Tingling toes may be little more than the result of wearing tight shoes and socks or standing for long periods. But persistent or painful tingling in the toes should not be ignored, as it can signal serious underlying health issues. Among the major concerns is diabetes. High blood sugar levels damage blood vessels and nerves, which can lead to tingling, numbness, and pain in the toes if left untreated. Similarly, autoimmune disorders, such as multiple sclerosis, can disrupt nerve communication, causing tingling sensations, weakness, and numbness, particularly during exercise or rest. Raynaud’s disease, a condition triggered by extreme sensitivity to cold or stress, can lead to tingling or stinging pain in the extremities when exposed to cold temperatures. Deficiencies in essential B vitamins also can contribute to nerve damage and result in tingling, weakness, and numbness in the toes. Various other health issues can cause tingling toes, including stroke, shingles, atherosclerosis. Seizures, underactive thyroid, and certain side effects from medication are other causes. For these reasons, it is suggested that if you have been experiencing persistent tingling in the toes, please schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a thorough exam. 

Toe pain can disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, contact Frederick Matthews, DPM of Innovative Foot and Ankle Care. 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 office located in Plano, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Ankle sprains are injuries that occur when the ligaments that support the ankle stretch beyond their limits or tear. These injuries are often caused by twisting the ankle during physical activities, such as sports or even walking on uneven surfaces. Treatment for ankle sprains ranges from conservative to more intensive approaches, depending on the severity of the sprain. Initial treatment for mild sprains typically includes rest and elevation to reduce swelling and pain.  More severe sprains may require immobilization with a brace or cast to allow the ligaments to heal properly. Certain stretches may be recommended to restore ankle strength, flexibility, and balance, and prevent future sprains. In cases where the ligament damage is extensive and stability is compromised, surgical intervention may be considered to repair the ligaments. If you have sprained your ankle, it is suggested that you promptly schedule an appointment with a podiatrist to get the right treatment. 

Ankle sprains are common but need immediate attention. If you need your feet checked, contact Frederick Matthews, DPM from Innovative Foot and Ankle Care. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

How Does an Ankle Sprain Occur?

Ankle sprains take place when the ligaments in your ankle are torn or stretched beyond their limits. There are multiple ways that the ankle can become injured, including twisting or rolling over onto your ankle, putting undue stress on it, or causing trauma to the ankle itself.

What Are the Symptoms?

• Mild to moderate bruising
• Limited mobility
• Swelling
• Discoloration of the skin (depending on severity)

Preventing a Sprain

• Wearing appropriate shoes for the occasion
• Stretching before exercises and sports
• Knowing your limits

Treatment of a Sprain

Treatment of a sprain depends on the severity.  Many times, people are told to rest and remain off their feet completely, while others are given an air cast. If the sprain is very severe, surgery may be required.

If you have suffered an ankle sprain previously, you may want to consider additional support such as a brace and regular exercises to strengthen the ankle.

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

Hammertoe is a deformity of the second, third, or fourth toe that causes a bend at the middle joint so that it resembles a hammer. A hammertoe can significantly affect mobility and cause discomfort, especially while wearing shoes. Conservative treatment measures include wearing proper footwear and orthotics, but more severe cases may necessitate surgical intervention which carries certain risks. Post-operative complications may include pain, swelling, and difficulty in weight bearing. Nerve damage leading to sensations of numbness or tingling, reduced range of motion in the toe, and the risk of infection at the surgical site are further risk factors. Additionally, there is a possibility of the toe not sitting completely flat on the ground after surgery, which can affect balance and mobility. To determine the best course in managing a hammertoe, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist to find out if surgery is right for you.

Foot surgery is sometimes necessary to treat a foot ailment. To learn more, contact Frederick Matthews, DPM of Innovative Foot and Ankle Care. Our doctor will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.

When Is Surgery Necessary?

Foot and ankle surgery is generally reserved for cases in which less invasive, conservative procedures have failed to alleviate the problem. Some of the cases in which surgery may be necessary include:

• Removing foot deformities like bunions and bone spurs
• Severe arthritis that has caused bone issues
• Cosmetic reconstruction

What Types of Surgery Are There?

