Pain in the big toe can be a sign of gout, a type of arthritis caused by the buildup of uric acid crystals within the joint. When this acid accumulates faster than the body can eliminate it, sharp crystals form around the base of the big toe, known as the metatarsophalangeal, or MTP, joint. A gout flare-up often appears suddenly, producing intense pain, swelling, redness, and warmth in the MTP joint. It can become so tender that even light contact from a bedsheet feels painful. Repeated episodes can damage joint tissues and lead to visible lumps called tophi, which form beneath the skin near the toe or ankle. A podiatrist can examine your foot, order imaging tests or joint fluid analysis, and recommend a treatment plan to reduce pain and protect long-term joint health. If you have flare-ups of big toe pain, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and appropriate treatment options.

Gout is a painful condition that can be treated. If you are seeking treatment, contact Pedram Aslmand, DPM from Advanced Foot and Ankle Center. Our podiatrist 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 our offices located in Long Beach, CA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Surgery to correct hammertoe is often considered when the condition causes persistent pain, stiffness, or deformity that interferes with walking. A hammertoe occurs when the middle joint of a toe bends downward, often affecting the second toe. One common surgical method is phalangeal head resection, in which part of the bone at the joint is removed so the toe can lie flat. Tendons are released and repositioned to match the corrected alignment, and the toe is held in place with a wire or tape while it heals. In some cases, an implant may be used to replace the removed bone segment. Following hammertoe surgery, special shoes are usually required, and full recovery time varies depending on healing. Risks can include infection, swelling, numbness, and stiffness in the toe. A podiatrist can evaluate the severity of the deformity and recommend surgery, when necessary. If you are considering surgery for hammertoe, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for expert advice and guidance.

Hammertoe

Hammertoes can be a painful condition to live with. For more information, contact Pedram Aslmand, DPM from Advanced Foot and Ankle Center. Our podiatrist will answer any of your foot- and ankle-related questions.

Hammertoe is a foot deformity that affects the joints of the second, third, fourth, or fifth toes of your feet. It is a painful foot condition in which these toes curl and arch up, which can often lead to pain when wearing footwear.

Symptoms

• Pain in the affected toes
• Development of corns or calluses due to friction
• Inflammation
• Redness
• Contracture of the toes

Causes

Genetics – People who are genetically predisposed to hammertoe are often more susceptible

Arthritis – Because arthritis affects the joints in your toes, further deformities stemming from arthritis can occur

Trauma – Direct trauma to the toes could potentially lead to hammertoe

Ill-fitting shoes – Undue pressure on the front of the toes from ill-fitting shoes can potentially lead to the development of hammertoe

Treatment

Orthotics – Custom made inserts can be used to help relieve pressure placed on the toes and therefore relieve some of the pain associated with it

Medications – Oral medications such as anti-inflammatories or NSAIDs could be used to treat the pain and inflammation hammertoes causes. Injections of corticosteroids are also sometimes used

Surgery – In more severe cases where the hammertoes have become more rigid, foot surgery is a potential option

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

Heel bursitis occurs when the small fluid-filled sac, known as the retrocalcaneal bursa, becomes irritated and inflamed at the back of the heel where the Achilles tendon meets the heel bone. This irritation can develop from repetitive activities that increase pressure in that area, including running uphill, jumping, or standing on tiptoes. Wearing high heels frequently, ill-fitting shoes that rub against the heel, or flip-flops that provide little protection may also contribute to heel bursitis. Tight calf muscles or an existing bone spur can further aggravate the bursa. Symptoms include swelling, tenderness, and a painful lump at the back of the heel, which worsens when shoes press on the area or when engaging in activities that put stress on the Achilles tendon. A podiatrist can evaluate the heel and provide the most effective treatment. If you experience symptoms of bursitis in the heel, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam and appropriate treatment.

Many people suffer from bouts of heel pain. For more information, contact Pedram Aslmand, DPM of Advanced Foot and Ankle Center. Our podiatrist can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Causes of Heel Pain

Heel pain is often associated with plantar fasciitis. The plantar fascia is a band of tissues that extends along the bottom of the foot. A rip or tear in this ligament can cause inflammation of the tissue.

Achilles tendonitis is another cause of heel pain. Inflammation of the Achilles tendon will cause pain from fractures and muscle tearing. Lack of flexibility is also another symptom.

Heel spurs are another cause of pain. When the tissues of the plantar fascia undergo a great deal of stress, it can lead to ligament separation from the heel bone, causing heel spurs.

Why Might Heel Pain Occur?

• Wearing ill-fitting shoes                
• Wearing non-supportive shoes
• Weight change           
• Excessive running

Treatments

Heel pain should be treated as soon as possible for immediate results. Keeping your feet in a stress-free environment will help. If you suffer from Achilles tendonitis or plantar fasciitis, applying ice will reduce the swelling. Stretching before an exercise like running will help the muscles. Using all these tips will help make heel pain a condition of the past.

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

A black toenail may appear alarming, and its causes can range from minor to more serious conditions. Repetitive trauma, such as pressure from shoes that do not fit properly, can cause bleeding beneath the toenail, which leads to dark discoloration. A blunt injury, like dropping a heavy object on the foot, can also damage the nail bed and cause blood to pool under the nail. Fungal infections may contribute as well, where debris buildup can turn the nail dark instead of the typical yellow or white. In some cases, pigmentation changes or underlying health conditions like diabetes, anemia, or heart disease can be factors. A podiatrist can identify the exact cause, provide treatment to address pain, infection, or nail damage, and determine if further testing is needed. If your toenail turns black in color, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam and appropriate treatment.

Toe pain can disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, contact Pedram Aslmand, DPM of Advanced Foot and Ankle Center. Our podiatrist 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 contact our offices located in Long Beach, CA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.