Toe pain is a common discomfort that can significantly impact your daily life. One of the leading causes is wearing shoes that are too tight or too loose, which can exert pressure on the toes, leading to pain and discomfort. Additionally, injuries such as stubbing or dropping heavy objects on the toes can result in acute pain. Ingrown toenails, a condition where the nail grows into the surrounding skin, are another common culprit. Arthritis, characterized by inflammation of the joints, can affect the toes and cause persistent pain. Toe pain may also be indicative of conditions like gout or bunions, where joint inflammation and deformities contribute to discomfort. Understanding these common causes empowers individuals to make informed choices about their footwear, lifestyle, and seek timely medical attention from a podiatrist to alleviate toe pain and enhance overall foot health. If you are experiencing toe pain, it is suggested that you visit this type of doctor who can determine the cause and offer appropriate treatment options.

Toe pain can disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, contact Tanya R. Sellers-Hannibal, DPM of Maryland. 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 feel free to contact our office located in Owings Mills, MD . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

An ankle sprain occurs when the ligaments that support the ankle are stretched or torn. This type of sprain is a common injury, constituting 25 percent of all sports-related injuries. Ankle sprains can affect anyone, not just those engaged in sports. While they are often caused by activities such as running and walking, they also can be the result of missteps on uneven surfaces, such as stepping into a hole or missing a curb. Symptoms vary in severity, and include pain, soreness, swelling, difficulty bearing weight or walking, and bruising. Diagnosis involves a comprehensive examination by a podiatrist, who can evaluate bones, soft tissues, range of motion, and strength. In some cases, imaging studies like X-rays may be ordered to rule out additional injuries, such as a fracture. Timely and proper treatment typically takes between four and six weeks, depending on severity. Acknowledging the causes and symptoms of ankle sprains is important for prompt intervention, ensuring optimal recovery and minimizing the risk of future complications arising from these common injuries. If you have endured an ankle sprain, it is suggested that you schedule an immediate appointment with a podiatrist for an exam and treatment.

Although ankle sprains are common, they aren’t always minor injuries. If you need your ankle injury looked at, contact Tanya R. Sellers-Hannibal, DPM from Maryland. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

How Does an Ankle Sprain Occur?

Ankle sprains are the result of a tear in the ligaments within the ankle. These injuries may happen when you make a rapid shifting movement while your foot is planted. A less common way to sprain your ankle is when your ankle rolls inward while your foot turns outward.

What Are the Symptoms?

• Pain at the sight of the tear
• Bruising/Swelling
• Ankle area is tender to touch
• In severe cases, may hear/feel something tear
• Skin discoloration

Preventing a Sprain

• Wearing appropriate shoes for the occasion
• Stretching before exercises and sports
• Knowing your limits

Treatment of a Sprain

In many cases, the RICE method (Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevate) is used to treat ankle sprains. However, you should see a podiatrist to see which treatment option would work best with your injury. In severe cases, surgery may be required.

It is important to ask your doctor about rehab options after you receive treatment for your injury. Stretching, strength training, and balance exercises may help the ankle heal while also preventing further injury.

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

Plantar fasciitis, a common foot condition characterized by inflammation and degeneration of the tissue supporting the sole of the foot, can cause a great deal of pain. Orthotics are known to be helpful in eliminating sharp heel pain, particularly in the morning or after prolonged periods of sitting. The two primary causes associated with plantar fasciitis are muscle imbalance and poor foot biomechanics. The main types of orthotics that can provide much needed support include heel cups or pads, and shoe inserts. Heel cups are small inserts for the back of your shoe that lift the heel slightly. This reduces tension on the Achilles tendon, subsequently easing stress on the plantar fascia. Additionally, the cushioning effect helps to absorb shock. Experts suggest wearing heel cups in both shoes to avoid leg length discrepancies that could lead to further issues in the foot, knee, and back. Shoe inserts provide support beyond the heel. With a deep heel cup and contoured shape, they provide stability and biomechanical support. Half length insoles fit under the heel and arch, leaving the toes free. To find out which type of orthotics for plantar fasciitis is best for you, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam and treatment options. 

Plantar fasciitis can be very painful and inconvenient. If you are experiencing heel pain or symptoms of plantar fasciitis, contact Tanya R. Sellers-Hannibal, DPM  from Maryland. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is the inflammation of the thick band of tissue that runs along the bottom of your foot, known as the plantar fascia, and causes mild to severe heel pain.

What Causes Plantar Fasciitis?

• Excessive running
• Non-supportive shoes
• Overpronation
• Repeated stretching and tearing of the plantar fascia

How Can It Be Treated?

• Conservative measures – anti-inflammatories, ice packs, stretching exercises, physical therapy, orthotic devices
• Shockwave therapy – sound waves are sent to the affected area to facilitate healing and are usually used for chronic cases of plantar fasciitis
• Surgery – usually only used as a last resort when all else fails. The plantar fascia can be surgically detached from the heel

While very treatable, plantar fasciitis is definitely not something that should be ignored. Especially in severe cases, speaking to your doctor right away is highly recommended to avoid complications and severe heel pain. Your podiatrist can work with you to provide the appropriate treatment options tailored to your condition.

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

Plantar warts, though usually harmless, can be quite bothersome. These skin growths typically appear on the soles of your feet and can be painful, especially when walking. They are caused by a virus that accelerates the growth of the top layer of skin, resulting in the formation of warts. While plantar warts generally disappear on their own over months or even years, they can be a source of discomfort and concern. These warts are extremely contagious and can spread easily. Not only can you re-infect yourself by touching a wart and then another part of your body, but you can also transmit the virus to others by sharing personal items, like towels or socks. In most cases, plantar warts do not require treatment. However, if they cause you pain or multiply, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an accurate diagnosis and treatment.

Plantar warts can be very uncomfortable. If you need your feet checked, contact Tanya R. Sellers-Hannibal, DPM from Maryland. Our doctor 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 office located in Owings Mills, MD . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Foot and ankle pain is a common issue due to the complexity of this body region, which comprises 26 bones, 33 joints, and various soft tissues. The majority of pain in these areas is temporary, often resulting from soft tissue injuries such as sprains or strains. While these injuries typically heal gradually, some cases may take months to fully recover. However, if the pain persists, worsens, or does not improve after a few months, it may indicate more serious issues. Long-term foot or ankle pain could be caused by factors such as wearing ill-fitting footwear, osteoarthritis, inflammatory arthritis, or connective tissue diseases. Additionally, poor blood circulation or nerve damage may cause foot pain. In these instances, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and treatment.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with Tanya R. Sellers-Hannibal, DPM from Maryland. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Causes

Foot pain is a very broad condition that could be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

• Bunions
• Hammertoes
• Plantar Fasciitis
• Bone Spurs
• Corns
• Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
• Ingrown Toenails
• Arthritis (such as Gout, Rheumatoid, and Osteoarthritis)
• Flat Feet
• Injury (from stress fractures, broken toe, foot, ankle, Achilles tendon ruptures, and sprains)
• And more

Diagnosis

To figure out the cause of foot pain, podiatrists utilize several different methods. This 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

Treatment depends upon the cause of the foot pain. Whether it is resting, staying off the foot, or having surgery; podiatrists have a number of treatment options available for foot pain.

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