A bunion, medically termed hallux valgus, is a prominent, bony protrusion at the base of the big toe. Often, the only indicator of a mild bunion is its physical manifestation. However, it can also result in discomfort, swelling, and alterations in the foot's structure. In extreme instances, surgical intervention might be necessary due to related issues. Key visual indicators of a bunion are the big toe deviating toward the other toes, forming an outward bulge on the first foot bone. Additionally, there may be a raised bony bump on the foot's exterior, tough skin under the big toe, and calluses on the adjacent toe. Over time, the foot's form may drastically change, impacting both the big toe and other foot regions, making shoe selection challenging. Resulting structural modifications can cause pain, swelling, and bursitis, which is an inflammation of the toe joint's cushioning sac. Some people may face mobility issues with their big toe, affecting their walking. While many individuals do not encounter severe problems from bunions, if left untreated, complications such as arthritis in the big toe or deformities in the adjacent toe can arise. If you have a painful bunion, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist who can intervene and help prevent severe complications.

If you are suffering from bunion pain, contact Arthur Segall, Jr., DPM of Segall Foot and Ankle. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is a Bunion?

Bunions are painful bony bumps that usually develop on the inside of the foot at the joint of the big toe. As the deformity increases over time, it may become painful to walk and wear shoes. Women are more likely to exacerbate existing bunions since they often wear tight, narrow shoes that shift their toes together. Bunion pain can be relieved by wearing wider shoes with enough room for the toes.

Causes

• Genetics – some people inherit feet that are more prone to bunion development
• Inflammatory Conditions - rheumatoid arthritis and polio may cause bunion development

Symptoms

• Redness and inflammation
• Pain and tenderness
• Callus or corns on the bump
• Restricted motion in the big toe

In order to diagnose your bunion, your podiatrist may ask about your medical history, symptoms, and general health. Your doctor might also order an x-ray to take a closer look at your feet. Nonsurgical treatment options include orthotics, padding, icing, changes in footwear, and medication. If nonsurgical treatments don’t alleviate your bunion pain, surgery may be necessary.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Plantation, FL Ft. Lauderdale, F . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Our feet, often overlooked and underappreciated, are the unsung heroes that support your body every day. They endure a tremendous amount of stress and strain, yet it is common to neglect their care. Everyday foot care is not just a matter of comfort; it is a fundamental aspect of overall well-being. Neglecting foot health can lead to a host of problems, from painful calluses and ingrown toenails to more serious issues like fungal infections and chronic foot pain. Basic daily care involves washing and drying your feet, trimming toenails straight across, and wearing properly fitting shoes. Incorporating foot massages, stretches, and moisturizing into your routine can also enhance circulation and keep the skin supple. By taking a few minutes each day to care for your feet, you can maintain their health, prevent future problems, and ensure that they continue to support you in every step you take. There are a multitude of methods to maintain foot care. If you are interested in learning more about this, it is suggested that you visit a podiatrist who can guide you toward effective foot care techniques.

Everyday foot care is very important to prevent infection and other foot ailments. If you need your feet checked, contact Arthur Segall, Jr., DPM from Segall Foot and Ankle. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Everyday Foot Care

Often, people take care of their bodies, face and hair more so than they do for their feet. But the feet are a very important aspect of our bodies, and one that we should pay more attention to. Without our feet, we would not be able to perform most daily tasks.

It is best to check your feet regularly to make sure there are no new bruises or cuts that you may not have noticed before. For dry feet, moisturizer can easily be a remedy and can be applied as often as necessary to the affected areas. Wearing shoes that fit well can also help you maintain good foot health, as well as making it easier to walk and do daily activities without the stress or pain of ill-fitting shoes, high heels, or even flip flops. Wearing clean socks with closed shoes is important to ensure that sweat and bacteria do not accumulate within the shoe. Clean socks help to prevent Athlete’s foot, fungi problems, bad odors, and can absorb sweat.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Plantation, FL Ft. Lauderdale, F . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Experiencing a sudden, sharp pain in your big toe can be agonizing and concerning. This discomfort can stem from various underlying causes, each demanding attention and care. One common culprit is gout, a form of arthritis where the excess buildup of uric acid crystals triggers sharp, intense pain in the big toe joint. Nerve entrapment or compression, as seen in conditions like Morton's neuroma, may also cause sharp, shooting pains. Overuse and strain from physical activities can lead to conditions such as turf toe, characterized by ligament damage and sharp pain at the base of the big toe. Ingrown toenails can induce stabbing pain if left untreated. Furthermore, acute injuries or fractures in the big toe can result in sudden, sharp pain. If you are experiencing any pain in your toes, it is strongly suggested that you seek the counsel of a podiatrist who can correctly diagnose and treat toe pain.