The type of surgery you receive will depend on the nature of the problem you have. Some of the possible surgeries include:

• Bunionectomy for painful bunions
• Surgical fusion for realignment of bones
• Neuropathy decompression surgery to treat nerve damage

Benefits of Surgery

Although surgery is usually a last resort, it can provide more complete pain relief compared to non-surgical methods and may allow you to finally resume full activity.

Surgical techniques have also become increasingly sophisticated. Techniques like endoscopic surgery allow for smaller incisions and faster recovery times.

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

Treating diabetic foot wounds requires a comprehensive approach focused on promoting healing and preventing further complications. It begins with identifying and addressing the factors that can contribute to the wound, such as wearing proper footwear and avoiding further injury. Keeping the wound clean and protected with specialized dressings is essential to create an optimal environment for healing. Regular removal of dead tissue and calluses helps prevent infections and allows new tissue to grow. Managing bacteria surrounding the wound site is especially vital, along with ensuring good blood flow to the wound. This may involve medications or procedures to improve circulation. Off-loading techniques, like using cushions or specialized shoes, help reduce pressure on the foot wound, allowing it to heal more effectively. A podiatrist can offer personalized care and guidance throughout the diabetic wound treatment process. If you have developed a diabetic foot wound, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for correct management tips.

Wound care is an important part in dealing with diabetes. If you have diabetes and a foot wound or would like more information about wound care for diabetics, consult with Frederick Matthews, DPM from Innovative Foot and Ankle Care. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

What Is Wound Care?

Wound care is the practice of taking proper care of a wound. This can range from the smallest to the largest of wounds. While everyone can benefit from proper wound care, it is much more important for diabetics. Diabetics often suffer from poor blood circulation which causes wounds to heal much slower than they would in a non-diabetic. 

What Is the Importance of Wound Care?

While it may not seem apparent with small ulcers on the foot, for diabetics, any size ulcer can become infected. Diabetics often also suffer from neuropathy, or nerve loss. This means they might not even feel when they have an ulcer on their foot. If the wound becomes severely infected, amputation may be necessary. Therefore, it is of the upmost importance to properly care for any and all foot wounds.

How to Care for Wounds

The best way to care for foot wounds is to prevent them. For diabetics, this means daily inspections of the feet for any signs of abnormalities or ulcers. It is also recommended to see a podiatrist several times a year for a foot inspection. If you do have an ulcer, run the wound under water to clear dirt from the wound; then apply antibiotic ointment to the wound and cover with a bandage. Bandages should be changed daily and keeping pressure off the wound is smart. It is advised to see a podiatrist, who can keep an eye on it.

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

A Jones fracture is a break at the base of the fifth metatarsal bone that connects the foot to the pinky toe. Common symptoms of a Jones fracture are bruising, swelling, and difficulty bearing weight or walking. Jones fractures can result from sudden force on the foot's outer side, often occurring during activities such as sports, dancing, or slips. Traumatic events like inversion sprains during sports or chronic overuse, such as prolonged walking or running on hard surfaces, may contribute to these injuries. Risk factors include participation in high impact activities like basketball or soccer, where sudden movements or pivoting are common. People with high arches may also be more susceptible to this type of fracture. Treatment options include casting and surgical intervention, depending on the severity. If you suspect a Jones fracture or are experiencing foot pain and swelling on the outside of the foot, it is suggested that you make an immediate appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and treatment.

A broken foot requires immediate medical attention and treatment. If you need your feet checked, contact Frederick Matthews, DPM from Innovative Foot and Ankle Care. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Broken Foot Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

A broken foot is caused by one of the bones in the foot typically breaking when bended, crushed, or stretched beyond its natural capabilities. Usually the location of the fracture indicates how the break occurred, whether it was through an object, fall, or any other type of injury. 

Common Symptoms of Broken Feet:

• Bruising
• Pain
• Redness
• Swelling
• Blue in color
• Numbness
• Cold
• Misshapen
• Cuts
• Deformities

Those that suspect they have a broken foot shoot seek urgent medical attention where a medical professional could diagnose the severity.

Treatment for broken bones varies depending on the cause, severity and location. Some will require the use of splints, casts or crutches while others could even involve surgery to repair the broken bones. Personal care includes the use of ice and keeping the foot stabilized and elevated.

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