June 2023

Toe pain may be caused by arthritis. This condition targets the joints in the body, and the toes are no exception. Toe arthritis generally affects the big toe, and can happen as a result of having endured a previous injury. These can include a broken toe, sprained toe, or gout, which is a different form of arthritis. Toe pain from arthritis may also happen from being overweight, or if family members have had arthritis. Patients describe the pain from toe arthritis as ranging from an achy feeling to a stabbing sensation when movement of the toe is attempted. The symptoms that can accompany toe arthritis can consist of swelling, a change in appearance, or there may be clicking and popping noises. Treatment may depend on the severity of the pain and how often it occurs. If you have toe pain, it is strongly suggested that you speak with a podiatrist who can determine what the reason is, and treat it accordingly.

Toe pain can disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, contact Milos Tomich, DPM of Dr. Tomich Foot & Ankle Health Center. 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 one of our offices located in Milwaukee and Wauwatosa, WI . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Gout is an inflammatory condition that causes extreme pain in the joints and is particularly common in the big toe. Patients with gout suffer from hyperuricemia, an overabundance of uric acid in the bloodstream. Uric acid then crystallizes, forming sharp, short needles that settle in the joint and cause extreme pain. Anyone can suffer from gout, but it is more common among men over the age of 30. Risk factors for gout are genetics, alcohol use, and a diet rich in foods that contain a high level of purines. These include red meat, seafood, and beverages made with alcohol or large amounts of sugar. The top indicator of gout in the big toe is severe pain. This may come on suddenly and typically occurs at night. The intense pain can linger for days. Swelling, tenderness, and redness are also hallmarks of gout. The skin on the toe may begin to peel and then become itchy and flaky. It also may begin to feel hot to the touch. In some cases, a low-grade fever develops, along with flu-like symptoms. If you believe you may have gout in the big toe, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist who can offer treatment options.  

Gout is a painful condition that can be treated. If you are seeking treatment, contact Milos Tomich, DPM from Dr. Tomich Foot & Ankle Health Center. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Is Gout?

Gout is a form of arthritis that is characterized by sudden, severe attacks of pain, redness, and tenderness in the joints. The condition usually affects the joint at the base of the big toe. A gout attack can occur at any random time, such as the middle of the night while you are asleep.

Symptoms

• Intense Joint Pain - Usually around the large joint of your big toe, and it most severe within the first four to twelve hours
• Lingering Discomfort - Joint discomfort may last from a few days to a few weeks
• Inflammation and Redness -Affected joints may become swollen, tender, warm and red
• Limited Range of Motion - May experience a decrease in joint mobility

Risk Factors

• Genetics - If family members have gout, you’re more likely to have it
• Medications - Diuretic medications can raise uric acid levels
• Gender/Age - Gout is more common in men until the age of 60. It is believed that estrogen protects women until that point
• Diet - Eating red meat and shellfish increases your risk
• Alcohol - Having more than two alcoholic drinks per day increases your risk
• Obesity - Obese people are at a higher risk for gout

Prior to visiting your podiatrist to receive treatment for gout, there are a few things you should do beforehand. If you have gout you should write down your symptoms--including when they started and how often you experience them, important medical information you may have, and any questions you may have. Writing down these three things will help your podiatrist in assessing your specific situation so that he or she may provide the best route of treatment for you.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Milwaukee and Wauwatosa, WI . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

It typically takes about six weeks to heal from a broken toe, but the actual time frame depends on the severity of the fracture, the age of the person, and pre-existing medical conditions. Symptoms of a broken toe include pain, swelling, and bruising, and it can be difficult to walk. Additionally, a bone may protrude through the skin and the toe may look deformed. Treatments involve taping the broken toe to the toe next to it which provides stability, splinting the toe, or surgery may be necessary for more severe breaks. Resting and elevating the affected foot will help reduce swelling and pain. Simple treatment usually suffices in the healing of a broken toe, however, it is important to seek treatment if pain is severe or walking becomes increasingly difficult. If you have broken your toe, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an examination and treatment recommendations.

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 Milos Tomich, DPM from Dr. Tomich Foot & Ankle Health Center. Our doctor 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 one of our offices located in Milwaukee and Wauwatosa, WI . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Diabetes, which is a blood sugar and insulin imbalance, is a serious and possibly life-threatening disease. One of the side effects that may come from having diabetes is foot problems. These may be the result of numbness, called sensory diabetic neuropathy, and the inability of wounds to properly heal, termed peripheral vascular disease. Diabetic neuropathy is nerve damage that limits the patient’s ability to feel the presence of a cut or wound on the foot. If a sore goes untreated, it can develop into an ulcer. Peripheral neuropathy is the constricting of the blood vessels to the feet and toes, caused by high levels of blood sugar. This poor blood flow severely affects the healing process, increasing the danger of an ulcer becoming gangrenous. Common sources of foot problems in diabetics include athlete’s foot, fungal nail infections, corns, blisters, and dry skin. In addition to checking the feet daily for sores and wounds, it is suggested that a diabetic make regular appointments with a podiatrist for examination and treatment of their feet.

Diabetic foot care is important in preventing foot ailments such as ulcers. If you are suffering from diabetes or have any other concerns about your feet, contact Milos Tomich, DPM from Dr. Tomich Foot & Ankle Health Center. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Diabetic Foot Care

Diabetes affects millions of people every year. The condition can damage blood vessels in many parts of the body, especially the feet. Because of this, taking care of your feet is essential if you have diabetes, and having a podiatrist help monitor your foot health is highly recommended.

The Importance of Caring for Your Feet

• Routinely inspect your feet for bruises or sores.
• Wear socks that fit your feet comfortably.
• Wear comfortable shoes that provide adequate support.

Patients with diabetes should have their doctor monitor their blood levels, as blood sugar levels play such a huge role in diabetic care. Monitoring these levels on a regular basis is highly advised.

It is always best to inform your healthcare professional of any concerns you may have regarding your feet, especially for diabetic patients. Early treatment and routine foot examinations are keys to maintaining proper health, especially because severe complications can arise if proper treatment is not applied.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Milwaukee and Wauwatosa, WI . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.