Cold-related foot injuries, such as frostbite, chilblains, and trench foot, occur when feet are exposed to prolonged cold and damp conditions. Frostbite happens in freezing temperatures, leading to tissue damage as blood flow slows. Symptoms include numbness, discoloration, and potentially blistering. Chilblains, or painful, itchy swelling, develop when skin repeatedly warms up too quickly after cold exposure, causing blood vessels to leak. Trench foot, resulting from prolonged dampness in cold conditions, leads to tissue breakdown, swelling, and pain. These injuries are especially common among outdoor workers, hikers, and individuals without proper cold-weather footwear. Prevention involves wearing insulated, moisture-wicking socks and waterproof boots to keep feet warm and dry. If symptoms develop, it is suggested that you rewarm feet and visit a podiatrist promptly, so that the severity can be assessed and complications avoided.

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 contact our office located in Lathrup Village, MI . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

As people age, foot problems become more common and can affect mobility and quality of life. Arthritis leads to joint stiffness, swelling, and pain that limit movement. Bunions cause a bony bump on the side of the big toe, leading to discomfort and difficulty finding proper shoes. Plantar fasciitis results in sharp heel pain, especially with the first steps in the morning. Additionally, diabetic foot problems may include numbness, poor circulation, and wounds that heal slowly, increasing the risk of infection. A podiatrist can help by diagnosing these conditions, providing custom treatments, recommending supportive footwear, and preventing complications. If you are elderly and foot pain or changes in your feet are interfering with daily activities, it is suggested that you promptly consult a podiatrist who can guide you toward effective relief solutions.

Proper foot care is something many older adults forget to consider. If you have any concerns about your feet and ankles, 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.

The Elderly and Their Feet

As we age we start to notice many changes in our body, but the elder population may not notice them right away. Medical conditions may prevent the elderly to take notice of their foot health right away. Poor vision is a lead contributor to not taking action for the elderly.

Common Conditions 

• Neuropathy – can reduce feeling in the feet and can hide many life-threatening medical conditions.
• Reduced flexibility – prevents the ability of proper toenail trimming, and foot cleaning. If left untreated, it may lead to further medical issues.
• Foot sores – amongst the older population can be serious before they are discovered. Some of the problematic conditions they may face are:
• Gouging toenails affecting nearby toe
• Shoes that don’t fit properly
• Pressure sores
• Loss of circulation in legs & feet
• Edema & swelling of feet and ankles

Susceptible Infections

Diabetes and poor circulation can cause general loss of sensitivity over the years, turning a simple cut into a serious issue.

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 care needs.

A broken toe can occur from dropping something heavy on the foot, stubbing the toe with force, or sustaining repetitive stress during activities. Symptoms of a broken toe include swelling, bruising, pain while walking, and sometimes a visible deformity if the bone has shifted out of place. A podiatrist can examine the injured toe and may use an X-ray to confirm the fracture and to determine its severity. Treatment may involve stabilizing the toe with a stiff-soled shoe, protective boot, or cast to reduce movement and promote healing. In cases where the bones are displaced, realignment may be required, and severe fractures may need surgery with pins or other fixation devices to restore proper position. Healing generally takes several weeks, and without care, complications such as chronic pain or arthritis in the toe joint may develop. If you have broken a toe, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam, diagnosis, and appropriate treatment.

A broken toe can be very painful and lead to complications if not properly fixed. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact one of our podiatrists from Geller Foot Clinic. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What to Know About a Broken Toe

Although most people try to avoid foot trauma such as banging, stubbing, or dropping heavy objects on their feet, the unfortunate fact is that it is a common occurrence. Given the fact that toes are positioned in front of the feet, they typically sustain the brunt of such trauma. When trauma occurs to a toe, the result can be a painful break (fracture).

Symptoms of a Broken Toe

• Throbbing pain
• Swelling
• Bruising on the skin and toenail
• The inability to move the toe
• Toe appears crooked or disfigured
• Tingling or numbness in the toe

Generally, it is best to stay off of the injured toe with the affected foot elevated.

Severe toe fractures may be treated with a splint, cast, and in some cases, minor surgery. Due to its position and the pressure it endures with daily activity, future complications can occur if the big toe is not properly treated.

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 care needs.

A fungal toenail infection often begins subtly, with a small white or yellow spot beneath the nail. Over time, the infection can spread deeper, causing the nail to thicken, become brittle, and change color. The surface may turn rough or crumbly, and, in some cases, the nail can lift away from the bed entirely. Warm, moist environments like sweaty shoes create the perfect setting for fungi to thrive, which is why this condition is common among athletes and older adults. Although not usually painful in the early stages, the infection can become uncomfortable and make walking or wearing shoes difficult. Mild remedies rarely provide a lasting cure, and untreated infections often persist for years. For safe and effective solutions tailored to your needs, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for evaluation and appropriate treatment, which may include prescribed medication.

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 contact our office located in Lathrup Village, MI . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.