Items filtered by date: June 2024

Raynaud's phenomenon is a condition characterized by episodic narrowing of the blood vessels in response to cold or stress, leading to reduced blood flow. This typically affects the fingers and toes, causing them to turn white, blue, and then red as blood flow returns. The exact cause is not well understood, but it involves overreaction of the blood vessels to cold or emotional stress. When the toes are affected, the reduced blood flow can lead to pain, numbness, and tingling. During an episode, toes may feel cold and painful, and, as circulation improves, they may throb or swell. To manage Raynaud's phenomenon, it is important to keep the feet warm and avoid triggers such as cold temperatures and stress. Wearing warm socks and footwear, and managing stress through relaxation techniques can help prevent episodes. In severe cases, medications may be prescribed to improve blood flow. For persistent or severe symptoms, it is suggested that you visit a podiatrist for a comprehensive treatment plan.

Toe pain can disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, contact Darron Barrus, DPM of Shelby Podiatry. 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 office located in Alabaster, AL . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Bunion surgery, or a bunionectomy, addresses the painful deformity at the base of the big toe. One common procedure is the realignment of ligaments, which involves adjusting the soft tissues surrounding the joint to correct the toe's position. Another type of bunion surgery is the removal of bone from the end of the first metatarsal bone. This technique reduces the bony bump and realigns the bone to alleviate discomfort. Fusion, or arthrodesis, is a more extensive option where the bones of the big toe joint are fused together. This method provides stability and is often used for severe bunions or arthritis. Each surgical approach aims to relieve pain, improve foot function, and prevent future issues. If you have a bunion that is causing you pain or discomfort, it is strongly suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist who can determine if surgery is right for you.

Foot surgery is sometimes necessary to treat a foot ailment. To learn more, contact Darron Barrus, DPM of Shelby Podiatry. Our doctor will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.

When Is Surgery Necessary?

Foot and ankle surgery is generally reserved for cases in which less invasive, conservative procedures have failed to alleviate the problem. Some of the cases in which surgery may be necessary include:

• Removing foot deformities like bunions and bone spurs
• Severe arthritis that has caused bone issues
• Cosmetic reconstruction

What Types of Surgery Are There?

The type of surgery you receive will depend on the nature of the problem you have. Some of the possible surgeries include:

• Bunionectomy for painful bunions
• Surgical fusion for realignment of bones
• Neuropathy decompression surgery to treat nerve damage

Benefits of Surgery

Although surgery is usually a last resort, it can provide more complete pain relief compared to non-surgical methods and may allow you to finally resume full activity.

Surgical techniques have also become increasingly sophisticated. Techniques like endoscopic surgery allow for smaller incisions and faster recovery times.

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

After a long day of standing or walking, tired feet are a common discomfort. Incorporating foot stretches into your routine can provide much-needed relief and rejuvenation. One effective stretch is the toe stretch, where you sit with your legs extended and use your hands to gently pull your toes back toward your body, feeling a stretch along the bottom of your feet. Another helpful stretch is the calf stretch, which involves standing facing a wall with one foot forward and the other foot back, bending the front knee while keeping the back leg straight, and pressing the heel into the ground to feel a stretch in the calf muscle. Additionally, the plantar fascia stretch targets the arch of the foot by sitting with one leg crossed over the other and gently pulling back on the toes of the crossed leg. These simple yet effective stretches can alleviate tension and soreness, leaving your feet feeling refreshed and revitalized. If your feet are tired during the day, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can provide a comprehensive examination and offer you additional specific stretches to perform.

Stretching the feet is a great way to prevent injuries. If you have any concerns with your feet consult with Darron Barrus, DPM from Shelby Podiatry. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Stretching the Feet

Being the backbone of the body, the feet carry your entire weight and can easily become overexerted, causing cramps and pain. As with any body part, stretching your feet can serve many benefits. From increasing flexibility to even providing some pain relief, be sure to give your feet a stretch from time to time. This is especially important for athletes or anyone performing aerobic exercises, but anyone experiencing foot pain or is on their feet constantly should also engage in this practice.

Great ways to stretch your feet:

• Crossing one leg over the others and carefully pull your toes back. Do 10-20 repetitions and repeat the process for each foot
• Face a wall with your arms out and hands flat against the wall. Step back with one foot and keep it flat on the floor while moving the other leg forward. Lean towards the wall until you feel a stretch. Hold for 30 seconds and perform 10 repetitions for each foot
• Be sure not to overextend or push your limbs too hard or you could risk pulling or straining your muscle

Individuals who tend to their feet by regular stretching every day should be able to minimize foot pain and prevent new problems from arising.

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

A bunion is a bony bump that forms on the joint at the base of the big toe, causing it to deviate towards the other toes. This condition, known as hallux valgus, can result from genetic predisposition, wearing tight or narrow shoes, arthritis, or stress on the foot. Symptoms include pain, swelling, redness, and difficulty in walking. Additionally, the skin over the bunion may gradually become thickened and tender. Diagnosis typically involves a physical examination and X-rays to assess the severity and underlying bone structure. Treatment options range from conservative methods such as wearing wider shoes, using orthotic devices, and taking anti-inflammatory medications, to more invasive procedures like bunion surgery for severe cases. Untreated bunions can lead to complications such as chronic pain, bursitis, hammertoe, and difficulty finding comfortable footwear. If you have a bunion that is causing you discomfort, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a tailored treatment plan.

If you are suffering from bunions, contact Darron Barrus, DPM of Shelby Podiatry. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is a Bunion?

A bunion is formed of swollen tissue or an enlargement of boney growth, usually located at the base joint of the toe that connects to the foot. The swelling occurs due to the bones in the big toe shifting inward, which impacts the other toes of the foot. This causes the area around the base of the big toe to become inflamed and painful.

Why Do Bunions Form?

Genetics – Susceptibility to bunions are often hereditary

Stress on the feet – Poorly fitted and uncomfortable footwear that places stress on feet, such as heels, can worsen existing bunions

How Are Bunions Diagnosed?

Doctors often perform two tests – blood tests and x-rays – when trying to diagnose bunions, especially in the early stages of development. Blood tests help determine if the foot pain is being caused by something else, such as arthritis, while x-rays provide a clear picture of your bone structure to your doctor.

How Are Bunions Treated?

• Refrain from wearing heels or similar shoes that cause discomfort
• Select wider shoes that can provide more comfort and reduce pain
• Anti-inflammatory and pain management drugs
• Orthotics or foot inserts
• Surgery

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