What is Causing My Toe Pain?

When you get up in the morning and go about your daily routine, your big toe starts hurting. You're to the point where you need diagnosis and treatment from your White Plains podiatrist, Dr. Eric Peters. He is highly skilled and experienced in conditions of the foot and ankle. He'll get to the heart of your pain and help you stay mobile and comfortable.

Your particular problem

When you see Dr. Peters about your toe pain, he'll do a complete podiatric exam, checking your circulation, skin, range of motion and other factors related to foot health. He'll ask you about your symptoms (when they start, stop, what aggravates them and more), and also, he may use digital X-ray imaging to visualize what's happening with the toe joints and bone structure. Then, your White Plains podiatrist will individualize a care plan to treat the source of your discomfort.

Possible causes of toe pain

There are many, according to the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA), and fortunately, they can be addressed. Something as simple as footwear which is roomier in the toes relieves undue pressure and reduces friction, ingrown toenails and even fungal toenails and athlete's foot.

Additionally, the Arthritis Foundation states that toe pain often originates in:

• Fractures
• Sprains and strains
• Overuse injuries from athletic pursuits such as running or tennis
• Rheumatoid or osteoarthritis
• Hammertoes, deformities of the middle joints of the toes
• Neuromas, benign growths associated with the 3rd and 4th toes

While both men and women of all ages and lifestyles experience toe pain and other foot and ankle issues, women seem more prone to inflammatory and structural problems (such as bunions at the base of the big toe). The APMA blames narrow shoes, high heels and the increased pressure they exert on toes and the forefoot.

What can be done

If you have burning, stabbing, throbbing toe pain, don't wait. Come see your White Plains podiatrist for an exam. Then, expect him to use one or more of these interventions to help you:

• A change in shoes
• Shoe padding (especially for bunions and hammertoes)
• Surgery (sometimes for neuromas)
• Custom-made orthotics, or shoe inserts, to take pressure off toes and to correct gait and balance issues
• Cortisone injections
• Physical therapy
• Stretching exercises
• Over-the-counter analgesics to reduce inflammation and pain
• RICE (rest, ice, compression, and elevation) for strains and sprains

Don't suffer

Please contact the office team at Dr. Peters' office to arrange a consultation. You can have healthy, pain-free feet and enjoy an active life. Call today: (914) 285-4444.