Toe pain can disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, contact Arthur Segall, Jr., DPM of Segall Foot and Ankle. 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 offices located in Plantation, FL Ft. Lauderdale, F . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Managing a broken toe can be a painful and inconvenient experience. For stable, non-displaced fractures, an effective method is buddy taping, which is taping the injured toe to an adjacent toe. This provides support and restricts excessive movement, allowing the fractured toe to heal. Another conservative approach to broken toes involves wearing a stiff-soled shoe or a post-operative shoe. This helps protect the injured toe from further trauma and adds stability while walking or bearing weight. In cases where the broken bone ends are significantly separated, a podiatrist may perform a procedure to realign the bones. This is followed by immobilizing the injured toe, through buddy taping, wearing a splint, cast, or a rigid-sole shoe. This is typically done for a period of 4 to 6 weeks. For complex, or severely displaced  fractures, surgical intervention may be necessary. In this case, the bones are realigned, and screws, plates, or wires are used to secure them for stable healing. After the initial healing phase, certain exercises can be recommended to enhance toe flexibility, range of motion, and strength, ensuring a more complete recovery. The severity of the fracture and the specific treatment plan may vary from case to case. Consulting a podiatrist is suggested for an accurate diagnosis and personalized treatment options.

A broken toe can be very painful and lead to complications if not properly fixed. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Arthur Segall, Jr., DPM from Segall Foot and Ankle. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What to Know About a Broken Toe

Although most people try to avoid foot trauma such as banging, stubbing, or dropping heavy objects on their feet, the unfortunate fact is that it is a common occurrence. Given the fact that toes are positioned in front of the feet, they typically sustain the brunt of such trauma. When trauma occurs to a toe, the result can be a painful break (fracture).

Symptoms of a Broken Toe

• Throbbing pain
• Swelling
• Bruising on the skin and toenail
• The inability to move the toe
• Toe appears crooked or disfigured
• Tingling or numbness in the toe

Generally, it is best to stay off of the injured toe with the affected foot elevated.

Severe toe fractures may be treated with a splint, cast, and in some cases, minor surgery. Due to its position and the pressure it endures with daily activity, future complications can occur if the big toe is not properly treated.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Plantation, FL Ft. Lauderdale, F . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

A network of plantar digital nerves in the feet supply sensory signals to the forefoot and toes. Problems arise when these nerves encounter compression, which can occur when the toes are consistently pressed together, effectively obstructing the pathway for these nerves. Such compression often causes a condition known as Morton's neuroma. This may be the result of wearing high heels that force body weight onto the ball of the foot. When the plantar nerves become entrapped, their ability to efficiently transmit signals is affected. This leads to symptoms, including sharp, burning, or tingling sensations in the forefoot and toes. Individuals with Morton's neuroma may also experience numbness or the feeling of having a pebble or foreign object in their shoe. Morton's neuroma can be effectively managed in several ways. Start with footwear that has cushioning and provides adequate room for the toes. Custom orthotics can also help alleviate pressure on the affected area. In more severe cases, corticosteroid injections or surgical intervention may be recommended. If you suspect you are suffering from Morton's neuroma, it's suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and treatment plan tailored to your needs.

Morton’s neuroma is a very uncomfortable condition to live with. If you think you have Morton’s neuroma, contact Arthur Segall, Jr., DPM of Segall Foot and Ankle. Our doctor will attend to all of your foot care needs and answer any of your related questions.  

Morton’s Neuroma

Morton's neuroma is a painful foot condition that commonly affects the areas between the second and third or third and fourth toe, although other areas of the foot are also susceptible. Morton’s neuroma is caused by an inflamed nerve in the foot that is being squeezed and aggravated by surrounding bones.

What Increases the Chances of Having Morton’s Neuroma?

• Ill-fitting high heels or shoes that add pressure to the toe or foot
• Jogging, running or any sport that involves constant impact to the foot
• Flat feet, bunions, and any other foot deformities

Morton’s neuroma is a very treatable condition. Orthotics and shoe inserts can often be used to alleviate the pain on the forefront of the feet. In more severe cases, corticosteroids can also be prescribed. In order to figure out the best treatment for your neuroma, it’s recommended to seek the care of a podiatrist who can diagnose your condition and provide different treatment options.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Plantation, FL Ft. Lauderdale, F . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.