Toenail pain can range from mild irritation to discomfort that makes walking or wearing shoes difficult. One common cause is an ingrown toenail, which occurs when the nail edge grows into surrounding skin, leading to redness, swelling, and tenderness, often in the big toe. Fungal nail infections are another frequent source of toenail pain and may cause thickening, discoloration, brittleness, or separation from the nail bed. Trauma can also result in toenail pain from sudden injuries or repeated pressure within footwear, sometimes causing bruising beneath the nail or loosening of the nail plate. A podiatrist can determine the cause through an exam and testing, then provide treatment to reduce pain, address infection, manage nail damage, and prevent complications. If you are experiencing toenail pain that interferes with daily activities, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam, diagnosis, and treatment.

Toe pain can disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, contact Dr. Michael A. Wood of Foot Health Institute. 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 office located in Lansing, IL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Exercises for foot problems can improve strength, flexibility, and support long-term foot health, when done correctly. Choosing the right level of exercise is important because pushing too hard can increase pain or delay healing. Gentle movements performed with proper form help activate muscles without causing strain. Repetitions should be kept comfortable, and spread out in small amounts during the day rather than completed all at once. Allowing time for rest between exercise sessions gives tissues a chance to recover and adapt. A podiatrist can help by identifying the cause of foot pain, creating an individualized exercise plan, and guiding safe progression. If foot discomfort or weakness is limiting daily activities, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can provide effective relief tips, which may include an exercise program tailored to your needs. 

Exercising your feet regularly with the proper foot wear is a great way to prevent injuries and build strength. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Dr. Michael A. Wood from Foot Health Institute. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Exercise for Your Feet

Exercise for your feet can help you gain strength, mobility and flexibility in your feet. They say that strengthening your feet can be just as rewarding as strengthening another part of the body. Your feet are very important, and we often forget about them in our daily tasks. But it is because of our feet that are we able to get going and do what we need to. For those of us fortunate enough to not have any foot problems, it is an important gesture to take care of them to ensure good health in the long run.

Some foot health exercises can include ankle pumps, tip-toeing, toe rises, lifting off the floor doing reps and sets, and flexing the toes. It is best to speak with Our doctor to determine an appropriate regimen for your needs. Everyone’s needs and bodies are different, and the activities required to maintain strength in the feet vary from individual to individual. 

Once you get into a routine of doing regular exercise, you may notice a difference in your feet and how strong they may become.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Lansing, IL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Midfoot arthritis causes pain and stiffness where the long bones of the foot meet the arch joints. This condition often develops after an injury, overuse, or years of uneven pressure during walking. Treatment begins with reducing stress on the affected joints. Wearing supportive shoes with stiff soles can limit painful motion. Custom orthotics help redistribute pressure and improve alignment. Activity modification and targeted exercises may improve strength and flexibility. Additionally, anti inflammatory medications or injections are sometimes used to calm joint irritation. When conservative care does not provide relief, surgical options may be considered. Procedures focus on stabilizing or fusing damaged joints to reduce pain and restore function and early evaluation is important because untreated arthritis can gradually worsen. Proper treatment helps many people remain active and comfortable. If midfoot pain or stiffness limits movement, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist.

Arthritis can be a difficult condition to live with. If you are seeking treatment, contact Dr. Michael A. Wood from Foot Health Institute. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Arthritic Foot Care  

Arthritis is a term that is commonly used to describe joint pain.  The condition itself can occur to anyone of any age, race, or gender, and there are over 100 types of it.  Nevertheless, arthritis is more commonly found in women compared to men, and it is also more prevalent in those who are overweight. The causes of arthritis vary depending on which type of arthritis you have. Osteoarthritis for example, is often caused by injury, while rheumatoid arthritis is caused by a misdirected immune system.

Symptoms

• Swelling
• Pain
• Stiffness
• Decreased Range of Motion

Arthritic symptoms range in severity, and they may come and go. Some symptoms stay the same for several years but could potentially get worse with time. Severe cases of arthritis can prevent its sufferers from performing daily activities and make walking difficult.

Risk Factors

• Occupation – Occupations requiring repetitive knee movements have been linked to osteoarthritis
• Obesity – Excess weight can contribute to osteoarthritis development
• Infection – Microbial agents can infect the joints and trigger arthritis
• Joint Injuries – Damage to joints may lead to osteoarthritis
• Age – Risk increases with age
• Gender –Most types are more common in women
• Genetics – Arthritis can be hereditary

If you suspect your arthritis is affecting your feet, it is crucial that you see a podiatrist immediately. Your doctor will be able to address your specific case and help you decide which treatment method is best for you.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Lansing, IL . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Ankle pain while playing golf is a common issue that can affect performance and enjoyment of the game. A lack of mobility in the ankle joints places added stress on the surrounding muscles and ligaments, leading to discomfort during swings and walking the course. Weakness or lack of strength in the supporting muscles also contributes to instability and strain. Over time, these factors may result in chronic pain or injury if not properly addressed. A podiatrist can evaluate the mechanics of your feet and ankles, recommend supportive footwear or orthotics, and provide strengthening exercises to reduce stress. If you have foot or ankle pain from playing golf, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can offer effective relief and treatment solutions, while guiding you on foot strengthening techniques.

Sports related foot and ankle injuries require proper treatment before players can go back to their regular routines. For more information, contact Dr. Michael A. Wood of Foot Health Institute. 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 Lansing, IL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.