Toe pain can result from several conditions, with gout, hammertoe, and bunions being among the most common. Gout is caused by a buildup of uric acid, leading to sudden, intense joint pain, redness, and swelling, often in the big toe. Hammertoes develop when a toe bends abnormally at the middle joint due to muscle imbalance, causing discomfort, corns, or calluses. Bunions form when the big toe shifts inward, creating a painful bump on the side of the foot. These conditions may cause sharp, throbbing, or aching pain, along with visible changes in toe alignment or swelling. They can make walking, wearing shoes, or standing for long periods of time difficult. A podiatrist can diagnose the exact cause of toe pain through a physical examination and imaging tests. Treatment options include medication, orthotics, footwear changes, or, in some cases, surgery. If you have ongoing toe pain, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist to find the most effective solution for lasting relief.

Toe pain can disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, contact one of our podiatrists of Metro Foot & Ankle. 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 contact our office located in Tempe, AZ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Achilles tendon injuries are common among athletes due to repetitive stress, sudden increases in activity, poor conditioning, or inadequate footwear. These injuries can range from inflammation and small tears to full ruptures. They often cause pain, stiffness, and weakness in the back of the ankle, making it difficult to run, jump, or push off effectively during play. Recovery can be slow and may impact an athlete’s ability to perform at their best. A podiatrist can evaluate the extent of the injury and provide treatments, such as orthotics, targeted exercises, and advanced therapies to promote healing and prevent recurrence. If you have injured your Achilles tendon, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who can offer effective treatment solutions.

Achilles tendon injuries need immediate attention to avoid future complications. If you have any concerns, contact one of our podiatrists of Metro Foot & Ankle. 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 Tempe, AZ . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Pain on the outside of the foot after running can result from several conditions. Stress fractures may develop from repetitive impact, while peroneal tendonitis occurs when the tendons along the outer ankle and foot become irritated. Cuboid syndrome involves joint misalignment in the midfoot, and arthritis can cause stiffness and inflammation. Additionally, friction blisters may also appear from wearing ill-fitting shoes or prolonged running. Each of these issues can interfere with performance and daily comfort, if left untreated. A podiatrist can identify the cause, provide targeted treatment, and recommend proper footwear or training adjustments. If running leaves you with persistent outer foot pain, it is suggested that you promptly schedule an appointment with a podiatrist today who can provide effective relief and treatment tips.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with one of our podiatrists from Metro Foot & Ankle. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Causes

Foot pain is a very broad condition that could be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

• Bunions
• Hammertoes
• Plantar Fasciitis
• Bone Spurs
• Corns
• Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
• Ingrown Toenails
• Arthritis (such as Gout, Rheumatoid, and Osteoarthritis)
• Flat Feet
• Injury (from stress fractures, broken toe, foot, ankle, Achilles tendon ruptures, and sprains)
• And more

Diagnosis

To figure out the cause of foot pain, podiatrists utilize several different methods. This 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

Treatment depends upon the cause of the foot pain. Whether it is resting, staying off the foot, or having surgery; podiatrists have a number of treatment options available for foot pain.

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