Items filtered by date: September 2024

Numbness and tingling in the toes can result from various causes, often indicating nerve or circulation issues. One common cause is peripheral neuropathy, where nerves are damaged due to conditions like diabetes, leading to loss of sensation. Poor circulation, such as from peripheral artery disease, or PAD, can also reduce blood flow to the toes, causing tingling or numbness. Tarsal tunnel syndrome occurs when the tibial nerve, located near the ankle, becomes compressed, leading to numbness, tingling, or pain in the toes. Morton’s neuroma is another condition where a thickening of the tissue surrounding a nerve between the toes causes similar symptoms, often triggered by wearing tight shoes or high heels. If numbness and tingling are persistent or worsen, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist, especially if the symptoms include pain or difficulty walking, as they could signal a more serious underlying condition requiring prompt attention.

Toe pain can disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, contact Yvonne Umezurike, DPM of Umez Podiatry. 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 offices located in Baltimore, MD and Washington DC . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Allowing babies to walk or crawl barefoot offers numerous benefits for their overall development. Barefoot play optimizes sensory motor development by letting babies experience various textures and surfaces, enhancing their sensory awareness and coordination. When infants walk without shoes, they develop a better sense of their body in space, promoting awareness and balance. This natural movement improves agility and strengthens the muscles in their feet and legs. Additionally, being barefoot allows for the proper development of the foot’s arch and alignment, as it encourages natural foot mechanics. By allowing their feet to move freely and interact directly with their environment, babies gain essential motor skills and support their physical growth effectively. If you notice unusual foot or walking symptoms in your child and are interested in learning about foot development, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can evaluate foot health, and provide you with the information you are seeking.

Making sure that your children maintain good foot health is very important as they grow. If you have any questions, contact Yvonne Umezurike, DPM of Umez Podiatry. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Keeping Children's Feet Healthy

Having healthy feet during childhood can help prevent medical problems later in life, namely in the back and legs. As children grow, their feet require different types of care. Here are some things to consider...

Although babies do not walk yet, it is still very important to take care of their feet.

Avoid putting tight shoes or socks on his or her feet.

Allow the baby to stretch and kick his or her feet to feel comfortable.

As a toddler, kids are now on the move and begin to develop differently. At this age, toddlers are getting a feel for walking, so don’t be alarmed if your toddler is unsteady or ‘walks funny’. 

As your child gets older, it is important to teach them how to take care of their feet.

Show them proper hygiene to prevent infections such as fungus.

Be watchful for any pain or injury.

Have all injuries checked by a doctor as soon as possible.

Comfortable, protective shoes should always be worn, especially at play.

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