Foot pain is common in fibromyalgia patients, with studies finding it in more than half of those living with the condition. This type of foot pain can make even simple tasks difficult, since it affects every step a person takes. Many describe burning on the bottoms of their feet, sharp pain when stepping on small objects, or discomfort when shoes press on their toes. Some even feel pain just from resting their feet on the floor. The exact cause is not fully known, but several factors may contribute. The band of tissue that supports the arch can become irritated, leading to heel or arch pain. Nerves in the feet can also become overly sensitive, causing normal pressure to feel intense. In some cases, the joint beneath the ankle that controls side-to-side motion may not move properly, adding to strain. If you have foot pain as a result of fibromyalgia, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam, diagnosis, and appropriate treatment.

When dealing with systemic disease of the feet, it is extremely important to check the affected areas routinely so that any additional problems are caught quickly.  If you have any concerns about your feet and ankles contact one of our podiatrists from Podiatry Services . Our doctors will assist you with all of your podiatric needs.

Systemic Diseases of the Feet

Systemic diseases affect the whole body, and symptoms usually are displayed in the feet. This condition can make a patient’s ability to walk unbearable.  Systemic diseases include gout, diabetes mellitus, neurological disorders, and arthritis.

Gout – is caused by an excess of uric acid in the body. Common symptoms include pain, inflammation, and redness at the metatarsal/phalangeal joint of the base big toe. Gout can be treated by NSAIDs to relieve pain and inflammation, and other drugs that lower the acid levels in the body.

Diabetes mellitus – is an increase in the level of blood sugar that the body cannot counteract with its own insulin. Failure to produce enough insulin is a factor in Diabetes.

Diabetes of the Feet

Diabetic Neuropathy – may lead to damaged nerves and affect the feet through numbness and loss of sensation.

Peripheral Vascular Disease – can restrict the blood flow to the feet, and often times lead to amputation of the feet. 

If you have any questions please contact our office located in Murrieta, CA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Toenails can turn black for a number of reasons, including injury as well as more serious health concerns. Repetitive pressure from shoes that do not fit correctly can cause bleeding beneath the nail, which looks black. A single blunt injury, such as dropping something heavy on the toe, may also lead to black discoloration. Infections, especially fungal infections, can cause debris buildup that darkens the nail. Pigmentation changes and certain medical conditions, like diabetes, kidney disease, or heart disease, may also affect nail color. In rare cases, a black toenail may be linked to melanoma, a serious form of skin cancer that can appear beneath the nail bed. A podiatrist can determine the source, recommend treatment, and address underlying problems that may be affecting the toes. If you have a discolored toenail, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam and appropriate treatment.

Toe pain can disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, contact one of our podiatrists of Podiatry Services . 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 Murrieta, CA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Total ankle replacement is a surgical procedure designed to relieve pain and restore movement for people with severe ankle arthritis or injury. During the procedure, damaged bone and cartilage are replaced with artificial components that mimic the natural joint, allowing smoother motion and better flexibility. Unlike ankle fusion, which limits movement, this advanced technique preserves joint mobility and can improve overall balance and gait. Recovery takes time and involves targeted exercises to strengthen muscles and improve the range of motion. Wearing supportive footwear and a gradual return to activity can help protect the new joint. Many patients experience significant pain relief and improved quality of life after surgery. If chronic ankle pain or stiffness limits your ability to walk comfortably, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can evaluate whether total ankle replacement is the right option to help you move freely again.

In certain cases, in which the patient suffers from extreme pain or damage in a joint, joint replacement surgery may be deemed useful. If you have constant pain in a foot joint, consult with one of our podiatrists from Podiatry Services . Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

What Is Joint Replacement Surgery?

Over time, joints wear down; this can be exacerbated by diseases and conditions. Joint replacement surgery, also known as arthroplasty, is when a damaged joint is surgically removed and replaced with a prosthesis. Prostheses, which can be made of ceramic, plastic, or metal, act as joints in lieu of an actual joint. One of the most prevalent causes for joint replacement is arthritis.

Arthritis in the Foot

Arthritis can occur in any joint in the body, including in the feet. Common types of arthritis in the foot are osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and gout. The big toe is usually where arthritis occurs in the foot; this is known as hallux rigidus.

Joint Replacement Surgery in the Foot

The most common form of joint replacement in the foot is a first metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint placement. MTP joint replacement surgery is designed to treat hallux rigidus. Surgery is not intensive, and recovery occurs within one to two months after the procedure has been done. Overall, joint replacement surgery is a safe and effective way to treat pain in the joint of the foot.

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

Strengthening the ankles is an important way to improve stability and reduce the chance of future injury. The ankle joint, which connects the leg to the foot, relies on surrounding muscles and ligaments for balance and support. When those tissues become weak, the foot may be more prone to sprains, instability, or recurring pain. Ankle exercises that focus on strength can be grouped into static, resistance, and dynamic movements. Static exercises allow the ankle muscles to tighten without moving the joint, helping to rebuild strength after an injury. Resistance work, such as using bands to push or pull the foot in different directions, helps improve stability in daily walking or running. Dynamic exercises target the arches and toes, such as lifting the arch, scrunching a towel with the toes, or picking up objects to build strength in the smaller muscles of the foot. If you have ankle weakness, it is suggested that you schedule  an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam and appropriate treatment.

Exercising your feet regularly with the proper foot wear is a great way to prevent injuries and build strength. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact one of our podiatrists from Podiatry Services . Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Exercise for Your Feet

Exercise for your feet can help you gain strength, mobility and flexibility in your feet. They say that strengthening your feet can be just as rewarding as strengthening another part of the body. Your feet are very important, and we often forget about them in our daily tasks. But it is because of our feet that are we able to get going and do what we need to. For those of us fortunate enough to not have any foot problems, it is an important gesture to take care of them to ensure good health in the long run.

Some foot health exercises can include ankle pumps, tip-toeing, toe rises, lifting off the floor doing reps and sets, and flexing the toes. It is best to speak with Our doctors to determine an appropriate regimen for your needs. Everyone’s needs and bodies are different, and the activities required to maintain strength in the feet vary from individual to individual. 

Once you get into a routine of doing regular exercise, you may notice a difference in your feet and how strong they may become.

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