduce pain and improve function. Ignoring symptoms can lead to long-term joint strain and difficulty walking. If you have painful flat feet, it is suggested that you seek treatment from a podiatrist.

Flatfoot is a condition many people suffer from. If you have flat feet, contact one of our podiatrists from Columbus Podiatry & Surgery. Our podiatrists will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Are Flat Feet?

Flatfoot is a condition in which the arch of the foot is depressed and the sole of the foot is almost completely in contact with the ground. About 20-30% of the population generally has flat feet because their arches never formed during growth.

Conditions & Problems:

Having flat feet makes it difficult to run or walk because of the stress placed on the ankles.

Alignment – The general alignment of your legs can be disrupted, because the ankles move inward which can cause major discomfort.

Knees – If you have complications with your knees, flat feet can be a contributor to arthritis in that area.  

Symptoms

• Pain around the heel or arch area
• Trouble standing on the tip toe
• Swelling around the inside of the ankle
• Flat look to one or both feet
• Having your shoes feel uneven when worn

Treatment

If you are experiencing pain and stress on the foot you may weaken the posterior tibial tendon, which runs around the inside of the ankle. 

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

Plantar fasciitis occurs when the thick band of tissue along the bottom of the foot, known as the plantar fascia, becomes strained or irritated. This often causes sharp heel pain, especially with the first steps in the morning or after standing for long periods. of time. To help relieve discomfort and support recovery, a podiatrist may prescribe certain exercises to help strengthen the foot and ankle muscles while improving flexibility. Movements like scrunching a towel with the toes or picking up small objects with the foot can help strengthen the muscles that support the arch. Lifting the arch without lifting the toes or heel may also improve control. Additionally. strengthening the calf muscles with heel raises and walking on tiptoes can support the ankle and reduce strain on the plantar fascia. If you have developed plantar fasciitis, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam and treatment options, which may include a series of exercises.

Exercising your feet regularly with the proper foot wear is a great way to prevent injuries and build strength. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact one of our podiatrists from Columbus Podiatry & Surgery. Our podiatrists can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Exercise for Your Feet

Exercise for your feet can help you gain strength, mobility and flexibility in your feet. They say that strengthening your feet can be just as rewarding as strengthening another part of the body. Your feet are very important, and we often forget about them in our daily tasks. But it is because of our feet that are we able to get going and do what we need to. For those of us fortunate enough to not have any foot problems, it is an important gesture to take care of them to ensure good health in the long run.

Some foot health exercises can include ankle pumps, tip-toeing, toe rises, lifting off the floor doing reps and sets, and flexing the toes. It is best to speak with Our podiatrists to determine an appropriate regimen for your needs. Everyone’s needs and bodies are different, and the activities required to maintain strength in the feet vary from individual to individual. 

Once you get into a routine of doing regular exercise, you may notice a difference in your feet and how strong they may become.

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

Ankle pain after running is a common issue for seasoned athletes and casual joggers alike. It can result from overuse, improper footwear, poor running form, or underlying biomechanical problems. Conditions like tendonitis, sprains, or instability can develop when the ankle is repeatedly stressed without proper support or recovery. Preventing ankle pain begins with wearing well-fitted running shoes, stretching before and after exercise, and gradually increasing running intensity. A podiatrist can evaluate your gait, recommend supportive devices like orthotics, and address structural imbalances. This type of doctor can also treat foot and ankle injuries and provide rehabilitation plans to restore mobility and prevent recurrence. If you experience ongoing ankle discomfort after running, it is suggested that you schedule a visit with a podiatrist today for expert care and guidance.

Exercising your feet regularly with the proper foot wear is a great way to prevent injuries. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact one of our podiatrists of Columbus Podiatry & Surgery. Our podiatrists will treat your foot and ankle needs.

How to Prevent Running Injuries

Many common running injuries are caused by overuse and overtraining. When the back of the kneecap starts wearing out and starts causing pain in your knee, this is commonly referred to as runner’s knee. Runner’s knee is a decrease in strength in your quadriceps and can occur if you’re not wearing properly fitted or supporting shoes. To prevent runner’s knee, focusing on hip strengthening is a good idea, as well as strengthening your quads to keep the kneecaps aligned.

What Are Some Causes of Running Injuries? 
- One cause of a common running injury is called iliotibial band syndrome.
- Plantar fasciitis is also another common injury.
- Stress fractures can occur from overtraining, lack of calcium, or even your running style.

Best Ways to Prevent Running Injuries
- Wear footwear that fits properly and suits your running needs.
- Running shoes are the only protective gear that runners have to safeguard them from injury.
- Make a training schedule. Adding strengthening exercises as well as regular stretching can help keep you strong and limber and can lessen the possibility of injuries.
- Stretching keeps muscles limber; this will help you gain better flexibility.

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

Gout is a form of inflammatory arthritis caused by the buildup of uric acid crystals in the joints, most often affecting the big toe. This condition results from the body producing too much uric acid or not removing it effectively. Common causes of gout include a diet high in purines, certain medications, and underlying health conditions. Risk factors include obesity, age, family history, and excessive alcohol consumption. Symptoms often involve sudden, intense joint pain, redness, swelling, and warmth. A podiatrist can help manage gout by diagnosing the condition, offering pain relief strategies, and guiding long-term foot care. If you experience joint pain in the foot, it is suggested that you seek podiatric advice to relieve discomfort and prevent future flare-ups.

Gout is a painful condition that can be treated. If you are seeking treatment, contact one of our podiatrists from Columbus Podiatry & Surgery. Our podiatrists will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Is Gout?

Gout is a form of arthritis that is characterized by sudden, severe attacks of pain, redness, and tenderness in the joints. The condition usually affects the joint at the base of the big toe. A gout attack can occur at any random time, such as the middle of the night while you are asleep.

Symptoms

• Intense Joint Pain - Usually around the large joint of your big toe, and it most severe within the first four to twelve hours
• Lingering Discomfort - Joint discomfort may last from a few days to a few weeks
• Inflammation and Redness -Affected joints may become swollen, tender, warm and red
• Limited Range of Motion - May experience a decrease in joint mobility

Risk Factors

• Genetics - If family members have gout, you’re more likely to have it
• Medications - Diuretic medications can raise uric acid levels
• Gender/Age - Gout is more common in men until the age of 60. It is believed that estrogen protects women until that point
• Diet - Eating red meat and shellfish increases your risk
• Alcohol - Having more than two alcoholic drinks per day increases your risk
• Obesity - Obese people are at a higher risk for gout

Prior to visiting your podiatrist to receive treatment for gout, there are a few things you should do beforehand. If you have gout you should write down your symptoms--including when they started and how often you experience them, important medical information you may have, and any questions you may have. Writing down these three things will help your podiatrist in assessing your specific situation so that he or she may provide the best route of treatment for you.

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