Items filtered by date: May 2025

As people age, the structure and function of the feet undergo several changes that can contribute to common foot disorders. Soft tissue structures like ligaments and tendons often become stiffer over time, reducing the foot's ability to absorb shock and adapt to uneven surfaces. This stiffness can increase the risk of pain and injury during walking or standing. Additionally, there is often a decrease in joint range of motion, particularly in the ankles and toes, which affects overall balance and mobility. Muscle strength also tends to decline with age, making it more difficult to support the arches and maintain proper alignment. These changes collectively increase the likelihood of developing arthritis, bunions, and hammertoes. If you have noticed any changes to your feet as you get older, it is suggested that you contact a chiropodist who can treat various foot conditions and help you to monitor your foot health.

The biomechanics of your feet play an important role in your foot health. To learn more, please consult with one of the chiropodists from Complete Family Footcare & Therapy. Our clinicians can help you maintain the health of your lower limbs and your mobility. 

Foot biomechanics refers to the study of the structure, function, and motion of the feet. The feet and ankles are a complex system consisting of many bones, joints, ligaments, muscles, and tendons that work together to move your feet. Understanding the unique biomechanics of your own feet can help you and your chiropodist make informed decisions about your foot health care. This includes decisions about the best preventive measures to avoid foot pain, the best treatment options for various foot problems, and finding the best shoes for your feet. 

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

Pain in one of the smaller toes can come on quickly, often from stubbing the toe, wearing tight shoes, or increased activity. Although the discomfort may seem minor, it can affect how you walk or bear weight. Managing this kind of pain starts with resting the foot, reducing swelling, and keeping pressure off the toe. Switching to roomier footwear and using padding or toe separators may also help relieve irritation. If a joint feels stiff or misaligned, gentle stretching or taping the toe to a neighboring one, known as buddy taping, can offer support. However, persistent pain or bruising could mean a deeper issue, like a small fracture or joint inflammation. If you experience sudden pain in a lesser toe that does not improve, it is suggested that you see a chiropodist for a diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Toe pain is common and can have a variety of causes. Causes can range from a broken toe to an ingrown toenail. Many types of toe pain can be corrected, but any toe pain that inhibits your activities for an extended period should be discussed with a chiropodist. If you suffer from toe pain, please consult with one of the chiropodists from Complete Family Footcare & Therapy. Our clinicians can help you maintain the health of your feet.

Common Causes of Toe Pain 

• Trauma or fracture
• Cuts, sores, or bruises
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Gout
• Turf Toe
• Morton’s neuroma
• Blisters
• Corns
• Bunions
• Hammertoes
• Ingrown toenails
• Plantar warts
• Athlete’s Foot

Symptoms of Toe Pain

• Toe deformity
• Burning
• Numbness
• Toenail deformity
• Wart or ulcer
• Swelling
• Redness

When to See a Chiropodist

• Bleeding or severe swelling
• Trauma, such as a broken bone
• Discoloration or extreme swelling
• Inability to bear weight
• Persistent pain
• Wounds that won’t heal

Diagnosis of Toe Pain

A chiropodist can conduct a thorough examination of the painful toe or toes in order to determine the best course of treatment. The exam may include assessing the tenderness of the area, taking an X-ray or other diagnostic test, or assessing your gait and range of motion. A discussion of what led to the advanced pain issue may follow. Included will likely be a health history, as well as a list of medications you are taking and other previous injuries you may have sustained.

Treatment for Toe Pain

With such a wide range of possible causes for toe pain, treatment can be varied in scope and length. Sometimes, the chiropodist will recommend lifestyle and activity changes. In cases of trauma or other injuries, X-rays or imaging tests will likely be used to determine the severity of the problem, particularly if any bones have been broken. Treatment may also include injections of pain-relief medication or anti-inflammatory drugs. Certain injuries will require the splinting, bracing, or wrapping of injured toes. Orthotics or special shoes may be prescribed in cases of bone deformities and gait issues. Removal of warts, calluses, and corns may be needed. In other cases, such as with patients who have diabetes or rheumatoid arthritis, ongoing treatment may be required to avoid more serious problems. 

Exercising the feet is essential for maintaining strength, flexibility, and overall foot health. Strong, flexible feet can improve balance, support proper posture, and help prevent common issues such as plantar fasciitis, arch pain, and stiffness. Regular foot exercises also enhance circulation, reduce fatigue, and promote better mobility, especially for individuals who spend long hours standing or walking. Stretching the feet and ankles helps loosen tight muscles and tendons, improving range of motion and reducing the risk of injury. Effective stretches include rolling the foot over a ball, pulling the toes gently toward the shin, and stretching the calf muscles. These movements promote relaxation and reduce tension in the lower limbs. If you have foot pain, it is suggested that you consult a chiropodist who can treat various foot conditions, and guide you on additional foot stretches.

Stretching and strengthening your feet is very important for maintaining your foot health. If you would like to learn more about exercises for your feet, please consult with one of the chiropodists from Complete Family Footcare & Therapy. Our clinicians can help you maintain the health of your lower limbs and your mobility. 

There are a variety of relatively easy-to-do exercises that can boost the strength, flexibility, and mobility of your feet, as well as relieve foot pain.  

Strength exercises: 

• Toe splay - Spread the toes apart and hold for several seconds; improves control over toe muscles

• Toe curls - Scrunch up a towel with your toes; strengthens the flexor muscles

• Marble pickup - Pick up marbles with your toes; strengthens the muscles on the undersides of the feet and toes

• Walking on sand - Stretches and strengthens feet and calves

Flexibility exercises: 

• Heel raises - Raise the heels while keeping toes on the ground

• Toe point - Raise the heels while pointing the toes, keeping just the tips of toes on the ground

• Toe curl - Raise the heels while curling the toes inwards, keeping just the tips of toes on the ground

• Big toe stretch - Use your hands to gently stretch your big toes up, down, and to the side

Exercises for foot pain: 

• Toe extension - Gently pull the toes up towards the ankle and hold for several seconds

• Ball roll - gently roll a golf or tennis ball underneath the arches of the feet 

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

Congenital foot abnormalities are structural issues present at birth, such as clubfoot, flat feet, or extra toes. These conditions can affect how a child walks, stands, or develops overall balance. Some are noticed right away, while others become more obvious as a child begins to walk. Treatment depends on the type and severity of the condition. In many cases, gentle stretching, bracing, or special shoes are used early in life to guide proper foot growth. More complex cases may require surgery to correct bone or joint alignment and are referred to a surgeon. Early diagnosis and treatment are important, as they can help prevent long-term mobility or pain issues. With the right care, most children go on to move and play without problems. If you notice unusual shape or movement in your child’s feet, it is suggested that you see a chiropodist for a diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

If your child is experiencing foot or ankle pain, please consult with one of the chiropodists from Complete Family Footcare & Therapy. Our clinicians will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment. 

Common Causes of Foot Pain in Children

While children can experience many of the same foot problems as adults do, some foot problems may be more common during childhood. 

Causes of foot pain in children can include:

• Deformities that are present from birth, such as flat feet or clubfoot

• Sever’s disease, which is an inflammation of the growth plate in the heel bone

• Various sports injuries, such as sprains and fractures 

• Ingrown toenails

• Athlete’s foot

• Plantar warts

Prevention

It is important to look after the health of children’s feet in order to prevent future problems from arising. Keep your child’s feet clean and dry, trim their toenails regularly, ensure their shoes fit properly, and keep a watchful eye on any symptoms of foot pain, such as limping. If you notice any symptoms or if your child complains of foot pain, a chiropodist can help. 

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