Toe infections can cause significant discomfort, especially for those who are on their feet regularly. Common symptoms of a toe infection include redness, swelling, pain, and oozing, sometimes accompanied by a foul odor or warmth surrounding the affected area. Toe infections may result from ingrown toenails, fungal conditions, injuries, or poor hygiene. For people with diabetes, even a minor toe infection can quickly become a serious issue, due to reduced blood flow and nerve damage, and can potentially lead to severe complications if left untreated. Wearing tight shoes, improperly trimmed toenails, or exposure to bacteria and fungus in damp environments are common triggers of toe infections. A podiatrist can diagnose the underlying cause of a toe infection and provide targeted treatment, such as prescribing antifungal or antibacterial medications, or performing procedures like partial nail removal for severe ingrown nails. If you have a toe infection, it is suggested that you promptly schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam and treatment.

Toe pain can disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, contact one of our podiatrists of Family Foot Health 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 Rogers and Berryville, AR . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Children involved in running activities are at risk for various foot and ankle injuries, often linked to overuse or biomechanical issues. Common foot conditions include Sever’s disease, which causes heel pain due to stress on the growth plates, and Iselin’s disease, which leads to pain on the outer edge of the foot from repetitive stress. Overtraining, sudden increases in activity, and wearing improper footwear can contribute to stress fractures in foot bones, which are often identified through localized pain that worsens with movement. Additionally, children undergoing growth spurts may experience increased muscle tightness and decreased flexibility, which heighten the risk of running injuries. A podiatrist can evaluate your child’s foot structure, recommend orthotics for support, and address any biomechanical concerns to help alleviate symptoms and prevent further issues. If your child has foot pain after physical activity, especially running, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and treatment options.

Making sure that your children maintain good foot health is very important as they grow. If you have any questions, contact one of our podiatrists of Family Foot Health Center. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Keeping Children's Feet Healthy

Having healthy feet during childhood can help prevent medical problems later in life, namely in the back and legs. As children grow, their feet require different types of care. Here are some things to consider...

Although babies do not walk yet, it is still very important to take care of their feet.

Avoid putting tight shoes or socks on his or her feet.

Allow the baby to stretch and kick his or her feet to feel comfortable.

As a toddler, kids are now on the move and begin to develop differently. At this age, toddlers are getting a feel for walking, so don’t be alarmed if your toddler is unsteady or ‘walks funny’. 

As your child gets older, it is important to teach them how to take care of their feet.

Show them proper hygiene to prevent infections such as fungus.

Be watchful for any pain or injury.

Have all injuries checked by a doctor as soon as possible.

Comfortable, protective shoes should always be worn, especially at play.

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

Clubfoot is a congenital condition where a baby’s foot is twisted out of shape or position, often with the toes pointing downward and inward. This condition affects one or both feet and occurs during fetal development. While the exact cause of clubfoot is unknown, it is believed to result from a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Clubfoot is diagnosed shortly after birth through a physical examination, and in some cases, an ultrasound may detect it before birth. Treatment for clubfoot typically involves a non-surgical procedure known as the Ponseti method, which uses gentle stretching and casting to correct the position of the foot. In more severe cases, surgery may be needed. With early intervention and appropriate treatment, most children with clubfoot can lead active and healthy lives, walking without pain or disability. If your child has been born with clubfoot, it is suggested that you include a podiatrist on your healthcare team for optimum recovery results.

Congenital foot problems require immediate attention to avoid future complications. If you have any concerns, contact one of our podiatrists of Family Foot Health Center. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Congenital foot problems are deformities affecting the feet, toes, and/or ankles that children are born with. Some of these conditions have a genetic cause while others just happen. Some specific foot ailments that children may be born with include clubfeet, polydactyly/macrodactyly, and cleft foot. There are several other foot anomalies that can occur congenitally. What all of these conditions have in common is that a child may experience difficulty walking or performing everyday activities, as well as trouble finding footwear that fits their foot deformity. Some of these conditions are more serious than others. Consulting with a podiatrist as early as possible will help in properly diagnosing a child’s foot condition while getting the necessary treatment underway.

What are Causes of Congenital Foot Problem?

A congenital foot problem is one that happens to a child at birth. These conditions can be caused by a genetic predisposition, developmental or positional abnormalities during gestation, or with no known cause.

What are Symptoms of Congenital Foot Problems?

Symptoms vary by the congenital condition. Symptoms may consist of the following:

• Clubfoot, where tendons are shortened, bones are shaped differently, and the Achilles tendon is tight, causing the foot to point in and down. It is also possible for the soles of the feet to face each other.
• Polydactyly, which usually consists of a nubbin or small lump of tissue without a bone, a toe that is partially formed but has no joints, or an extra toe.
• Vertical talus, where the talus bone forms in the wrong position causing other bones in the foot to line up improperly, the front of the foot to point up, and the bottom of the foot to stiffen, with no arch, and to curve out.
• Tarsal coalition, when there is an abnormal connection of two or more bones in the foot leading to severe, rigid flatfoot.
• Cleft foot, where there are missing toes, a V-shaped cleft, and other anatomical differences.
• Macrodactyly, when the toes are abnormally large due to overgrowth of the underlying bone or soft tissue.

Treatment and Prevention

While there is nothing one can do to prevent congenital foot problems, raising awareness and receiving neonatal screenings are important. Early detection by taking your child to a podiatrist leads to the best outcome possible.

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