A swollen big toe can be painful and may interfere with walking or daily activities. One common cause is an ingrown toenail, which occurs when the nail edge grows into the surrounding skin and leads to redness and swelling. A fracture in the toe bone can also cause sudden swelling, bruising, and tenderness after an injury. Bunions often create chronic swelling at the base of the big toe due to joint misalignment. Additionally, gout is another cause and may lead to intense swelling, warmth, and pain from uric acid buildup. Hallux rigidus causes stiffness and swelling from arthritis in the big toe joint. A podiatrist can determine the exact cause through examination and imaging, then provide proper treatment to relieve pain and restore function. If big toe swelling persists or worsens, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for an expert evaluation and appropriate  care.

Toe pain can disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, contact one of our podiatrists of Prince William Foot & Ankle Center, PC. Our practitioners 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 Gainesville and Dulles, VA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Morton’s neuroma, sometimes referred to as an interdigital nerve irritation or Intermetatarsal neuroma, develops when a nerve between the toes becomes compressed by surrounding tissues. This pressure can create a burning or tingling feeling in the ball of the foot, often described as walking on a small pebble. Some people notice numbness between the toes or a sudden sharp sensation when wearing tighter shoes or standing for long periods of time.The discomfort may improve briefly when the shoe is removed, but it often returns with activity. A podiatrist can evaluate the area, review footwear habits, and identify mechanical issues that place extra stress on the nerve. Treatment may include supportive inserts, shoe changes, padding, or targeted therapies that calm the irritated tissue and restore comfort. If the sensation between your toes persists or begins affecting daily movement, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for effective relief and treatment solutions.

Morton’s neuroma is a very uncomfortable condition to live with. If you think you have Morton’s neuroma, contact one of our podiatrists of Prince William Foot & Ankle Center, PC. Our practitioners will attend to all of your foot care needs and answer any of your related questions.  

Morton’s Neuroma

Morton's neuroma is a painful foot condition that commonly affects the areas between the second and third or third and fourth toe, although other areas of the foot are also susceptible. Morton’s neuroma is caused by an inflamed nerve in the foot that is being squeezed and aggravated by surrounding bones.

What Increases the Chances of Having Morton’s Neuroma?

• Ill-fitting high heels or shoes that add pressure to the toe or foot
• Jogging, running or any sport that involves constant impact to the foot
• Flat feet, bunions, and any other foot deformities

Morton’s neuroma is a very treatable condition. Orthotics and shoe inserts can often be used to alleviate the pain on the forefront of the feet. In more severe cases, corticosteroids can also be prescribed. In order to figure out the best treatment for your neuroma, it’s recommended to seek the care of a podiatrist who can diagnose your condition and provide different treatment options.

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

Dropping a heavy object on your toe, or stubbing it against a piece of furniture, are common reasons to experience a broken toe. Pain is generally the first symptom that is noticed, and it can be difficult to walk. Additionally, many patients notice their toe is swollen and bruised, and it is often painful to wear shoes. The affected foot may feel better when it is elevated, and this can help to diminish a portion of the swelling. As the healing process occurs, it may be beneficial to perform stretches and exercises that can promote rebuilding and strength. Toe curls can be effective in strengthening the toes, in addition to the overall foot. This is done by curling the toes, followed by stretching them back as far as possible. Many patients choose to pick up a towel from the floor with their toes, which can help to strengthen the top of the foot. If you would like to know how to perform additional exercise after a broken toe has healed, please consult with a podiatrist. 

Broken toes may cause a lot of pain and should be treated as soon as possible. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact one of our podiatrists from Prince William Foot & Ankle Center, PC. Our practitioners will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Is a Broken Toe?

A broken toe occurs when one or more of the toe bones of the foot are broken after an injury. Injuries such as stubbing your toe or dropping a heavy object on it may cause a toe fracture.

Symptoms of a Broken Toe

• Swelling
• Pain (with/without wearing shoes)
• Stiffness
• Nail Injury

Although the injured toe should be monitored daily, it is especially important to have a podiatrist look at your toe if you have severe symptoms. Some of these symptoms include worsening or new pain that is not relieved with medication, sores, redness, or open wounds near the toe.

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

Peripheral neuropathy is a condition that affects the nerves outside the brain and spinal cord, often leading to weakness, numbness, and pain in the feet. It can develop from diabetes, certain cancer treatments, or an accident or injury that harms nerve function. Symptoms may include tingling, burning, loss of sensation, or difficulty walking due to reduced balance and coordination. A podiatrist can evaluate nerve health, provide protective footwear, treat related foot problems, and offer strategies to improve circulation and reduce discomfort. If you are noticing unusual sensations or changes in your feet, it is suggested that you seek care from a podiatrist who can accurately diagnose peripheral neuropathy, and offer you additional management tips.

Neuropathy

Neuropathy can be a potentially serious condition, especially if it is left undiagnosed. If you have any concerns that you may be experiencing nerve loss in your feet, consult with one of our podiatrists from Prince William Foot & Ankle Center, PC. Our practitioners will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment for neuropathy.

What Is Neuropathy?

Neuropathy is a condition that leads to damage to the nerves in the body. Peripheral neuropathy, or neuropathy that affects your peripheral nervous system, usually occurs in the feet. Neuropathy can be triggered by a number of different causes. Such causes include diabetes, infections, cancers, disorders, and toxic substances.

Symptoms of Neuropathy Include:

• Numbness
• Sensation loss
• Prickling and tingling sensations
• Throbbing, freezing, burning pains
• Muscle weakness

Those with diabetes are at serious risk due to being unable to feel an ulcer on their feet. Diabetics usually also suffer from poor blood circulation. This can lead to the wound not healing, infections occurring, and the limb may have to be amputated.

Treatment

To treat neuropathy in the foot, podiatrists will first diagnose the cause of the neuropathy. Figuring out the underlying cause of the neuropathy will allow the podiatrist to prescribe the best treatment, whether it be caused by diabetes, toxic substance exposure, infection, etc. If the nerve has not died, then it’s possible that sensation may be able to return to the foot.

Pain medication may be issued for pain. Electrical nerve stimulation can be used to stimulate nerves. If the neuropathy is caused from pressure on the nerves, then surgery may be necessary.

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