Arthritis in the toes can feel like a deep, aching pain that worsens with movement. Stiffness, swelling, and tenderness are common, making it difficult to walk or wear certain shoes. Some people notice a grinding sensation as the cartilage wears down, while others experience redness and warmth surrounding the joints. Over time, deformities like bunions or clawed toes may develop. This condition happens when the protective cartilage in the toe joints deteriorates, leading to bone-on-bone friction. Osteoarthritis is the most common type, often linked to aging, past injuries, or genetics. Rheumatoid arthritis, an autoimmune disease, can also cause painful inflammation in the toes. Anyone can develop arthritis, but it is more common in older adults, athletes, and those with a family history. If toe pain is limiting your mobility, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist who can provide an accurate diagnosis and treatment.

Toe pain can disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, contact our doctors of Foot & Ankle Center of Oklahoma. 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 Oklahoma City and Yukon, OK . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Venous ulcers are slow-healing wounds caused by poor circulation in the veins, typically in the lower legs and ankles. They develop when blood pools due to faulty valves, leading to increased pressure and skin breakdown. These ulcers often appear as shallow, irregular sores with discoloration, swelling, and discomfort. Individuals at higher risk include those with varicose veins, deep vein thrombosis, DVT, obesity, or a history of leg injuries. People who stand or sit for prolonged periods may also develop these chronic wounds. Venous ulcers directly affect the feet and ankles by causing swelling, skin changes, and persistent wounds prone to infection. Without proper care, complications may arise. Compression therapy, wound management, and lifestyle changes help improve healing. If you have venous ulcers, it is strongly suggested that you include a podiatrist on your healthcare team for effective treatment and prevention.

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 our doctors from Foot & Ankle Center of Oklahoma. 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 feel free to contact our offices located in Oklahoma City and Yukon, OK . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Circulation problems in the feet occur when blood flow to the feet, toes, or ankles is restricted due to narrowed arteries. Poor circulation is often the result of atherosclerosis, where plaque builds up in the blood vessels. A result of poor circulation is peripheral arterial disease, or PAD. Patients with PAD may experience symptoms like numbness, tingling, burning sensations, or cramping in the feet or lower legs during activity. Additional signs include cool, pale skin, hair loss on the feet, slow-healing sores, and a diminished pulse. People with diabetes, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, or a history of smoking are at increased risk of developing PAD. A podiatrist can assess your circulation issues through non-invasive tests, such as the ankle-brachial index, or ABI, or a Doppler ultrasound to determine blood flow and identify any blockages. Timely diagnosis and treatment by a podiatrist can help reduce symptoms and prevent complications, like non-healing foot wounds or infections. If you have circulation problems in the feet, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam and treatment.

While poor circulation itself isn’t a condition; it is a symptom of another underlying health condition you may have. If you have any concerns with poor circulation in your feet contact our doctors of Foot & Ankle Center of Oklahoma. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Poor Circulation in the Feet

Peripheral artery disease (PAD) can potentially lead to poor circulation in the lower extremities. PAD is a condition that causes the blood vessels and arteries to narrow. In a linked condition called atherosclerosis, the arteries stiffen up due to a buildup of plaque in the arteries and blood vessels. These two conditions can cause a decrease in the amount of blood that flows to your extremities, therefore resulting in pain.

Symptoms

Some of the most common symptoms of poor circulation are:

• Numbness
• Tingling
• Throbbing or stinging pain in limbs
• Pain
• Muscle Cramps

Treatment for poor circulation often depends on the underlying condition that causes it. Methods for treatment may include insulin for diabetes, special exercise programs, surgery for varicose veins, or compression socks for swollen legs.

As always, see a podiatrist as he or she will assist in finding a regimen that suits you. A podiatrist can also prescribe you any needed medication. 

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