Running places significant stress on the feet and toes, making them prone to injury, especially over long distances or running downhill. One common issue is runner’s toe, medically known as a subungual hematoma, which develops when the toenail repeatedly strikes the inside of your shoe. This can lead to bleeding beneath the nail, resulting in changes in nail color, pain, and sometimes nail loss. Poorly fitting running shoes, tight socks, and heat-induced foot swelling can increase the risk. The big toe is most often affected, but the second through fifth toes may also suffer damage from shoe pressure or toe-on-toe friction. In some cases, the nail becomes thick, loose, or may fall off entirely. Repeated trauma may also lead to fungal infection or nail deformity. A podiatrist can assess the extent of the injury and determine if the nail bed or bone has been affected. Treatment includes draining any fluid buildup or in some cases removing the damaged nail. If you have problematic or painful toes that impede your running activities, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam and appropriate treatment.

Toe pain can disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, contact one of our podiatrists of Geller Foot Clinic. 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 Lathrup Village, MI . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Toenail fungus, or onychomycosis, is a fungal infection that causes toenails to become discolored, thickened, brittle, or even separated from the nail bed. The infection often starts as a white or yellow spot under the tip of the nail, gradually spreading deeper. Symptoms may include a foul odor, pain, or discomfort while wearing shoes. Toenail fungus is typically caused by exposure to warm, moist environments, such as communal showers, around swimming pools, or tight, non-breathable shoes. People with a weakened immune system, diabetes, or poor circulation are more at risk of developing this condition. To prevent toenail fungus, it is essential to practice good foot hygiene by keeping your feet dry, wearing moisture-wicking socks, and choosing breathable shoes. Avoid walking barefoot in public spaces and regularly trim your nails straight across. A podiatrist can treat toenail fungus with antifungal medications or nail removal in severe cases. If you have the beginning symptoms of toenail fungus, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist.

For more information about treatment, contact one of our podiatrists of Geller Foot Clinic. Our doctors 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 Lathrup Village, MI . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

High arches, or cavus foot, can cause significant pain due to the excessive pressure placed on the heel and the ball of the foot. People with high arches may experience pain when walking or standing, calluses from uneven weight distribution, curled toes, and ankle instability. Without proper support, high arches can contribute to an unsteady gait, increasing the risk of ankle sprains. A podiatrist may recommend custom orthotics to improve foot alignment and provide cushioning, foot pads to relieve pressure, or ankle braces to enhance stability. If non-surgical methods do not alleviate symptoms, surgery may be considered. For instance, a tendon transfer can help balance muscle function, while an osteotomy may be used to realign bones. In more severe cases, the plantar fascia can be partially cut to reduce arch tension and relieve pain caused by excessive tightness. Another option is fusing two or more bones in the foot to create a more stable structure. If you have high arches that cause discomfort, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam, diagnosis, and treatment options, which may include surgery.

If you have any concerns about your feet, contact one of our podiatrists from Geller Foot Clinic. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Biomechanics in Podiatry

Podiatric biomechanics is a particular sector of specialty podiatry with licensed practitioners who are trained to diagnose and treat conditions affecting the foot, ankle and lower leg. Biomechanics deals with the forces that act against the body, causing an interference with the biological structures. It focuses on the movement of the ankle, the foot and the forces that interact with them.

A History of Biomechanics

• Biomechanics dates back to the BC era in Egypt where evidence of professional foot care has been recorded.
• In 1974, biomechanics gained a higher profile from the studies of Merton Root, who claimed that by changing or controlling the forces between the ankle and the foot, corrections or conditions could be implemented to gain strength and coordination in the area.

Modern technological improvements are based on past theories and therapeutic processes that provide a better understanding of podiatric concepts for biomechanics. Computers can provide accurate information about the forces and patterns of the feet and lower legs.

Understanding biomechanics of the feet can help improve and eliminate pain, stopping further stress to the foot.

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