A bump on the big toe can be uncomfortable and may make walking or wearing shoes difficult. Several conditions can cause a bump, including a bone spur, bunion, or gout. Each condition has varied causes, symptoms, and treatment needs. Recognizing causes can help you know when to seek podiatric care and prevent discomfort from becoming worse.

A bone spur is an extra growth of bone that may form around a joint because of arthritis, repeated stress, or a previous injury. It can create a bump, stiffness, or discomfort when shoes press against the area. A bunion develops when the big toe gradually shifts toward the smaller toes, causing the joint at its base to become more prominent. Bunions may cause swelling, redness, and shoe pressure. Gout is inflammatory arthritis caused by uric acid crystals collecting inside a joint. It often causes pain, swelling, and redness around the big toe.

Risk factors depend on the condition. Bunions may be linked to family history, foot structure, and restrictive footwear. Bone spurs may develop with arthritis, repeated stress, or previous joint injuries. Additionally, gout risk can increase with elevated uric acid levels, family history, and dietary factors. A podiatrist can examine your foot, review the symptoms, and order imaging to identify the cause.

Treatment depends on the underlying problem and its effect on comfort and mobility. Options include wearing roomy shoes, protective padding, or custom orthotics. Gout treatment may focus on reducing inflammation and preventing attacks. Persistent bunions or painful bone spurs may sometimes require surgery when conservative care does not provide relief. If you notice a bump on your big toe, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment solutions.

Toe pain can disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, contact Kristina Robertson, DPM of Nola Sole Podiatry. 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 New Orleans, LA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Toe and forefoot fractures can happen after a direct injury, like hitting the foot against a hard object or dropping something on the toes. A fracture is a break or crack in a bone. The forefoot contains five long bones called metatarsals, with the smaller bones that form the toes. Fractures can develop from repeated stress or after a sudden increase in physical activity. Pain and swelling are common signs. Bruising,  pain while walking, and a change in the shape of a toe can also occur. A fracture does not always look obvious, so an evaluation is important when foot pain follows an injury or continues with activity.

A podiatrist can examine the foot and ask how the injury happened. The examination focuses on swelling, tenderness, bruising, changes in shape, and other signs of injury. X-rays can help show most toe and forefoot fractures. However, a stress fracture can be difficult to see on an early X-ray because it can begin as a small crack. When a stress fracture is suspected but does not appear on an X-ray, a podiatrist can determine whether additional imaging is appropriate. A diagnosis helps identify the location and type of fracture and guides treatment.

Treatment for toe and forefoot fractures depends on the location, type, and position of the broken bone. Many fractures can heal without surgery. A podiatrist can provide treatment that supports the bone while it heals, which can include a walking boot, cast, or other form of immobilization. Some fractures require the bone to be moved back into proper position, while more serious or unstable fractures can require surgery. Follow-up visits can help a podiatrist check whether the bone is staying aligned and healing properly. Recovery can take several weeks, and some fractures require a longer period of time before normal activity is safe. If you have symptoms of toe and forefoot fractures, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Broken toes may cause a lot of pain and should be treated as soon as possible. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Kristina Robertson, DPM from Nola Sole Podiatry. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Is a Broken Toe?

A broken toe occurs when one or more of the toe bones of the foot are broken after an injury. Injuries such as stubbing your toe or dropping a heavy object on it may cause a toe fracture.

Symptoms of a Broken Toe

• Swelling
• Pain (with/without wearing shoes)
• Stiffness
• Nail Injury

Although the injured toe should be monitored daily, it is especially important to have a podiatrist look at your toe if you have severe symptoms. Some of these symptoms include worsening or new pain that is not relieved with medication, sores, redness, or open wounds near the toe.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in New Orleans, LA . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

A lifetime of standing and walking can place stress on the feet. As people age, the feet can become wider, while the arches may become lower. Skin can grow thinner and drier, and toenails can become thicker. Reduced circulation or loss of feeling can make injuries harder to notice. Arthritis can also cause stiffness in the toes, feet, and ankles. These changes can affect balance and make walking less comfortable. Regular care from a podiatrist helps older adults address concerns before they limit mobility or lead to complications.

