Overlapping toes, a condition where one toe rests on top of another, affects people of all ages, from newborns to adults. Causes include heredity, tight-fitting shoes, arthritis, and biomechanical issues. Underlying foot conditions, like bunions, flat feet, hammer toes, or high arches, can also contribute to developing overlapping toes. In newborns, this condition may result from heredity or the positioning of the baby in the womb. Gentle measures such as taping the toes or using toe spacers are effective for newborns, while adults can benefit from conservative methods like wearing properly fitting shoes and maintaining a healthy weight. If conservative treatments fail, surgery may be necessary, especially for severe cases or when a bunion is involved. Early intervention is key to preventing long-term complications. For help in managing problems related to overlapping toes, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an accurate diagnosis and treatment options. 

Toe pain can disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, contact our doctors of Foot & Ankle Center of Oklahoma. 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 office located in Oklahoma City, OK . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Venous ulcers are open sores that often occur on lower legs and feet, due to poor blood circulation. Symptoms of venous ulcers include pain, swelling, and discolored or hardened skin around the ulcer. Podiatrists, or foot doctors, can help care for venous ulcers by offering treatments aimed at healing the wound, preventing infection, and improving circulation. This may involve cleaning and dressing the ulcer and prescribing compression therapy to reduce swelling and enhance blood flow. There may also be suggested lifestyle changes, such as regular exercise and elevating the legs to improve circulation. If you are struggling with wounds on the lower legs or feet it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist to get treatment and prevent future ulcers.

Wound care is an important part in dealing with diabetes. If you have diabetes and a foot wound or would like more information about wound care for diabetics, consult with our doctors from Foot & Ankle Center of Oklahoma. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

What Is Wound Care?

Wound care is the practice of taking proper care of a wound. This can range from the smallest to the largest of wounds. While everyone can benefit from proper wound care, it is much more important for diabetics. Diabetics often suffer from poor blood circulation which causes wounds to heal much slower than they would in a non-diabetic. 

What Is the Importance of Wound Care?

While it may not seem apparent with small ulcers on the foot, for diabetics, any size ulcer can become infected. Diabetics often also suffer from neuropathy, or nerve loss. This means they might not even feel when they have an ulcer on their foot. If the wound becomes severely infected, amputation may be necessary. Therefore, it is of the upmost importance to properly care for any and all foot wounds.

How to Care for Wounds

The best way to care for foot wounds is to prevent them. For diabetics, this means daily inspections of the feet for any signs of abnormalities or ulcers. It is also recommended to see a podiatrist several times a year for a foot inspection. If you do have an ulcer, run the wound under water to clear dirt from the wound; then apply antibiotic ointment to the wound and cover with a bandage. Bandages should be changed daily and keeping pressure off the wound is smart. It is advised to see a podiatrist, who can keep an eye on it.

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

Diabetes can lead to a variety of foot ulcers, which are wounds and sores that will not heal in a normal time frame. Ischemic ulcers are typically found on the toes and lateral foot areas. They are a result of underlying blood flow problems. Neuroischemic ulcers arise from a combination of diabetic neuropathy and peripheral artery disease, and tend to form at the metatarsal heads. These ulcers present a complex challenge because both damaged nerves and blood vessels are involved. Neuropathic ulcers, a common complication of diabetes, usually begin as callous formations on the bottom of the foot before progressing to ulceration. Patients with severe peripheral neuropathy may exhibit altered gait, skin changes, and reduced sensation, all of which increase the risk of ulcer development. The importance of regular foot exams and proactive foot care in individuals with diabetes cannot be overstated. If you or someone you know is living with diabetes, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist at the first sign of ulcers on the feet.

Diabetic foot care is important in preventing foot ailments such as ulcers. If you are suffering from diabetes or have any other concerns about your feet, contact our doctors from Foot & Ankle Center of Oklahoma. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Diabetic Foot Care

Diabetes affects millions of people every year. The condition can damage blood vessels in many parts of the body, especially the feet. Because of this, taking care of your feet is essential if you have diabetes, and having a podiatrist help monitor your foot health is highly recommended.

The Importance of Caring for Your Feet

• Routinely inspect your feet for bruises or sores.
• Wear socks that fit your feet comfortably.
• Wear comfortable shoes that provide adequate support.

Patients with diabetes should have their doctor monitor their blood levels, as blood sugar levels play such a huge role in diabetic care. Monitoring these levels on a regular basis is highly advised.

It is always best to inform your healthcare professional of any concerns you may have regarding your feet, especially for diabetic patients. Early treatment and routine foot examinations are keys to maintaining proper health, especially because severe complications can arise if proper treatment is not applied.

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