A broken pinky toe, while seemingly minor, can cause significant discomfort and affect daily routines. Typically occurring from direct trauma such as stubbing against furniture or dropping a heavy object on the foot, a broken pinky toe can cause intense pain, swelling, bruising, and difficulty bearing weight. However, conditions like stress fractures, sprains, or dislocations can mimic similar symptoms, complicating self-diagnosis. Stress fractures result from repetitive stress on the toe, sprains involve stretching or tearing of ligaments, and dislocations occur when the bones are displaced from their normal position. Seeking a podiatrist's expertise is suggested for an accurate diagnosis and effective treatment. Podiatrists employ various diagnostic tools, such as physical examination, X-rays, or MRI scans, to identify the specific issue.For a proper diagnosis, appropriate treatment plan, ranging from rest and immobilization to surgery, if necessary, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist.

Toe pain can disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, contact one of our podiatrists of Orange County 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 feel free to contact our offices located in Irvine, Huntington Beach, Orange, Newport Beach, and Long Beach, CA . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Ingrown toenails occur when the edge of the toenail grows into the surrounding skin, leading to pain, redness, and potential infection. Causes include improper nail trimming, tight footwear, injury, or genetic predisposition. To prevent ingrown toenails, it is important to cut nails straight across and avoid rounding the edges. Wearing properly fitted shoes that allow for ample toe room can also reduce the risk. Allowing toenails to breathe by wearing open-toed shoes occasionally promotes healthy nail growth and reduces pressure on the toes. If you have an ingrown toenail and the pain worsens or it appears infected, it is suggested that you seek prompt treatment from a podiatrist. This foot doctor can provide professional care, such as lifting the nail edge, prescribing antibiotics for infection, or performing a partial nail avulsion procedure if necessary. 

Ingrown toenails may initially present themselves as a minor discomfort, but they may progress into an infection in the skin without proper treatment. For more information about ingrown toenails, contact one of our podiatrists of Orange County Podiatry. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Ingrown Toenails

Ingrown toenails are caused when the corner or side of a toenail grows into the soft flesh surrounding it. They often result in redness, swelling, pain, and in some cases, infection. This condition typically affects the big toe and may recur if it is not treated properly.

Causes

• Improper toenail trimming
• Genetics
• Improper shoe fitting
• Injury from pedicures or nail picking
• Abnormal gait
• Poor hygiene

You are more likely to develop an ingrown toenail if you are obese, have diabetes, arthritis, or have any fungal infection in your nails. Additionally, people who have foot or toe deformities are at a higher risk of developing an ingrown toenail.

Symptoms

Some symptoms of ingrown toenails are redness, swelling, and pain. In rare cases, there may be a yellowish drainage coming from the nail.

Treatment

Ignoring an ingrown toenail can have serious complications. Infections of the nail border can progress to a deeper soft-tissue infection, which can then turn into a bone infection. You should always speak with your podiatrist if you suspect you have an ingrown toenail, especially if you have diabetes or poor circulation.

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

Overpronation can interfere with optimal foot health and contribute to plantar fasciitis, shin splints, and knee pain. Foot pronation and supination are natural movements that are necessary for proper gait. However, excessive pronation, characterized by prolonged inward rolling of the foot, can lead to biomechanical imbalances. One common cause of overpronation is a lack of normal ankle range of motion. When the ankle fails to bend the foot upward properly, it restricts the forward motion of the body's center of mass over the foot. This often leads to changes in gait that may lead to overpronation. A podiatrist can identify biomechanical issues contributing to overpronation and recommend personalized treatment options, such as custom orthotics to correct foot alignment and improve overall function. To address overpronation issues effectively, it is suggested that you ask a podiatrist for a thorough exam, which may include a gait analysis. A diagnosis and treatment suggestions will follow.

If you have any concerns about your feet, contact one of our podiatrists from Orange County Podiatry. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Biomechanics in Podiatry

Podiatric biomechanics is a particular sector of specialty podiatry with licensed practitioners who are trained to diagnose and treat conditions affecting the foot, ankle and lower leg. Biomechanics deals with the forces that act against the body, causing an interference with the biological structures. It focuses on the movement of the ankle, the foot and the forces that interact with them.

A History of Biomechanics

• Biomechanics dates back to the BC era in Egypt where evidence of professional foot care has been recorded.
• In 1974, biomechanics gained a higher profile from the studies of Merton Root, who claimed that by changing or controlling the forces between the ankle and the foot, corrections or conditions could be implemented to gain strength and coordination in the area.

Modern technological improvements are based on past theories and therapeutic processes that provide a better understanding of podiatric concepts for biomechanics. Computers can provide accurate information about the forces and patterns of the feet and lower legs.

Understanding biomechanics of the feet can help improve and eliminate pain, stopping further stress to the foot.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Irvine, Huntington Beach, Orange, Newport Beach, and Long Beach, CA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.