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 Gary J. Kaiserman, DPM of Achilles Footcare Center. 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 Forest Lane and West Kiest Boulevard Dallas, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

The arch of the foot helps absorb shock, support body weight, and keep the body balanced. Pain in this area can make standing or walking uncomfortable. It can develop suddenly after an injury or begin gradually from repeated strain. The pain can feel sharp, aching, or burning. It may stay in the arch or spread toward the heel and ankle. Some patients notice worse pain with their first steps in the morning. Others feel it after long periods of standing, running, or other weight-bearing activity.

Plantar fasciitis is a frequent cause of arch pain. It affects the strong band of tissue that runs from the heel to the toes and supports the arch. Other causes include flat feet, high arches, and a strained tendon. A tendon is a firm cord that connects muscle to bone. Pain can also result from a stress fracture, which is a small crack in a bone caused by repeated pressure. Sudden increases in activity and shoes that lack proper support can raise the risk. Swelling, tenderness, or changes in foot shape can help point to the underlying problem.

A podiatrist can examine the foot, review when the pain began, and check how the patient stands and walks. The evaluation can also include tests of strength, movement, and balance. It may also reveal areas receiving too much pressure. X-rays or other imaging tests can help identify a fracture or damage to soft tissue. Treatment depends on the cause and severity of the pain. A podiatrist can provide custom orthotics to improve support and reduce strain. Care can also include bracing or a walking boot. Severe problems that do not improve with conservative care may require surgery. Early diagnosis can prevent the condition from worsening and help patients return to comfortable movement. If you have pain in the arch of your foot, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Gary J. Kaiserman, DPM from Achilles Footcare Center. 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 offices located in Forest Lane and West Kiest Boulevard Dallas, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

A broken ankle can affect the bones that connect the lower leg to the foot. The three main bones that make up the ankle are the tibia, or shin bone, the fibula, or smaller leg bone, and the talus, which helps connect the leg to the foot. A fracture can happen after a twisting injury, fall, or sudden impact. Pain is usually strong, and swelling and bruising can develop surrounding the ankle. Some patients cannot put weight on the injured foot or move the ankle normally. An ankle that looks out of place needs prompt medical attention. Early evaluation is important because a severe fracture can affect ankle stability and movement.

A podiatrist can examine the ankle and review imaging, such as  X-rays, to understand the location and severity of the break. The type of fracture helps determine the appropriate treatment. A stable fracture can sometimes heal with a protective boot or cast. A more serious or unstable fracture may require surgery to bring the bones back into proper position and help the ankle heal correctly. A podiatrist can also monitor the injury as it heals and check for problems with movement, pain, or swelling. Treatment plans are based on the specific fracture and the condition of the ankle.

Recovery from a broken ankle can take time, especially when more than one bone is injured. Some patients experience stiffness, soreness, or pain after the fracture has healed. An ankle fracture can also affect how the joint moves and can increase the chance of arthritis, which is a condition that causes joint pain and stiffness. A podiatrist can assess healing, monitor changes in movement, and help guide the return to normal activities. Follow-up care can also help identify concerns that could affect the ankle’s function. If you have broken your ankle, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for effective relief and treatment solutions. 

Broken ankles need immediate treatment. If you are seeking treatment, contact Gary J. Kaiserman, DPM from Achilles Footcare Center. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet. 

Broken Ankles
A broken ankle is experienced when a person fractures their tibia or fibula in the lower leg and ankle area. Both of these bones are attached at the bottom of the leg and combine to form what we know to be our ankle.

When a physician is referring to a break of the ankle, he or she is usually referring to a break in the area where the tibia and fibula are joined to create our ankle joint. Ankles are more prone to fractures because the ankle is an area that suffers a lot of pressure and stress. There are some obvious signs when a person experiences a fractured ankle, and the following symptoms may be present.

Symptoms of a Fractured Ankle

• Excessive pain when the area is touched or when any pressure is placed on the ankle
• Swelling around the area
• Bruising of the area
• Area appears to be deformed

If you suspect an ankle fracture, it is recommended to seek treatment as soon as possible. The sooner you have your podiatrist diagnose the fracture, the quicker you’ll be on the way towards recovery.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Forest Lane and West Kiest Boulevard Dallas, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Athlete’s foot is a fungal infection that usually begins between the toes. The fungus thrives in warm, dark, and damp areas. Symptoms include itching, burning, and peeling skin. The affected area can also become red, scaly, or cracked. Small blisters sometimes develop, and the skin between the toes can appear white and soggy. Without proper treatment, the infection can spread across the foot or reach the toenails. It can also pass to other people through contact with infected skin, shared items, or contaminated floors.

Risk rises when feet remain sweaty inside shoes for long periods. Walking barefoot in shared showers, gyms, or locker rooms also increases exposure. Sharing socks, towels, or shoes can spread the fungus. People with diabetes or a weakened immune system face a greater risk of complications. Cracked skin can allow bacteria to enter and cause a more serious infection. Warning signs include increasing redness, warmth, and swelling. Pain, drainage, or a fever also deserves prompt medical attention. Keeping the feet clean and dry can lower the risk of infection. Patients should change socks regularly and allow shoes to dry before wearing them again. Protective sandals can reduce contact with contaminated floors in shared facilities.

A podiatrist can examine the affected skin and determine whether the problem is athlete’s foot or another condition with similar symptoms. Skin conditions like eczema can resemble a fungal infection, so an accurate diagnosis matters. The podiatrist can create a treatment plan based on the infection’s location and severity. Care can also address infected toenails, damaged skin, or signs of a bacterial infection. Patients with diabetes benefit from prompt evaluation because even a small crack can develop into a serious foot problem. A podiatrist can also explain how to reduce moisture, select breathable shoes, and prevent the infection from returning or spreading. If you have symptoms of athlete's foot, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

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 Gary J. Kaiserman, DPM from Achilles Footcare Center. 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 Forest Lane and West Kiest Boulevard Dallas, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.