If your second toe is longer than your big toe, you have something known as Morton’s toe. This is not to be confused with Morton’s neuroma, which is an inflammation of the nerve near the ball of the foot. Morton’s toe is a congenital bone formation, where the first metatarsal, the long bone that connects the toe to the back of the foot, is shorter than the second metatarsal. This causes the second toe to appear longer. The formation may affect the biomechanics of the foot and result in arch pain. Aches and pains in the foot are generated by the way your weight is distributed when you walk, run, or jump. Treatment options for Morton’s toe include stretching and strengthening exercises, certain pain relief medication, and custom orthotics. In more serious cases, surgery may be an option. Because the tip of the second toe sticks out further inside a shoe, calluses may develop. It may help to wear shoes that allow ample room in the toe box to accommodate the longer second toe. For more information, please consult a podiatrist.  

Toe pain can disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, contact Imaze Marian Davis, DPM of Marian Davis, DPM, PA. 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 feel free to contact our office located in Miami, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

A bunion is one of the more noticeable foot conditions. The bony protrusion that forms on the side of the big toe is a clear indication that a bunion is developing. It happens as a result of genetics, or from wearing shoes that do not have adequate room for the toes to move freely in. Additionally, a bunion can develop from a foot injury, or from having poor foot structure. It can cause a misalignment in the other toes, and they may shift toward each other. The pain from a bunion may become worse when pressure is exerted on it, such as from running or walking, and it is best if minimal walking is done to help provide mild relief. Maintaining a healthy weight may help to reduce pain from a bunion, in addition to wearing a protective covering over it while wearing shoes. Bunions can be unsightly and uncomfortable, and if you are afflicted with one, it is strongly advised that you confer with a podiatrist who can guide you toward the correct treatment techniques. Surgery may be performed for permanent removal. 

If you are suffering from bunions, contact Imaze Marian Davis, DPM of Marian Davis, DPM, PA. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is a Bunion?

A bunion is formed of swollen tissue or an enlargement of boney growth, usually located at the base joint of the toe that connects to the foot. The swelling occurs due to the bones in the big toe shifting inward, which impacts the other toes of the foot. This causes the area around the base of the big toe to become inflamed and painful.

Why Do Bunions Form?

Genetics – Susceptibility to bunions are often hereditary

Stress on the feet – Poorly fitted and uncomfortable footwear that places stress on feet, such as heels, can worsen existing bunions

How Are Bunions Diagnosed?

Doctors often perform two tests – blood tests and x-rays – when trying to diagnose bunions, especially in the early stages of development. Blood tests help determine if the foot pain is being caused by something else, such as arthritis, while x-rays provide a clear picture of your bone structure to your doctor.

How Are Bunions Treated?

• Refrain from wearing heels or similar shoes that cause discomfort
• Select wider shoes that can provide more comfort and reduce pain
• Anti-inflammatory and pain management drugs
• Orthotics or foot inserts
• Surgery

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

Athlete’s foot is one of the many foot conditions that can reduce and diminish the health of your feet. Caused by a fungal infection, Athlete’s foot can facilitate the development of a rash between the toes. There are several complications of this condition to be aware of. First, if you have a case of athlete’s foot, it may be possible to develop a bacterial infection as well. This is especially common when the athlete’s foot is not addressed for some time. The bacterial infection can develop as a result of scratching at the affected area. Second, another important complication of athlete’s foot to be aware of is that it may spread to other parts of the body. For example, since athlete’s foot is contagious, if you are scratching the affected area, the fungal infection can spread to your hands, the groin, or underneath the nails. If you have athlete’s foot, contact a podiatrist today for treatment.

Athlete’s foot is an inconvenient condition that can be easily reduced with the proper treatment. If you have any concerns about your feet and ankles, contact Imaze Marian Davis, DPM from Marian Davis, DPM, PA.  Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Athlete’s Foot: The Sole Story

Athlete's foot, also known as tinea pedis, can be an extremely contagious foot infection. It is commonly contracted in public changing areas and bathrooms, dormitory style living quarters, around locker rooms and public swimming pools, or anywhere your feet often come into contact with other people.

Solutions to Combat Athlete’s Foot

• Hydrate your feet by using lotion
• Exfoliate
• Buff off nails
• Use of anti-fungal products
• Examine your feet and visit your doctor if any suspicious blisters or cuts develop

Athlete’s foot can cause many irritating symptoms such as dry and flaking skin, itching, and redness. Some more severe symptoms can include bleeding and cracked skin, intense itching and burning, and even pain when walking. In the worst cases, Athlete’s foot can cause blistering as well. Speak to your podiatrist for a better understanding of the different causes of Athlete’s foot, as well as help in determining which treatment options are best for you.

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

Pain in the back of the heel is very common in sports, usually signals overuse, and mostly concerns the Achilles tendon. Most common is Achilles tendonitis, which usually starts with a mild ache, but with increased and prolonged activity can develop into severe pain. This injury, an inflammation of the Achilles tendon which connects the calf muscles to the heel bone, is common among runners. Another cause of Achilles tendon pain is Sever’s disease, which occurs in adolescent children who are active in sports. It is the result of an imbalance in the growth rate of the calf muscle and the heel bone, but usually self-corrects with time. Achilles bursitis, also known as retrocalcaneal bursitis, is an inflammation of a small sac of fluid in the back of the heel called a bursa. Another overuse injury, it will cause pain, swelling, and tenderness. An Achilles tendon rupture indicates a complete tear, and most commonly occurs in men over the age of 40. A loud snapping noise accompanies this injury, which is often described as being struck on the back of the heel. Immediate attention to this injury is suggested. If you experience any of the above injuries, it is wise to visit a podiatrist for an exam and diagnosis.

Achilles tendon injuries need immediate attention to avoid future complications. If you have any concerns, contact Imaze Marian Davis, DPM of Marian Davis, DPM, PA. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is the Achilles Tendon?

The Achilles tendon is a tendon that connects the lower leg muscles and calf to the heel of the foot. It is the strongest tendon in the human body and is essential for making movement possible. Because this tendon is such an integral part of the body, any injuries to it can create immense difficulties and should immediately be presented to a doctor.

What Are the Symptoms of an Achilles Tendon Injury?

There are various types of injuries that can affect the Achilles tendon. The two most common injuries are Achilles tendinitis and ruptures of the tendon.

Achilles Tendinitis Symptoms

• Inflammation
• Dull to severe pain
• Increased blood flow to the tendon
• Thickening of the tendon

Rupture Symptoms

• Extreme pain and swelling in the foot
• Total immobility

Treatment and Prevention

Achilles tendon injuries are diagnosed by a thorough physical evaluation, which can include an MRI. Treatment involves rest, physical therapy, and in some cases, surgery. However, various preventative measures can be taken to avoid these injuries, such as:

• Thorough stretching of the tendon before and after exercise
• Strengthening exercises like calf raises, squats, leg curls, leg extensions, leg raises, lunges, and leg presses

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