June 2025

Bunions and gout both affect the big toe but differ in cause and presentation. A bunion is a structural deformity at the base of the big toe, leading to a bony bump, joint stiffness, and pain during walking. It is often caused by genetics, poor footwear, or foot mechanics. Gout, in contrast, is a type of arthritis caused by excess uric acid, leading to sudden, intense pain, swelling, redness, and warmth in the big toe joint. While bunions develop gradually, gout often presents as a flare-up. A podiatrist can identify either condition through examination and imaging, offering personalized treatment. If you are experiencing big toe pain, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can accurately diagnose the cause and offer effective treatment solutions.

Toe pain can disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, contact Eveleigh Williams, DPM of Sole 2 Sole, PC. Our doctor 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 Olympia Fields, IL . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Diabetic foot ulcers are open wounds or sores that typically develop on the bottom of the foot in diabetics. They are caused by a combination of poor circulation, nerve damage, and repetitive pressure or injury to the foot. Risk factors include long-term diabetes, smoking, poorly controlled blood sugar, and improper footwear. Symptoms may include redness, swelling, drainage, or a foul odor. These ulcers can become infected and lead to serious complications. A podiatrist plays a key role in managing diabetic foot ulcers by providing wound care, pressure relief, and guidance on foot hygiene. If you have diabetes, it is strongly suggested that regular visits to a podiatrist are part of a routine plan that can help you to manage existing foot ulcers.

Wound care is an important part in dealing with diabetes. If you have diabetes and a foot wound or would like more information about wound care for diabetics, consult with Eveleigh Williams, DPM from Sole 2 Sole, PC. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

What Is Wound Care?

Wound care is the practice of taking proper care of a wound. This can range from the smallest to the largest of wounds. While everyone can benefit from proper wound care, it is much more important for diabetics. Diabetics often suffer from poor blood circulation which causes wounds to heal much slower than they would in a non-diabetic. 

What Is the Importance of Wound Care?

While it may not seem apparent with small ulcers on the foot, for diabetics, any size ulcer can become infected. Diabetics often also suffer from neuropathy, or nerve loss. This means they might not even feel when they have an ulcer on their foot. If the wound becomes severely infected, amputation may be necessary. Therefore, it is of the upmost importance to properly care for any and all foot wounds.

How to Care for Wounds

The best way to care for foot wounds is to prevent them. For diabetics, this means daily inspections of the feet for any signs of abnormalities or ulcers. It is also recommended to see a podiatrist several times a year for a foot inspection. If you do have an ulcer, run the wound under water to clear dirt from the wound; then apply antibiotic ointment to the wound and cover with a bandage. Bandages should be changed daily and keeping pressure off the wound is smart. It is advised to see a podiatrist, who can keep an eye on it.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Olympia Fields, IL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Ingrown toenails occur when the edge of the toenail grows into the surrounding skin, often affecting the big toe. This common condition can be caused by trimming toenails too short, wearing tight shoes, injury, or a natural curve in the nail. Symptoms include redness, swelling, pain along the nail edge, and sometimes drainage or infection, if left untreated. The area may feel tender to the touch and become increasingly painful when walking or wearing shoes. A podiatrist can diagnose an ingrown toenail with a simple exam. Treatment may involve gently lifting the nail edge, removing a portion of the nail, or prescribing antibiotics if an infection is present. In recurring cases, a minor procedure can permanently remove part of the nail to prevent future problems. Proper nail care and footwear recommendations can also help prevent recurrence. If you have developed an ingrown toenail, it is suggested that you promptly schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who can effectively treat this condition.

Ingrown toenails can become painful if they are not treated properly. For more information about ingrown toenails, contact Eveleigh Williams, DPM of Sole 2 Sole, PC. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Ingrown Toenails

Ingrown toenails occur when a toenail grows sideways into the bed of the nail, causing pain, swelling, and possibly infection.

Causes

• Bacterial infections
• Improper nail cutting such as cutting it too short or not straight across
• Trauma to the toe, such as stubbing, which causes the nail to grow back irregularly
• Ill-fitting shoes that bunch the toes too close together
• Genetic predisposition

Prevention

Because ingrown toenails are not something found outside of shoe-wearing cultures, going barefoot as often as possible will decrease the likeliness of developing ingrown toenails. Wearing proper fitting shoes and using proper cutting techniques will also help decrease your risk of developing ingrown toenails.

Treatment

Ingrown toenails are a very treatable foot condition. In minor cases, soaking the affected area in salt or antibacterial soaps will not only help with the ingrown nail itself, but also help prevent any infections from occurring. In more severe cases, surgery is an option. In either case, speaking to your podiatrist about this condition will help you get a better understanding of specific treatment options that are right for you.

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

Sesamoiditis involves inflammation of the tendons that surround two small bones located beneath the big toe joint. These sesamoid bones help bear weight and assist with movement, but repetitive stress from running, dancing, or wearing tight shoes can irritate them. People with sesamoiditis often experience a dull, aching pain under the ball of the foot that worsens with activity. The big toe may become stiff or painful to move, and, in some cases, swelling or bruising can develop. A podiatrist can evaluate pain under the toe by checking joint movement and using X-rays or MRI scans to confirm inflammation or rule out fractures. If symptoms do not improve, a podiatrist may suggest orthotic shoe inserts, or, in rare cases, surgery to remove one of the bones. Preventing long-term joint damage requires early diagnosis and care. If you have pain under the big toe, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam and appropriate treatment.

Sesamoiditis is an unpleasant foot condition characterized by pain in the balls of the feet. If you think you’re struggling with sesamoiditis, contact Eveleigh Williams, DPM of Sole 2 Sole, PC. Our doctor will treat your condition thoroughly and effectively.

Sesamoiditis

Sesamoiditis is a condition of the foot that affects the ball of the foot. It is more common in younger people than it is in older people. It can also occur with people who have begun a new exercise program, since their bodies are adjusting to the new physical regimen. Pain may also be caused by the inflammation of tendons surrounding the bones. It is important to seek treatment in its early stages because if you ignore the pain, this condition can lead to more serious problems such as severe irritation and bone fractures.

Causes of Sesamoiditis

• Sudden increase in activity
• Increase in physically strenuous movement without a proper warm up or build up
• Foot structure: those who have smaller, bonier feet or those with a high arch may be more susceptible

Treatment for sesamoiditis is non-invasive and simple. Doctors may recommend a strict rest period where the patient forgoes most physical activity. This will help give the patient time to heal their feet through limited activity. For serious cases, it is best to speak with your doctor to determine a treatment option that will help your specific needs.

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