Toe pain can make everyday activities difficult, especially when shoes rub the area or walking becomes uncomfortable. Causes include a bunion, tailor’s bunion, and hammertoe. A bunion is a deformity that develops when the big toe angles toward the smaller toes and the base of the joint pushes outward. A tailor’s bunion develops near the base of the little toe, creating a bump along the outside of the foot. A hammertoe occurs when a smaller toe develops an abnormal bend. These conditions have different symptoms and treatment needs.

Bunion symptoms may include a bump, swelling, and pain surrounding the big toe joint. A tailor’s bunion can cause tenderness, swelling, and difficulty finding comfortable shoes. Hammertoe symptoms often include a curled toe, pressure-related pain, and rubbing against footwear. Risk factors include family history, foot structure, and joint problems. Causes may involve inherited alignment issues, repeated pressure, and muscle imbalance. Arthritis is another possible factor. Toe pain can worsen when the problem is not addressed.

A podiatrist begins treatment with an examination of your feet, gait, and medical history. X-rays may help evaluate bone alignment and joint changes. Treatment depends on the condition and severity. Conservative care may include wearing wider shoes, orthotics, or activity changes. A podiatrist may recommend exercises to improve strength and flexibility. If pain remains severe or the deformity progresses, surgery may be considered. Follow-up visits help monitor healing.

You do not have to ignore toe pain or assume uncomfortable shoes are the only problem. Early evaluation can identify whether a bunion, hammertoe, or another condition is causing symptoms. Proper treatment can reduce pressure, improve comfort, and support walking. If you have toe pain, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Toe pain can disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, contact Paula F. Angelini, DPM of Board Certified Foot Care. 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 contact our offices located in Attleboro, Foxborough, Southborough, and Sudbury, MA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Athlete’s foot is a fungal infection that affects the skin of the feet. It can develop when fungi grow in warm, moist environments, including inside damp shoes and socks. The infection commonly begins between the toes but can spread to other areas of the foot. Athlete’s foot can also spread from one person to another through contact with contaminated surfaces, shoes, and floors. Symptoms can vary depending on the type of infection. They can include an itchy rash, scaling skin, or blisters. Some people develop dry skin across the soles and sides of the feet. The infection can affect one foot or both feet.

A podiatrist can examine the skin of the feet and determine whether the symptoms are consistent with athlete’s foot. Other skin conditions can cause similar signs, so an accurate diagnosis is important. The location and appearance of the rash can provide useful information during the examination. A podiatrist can also determine whether the infection has caused additional skin problems. In some cases, athlete’s foot can become more painful, swollen, or red. Open sores, blisters, or drainage can also develop when another infection affects the area. Professional evaluation can help identify these changes and guide appropriate treatment.

Treatment for athlete’s foot focuses on clearing the fungal infection and preventing it from causing further skin problems. A podiatrist can recommend an appropriate antifungal treatment based on the severity and location of the infection. Prescription medication can be considered when a stronger treatment is appropriate. A podiatrist can also monitor the skin and determine whether the infection is responding to treatment. Prompt evaluation is especially important when symptoms are painful, spreading, or interfering with daily activities. If you have symptoms of athlete’s foot, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for effective relief and treatment solutions,  which may include prescribed medication. 

Athlete’s Foot

Athlete’s foot is often an uncomfortable condition to experience. Thankfully, podiatrists specialize in treating athlete’s foot and offer the best treatment options. If you have any questions about athlete’s foot, consult with Paula F. Angelini, DPM from Board Certified Foot Care. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality treatment.

What Is Athlete’s Foot?

Tinea pedis, more commonly known as athlete’s foot, is a non-serious and common fungal infection of the foot. Athlete’s foot is contagious and can be contracted by touching someone who has it or infected surfaces. The most common places contaminated by it are public showers, locker rooms, and swimming pools. Once contracted, it grows on feet that are left inside moist, dark, and warm shoes and socks.

Prevention

The most effective ways to prevent athlete’s foot include:

• Thoroughly washing and drying feet
• Avoid going barefoot in locker rooms and public showers
• Using shower shoes in public showers
• Wearing socks that allow the feet to breathe
• Changing socks and shoes frequently if you sweat a lot

Symptoms

Athlete’s foot initially occurs as a rash between the toes. However, if left undiagnosed, it can spread to the sides and bottom of the feet, toenails, and if touched by hand, the hands themselves. Symptoms include:

• Redness
• Burning
• Itching
• Scaly and peeling skin

Diagnosis and Treatment

Diagnosis is quick and easy. Skin samples will be taken and either viewed under a microscope or sent to a lab for testing. Sometimes, a podiatrist can diagnose it based on simply looking at it. Once confirmed, treatment options include oral and topical antifungal medications.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Attleboro, Foxborough, Southborough, and Sudbury, MA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

An accessory soleus muscle is an uncommon extra muscle found near the lower portion of the calf and ankle. Most people have a soleus muscle that works with the calf muscle to help control movement of the ankle and push the foot downward. An accessory soleus muscle develops when additional muscle tissue is present beside the normal soleus. It may cause no symptoms, but some people experience pain, swelling, or pressure around the inner or outer ankle. 

