Turf toe is an injury that affects the base of the big toe, which is termed the first metatarsophalangeal, or MTP joint. It occurs from repeatedly overstretching that joint. This is a common injury among football or soccer players, and dancers who frequently overextend the MTP joint with the heels raised.  Turf toe is considered to be a toe sprain, and ignoring it can be detrimental to continuing your sport. Resting the toe is essential, but more serious treatment options may be required in order for the MTP joint to fully heal and activity to resume. A visit to a podiatrist may involve ultrasound or electric stimulation techniques, as well as prescribing non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medication to reduce pain. In many cases, being fitted for an orthotic shoe insert may be deemed necessary. In extreme cases, surgery is recommended to repair any tears, fractures, or other joint damage. For a proper diagnosis of your turf toe sprain, along with an appropriate treatment plan, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist. 

Toe pain can disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, contact one of our podiatrists of PA Foot & Ankle 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 one of our offices located in Allentown, Easton, Northampton, and Chew Street in Allentown, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Rheumatoid arthritis, or RA, is an auto-immune disease that causes pain, swelling, and stiffness in the joints. The feet, which contain multiple joints, are often affected by this inflammatory condition. The immune system, instead of protecting the joints, sends antibodies into the lining of the joints causing the tissue surrounding the joint to become inflamed. This results in damage to the bones, tendons, ligaments, and cartilage. Many people are affected by RA, but most develop it between the ages of 40 and 50. Women are three times more likely to have rheumatoid arthritis than men, largely due to hormonal differences. Also, it affects many people who smoke or have a genetic tendency toward the disease. RA causes throbbing and aching pain, and may induce fatigue and fever along with a loss of appetite. Rheumatoid arthritis is not curable, but measures may be taken to reduce the symptoms. If you think you may have RA that is affecting your feet, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for treatment options. 

Because RA affects more than just your joints, including the joints in your feet and ankles, it is important to seek early diagnosis from your podiatrist if you feel like the pain in your feet might be caused by RA. For more information, contact one of our podiatrists of PA Foot & Ankle Associates. Our doctors will assist you with all of your podiatric concerns.

What Is Rheumatoid Arthritis?

Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disorder in which the body’s own immune system attacks the membranes surrounding the joints. Inflammation of the lining and eventually the destruction of the joint’s cartilage and bone occur, causing severe pain and immobility.

Rheumatoid Arthritis of the Feet

Although RA usually attacks multiple bones and joints throughout the entire body, almost 90 percent of cases result in pain in the foot or ankle area.

Symptoms

• Swelling and pain in the feet
• Stiffness in the feet
• Pain on the ball or sole of feet
• Joint shift and deformation

Diagnosis

Quick diagnosis of RA in the feet is important so that the podiatrist can treat the area effectively. Your doctor will ask you about your medical history, occupation, and lifestyle to determine the origin of the condition. Rheumatoid Factor tests help to determine if someone is affected by the disease.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Allentown, Easton, Northampton, and Chew Street in Allentown, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Many diabetics suffer from a related condition known as Charcot foot. It is caused by peripheral neuropathy, which is nerve damage and a loss of sensation in the lower legs and feet. Diabetics with Charcot foot may notice redness, warmth, and swelling of the feet, the condition also weakens the bones, soft tissues, and joints of the foot. As the disease progresses it may lead to fractures and dislocation of the ankle bones. Charcot foot can be detected through a physical examination, X-rays, and blood tests. The condition generally affects only one foot. Taking the weight off the affected foot is paramount in helping to keep symptoms at bay. The bones in the foot can easily collapse and if ignored can produce even more serious problems. In some cases, patients are directed to wear a special boot or cast to protect the foot. Orthotic inserts in shoes are often helpful in providing the needed cushioning. If you are experiencing symptoms of Charcot foot, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist as soon as possible for an exam and diagnosis. 

Neuropathy

Neuropathy can be a potentially serious condition, especially if it is left undiagnosed. If you have any concerns that you may be experiencing nerve loss in your feet, consult with one of our podiatrists from PA Foot & Ankle Associates. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment for neuropathy.

What Is Neuropathy?

Neuropathy is a condition that leads to damage to the nerves in the body. Peripheral neuropathy, or neuropathy that affects your peripheral nervous system, usually occurs in the feet. Neuropathy can be triggered by a number of different causes. Such causes include diabetes, infections, cancers, disorders, and toxic substances.

Symptoms of Neuropathy Include:

• Numbness
• Sensation loss
• Prickling and tingling sensations
• Throbbing, freezing, burning pains
• Muscle weakness

Those with diabetes are at serious risk due to being unable to feel an ulcer on their feet. Diabetics usually also suffer from poor blood circulation. This can lead to the wound not healing, infections occurring, and the limb may have to be amputated.

Treatment

To treat neuropathy in the foot, podiatrists will first diagnose the cause of the neuropathy. Figuring out the underlying cause of the neuropathy will allow the podiatrist to prescribe the best treatment, whether it be caused by diabetes, toxic substance exposure, infection, etc. If the nerve has not died, then it’s possible that sensation may be able to return to the foot.

Pain medication may be issued for pain. Electrical nerve stimulation can be used to stimulate nerves. If the neuropathy is caused from pressure on the nerves, then surgery may be necessary.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Allentown, Easton, Northampton, and Chew Street in Allentown, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.