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Reasons Your Pinky Toe Hurts

Pain in the pinky toe is common because it sits on the outer edge of the foot, where it frequently strikes objects and absorbs pressure from footwear and activity. Injuries like fractures, stress fractures, sprains, and dislocations can cause swelling, bruising, and difficulty bearing weight. Structural problems may also develop, including a tailor’s bunion, in which the fifth metatarsal shifts outward and forms a painful bump that rubs against shoes. Repeated friction can create corns and inflamed soft tissue, while certain toe deformities may place abnormal pressure on joints and nerves. A podiatrist can perform a physical examination and order the necessary imaging to determine the cause. This foot doctor can also realign injured structures, relieve pressure points, and provide medical treatment to restore proper function. If your pinky toe is in pain, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam, diagnosis, and treatment.

Toe pain can disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, contact one of the podiatrists of JE Foot & Ankle Associates. 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 one of our offices located in Fleming Island and Palm Coast, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

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Reminder: When Was the Last Time...?

Custom orthotics, or shoe inserts, should be periodically replaced. Orthotics must fit properly to give you the best results. Protect your feet and ankles!

Running Injuries That Affect the Feet and How to Prevent Them

Running can place repetitive stress on the feet, leading to common injuries like plantar fasciitis, stress fractures, Achilles tendon irritation, and pain along the top or ball of the foot. These conditions often develop from overuse, improper footwear, or inefficient running mechanics. Prevention begins with adopting a low- impact running form that reduces strain. Running with short strides and a quick cadence helps limit excessive force. Landing lightly on the ball of the foot rather than the toes, and quickly lifting the foot off the ground can improve efficiency and decrease stress. Proper stretching and recovery are also essential. A podiatrist can evaluate gait and recommend support. If you have sustained a foot or ankle injury while running, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can evaluate gait, and guide you toward appropriate treatment solutions.

Exercising your feet regularly with the proper foot wear is a great way to prevent injuries. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact one of the podiatrists of JE Foot & Ankle Associates. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

How to Prevent Running Injuries

Many common running injuries are caused by overuse and overtraining. When the back of the kneecap starts wearing out and starts causing pain in your knee, this is commonly referred to as runner’s knee. Runner’s knee is a decrease in strength in your quadriceps and can occur if you’re not wearing properly fitted or supporting shoes. To prevent runner’s knee, focusing on hip strengthening is a good idea, as well as strengthening your quads to keep the kneecaps aligned.

What Are Some Causes of Running Injuries? 
- One cause of a common running injury is called iliotibial band syndrome.
- Plantar fasciitis is also another common injury.
- Stress fractures can occur from overtraining, lack of calcium, or even your running style.

Best Ways to Prevent Running Injuries
- Wear footwear that fits properly and suits your running needs.
- Running shoes are the only protective gear that runners have to safeguard them from injury.
- Make a training schedule. Adding strengthening exercises as well as regular stretching can help keep you strong and limber and can lessen the possibility of injuries.
- Stretching keeps muscles limber; this will help you gain better flexibility.

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

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Formation and Treatment of Ingrown Toenails

Ingrown toenails form when the edge of a toenail grows into the surrounding skin, often affecting the big toe. This can occur from improper nail trimming, pressure from footwear, toe deformities, or trauma. As the nail penetrates the skin, inflammation may develop, leading to redness, swelling, tenderness, and drainage. If left untreated, ingrown toenails can become infected and painful, interfering with walking, work, and other activities. A podiatrist can evaluate the affected toe and identify contributing factors, such as gait mechanics or structural issues of the foot. Treatment includes relieving pressure, addressing infection, correcting nail growth patterns, or performing a minor in office procedure to remove the problematic nail portion. If you have pain from an ingrown toenail, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam, diagnosis, and treatment.

Ingrown toenails can become painful if they are not treated properly. For more information about ingrown toenails, contact one of the podiatrists of JE Foot & Ankle Associates. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Ingrown Toenails

Ingrown toenails occur when a toenail grows sideways into the bed of the nail, causing pain, swelling, and possibly infection.

Causes

  • Bacterial infections
  • Improper nail cutting such as cutting it too short or not straight across
  • Trauma to the toe, such as stubbing, which causes the nail to grow back irregularly
  • Ill-fitting shoes that bunch the toes too close together
  • Genetic predisposition

Prevention

Wearing proper fitting shoes and using proper cutting techniques will also help decrease your risk of developing ingrown toenails.

Treatment

Ingrown toenails are a very treatable foot condition. In minor cases, soaking the affected area in salt or antibacterial soaps will not only help with the ingrown nail itself, but also help prevent any infections from occurring. In more severe cases, surgery is an option. In either case, speaking to your podiatrist about this condition will help you get a better understanding of specific treatment options that are right for you.

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

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Understanding Athlete’s Foot and How It Is Treated

Athlete’s foot is a common fungal skin infection that affects the feet, especially between the toes. It thrives in warm, moist environments such as sweaty shoes, and public places like locker rooms and public showers. Symptoms may include itching, burning, redness, scaling, cracking, or peeling skin. Some cases cause painful fissures or blisters. Treatment focuses on eliminating the fungus and keeping skin dry. Topical antifungal medications are commonly effective, while more stubborn infections may require prescription therapy. Good hygiene, breathable footwear, and regular sock changes help prevent recurrence. Untreated infections can spread to nails or other skin areas. Chronic moisture exposure, wearing tight shoes, weakened immunity, and shared surfaces increase risk, making early treatment important for comfort, skin integrity, and overall foot health and mobility. If symptoms persist or worsen, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Athlete’s foot is an inconvenient condition that can be easily reduced with the proper treatment. If you have any concerns about your feet and ankles, contact one of the podiatrists from JE Foot & Ankle Associates.  Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Athlete’s Foot: The Sole Story

Athlete's foot, also known as tinea pedis, can be an extremely contagious foot infection. It is commonly contracted in public changing areas and bathrooms, dormitory style living quarters, around locker rooms and public swimming pools, or anywhere your feet often come into contact with other people.

Solutions to Combat Athlete’s Foot

  • Hydrate your feet by using lotion
  • Exfoliate
  • Buff off nails
  • Use of anti-fungal products
  • Examine your feet and visit your doctor if any suspicious blisters or cuts develop

Athlete’s foot can cause many irritating symptoms such as dry and flaking skin, itching, and redness. Some more severe symptoms can include bleeding and cracked skin, intense itching and burning, and even pain when walking. In the worst cases, Athlete’s foot can cause blistering as well. Speak to your podiatrist for a better understanding of the different causes of Athlete’s foot, as well as help in determining which treatment options are best for you.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Fleming Island and Palm Coast, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Read more about Athlete’s Foot

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