Hallux limitus and hallux rigidus are conditions that affect movement in the joint at the base of the big toe. Hallux limitus usually begins with reduced flexibility, while hallux rigidus develops when the joint becomes severely stiff and painful. Many people notice discomfort while walking, bending the toe, climbing stairs, or pushing off during movement. Swelling, aching, and a bump on the top of the joint may also appear as the condition progresses. Over time, cartilage inside the joint can wear down, leading to inflammation and bone changes that make motion more difficult. Some patients change the way they walk to avoid pain, which can place added strain on the feet, knees, hips, or lower back. A podiatrist can evaluate joint function, order imaging studies, and recommend treatments such as wearing supportive footwear, custom orthotics, anti-inflammatory care, or surgery, when necessary. It is strongly suggested that individuals with persistent big toe stiffness or pain visit a podiatrist for proper treatment.

Toe pain can disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, contact the foot specialists of Podiatry Associates of Belleville. 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 Belleville, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Swelling of the feet, also known as edema, occurs when fluid builds up in the tissues. The feet may appear puffy, stretched, or shiny. The skin may feel tight or leave an indentation when pressed. Some people notice discomfort, heaviness, or difficulty fitting into their shoes, especially later in the day. Causes for swollen feet include standing or sitting for long periods of time, injury, or pregnancy. Additionally, underlying conditions that affect circulation, the heart, kidneys, or lymphatic system can also contribute to swelling. A podiatrist can examine the feet and ankles, assess circulation, and help determine whether the swelling is localized or related to a broader medical issue. Treatment options include elevation, compression, and supportive footwear. Targeted exercises may be suggested to encourage fluid movement. Identifying the cause is important to guide proper care and prevent complications. If you have swollen feet, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for appropriate relief and management tips.

Swollen feet can be a sign of an underlying condition. If you have any concerns, contact the foot specialists of Podiatry Associates of Belleville. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Swollen feet are a common ailment among pregnant women and people who stand or sit for extended periods. Aging may increase the possibility of swollen feet and patients who are obese often notice when their feet are swelling too. There may be medical reasons why swollen feet occur:

• Phlebitis - A condition that causes the veins to become inflamed and can also cause leg pain.
• Liver disease - This may lead to low blood levels of albumin which is a protein. This can cause fluid in the blood to pass into the tissues and several areas of the body can become swollen.
• Heart failure - When the heart doesn’t pump properly the blood that is normally pumped back to the heart can pool in the veins of the legs causing swollen feet.
• Kidney disease - One of the main functions of the kidneys is releasing excess fluid in the body. This type of condition can make it difficult for the kidneys to function properly, and as a result the feet may become swollen.
• Deep-vein thrombosis (DVT)- This is a serious condition where blood clots form in the veins of the legs. They can block the return of blood from the legs to the heart which may cause the feet to swell. It is important to be treated by a podiatrist if this condition is present.

Swollen feet can also be caused by bone and tendon conditions, including fractures, arthritis, and tendinitis. Additionally, there may be skin and toenail conditions and an infection may cause the feet to swell. Patients who take medicine to treat high blood pressure may be prone to getting swollen feet. 

Many patients elevate their feet to help relieve the swelling and this is generally a temporary remedy. When a podiatrist is consulted the reason behind the swelling can be uncovered and subsequently treated.

If you have any questions please contact our office located in Belleville, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Foot and ankle pain in children can happen for many reasons, especially during growth and sports activities. Repeated running, jumping, and minor injuries often place stress on developing bones, joints, and soft tissue. Some children may have heel pain from growth plate irritation. Others may develop pain from flat feet, ankle sprains, or overuse injuries. Younger children may limp or avoid putting weight on the foot, while older children can usually point to the exact area of pain. Swelling, stiffness, or pain that gets worse with activity should not be ignored. A podiatrist can examine how the child walks, check foot structure and joint movement, and order imaging tests to confirm the cause. Treatment includes custom orthotics, bracing, or other care to reduce pain and protect healthy growth. If your child exhibits foot or ankle pain, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for expert advice and guidance.

The health of a child’s feet is vital to their overall well-being. If you have any questions regarding foot health, contact the foot specialists of Podiatry Associates of Belleville. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Tips for Keeping Children's Feet Healthy

• Make sure their shoes fit properly
• Look for any signs of in-toeing or out-toeing
• Check to see if they have Clubfoot (condition that affects your child’s foot and ankle, twisting the heel and toes inward) which is one of the most common nonmajor birth defects.
• Lightly cover your baby’s feet (Tight covers may keep your baby from moving their feet freely, and could prevent normal development)
• Allow your toddler to go shoeless (Shoes can be restricting for a young child’s foot)
• Cut toenails straight across to avoid ingrown toenails
• Keep your child’s foot clean and dry
• Cover cuts and scrapes. Wash any scratches with soap and water and cover them with a bandage until they’ve healed.

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

Diagnosing a heel stress fracture can be challenging because early symptoms often resemble other causes of heel pain. A heel stress fracture is a small crack in the bone caused by repeated force. Patients may have deep, aching pain that worsens with standing or walking and improves with rest. During an exam, a podiatrist checks for tenderness, swelling, and pain with pressure on the heel. Standard X-rays are often the first step, but they may appear normal in early stages. If pain continues, advanced imaging like an MRI can detect subtle bone injury and confirm the diagnosis. A podiatrist can evaluate symptoms, order appropriate imaging, and determine the severity of the heel stress fracture. Treatment plans include reducing pressure on the injured area with a walking boot or brace. This approach, along with footwear changes and careful monitoring, helps promote healing and prevent complications. If you have constant heel pain, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for help.

Stress fractures occur when there is a tiny crack within a bone. To learn more, contact the foot specialists from Podiatry Associates of Belleville. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain free and on your feet.

How Are They Caused?

Stress fractures are the result of repetitive force being placed on the bone. Since the lower leg and feet often carry most of the body’s weight, stress fractures are likely to occur in these areas. If you rush into a new exercise, you are more likely to develop a stress fracture since you are starting too much, too soon.  Pain resulting from stress fractures may go unnoticed at first, however it may start to worsen over time.

Risk Factors

• Gender – They are more commonly found in women compared to men.
• Foot Problems – People with unusual arches in their feet are more likely to develop stress fractures.
• Certain Sports – Dancers, gymnasts, tennis players, runners, and basketball players are more likely to develop stress fractures.
• Lack of Nutrients – A lack of vitamin D and calcium may weaken the bones and make you more prone to stress fractures
• Weak Bones – Osteoporosis can weaken the bones therefore resulting in stress fractures

Stress fractures do not always heal properly, so it is important that you seek help from a podiatrist if you suspect you may have one. Ignoring your stress fracture may cause it to worsen, and you may develop chronic pain as well as additional fractures.

If you have any questions please contact our office located in Belleville, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.