The majority of people are unaware of the role the big toe plays in walking. Research has shown it absorbs approximately half the weight of the body while taking every step. Toe pain can happen from an injury, and may cause difficulty in sleeping. Additionally, there may be medical conditions that can lead to big toe pain. These can include arthritis, possibly causing the toe to become stiff. Aching may accompany arthritis, and it can be difficult to move. Pain in the big toe joint may indicate a bone spur has developed, and it may prevent the toe from bending while walking. Surgery may be necessary to remove a bone spur, and this can help to restore relief. Patients who have sprained the main joint in the big toe by jamming into a heavy object may experience turf toe. Rest and elevation may provide mild relief to this type of injury. If you have toe pain for any reason, a podiatrist is the doctor to consult with who can effectively diagnose and treat this type of pain.

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.

Many bones throughout the body are situated near joints, which allow the bones to move and the body to function. The toes are no different. Each toe in the feet has different joints that make movement possible and serve important functions. Every toe but the big toe has three joints, which are known as the metatarsophalangeal joint, the proximal interphalangeal joint, and the distal phalangeal joint. The big toe has only two joints. These joints in the toes are protected by several different things. Each joint is covered by cartilage and a membrane that produces a kind of fluid for lubrication. These joints are critical parts of the feet because they importantly enable the feet to bear a significant amount of weight and propel the body forward. If you are interested in learning more about the joints of the toes, contact a podiatrist today.

If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Eveleigh Williams, DPM from Sole 2 Sole, PC. Our doctor 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 Olympia Fields, IL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Many people who enjoy running are often devastated if they have endured a foot injury. This can cause their running routine to temporarily stop, which may cause despair. The importance of preventing running injuries is crucial among most runners, and there are simple methods that can be done, which can help to do this. A common running injury can happen to the Achilles tendon, which connects the heel to the calf muscles. This may be prevented by performing heel stretches before starting and after completing a run. Additionally, plantar fasciitis can cause severe pain and discomfort, and can be a runner’s worst nightmare. It affects the plantar fascia that is found on the sole of the foot, and connects the heels to the toes. Consistent running without performing stretches beforehand can lead to this debilitating foot condition. A stress fracture can gradually occur from overuse, or may happen from increasing intensity and speed too quickly. If you would like information about how to perform specific stretches that may help to prevent running injuries, please speak with a podiatrist. 

All runners should take extra precaution when trying to avoid injury. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Eveleigh Williams, DPM of Sole 2 Sole, PC. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

How to Prevent Running Injuries

There are a lot of mistakes a runner can make prior to a workout that can induce injury. A lot of athletes tend to overstretch before running, instead of saving those workouts for a post-run routine. Deep lunges and hand-to-toe hamstring pulls should be performed after a workout instead of during a warmup. Another common mistake is jumping into an intense routine before your body is physically prepared for it. You should try to ease your way into long-distance running instead of forcing yourself to rush into it.

More Tips for Preventing Injury

• Incorporate Strength Training into Workouts - This will help improve the body’s overall athleticism
• Improve and Maintain Your Flexibility – Stretching everyday will help improve overall performance
• “Warm Up” Before Running and “Cool Down” Afterward – A warm up of 5-10 minutes helps get rid of lactic acid in the muscles and prevents delayed muscle soreness
• Cross-Training is Crucial
• Wear Proper Running Shoes
• Have a Formal Gait Analysis – Poor biomechanics can easily cause injury

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.

Some people use the terms corns and calluses interchangeably, but they are different. A corn is a small, well-defined area of thickened skin that has a hard center core and is surrounded by inflamed skin. It can develop on various parts of the foot, from the sole to the pinky toe, tops of the toes, and between toes. Corns typically develop to protect the skin from excess pressure or friction, often from ill-fitting shoes. Usually, a corn is painful when pressed. A callus is generally not painful when pressed and covers a wider area developing where the feet bear a lot of weight, like the soles. It consists of thick, hard skin throughout the affected area and may not have a defined shape. If you have corns or calluses, it is a good idea to consult with a podiatrist who can provide treatment options for both conditions.

Corns can make walking very painful and should be treated immediately. If you have questions regarding your feet and ankles, contact Eveleigh Williams, DPM of Sole 2 Sole, PC. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Corns: What Are They? And How Do You Get Rid of Them?
Corns are thickened areas on the skin that can become painful. They are caused by excessive pressure and friction on the skin. Corns press into the deeper layers of the skin and are usually round in shape.

Ways to Prevent Corns
There are many ways to get rid of painful corns such as:

• Wearing properly fitting shoes that have been measured by a professional
• Wearing shoes that are not sharply pointed or have high heels
• Wearing only shoes that offer support

Treating Corns

Although most corns slowly disappear when the friction or pressure stops, this isn’t always the case. Consult with your podiatrist to determine the best treatment option for your case of corns.

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.

Sometimes, playing a particular sport can put an individual at a greater risk of developing certain foot conditions, and tennis is certainly no exception. Playing tennis can cause foot injuries because it is particularly demanding on the feet—a tennis player must be constantly stopping and starting movement. Additionally, specific kinds of tennis courts can have very hard surfaces. If you play tennis, you could potentially develop heel pain when excessively training. A common condition is known as plantar fasciitis, the inflammation of the plantar fascia in the arch of the foot. You could also develop what is known as sesamoiditis. This condition occurs when the sesamoid bones in the ball of the feet beneath the big toe joint become inflamed. Other tennis-related injuries include Achilles tendonitis, stress fractures, and ankle sprains. If you play tennis, contact a podiatrist for treatment and more information.

Sports related foot and ankle injuries require proper treatment before players can go back to their regular routines. For more information, 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.

Sports Related Foot and Ankle Injuries

Foot and ankle injuries are a common occurrence when it comes to athletes of any sport. While many athletes dismiss the initial aches and pains, the truth is that ignoring potential foot and ankle injuries can lead to serious problems. As athletes continue to place pressure and strain the area further, a mild injury can turn into something as serious as a rupture and may lead to a permanent disability. There are many factors that contribute to sports related foot and ankle injuries, which include failure to warm up properly, not providing support or wearing bad footwear. Common injuries and conditions athletes face, including:

• Plantar Fasciitis
• Achilles Tendinitis
• Achilles Tendon Rupture
• Ankle Sprains

Sports related injuries are commonly treated using the RICE method. This includes rest, applying ice to the injured area, compression and elevating the ankle. More serious sprains and injuries may require surgery, which could include arthroscopic and reconstructive surgery. Rehabilitation and therapy may also be required in order to get any recovering athlete to become fully functional again. Any unusual aches and pains an athlete sustains must be evaluated by a licensed, reputable medical professional.

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