Turf toe is an injury that affects athletes who perform sudden, powerful movements that bend the big toe upward beyond normal range. Pushing off to sprint, jump or move forward in a football or basketball game are common ways that turf toe develops. This action can strain or tear the ligaments and soft tissues surrounding the big toe joint, leading to pain, swelling, and limited movement. Athletes who play on artificial turf are particularly at risk due to the harder, less absorbent surface, though turf toe can also affect dancers, gymnasts, and wrestlers. Footwear with flexible soles can contribute to the risk of turf toe, as it provides less stability during rapid movements. Symptoms may range from mild pain and slight swelling to more severe cases involving ligament rupture and long-lasting joint stiffness. A podiatrist can prescribe a walking boot or other orthotic device to limit joint movement. Surgery, though rare, may be needed in more stubborn or severe cases. If you have a turf toe injury, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam and treatment.

Toe pain can disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, contact one of our podiatrists of The Foot Center. 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 Los Angeles, CA . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Ankle sprains are among the most frequent injuries seen in sports and daily activities. This injury occurs when the ligaments that stabilize the ankle are stretched or torn, usually from a sudden twisting or awkward rolling of the ankle. Athletes involved in sports that require rapid changes in direction, such as soccer or basketball, are at a higher risk. Previous ankle sprains increase this risk, especially if athletes return to their sport too quickly. Symptoms often include a snapping or cracking sound, followed by pain, swelling, and sometimes bruising, making it hard to walk. A podiatrist can evaluate the severity of the ankle sprain, provide support for the ankle, and guide recovery through strengthening exercises. This not only helps in treating the sprain itself, but also in preventing future injuries by improving stability and balance. If you have sprained your ankle, it is suggested that you make an emergency appointment with a podiatrist for treatment.

Although ankle sprains are common, they aren’t always minor injuries. If you need your ankle injury looked at, contact one of our podiatrists from The Foot Center. Our doctors 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 Los Angeles, CA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Kidney disease can lead to significant foot problems as a result of damage to the nerves and blood vessels in your lower limbs. As kidney function declines, circulation to the feet may decrease, and you may lose sensation in your feet, which makes it hard to detect injuries or infections. Reduced circulation also means wounds heal more slowly. This increases the risk of foot ulcers, which can lead to serious complications, including infections and in severe cases loss of limb. Other common problems include hard skin buildup, changes in foot shape, and a higher risk of developing blisters or sores. People undergoing dialysis or with advanced kidney disease are at even greater risk. A podiatrist plays a vital role in managing risks caused by kidney disease by performing regular foot assessments, recommending appropriate footwear, and treating skin and nail issues. They help create an ongoing care plan that can reduce the likelihood of further complications. If you have foot problems as a result of kidney disease, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an evaluation and treatment.

When dealing with systemic disease of the feet, it is extremely important to check the affected areas routinely so that any additional problems are caught quickly.  If you have any concerns about your feet and ankles contact one of our podiatrists from The Foot Center. Our doctors will assist you with all of your podiatric needs.

Systemic Diseases of the Feet

Systemic diseases affect the whole body, and symptoms usually are displayed in the feet. This condition can make a patient’s ability to walk unbearable.  Systemic diseases include gout, diabetes mellitus, neurological disorders, and arthritis.

Gout – is caused by an excess of uric acid in the body. Common symptoms include pain, inflammation, and redness at the metatarsal/phalangeal joint of the base big toe. Gout can be treated by NSAIDs to relieve pain and inflammation, and other drugs that lower the acid levels in the body.

Diabetes mellitus – is an increase in the level of blood sugar that the body cannot counteract with its own insulin. Failure to produce enough insulin is a factor in Diabetes.

Diabetes of the Feet

Diabetic Neuropathy – may lead to damaged nerves and affect the feet through numbness and loss of sensation.

Peripheral Vascular Disease – can restrict the blood flow to the feet, and often times lead to amputation of the feet. 

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