The exact reason an accessory soleus muscle develops is related to differences in muscle development before birth. Although it is present from an early stage of life, symptoms may not appear until activity levels increase. Athletes and people involved in repetitive weight-bearing activities may notice discomfort because the extra muscle can become enlarged or irritated. A person may experience pain, tingling, or unusual sensations around the ankle and foot. Numbness on the outside of the ankle should be evaluated because several conditions can produce similar symptoms.

A podiatrist can evaluate the ankle, foot, and lower leg to determine whether an accessory soleus muscle is contributing to symptoms. The examination may include checking muscle strength, range of motion, and walking mechanics. Treatment depends on symptom severity and may include activity modification, supportive footwear, or custom orthotics. When conservative care does not provide relief and symptoms are significant, a podiatrist may discuss additional treatment options.

Persistent ankle pain or numbness should not be assumed to be caused by a simple muscle strain. Identifying the underlying problem is important because symptoms from an accessory soleus muscle can overlap with nerve compression and other foot or ankle conditions. A podiatrist can develop an individualized treatment plan designed to reduce irritation and improve comfortable movement. If you have pain, numbness, or unusual symptoms surrounding the ankle or foot, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Ankle pain can be caused by a number of problems and may be potentially serious. If you have ankle pain, consult with Paula F. Angelini, DPM from Board Certified Foot Care. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Ankle pain is any condition that causes pain in the ankle. Due to the fact that the ankle consists of tendons, muscles, bones, and ligaments, ankle pain can come from a number of different conditions.

Causes

The most common causes of ankle pain include:

• Types of arthritis (rheumatoid, osteoarthritis, and gout)
• Ankle sprains
• Broken ankles
• Achilles tendonitis
• Achilles tendon rupture
• Stress fractures
• Bursitis
• Tarsal tunnel syndrome
• Plantar fasciitis

Symptoms

Symptoms of ankle injury vary based upon the condition. Pain may include general pain and discomfort, swelling, aching, redness, bruising, burning or stabbing sensations, and/or loss of sensation.

Diagnosis

Due to the wide variety of potential causes of ankle pain, podiatrists will utilize a number of different methods to properly diagnose ankle pain. This can include asking for personal and family medical histories and of any recent injuries. Further diagnosis may include sensation tests, a physical examination, and potentially x-rays or other imaging tests.

Treatment

Just as the range of causes varies widely, so do treatments. Some more common treatments are rest, ice packs, keeping pressure off the foot, orthotics and braces, medication for inflammation and pain, and surgery.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Attleboro, Foxborough, Southborough, and Sudbury, MA . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

A broken foot can make standing and walking painful because the foot carries body weight with every step. The foot contains 26 bones that work with joints, muscles, and tendons to support movement. A fracture means that one or more of these bones has cracked or broken. Causes include falls, crush injuries, and direct blows. Twisting injuries can also break bones. Stress fractures can develop from repeated force linked to activities like walking or running. The location of the injury helps determine how serious the fracture is and how long recovery can take.

Pain, swelling, and bruising are important signs of a broken foot. Patients can also develop tenderness or a limp, and putting weight on the injured foot can become very painful. A badly displaced fracture can change the shape of the foot. Numbness or tingling in the toes can point to nerve involvement. Some fractures break through the skin, creating an open wound and a greater risk of infection. X-rays can show many foot fractures. Certain injuries can require additional imaging when the fracture is difficult to see or involves a complex area of the foot.

A podiatrist can examine the foot, identify where the pain is located, and check movement and circulation. Treatment depends on which bone is broken and whether the pieces remain properly aligned. A podiatrist can prescribe a stiff-soled shoe, walking boot, or cast to protect certain fractures. Some displaced or complex fractures require surgery to restore stability and proper bone position. Careful treatment is important because complications can include poor bone healing, arthritis, and infection. A podiatrist can monitor healing and determine when the foot can safely handle more weight. If you have broken your foot, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist effective treatment solutions.

A broken foot requires immediate medical attention and treatment. If you need your feet checked, contact Paula F. Angelini, DPM from Board Certified Foot Care. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Broken Foot Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

A broken foot is caused by one of the bones in the foot typically breaking when bended, crushed, or stretched beyond its natural capabilities. Usually the location of the fracture indicates how the break occurred, whether it was through an object, fall, or any other type of injury. 

Common Symptoms of Broken Feet:

• Bruising
• Pain
• Redness
• Swelling
• Blue in color
• Numbness
• Cold
• Misshapen
• Cuts
• Deformities

Those that suspect they have a broken foot shoot seek urgent medical attention where a medical professional could diagnose the severity.

Treatment for broken bones varies depending on the cause, severity and location. Some will require the use of splints, casts or crutches while others could even involve surgery to repair the broken bones. Personal care includes the use of ice and keeping the foot stabilized and elevated.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Attleboro, Foxborough, Southborough, and Sudbury, MA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.