Causes of Mid-Foot Pain

Pain can develop when the structures in the middle of the foot become strained or damaged. This area contains joints, bones, and soft tissue that help support body weight during walking. Common causes of mid-foot pain include stress fractures, which are small cracks in the bone from repeated pressure, and arthritis, which leads to joint inflammation and stiffness. Tendon pain, known as tendinitis, may also occur when tendons become overworked. In some cases, nerve problems like a neuroma can cause burning or sharp pain. Foot shape and alignment issues can place uneven pressure on the mid-foot, leading to discomfort over time. A podiatrist can evaluate gait and order X-rays or other imaging to identify the exact source of pain. Treatment options include bracing, custom orthotics, or surgery in more serious cases. If you are experiencing mid-foot pain, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for treatment.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with one of our podiatrists from Toms River Podiatrist . Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Causes

Foot pain is a very broad condition that could be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

  • Bunions
  • Hammertoes
  • Plantar Fasciitis
  • Bone Spurs
  • Corns
  • Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
  • Ingrown Toenails
  • Arthritis (such as Gout, Rheumatoid, and Osteoarthritis)
  • Flat Feet
  • Injury (from stress fractures, broken toe, foot, ankle, Achilles tendon ruptures, and sprains)
  • And more

Diagnosis

To figure out the cause of foot pain, podiatrists utilize several different methods. This 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

Treatment depends upon the cause of the foot pain. Whether it is resting, staying off the foot, or having surgery; podiatrists have a number of treatment options available for foot pain.

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

Read more about Foot Pain

High Heels and Foot Health

Wearing high heels regularly can negatively affect foot health, contributing to bunions, hammertoes, plantar fasciitis, and even Achilles tendon tears. Frequent high-heel use often leads to chronic foot pain, stiffness, and imbalance. Choosing heels wisely can reduce these risks. Opt for shoes that are less than one-and-a-half inches high, wider at the heel for stability, with soft insoles for cushioning, and ample toe room to prevent crowding. A podiatrist can evaluate your foot structure, recommend supportive footwear, provide custom orthotics, and treat injuries or pain caused by high heel use. If you enjoy wearing high heels but have developed foot pain, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can treat various foot and ankle conditions, as well as guide you on more appropriate shoes to wear for maximum foot health.

High heels have a history of causing foot and ankle problems. If you have any concerns about your feet or ankles, contact one of our podiatrists from Toms River Podiatrist . Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Effects of High Heels on the Feet

High heels are popular shoes among women because of their many styles and societal appeal.  Despite this, high heels can still cause many health problems if worn too frequently.

Which Parts of My Body Will Be Affected by High Heels?

  • Ankle Joints
  • Achilles Tendon – May shorten and stiffen with prolonged wear
  • Balls of the Feet
  • Knees – Heels cause the knees to bend constantly, creating stress on them
  • Back – They decrease the spine’s ability to absorb shock, which may lead to back pain.  The vertebrae of the lower back may compress.

What Kinds of Foot Problems Can Develop from Wearing High Heels?

  • Corns
  • Calluses
  • Hammertoe
  • Bunions
  • Morton’s Neuroma
  • Plantar Fasciitis

How Can I Still Wear High Heels and Maintain Foot Health?

If you want to wear high heeled shoes, make sure that you are not wearing them every day, as this will help prevent long term physical problems.  Try wearing thicker heels as opposed to stilettos to distribute weight more evenly across the feet.  Always make sure you are wearing the proper shoes for the right occasion, such as sneakers for exercising.  If you walk to work, try carrying your heels with you and changing into them once you arrive at work.  Adding inserts to your heels can help cushion your feet and absorb shock. Full foot inserts or metatarsal pads are available. 

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

Read more about Effect of High Heels on the Feet

Wounds That Don't Heal Need to Be Checked

Your feet are covered most of the day. If you're diabetic, periodic screening is important for good health. Numbness is often a sign of diabetic foot and can mask a sore or wound.

What Happens When a Toe Is Fractured

A toe fracture is a break in one of the small bones that make up the toes. These injuries often occur when the toe is stubbed against a hard object, when something heavy falls on the foot, or during sports activities. Common symptoms include pain, swelling, bruising, and difficulty walking. Some people notice that the toe appears crooked or becomes tender to touch. Because these symptoms can resemble a sprain or severe bruise, proper diagnosis is important. A podiatrist will examine the toe and may order an X-ray to confirm whether a fracture is present and determine its severity. Treatment depends on the type of break. Many fractures are treated with protective taping, supportive footwear, and limited activity while the bone heals. More serious fractures may require additional stabilization. If you suspect a broken toe or have persistent toe pain, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

A broken toe can be very painful and lead to complications if not properly fixed. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact one of our podiatrists from Toms River Podiatrist . Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What to Know About a Broken Toe

Although most people try to avoid foot trauma such as banging, stubbing, or dropping heavy objects on their feet, the unfortunate fact is that it is a common occurrence. Given the fact that toes are positioned in front of the feet, they typically sustain the brunt of such trauma. When trauma occurs to a toe, the result can be a painful break (fracture).

Symptoms of a Broken Toe

  • Throbbing pain
  • Swelling
  • Bruising on the skin and toenail
  • The inability to move the toe
  • Toe appears crooked or disfigured
  • Tingling or numbness in the toe

Generally, it is best to stay off of the injured toe with the affected foot elevated.

Severe toe fractures may be treated with a splint, cast, and in some cases, minor surgery. Due to its position and the pressure it endures with daily activity, future complications can occur if the big toe is not properly treated.

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

Read more about What to Know About a Broken Toe

How the Body Repairs a Foot Wound

When the skin on the foot is injured, the body begins a complex healing response designed to close the wound and restore healthy tissue. This process happens in several connected stages that gradually rebuild the damaged area. First, the body works to stop bleeding and protect the injury. Blood cells gather at the site and form a clot that seals the wound, preventing harmful bacteria from entering. Next, the body begins building new tissue. Fresh cells grow, small blood vessels develop, and the wound slowly fills in as healthy skin forms. During the final stage, the new tissue strengthens and becomes more organized. The skin becomes firmer and better able to handle normal pressure from standing and walking. Proper wound care, cleanliness, and reduced pressure help support healing. If a foot wound heals slowly or shows signs of infection, it is suggested that you promptly see a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Wound care is an important part in dealing with diabetes. If you have diabetes and a foot wound or would like more information about wound care for diabetics, consult with one of our podiatrists from Toms River Podiatrist . Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

What Is Wound Care?

Wound care is the practice of taking proper care of a wound. This can range from the smallest to the largest of wounds. While everyone can benefit from proper wound care, it is much more important for diabetics. Diabetics often suffer from poor blood circulation which causes wounds to heal much slower than they would in a non-diabetic. 

What Is the Importance of Wound Care?

While it may not seem apparent with small ulcers on the foot, for diabetics, any size ulcer can become infected. Diabetics often also suffer from neuropathy, or nerve loss. This means they might not even feel when they have an ulcer on their foot. If the wound becomes severely infected, amputation may be necessary. Therefore, it is of the upmost importance to properly care for any and all foot wounds.

How to Care for Wounds

The best way to care for foot wounds is to prevent them. For diabetics, this means daily inspections of the feet for any signs of abnormalities or ulcers. It is also recommended to see a podiatrist several times a year for a foot inspection. If you do have an ulcer, run the wound under water to clear dirt from the wound; then apply antibiotic ointment to the wound and cover with a bandage. Bandages should be changed daily and keeping pressure off the wound is smart. It is advised to see a podiatrist, who can keep an eye on it.

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

Read more about Wound Care

Connect With Us