November 2024

Runner's toe, medically known as subungual hematoma, is a common condition among athletes, particularly runners. It occurs when the toenail becomes dislodged or damaged due to repetitive trauma, often resulting in bruising beneath the nail. This injury is typically caused by wearing ill-fitting shoes, excessive pressure during physical activity, or even running downhill. To prevent runner's toe, it is essential to wear properly fitted footwear that allows enough space for the toes to move without restriction. Keeping toenails trimmed and avoiding running on steep inclines can also minimize risk. Additionally, incorporating rest days into training schedules can help reduce stress on the toes. If you enjoy running and have developed runner’s toe, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can effectively treat this condition.

Toe pain can disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, contact one of our podiatrists of Family Foot Care. 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 feel free to contact our offices located in Valatie and Albany, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Foot cramps can be both painful and disruptive, often stemming from a variety of factors. One common cause is wearing tight shoes, which can constrict blood flow and lead to muscle spasms. Overexertion during physical activities can also trigger cramps, particularly if the muscles are not adequately conditioned or warmed up. Dehydration is another significant factor, as insufficient fluid intake can disrupt electrolyte balance, resulting in cramping. Low levels of potassium, an essential mineral for muscle function, can further contribute to the issue, leading to increased susceptibility to cramps. Foot cramps can be uncomfortable and can cause difficulty in completing daily activities. If this is a common occurrence for you, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist to find the cause, followed by treatment options.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with one of our podiatrists from Family Foot Care. 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 offices located in Valatie and Albany, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.