Toe deformities are structural changes that alter the normal position of the toes. Common examples include hammertoe, mallet toe, and claw toe. These conditions often develop as a result of long-term pressure from tight or narrow shoes. Muscle imbalance can also play a role. This occurs when some muscles and tendons become tighter or weaker than others, pulling the toe joints into abnormal positions. Nerve damage may reduce control of toe movement and lead to joint changes. Foot injuries, joint disease, poor circulation, and inherited foot shape can also contribute. Changes in foot mechanics, such as flat feet or bunions, may increase strain on the toes. A podiatrist can examine the foot, evaluate joint movement, and identify the cause. Treatment includes supportive devices, padding, or procedures to improve alignment and reduce discomfort. If you have a toe deformity that is causing discomfort, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist.

Toe pain can disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, contact One of our podiatrists of Oexeman Foot and Ankle, PLLC. 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 office located in Chicago, IL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Foot pain can occur after long hours of standing, sports activity, or wearing shoes that do not fit well. Sometimes the pain improves, but ongoing discomfort may be a sign of arthritis. This inflammatory joint condition causes swelling, stiffness, and reduced movement. The foot has many small joints that help support body weight and allow smooth walking. When arthritis affects these joints, pain may worsen with activity or after periods of rest. Osteoarthritis develops when cartilage, the smooth tissue that cushions bones, gradually wears away. Other forms, such as rheumatoid arthritis and psoriatic arthritis, occur when the immune system attacks joint tissue. Gout is another type of arthritis that causes sudden, intense pain when crystal deposits form in a joint, often in the big toe. A podiatrist can identify the cause of foot pain, assess joint damage, and recommend medical treatment to improve comfort and walking ability. If you are experiencing foot pain, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist.

Arthritis can be a difficult condition to live with. If you are seeking treatment, contact One of our podiatrists from Oexeman Foot and Ankle, PLLC. our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Arthritic Foot Care  

Arthritis is a joint disorder that involves the inflammation of different joints in your body, such as those in your feet. Arthritis is often caused by a degenerative joint disease and causes mild to severe pain in all affected areas. In addition to this, swelling and stiffness in the affected joints can also be a common symptom of arthritis.

In many cases, wearing ill-fitting shoes can worsen the effects and pain of arthritis. Wearing shoes that have a lower heel and extra room can help your feet feel more comfortable. In cases of rheumatoid arthritis, the arch in your foot may become problematic. Buying shoes with proper arch support that contour to your feet can help immensely.

Alleviating Arthritic Pain

• Exercises that stretch the foot can prevent further pain and injury and increase mobility
• Most of the pain can be alleviated with anti-inflammatory drugs, heat, and topical medications
• Massages can help temporarily alleviate pain.

It is best to see your doctor for the treatment that is right for your needs and symptoms. Conditions vary, and a podiatrist can help you determine the right method of care for your feet.

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

Toenail disorders are common among elderly people as natural aging-related changes affect nail growth and overall foot health. Nails often grow more slowly and may become thicker, brittle, or discolored, over time. Some individuals may develop nail hypertrophy, a condition in which the nail plate becomes abnormally thick and difficult to trim. Causes include reduced circulation, long-term pressure from footwear, fungal infections, and drug-related interactions that influence nail growth patterns. Symptoms may include thickened nails, discomfort while walking, and difficulty maintaining proper nail care. Risk factors include limited mobility, chronic health conditions, and decreased vision that makes self-care challenging. A podiatrist can safely trim and treat abnormal nails. If toenail changes or discomfort develop, it is suggested that you seek podiatric care to maintain healthy feet and mobility.

If you need your feet checked, contact One of our podiatrists of Oexeman Foot and Ankle, PLLC. our doctors will attend to all of your foot and ankle needs and provide you with quality treatment.

Geriatrics and Podiatry
When people age, some common issues that may occur are bone density loss, dry skin, poor circulation, and rough brittle nails. These issues may also affect your foot health if the necessary steps are not taken to alleviate the problems.

It is important to take care of your feet because feet that are injured or diseased can affect your overall health. Having painful feet hinders your ability to do daily activities or may decrease your willingness to do the things that you need to do.

Visiting Your Geriatrician
As we age, health problems become more likely, so it is essential to visit your doctor for check-ups to ensure that you are doing the best you can to take care of your health. It is recommended to check your feet frequently for any possible cuts, bruises, swelling, corns or any other irregularities. 

Taking Care of Elderly Feet
Cracked or dry feet can be treated by applying moisturizer often. It is also important not to wear old socks because the older the sock is, the higher the possibility there will be that there is bacteria there. Wear fresh socks and make sure they fit properly.

Proper foot health means that you can have a more active lifestyle and you will not be bogged down by pain. Foot health also leads to good circulation, which is paramount for overall health.

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

Long-standing high blood sugar can injure the small nerves in the feet, leading to reduced feeling or complete numbness. This nerve-related damage makes it difficult to notice cuts, blisters, or pressure sores. Without normal sensation, minor injuries may worsen before they are discovered. At the same time, circulation problems can slow healing and increase infection risk. Diabetic foot syndrome refers to a combination of nerve loss, poor blood flow, and skin breakdown that can lead to deep wounds or even bone infection. Dry skin, callus build-up, and foot-shape changes may add further pressure to vulnerable areas. What begins as a small sore can quickly progress without proper care. Daily foot checks, blood-sugar control, and wearing well-fitting shoes are critical protective steps. Early medical attention reduces the risk of serious complications. If you have diabetes and notice numbness, tingling, color changes, or a slow-healing sore on your foot, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

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 Oexeman Foot and Ankle, PLLC. our doctors 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 office located in Chicago, IL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.