A podiatrist can examine the feet for corns, calluses, and skin damage. The examination can identify fungal nail infections, wounds, or signs of poor blood flow. Patients with diabetes need careful monitoring because even a small sore can become infected. A podiatrist can trim thick toenails and reduce painful areas of hardened skin. Treatment can also address heel pain, flat feet, and arthritis-related discomfort. Custom orthotics can support weakened arches and improve how pressure is spread across the feet. A podiatrist can also recommend shoes with the proper fit, cushioning, and support for a patient’s needs.

Foot changes should not be dismissed as a normal part of aging. Pain, swelling, or numbness deserve professional attention. Changes in skin color also require care. The same is true for cuts that do not heal and sudden changes in walking or balance. A podiatrist can assess joint movement and foot structure. The evaluation can also include circulation and nerve function. X-rays or other tests can help identify arthritis, fractures, or hidden damage. Based on the findings, the podiatrist can create a treatment plan designed to relieve discomfort, protect the feet, and support safer movement. Routine visits are especially valuable for patients with diabetes, poor circulation, or a history of foot wounds. If you have foot problems related to aging, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Proper foot care is something many older adults forget to consider. If you have any concerns about your feet and ankles, contact Kristina Robertson, DPM from Nola Sole Podiatry. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

The Elderly and Their Feet

As we age we start to notice many changes in our body, but the elder population may not notice them right away. Medical conditions may prevent the elderly to take notice of their foot health right away. Poor vision is a lead contributor to not taking action for the elderly.

Common Conditions 

• Neuropathy – can reduce feeling in the feet and can hide many life-threatening medical conditions.
• Reduced flexibility – prevents the ability of proper toenail trimming, and foot cleaning. If left untreated, it may lead to further medical issues.
• Foot sores – amongst the older population can be serious before they are discovered. Some of the problematic conditions they may face are:
• Gouging toenails affecting nearby toe
• Shoes that don’t fit properly
• Pressure sores
• Loss of circulation in legs & feet
• Edema & swelling of feet and ankles

Susceptible Infections

Diabetes and poor circulation can cause general loss of sensitivity over the years, turning a simple cut into a serious issue.

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

Foot blisters can turn a walk, run, or hike into a painful experience. A blister is a pocket of fluid that forms within the upper layers of the skin. Friction is a major cause, especially when shoes or socks repeatedly rub against the foot. Heat and moisture can make the skin more fragile and increase rubbing. Before a blister forms, the skin can develop a hot spot that feels warm, tender, or irritated. Wearing poorly fitting shoes can increase friction. Foot problems like bunions can also create areas where rubbing occurs more easily.

Blisters frequently develop on the toes, heels, or other areas exposed to repeated pressure. Blisters can become especially troublesome for runners and hikers because sweat can increase moisture inside shoes. Small rocks or grit trapped inside a shoe can also irritate the skin. A broken blister requires careful attention because the exposed skin can become infected. Warning signs include unusual drainage, red streaks, or increasing warmth around the affected area.

A podiatrist can examine a blister and determine whether friction, foot structure, or another problem is contributing to its development. The podiatrist can safely treat a painful blister while protecting the skin beneath it. Care can also address signs of infection or blisters that repeatedly return in the same location. A podiatrist can evaluate shoe fit and identify pressure points caused by the shape of the foot. Treatment can include protective padding or other methods that reduce pressure on the affected area. Addressing the source of repeated rubbing can help protect foot health and make daily movement more comfortable. If you frequently develop  foot blisters, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for effective relief and prevention tips. 

Blisters are prone to making everyday activities extremely uncomfortable. If your feet are hurting, contact Kristina Robertson, DPM of Nola Sole Podiatry. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Foot Blisters

Foot blisters develop as a result of constantly wearing tight or ill-fitting footwear. This happens due to the constant rubbing from the shoe, which can often lead to pain.

What Are Foot Blisters?

A foot blister is a small fluid-filled pocket that forms on the upper-most layer of the skin. Blisters are filled with clear fluid and can lead to blood drainage or pus if the area becomes infected.

How Do Blisters Form?

Blisters on the feet are often the result of constant friction of skin and material, usually by shoe rubbing. Walking in sandals, boots, or shoes that don’t fit properly for long periods of time can result in a blister. Having consistent foot moisture and humidity can easily lead to blister formation.

Prevention & Treatment

It is important to properly care for the affected area in order to prevent infection and ease the pain. Do not lance the blister and use a Band-Aid to provide pain relief. Also, be sure to keep your feet dry and wear proper fitting shoes. If you see blood or pus in a blister, seek assistance from a podiatrist.

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