A condition known as trigger toe affects the movement of the big toe, often causing pain and difficulty in extending it. Trigger toe is most common among dancers, particularly when they engage in repetitive motion. Trigger toe occurs when the flexor hallucis longus, or FHL, tendon becomes irritated or inflamed, and is unable to glide smoothly within its sheath. This tendon runs along the inside of the ankle, passes behind the bony bump on the inner ankle, and continues along the sole of the foot to attach at the base of the big toe. It helps point the big toe and is used in movements like rising onto the toe. Symptoms of trigger toe include pain, stiffness, or a catching feeling in the toe. A podiatrist can conduct a physical exam and order imaging tests to diagnose the problem. Recovery may take four to six weeks, involving targeted stretches, supportive devices, and limited activity. In extreme cases, surgery may be needed to release the affected tendon. If you are experiencing difficulty extending your big toe, 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 podiatrist of North Texas Podiatry Associates. 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 offices located in Euless and Southlake, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Gout is a form of inflammatory arthritis caused by the buildup of uric acid crystals in the joints, leading to sudden and severe pain, swelling, and redness. This condition occurs when the body either produces too much uric acid or cannot eliminate it efficiently. Common causes include a diet high in purine-rich foods, excessive alcohol consumption, obesity, and underlying medical conditions such as kidney disease. Genetic factors can also contribute to the risk of developing gout. This condition affects millions of people worldwide, with higher prevalence in regions where diets are rich in red meat and seafood. Gout is more common in men but can also affect postmenopausal women. Gout can cause severe pain and discomfort. If you have had one or more gout flare-ups, it is strongly suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can offer you effective relief and prevention solutions.

Gout is a foot condition that requires certain treatment and care. If you are seeking treatment, contact one of our podiatrist from North Texas Podiatry Associates. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Is Gout?

Gout is a type of arthritis caused by a buildup of uric acid in the bloodstream. It often develops in the foot, especially the big toe area, although it can manifest in other parts of the body as well. Gout can make walking and standing very painful and is especially common in diabetics and the obese.

People typically get gout because of a poor diet. Genetic predisposition is also a factor. The children of parents who have had gout frequently have a chance of developing it themselves.

Gout can easily be identified by redness and inflammation of the big toe and the surrounding areas of the foot. Other symptoms include extreme fatigue, joint pain, and running high fevers. Sometimes corticosteroid drugs can be prescribed to treat gout, but the best way to combat this disease is to get more exercise and eat a better diet.

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

Hammertoe is not just a toe that curls. It is a deformity where the middle joint bends abnormally, often due to muscle imbalance, wearing ill-fitting shoes, or genetics. Unlike mallet toe, which affects only the joint nearest the nail, hammertoe strikes the middle joint. And unlike a bunion, which pushes the big toe sideways, hammertoe causes smaller toes to contract, sometimes painfully. Left untreated, the toe stiffens, making walking uncomfortable and shoe choices frustrating. Treatments include toe exercises and padding, along with wearing custom orthotics and wider footwear. If the joint becomes rigid, surgery may be necessary. Ignoring a hammertoe can lead to corns, ulcers, and permanent damage. If you have a hammertoe that is causing you discomfort, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist who can assess its severity, and guide you on the best course of action.

Hammertoe

Hammertoes can be a painful condition to live with. For more information, contact one of our podiatrist from North Texas Podiatry Associates. Our doctors will answer any of your foot- and ankle-related questions.

Hammertoe is a foot deformity that affects the joints of the second, third, fourth, or fifth toes of your feet. It is a painful foot condition in which these toes curl and arch up, which can often lead to pain when wearing footwear.

Symptoms

• Pain in the affected toes
• Development of corns or calluses due to friction
• Inflammation
• Redness
• Contracture of the toes

Causes

Genetics – People who are genetically predisposed to hammertoe are often more susceptible

Arthritis – Because arthritis affects the joints in your toes, further deformities stemming from arthritis can occur

Trauma – Direct trauma to the toes could potentially lead to hammertoe

Ill-fitting shoes – Undue pressure on the front of the toes from ill-fitting shoes can potentially lead to the development of hammertoe

Treatment

Orthotics – Custom made inserts can be used to help relieve pressure placed on the toes and therefore relieve some of the pain associated with it

Medications – Oral medications such as anti-inflammatories or NSAIDs could be used to treat the pain and inflammation hammertoes causes. Injections of corticosteroids are also sometimes used

Surgery – In more severe cases where the hammertoes have become more rigid, foot surgery is a potential option

If you have any questions please contact our offices located in Euless and Southlake, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.