Toe stretches help keep feet flexible, improve circulation, and ease tension from long periods of standing or wearing cramped shoes. Here are three effective examples that can make a difference when done regularly. For the toe extension stretch, sit with one leg crossed over the other, gently pull your toes back toward your shin, and hold for 10 seconds. This loosens tight muscles and relieves strain on the arch. In the toe splay exercise, spread your toes apart as wide as possible, hold briefly, and then relax. Repeat several times to strengthen the small muscles that support balance and stability. For the towel scrunch, place a towel on the floor and use your toes to grab and pull it toward you. This strengthens the muscles in the feet and helps improve coordination. If foot stiffness or pain persists despite stretching, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for evaluation and tailored treatment.

Toe pain can disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, contact one of our podiatrists of Community Foot Specialists. Our doctors 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 Beavercreek, Dayton, and Vandalia, OH . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Golf may seem low impact, but the repetitive motions and long hours on your feet can lead to several foot injuries. Plantar fasciitis causes heel pain from inflammation of the tissue supporting the arch, while metatarsalgia leads to pain in the ball of the foot from excessive pressure during swings. Additionally, tendonitis can develop from overuse of the tendons that stabilize the foot and ankle, and stress fractures may occur from repetitive strain on the bones. A podiatrist can diagnose the cause of your pain, recommend custom orthotics, and create a treatment plan to restore comfort and mobility. If foot pain is affecting your golf game, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can provide expert care and effective recovery solutions.

Ankle and foot injuries are common among athletes and in many sports. They can be caused by several problems and may be potentially serious. If you are feeling pain or think you were injured in a sporting event or when exercising, consult with one of our podiatrists from Community Foot Specialists. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Common Injuries

The most common injuries that occur in sporting activities include:

• Achilles Tendonitis
• Achilles Tendon Rupture
• Ankle Sprains
• Broken Foot
• Plantar Fasciitis
• Stress Fractures
• Turf Toe

Symptoms

Symptoms vary depending upon the injury and in some cases, there may be no symptoms at all. However, in most cases, some form of symptom is experienced. Pain, aching, burning, bruising, tenderness, tightness or stiffness, sensation loss, difficulty moving, and swelling are the most common symptoms.

Treatment

Just as symptoms vary depending upon the injury, so do treatment options. A common treatment method is known as the RICE method. This method involves rest, applying ice, compression and elevating the afflicted foot or ankle. If the injury appears to be more serious, surgery might be required, such as arthroscopic or reconstructive surgery. Lastly, rehabilitation or therapy might be needed to gain full functionality in the afflicted area. Any discomfort experienced by an athlete must be evaluated by a licensed, reputable medical professional.  

If you have any questions please contact our offices located in Beavercreek, Dayton, and Vandalia, OH . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Pain in the ankle tendons often develops from repetitive strain, overuse, or biomechanical imbalances that affect how the foot moves and bears weight. The tendons surrounding the ankle include the posterior tibial, peroneal, and tibialis anterior, each serving a unique role in stabilizing and supporting the foot during walking or running. When these tendons are stressed, inflammation or degeneration can develop, leading to pain and weakness. The posterior tibial tendon, which supports the arch, can cause pain along the inner ankle when strained. Pain on the outer side of the ankle often involves the peroneal tendons, especially in people with high arches or a history of ankle sprains. The tibialis anterior tendon, located at the front of the ankle, can become painful from repetitive lifting of the foot. A podiatrist can evaluate tendon pain through a detailed exam and imaging to determine the best treatment. If you are experiencing ankle pain, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and treatment options.

Ankle pain can have many different causes and the pain may potentially be serious. If you have ankle pain, consult with one of our podiatrists from Community Foot Specialists. Our doctors 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 tendinitis
• Achilles tendon rupture
• Stress fractures
• 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 Beavercreek, Dayton, and Vandalia, OH . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Plantar warts are small growths that develop on the bottom of the feet, often on the heels or toes, where pressure and friction occur. They are caused by the human papillomavirus, which enters the skin through tiny cuts or breaks. These warts may appear as rough, grainy bumps with black pinpoints and can cause pain or discomfort when walking or standing. Because they can spread or become persistent, professional care is important. A podiatrist can accurately diagnose plantar warts, remove them safely, and provide treatment to prevent recurrence. If you have pain or notice unusual spots on your heels or toes, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for an expert evaluation and appropriate treatment solutions. 

Plantar warts can be very uncomfortable. If you need your feet checked, contact one of our podiatrists from Community Foot Specialists. Our doctors will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.

About Plantar Warts

Plantar warts are the result of HPV, or human papillomavirus, getting into open wounds on the feet. They are mostly found on the heels or balls of the feet.

While plantar warts are generally harmless, those experiencing excessive pain or those suffering from diabetes or a compromised immune system require immediate medical care. Plantar warts are easily diagnosed, usually through scraping off a bit of rough skin or by getting a biopsy.

Symptoms

• Lesions on the bottom of your feet, usually rough and grainy
• Hard or thick callused spots
• Wart seeds, which are small clotted blood vessels that look like little black spots
• Pain, discomfort, or tenderness of your feet when walking or standing

Treatment

• Freezing
• Electric tool removal
• Laser Treatment
• Topical Creams (prescription only)
• Over-the-counter medications

To help prevent developing plantar warts, avoid walking barefoot over abrasive surfaces that can cause cuts or wounds for HPV to get into. Avoiding direct contact with other warts, as well as not picking or rubbing existing warts, can help prevent the further spread of plantar warts. However, if you think you have developed plantar warts, speak to your podiatrist. He or she can diagnose the warts on your feet and recommend the appropriate treatment options.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Beavercreek, Dayton, and Vandalia, OH . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.