Items filtered by date: May 2025

Tuesday, 27 May 2025 00:00

Hallux Rigidus and Big Toe Pain

Hallux rigidus is a form of degenerative arthritis that affects the joint at the base of the big toe, leading to pain and stiffness. This condition often develops gradually and can make activities like walking, running, or even standing for long periods uncomfortable. Over time, the joint may become increasingly stiff, and movement may be limited, making it difficult to bend the toe. Swelling and inflammation surrounding the joint are also common. Hallux rigidus can result from repeated stress, structural abnormalities, or previous injuries. Wearing supportive shoes with a stiff sole and avoiding high-impact activities may help relieve symptoms. Early recognition and management of hallux rigidus are important in preventing further joint damage and maintaining quality of life. If you have pain in your big toe, it is suggested that you promptly schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who can offer effective relief and treatment solutions.

Toe pain can disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, contact one of our podiatrists of Cascade Foot Clinic. 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 Bend and Redmond, OR . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

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Tuesday, 20 May 2025 00:00

Sprains and Fractures Cause Ankle Pain

Ankle injuries are frequent and can happen to anyone, often during sports, walking on uneven surfaces, or sudden missteps. Sprains are among the most common and occur when the ligaments that stabilize the ankle are stretched or torn. This often leads to swelling, bruising, and discomfort when bearing weight. Ankle fractures involve a break in one or more of the bones that form the ankle joint, such as the tibia, fibula, or talus. Fractures can cause intense pain, deformity, and an inability to walk. While sprains may heal with rest and support, fractures often require more advanced treatment, sometimes including immobilization or surgery. If you have ankle pain, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can determine what the reason is, and offer appropriate treatment solutions.

Ankle pain can have many different causes and the pain may potentially be serious. If you have ankle pain, consult with one of our podiatrists from Cascade Foot Clinic. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Ankle pain is any condition that causes pain in the ankle. Due to the fact that the ankle consists of tendons, muscles, bones, and ligaments, ankle pain can come from a number of different conditions.

Causes

The most common causes of ankle pain include:

  • Types of arthritis (rheumatoid, osteoarthritis, and gout)
  • Ankle sprains
  • Broken ankles
  • Achilles tendinitis
  • Achilles tendon rupture
  • Stress fractures
  • Tarsal tunnel syndrome
  • Plantar fasciitis

Symptoms

Symptoms of ankle injury vary based upon the condition. Pain may include general pain and discomfort, swelling, aching, redness, bruising, burning or stabbing sensations, and/or loss of sensation.

Diagnosis

Due to the wide variety of potential causes of ankle pain, podiatrists will utilize a number of different methods to properly diagnose ankle pain. This can include asking for personal and family medical histories and of any recent injuries. Further diagnosis may include sensation tests, a physical examination, and potentially x-rays or other imaging tests.

Treatment

Just as the range of causes varies widely, so do treatments. Some more common treatments are rest, ice packs, keeping pressure off the foot, orthotics and braces, medication for inflammation and pain, and surgery.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Bend and Redmond, OR . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

 

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Sunday, 18 May 2025 00:00

Heel Pain Can Be Treated!

Do you suffer from heel pain when you get up in the morning? If so, you should seek professional help and have a proper diagnosis performed. Heel pain can be caused by several different foot-related conditions.

A bunion is a bony bump that forms at the joint where your big toe meets your foot. It often develops slowly as the toe shifts inward and the joint pushes outward. Wearing tight shoes, foot shape, or genetics can all play a role. Over time, the area may swell, feel sore, or become red and irritated. Walking can become uncomfortable, especially in narrow or stiff shoes. Pads, wider footwear, and custom orthotics may ease pressure and help reduce pain. In more severe cases, surgery may be considered to realign the toe and remove the bump. Bunions do not go away on their own, and waiting too long can make treatment more difficult. If you notice a bump forming or feel pain near your big toe, it is suggested you see a podiatrist for diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

If you are suffering from bunion pain, contact one of our podiatrists of Cascade Foot Clinic. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is a Bunion?

Bunions are painful bony bumps that usually develop on the inside of the foot at the joint of the big toe. As the deformity increases over time, it may become painful to walk and wear shoes. Women are more likely to exacerbate existing bunions since they often wear tight, narrow shoes that shift their toes together. Bunion pain can be relieved by wearing wider shoes with enough room for the toes.

Causes

  • Genetics – some people inherit feet that are more prone to bunion development
  • Inflammatory Conditions - rheumatoid arthritis and polio may cause bunion development

Symptoms

  • Redness and inflammation
  • Pain and tenderness
  • Callus or corns on the bump
  • Restricted motion in the big toe

In order to diagnose your bunion, your podiatrist may ask about your medical history, symptoms, and general health. Your doctor might also order an x-ray to take a closer look at your feet. Nonsurgical treatment options include orthotics, padding, icing, changes in footwear, and medication. If nonsurgical treatments don’t alleviate your bunion pain, surgery may be necessary.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Bend and Redmond, OR . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

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Fractures on the inner side of the ankle, called medial malleolus fractures, affect the lower end of the tibia. These ankle fractures often result from the foot forcefully rolling inward or outward. The injury may involve a small bone fragment, a clean break, or multiple fracture lines. Symptoms include sharp pain along the inner ankle, swelling, bruising, and difficulty putting weight on the foot. Medial malleolus fractures can occur from direct trauma or repetitive stress, especially in athletes or people with low bone density. Treatment depends on the position and stability of the fractured bone. If the joint remains aligned, immobilization with a boot or cast may be sufficient. However, if the fracture causes joint instability or misalignment, surgery may be needed to reposition and secure the bone using screws, plates, or other methods. A podiatrist can also assess the surrounding cartilage for damage during surgery. If you have pain in the inner side of the ankle, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam and appropriate treatment.

Broken ankles need immediate treatment. If you are seeking treatment, contact one of our podiatrists from Cascade Foot Clinic. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet. 

Broken Ankles
A broken ankle is experienced when a person fractures their tibia or fibula in the lower leg and ankle area. Both of these bones are attached at the bottom of the leg and combine to form what we know to be our ankle.

When a physician is referring to a break of the ankle, he or she is usually referring to a break in the area where the tibia and fibula are joined to create our ankle joint. Ankles are more prone to fractures because the ankle is an area that suffers a lot of pressure and stress. There are some obvious signs when a person experiences a fractured ankle, and the following symptoms may be present.

Symptoms of a Fractured Ankle

  • Excessive pain when the area is touched or when any pressure is placed on the ankle
  •  Swelling around the area
  •  Bruising of the area
  • Area appears to be deformed

If you suspect an ankle fracture, it is recommended to seek treatment as soon as possible. The sooner you have your podiatrist diagnose the fracture, the quicker you’ll be on the way towards recovery.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Bend and Redmond, OR . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

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