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Tuesday, 11 November 2025 00:00

The big toe plays a vital role in balance and movement, making it prone to injuries. Stubbing the big toe is a common cause of bruising or sprains, while fractures can occur from trauma or dropping heavy objects on it. Athletes are especially at risk due to repetitive stress, sudden stops, or forceful impacts during sports. These injuries can lead to pain, swelling, and difficulty walking, if not properly treated. A podiatrist can diagnose the severity of the injury, provide treatments like splinting or orthotics, and recommend specific exercises. If you have pain in your big toe, it is suggested that you  schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who can diagnose the problem and provide effective treatment solutions.

Toe pain can disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, contact Jed Wells, DPM of Jed Wells, DPM Foot Specialist. 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 offices located in Corpus Christi, and Laredo, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

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Wednesday, 05 November 2025 00:00

Have you noticed a bony protrusion on the side of your big toe? If so, you may have developed the foot condition known as a bunion. Don't let bunions interfere with your daily activities.

Tuesday, 04 November 2025 00:00

A noticeable bony bump on the bottom of the big toe may indicate a bunion has developed. If it forms on the pinky toe, it is referred to as a bunionette. A bunion may cause some patients to purchase larger shoes, and it may help to wear a protective covering over it. This ailment is mostly likely caused by wearing shoes that do not have ample room for the toes to move freely in. Additionally, patients who have a genetic history of bunions may be prone to developing them. Mild relief may be found when specific exercises and stretches are frequently performed, and this may help to strengthen the surrounding muscles. Patients whose daily life is negatively affected by bunions are strongly suggested to confer with a podiatrist who can recommend the best treatment methods, which may include surgery for permanent removal.

If you are suffering from bunions, contact Jed Wells, DPM of Jed Wells, DPM Foot Specialist. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is a Bunion?

A bunion is formed of swollen tissue or an enlargement of boney growth, usually located at the base joint of the toe that connects to the foot. The swelling occurs due to the bones in the big toe shifting inward, which impacts the other toes of the foot. This causes the area around the base of the big toe to become inflamed and painful.

Why Do Bunions Form?

Genetics – Susceptibility to bunions are often hereditary

Stress on the feet – Poorly fitted and uncomfortable footwear that places stress on feet, such as heels, can worsen existing bunions

How Are Bunions Diagnosed?

Doctors often perform two tests – blood tests and x-rays – when trying to diagnose bunions, especially in the early stages of development. Blood tests help determine if the foot pain is being caused by something else, such as arthritis, while x-rays provide a clear picture of your bone structure to your doctor.

How Are Bunions Treated?

  • Refrain from wearing heels or similar shoes that cause discomfort
  • Select wider shoes that can provide more comfort and reduce pain
  • Anti-inflammatory and pain management drugs
  • Orthotics or foot inserts
  • Surgery

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

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Tuesday, 28 October 2025 00:00

Hammertoe is a deformity where one or more toes bend abnormally at the middle joint, creating a curled or claw-like appearance. It often develops from wearing tight or ill-fitting shoes, muscle imbalance, or trauma to the toe. Risk factors include arthritis, high arches, and genetic predisposition. Symptoms may include pain, swelling, corns, calluses, and difficulty wearing shoes comfortably. Without treatment, the condition can become rigid and more painful over time. A podiatrist can evaluate the severity, recommend proper footwear, prescribe orthotics, and suggest exercises or surgical correction, if needed. If you have painful symptoms of hammertoe, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can guide you toward effective relief and treatment solutions.

Hammertoes can be a painful condition to live with. For more information, contact Jed Wells, DPM of Jed Wells, DPM Foot Specialist. Our doctor will answer any of your foot- and ankle-related questions.

Hammertoe

Hammertoe is a foot deformity that occurs due to an imbalance in the muscles, tendons, or ligaments that normally hold the toe straight. It can be caused by the type of shoes you wear, your foot structure, trauma, and certain disease processes.

Symptoms

  • Painful and/or difficult toe movement
  • Swelling
  • Joint stiffness
  • Calluses/Corns
  • Physical deformity

Risk Factors

  • Age – The risk of hammertoe increases with age
  • Sex – Women are more likely to have hammertoe compared to men
  • Toe Length – You are more likely to develop hammertoe if your second toe is longer than your big toe
  • Certain Diseases – Arthritis and diabetes may make you more likely to develop hammertoe

Treatment

If you have hammertoe, you should change into a more comfortable shoe that provides enough room for your toes. Exercises such as picking up marbles may strengthen and stretch your toe muscles. Nevertheless, it is important to seek assistance from a podiatrist in order to determine the severity of your hammertoe and see which treatment option will work best for you.

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

Read more about Hammertoe
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