Every step puts pressure on the joint beneath your big toe, so when it starts to hurt, even walking can become uncomfortable. One possible cause is irritation of the sesamoids, two small bones embedded in the tendons beneath the forefoot. Arthritis, gout, bunions, and injuries can also cause pain in this area.
Hammertoes can often be managed without surgery, especially when treatment begins while the affected toe is still flexible. Nonsurgical care may relieve pain, reduce pressure, and help keep the deformity from worsening. However, it may not permanently straighten a rigid hammertoe.
Yes, your shoe size can change as you get older. Feet often become slightly longer or wider over time as ligaments and tendons lose some elasticity and the arches gradually flatten. At New Jersey Podiatric Physicians & Surgeons Group, we often remind patients that shoes that fit comfortably for years may eventually become too tight, even if their usual size has not changed dramatically.
Back-to-school season often brings a sudden increase in activity. Kids may be walking more between classes, returning to PE, starting fall sports, or spending long days in new shoes. Some temporary soreness can happen as routines change, but ongoing foot or ankle pain should not automatically be dismissed as “growing pains.”
You twisted your ankle years ago, the swelling went down, and eventually you got back to normal. So why is that same ankle suddenly aching, feeling weak, or giving out? An old ankle sprain can sometimes cause problems long after the original injury, especially if the ligaments did not fully heal or the ankle was not completely rehabilitated.
Foot pain that becomes more noticeable at night can have several causes, including nerve problems, arthritis, overuse, or an underlying foot condition. Where the pain occurs and whether you also have numbness, tingling, swelling, or stiffness can help point to the cause.
Pain at the back of your ankle can turn a walk, workout, or trip up the stairs into an uncomfortable challenge. The Achilles tendon works every time you push off the ground, making it vulnerable to irritation and injury.
A thick spot on the sole of your foot may seem harmless, but it is not always just hardened skin. A plantar wart and a callus can look similar, yet they develop for different reasons and may require care. The podiatrists at New Jersey Podiatric Physicians & Surgeons Group explain how to recognize the differences and when to schedule an evaluation.
Pain across the top of your foot can make everyday activities unexpectedly uncomfortable. While many people associate foot pain with the heel or arch, discomfort on the top of the foot is also common and can have several possible causes. Identifying the source of the pain early can help prevent a minor issue from becoming a more serious one.
If you’ve ever been told you have flat feet, you may wonder whether it’s something to worry about. The truth is that not everyone with flat feet experiences pain or develops foot problems.
