Losing a toenail can result from direct injury, infection, or chronic pressure on the toes. Trauma such as stubbing the toe, dropping something heavy on it, or wearing shoes that lack adequate support can damage the nail bed and cause the nail to loosen or detach. Fungal infections can also weaken the nail plate, leading to discoloration, thickening, and eventual separation from the nail bed. Repeated friction from running or wearing tight shoes increases the risk of toenail loss. In some cases, medical conditions that affect circulation or skin cell growth, like psoriasis, can disrupt healthy nail attachment. When a toenail detaches, it exposes delicate tissue underneath, raising the risk of infection or painful inflammation. A podiatrist can evaluate the underlying cause, prevent complications, and recommend treatment to protect the new nail as it grows back. If your toenail has broken or become detached, it is suggested that you promptly schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and appropriate treatment options.
Toe pain can disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, contact Thomas Bobrowski, DPM of InStride Crystal Coast Podiatry. Our doctor 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 Bern, NC . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
Metatarsal stress fractures occur when one or more of the long bones in the foot develop cracks from repetitive force, rather than a single injury. These hairline fractures can affect the head, shaft, or base of the metatarsal, and are especially seen in runners, basketball players, ballet dancers, and soccer players. Runners often develop stress fractures in the first and second metatarsals due to the repetitive bending forces placed on the forefoot. Basketball players are prone to avulsion-type fractures of the fifth metatarsal from sudden forces during jumping or rapid direction changes. Ballet dancers put intense compressive forces on the second and third metatarsals when dancing en pointe, which stresses the Lisfranc joints. Additionally, soccer players frequently experience torsional stress fractures of the fifth metatarsal, often referred to as Jones fractures. A podiatrist can evaluate foot structure, provide advanced imaging, and recommend treatment or surgery, if necessary. If you have metatarsal foot pain, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam and appropriate treatment.
Stress fractures occur when there is a tiny crack within a bone. To learn more, contact Thomas Bobrowski, DPM from InStride Crystal Coast Podiatry. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain free and on your feet.
How Are They Caused?
Stress fractures are the result of repetitive force being placed on the bone. Since the lower leg and feet often carry most of the body’s weight, stress fractures are likely to occur in these areas. If you rush into a new exercise, you are more likely to develop a stress fracture since you are starting too much, too soon. Pain resulting from stress fractures may go unnoticed at first, however it may start to worsen over time.
Risk Factors
Gender – They are more commonly found in women compared to men.
Foot Problems – People with unusual arches in their feet are more likely to develop stress fractures.
Certain Sports – Dancers, gymnasts, tennis players, runners, and basketball players are more likely to develop stress fractures.
Lack of Nutrients – A lack of vitamin D and calcium may weaken the bones and make you more prone to stress fractures
Weak Bones – Osteoporosis can weaken the bones therefore resulting in stress fractures
Stress fractures do not always heal properly, so it is important that you seek help from a podiatrist if you suspect you may have one. Ignoring your stress fracture may cause it to worsen, and you may develop chronic pain as well as additional fractures.
If you have any questions please contact our office located in New Bern, NC . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
Gout is a form of arthritis caused by the buildup of uric acid crystals in the joints, leading to sudden, intense pain, redness, and swelling, often in the big toe. The primary cause of gout is high levels of uric acid in the blood, which can result from certain foods, alcohol, or dehydration. To avoid flare-ups, it is important to limit foods that increase uric acid levels, such as red meat, shellfish, organ meats, sugary drinks, and alcohol, especially beer. A podiatrist can help manage gout by diagnosing flare-ups, providing anti-inflammatory treatments, and recommending lifestyle changes, including dietary adjustments. In some cases, this type of doctor may prescribe medications to lower uric acid levels or prevent future attacks. If you have symptoms of gout, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who can help you to manage this painful condition.
Gout is a form of arthritis that is characterized by sudden, severe attacks of pain, redness, and tenderness in the joints. The condition usually affects the joint at the base of the big toe. A gout attack can occur at any random time, such as the middle of the night while you are asleep.
Symptoms
Intense Joint Pain - Usually around the large joint of your big toe, and it most severe within the first four to twelve hours
Lingering Discomfort - Joint discomfort may last from a few days to a few weeks
Inflammation and Redness -Affected joints may become swollen, tender, warm and red
Limited Range of Motion - May experience a decrease in joint mobility
Risk Factors
Genetics - If family members have gout, you’re more likely to have it
Medications - Diuretic medications can raise uric acid levels
Gender/Age - Gout is more common in men until the age of 60. It is believed that estrogen protects women until that point
Diet - Eating red meat and shellfish increases your risk
Alcohol - Having more than two alcoholic drinks per day increases your risk
Obesity - Obese people are at a higher risk for gout
Prior to visiting your podiatrist to receive treatment for gout, there are a few things you should do beforehand. If you have gout you should write down your symptoms--including when they started and how often you experience them, important medical information you may have, and any questions you may have. Writing down these three things will help your podiatrist in assessing your specific situation so that he or she may provide the best route of treatment for you.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in New Bern, NC . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
Constant care and regular evaluation are important for a foot or ankle fracture. If left untreated, foot or ankle fractures can worsen over time and create more serious problems.
Don't wait to be examined if you believe you've experienced a foot or ankle fracture.
