Big toe pain is a problem that can make walking uncomfortable and limit your daily activities. Several conditions can cause pain in the big toe joint. One of the most common is arthritis, which leads to joint stiffness and swelling. Another cause is bunions, where the joint becomes enlarged and painful over time. Gout, a type of arthritis, can also trigger sudden, sharp pain in the big toe, often at night. Turf toe, a sprain of the big toe joint, is common in athletes. Wearing tight shoes or high heels can make these problems worse. Early treatment, such as wearing supportive shoes, using orthotics, or trying targeted exercises, can help relieve pain and prevent long-term damage. If you have big toe pain that does not improve, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for an examination, diagnosis, and appropriate treatment.

Toe pain can disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, contact one of our doctors of Godoy Foot and Ankle 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 feel free to contact our office located in Wayne, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Wearing high heels for extended periods can lead to swelling due to the unnatural positioning of the feet. High heels shift body weight forward, placing excessive pressure on the toes and the ball of the foot while restricting natural blood circulation. This reduced circulation can cause fluid to accumulate in the feet and ankles, leading to discomfort and swelling. The lack of proper arch support in many high-heeled shoes can further strain the feet and contribute to inflammation. Prolonged use may also weaken the calf muscles and affect the function of the veins, making it more difficult for blood to return to the heart. If you often wear high heels and notice your feet have become swollen, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can treat the underlying cause, and guide you on more appropriate shoes to wear. 

High heels have a history of causing foot and ankle problems. If you have any concerns about your feet or ankles, contact one of our doctors from Godoy Foot and Ankle Center. Our doctors 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 Wayne, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Tarsal tunnel syndrome is a condition caused by compression of the tibial nerve as it passes through the tarsal tunnel, a narrow space inside the ankle. This compression leads to pain, tingling, numbness, or burning sensations in the foot and ankle. The condition can result from injuries, swelling, varicose veins, or underlying conditions such as arthritis or diabetes. Risk factors include repetitive stress, flat feet, high-impact activities, and prolonged standing. Symptoms may worsen with movement and improve with rest. Individuals often experience discomfort along the inner ankle that radiates to the toes. Weakness in the foot muscles can also occur in severe cases. If you have any of the above symptoms, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can accurately diagnose and treat tarsal tunnel syndrome.

Tarsal tunnel syndrome can be very uncomfortable to live with. If you are experiencing tarsal tunnel syndrome, contact one of our doctors of Godoy Foot and Ankle 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 feel free to contact our office located in Wayne, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.