Pain underneath the great toe can be a result of injuries to the sesamoid bones. These 2 semilunar-shaped bones are located beneath the head of the 1stmetatarsal and function similarly to kneecaps. These small bones that play an important role in the functionality of your toes by helping to absorb weight-bearing pressure at the joint, […]
Hallux rigidus is arthritis at the base of the big toe, at the metatarsophalangeal joint. The articular cartilage covering the ends of the bone can erode due to wear and tear or trauma, resulting in stiff and painful motion at the joint. A bony spur may develop at the tops of the bone, preventing full […]
A neuroma is a result of a persistent benign fibrotic enlargement of a nerve. This may occur to digital nerves, between the toes. The most common neuroma occurs at the 3rdinterspace, known as Morton’s neuroma. The thickening of the nerve develops as a consequence of repetitive trauma or entrapment of the nerve. The pain from […]
Tailor’s bunion, also known as a bunionette, is a bony prominence or bump on the base of the little fifth toe bone that can be painful and be difficult fitting into shoes. These little bunions are historically called tailor’s bunion due to the fact that in the past they often happened in tailors who sat […]
Capsulitis involves chronic inflammation of the ligaments around the base of the toe joint which composes of the metatarsal phalangeal joint capsule. Capsulitis can occur in any toe joints but most commonly affects the second toe. When the chronic inflammation is not treated, the ligaments over time can weaken causing dislocation of the toe. This […]
An ingrown toenail is a very common nail condition that causes pain, swelling, and warmth at the nail border. As the nail continues to grow into the skin, bacteria can get into the skin and lead to a soft tissue toenail infection called paronychia that results in redness, pus, and a bad odor. Once paronychia […]
We stub our toes often throughout our lives. Occasionally, we may kick the toe hard enough that the toenail is lifted or broken off from the toe. If this occurs, it is tempting to remove the whole nail or clip it back ourselves. However, there are advantages to seeing a podiatrist. A podiatrist will be able […]
Disorders of the lesser digits are extremely common and are seen by podiatrists daily. Although there could be many causes of pain, one of the most devastating is the dislocation of the second digit joint where the toe meets the foot, often named predislocation syndrome if not fully dislocated. Often this deformity occurs due to […]
The most common cause of nail complaints is nail fungal infection, a rather benign condition in which the nails become thickened, oddly shaped, with debris under the nail fold. If there is no pain or the nail is not lifting from the nail bed, treatment is entirely aesthetic. But other nail defects can underlie more […]
Erythrasma is a condition in which the skin between the toes becomes red and itchy. The skin may turn brown or become scaly. Creams, anti-fungal ointments, and powders will not resolve the skin infection. Those with erythrasma may notice the same patches of skin in skin fold regions: armpit, the groin, the belly button, and […]
