Hallux rigidus is a form of arthritis affecting the big toe joint, causing stiffness, pain, and limited motion. Over time, everyday activities like walking or wearing shoes can become difficult. It develops when the joint cartilage wears down, often due to overuse, injury, or abnormal foot structure, leading to inflammation and bone spurs. Risk factors include repetitive stress on the toe, family history, or conditions like gout. A podiatrist diagnoses hallux rigidus through a physical exam and imaging tests like X-rays to assess joint damage. Early stages can be managed with shoe modifications, custom orthotics, and anti-inflammatory medications. Severe cases might require corticosteroid injections or surgery, such as joint fusion or reconstruction. Preventing further damage involves wearing proper footwear and avoiding high-impact activities. If you have big toe pain, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and treatment.

Toe pain can disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, contact Steven Ginex, DPM of Palm Desert 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 feel free to contact our office located in Palm Desert, CA . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Heel pain can affect people of all ages and activity levels. It often stems from issues like plantar fasciitis, heel spurs, Achilles tendonitis, or bursitis. Plantar fasciitis, a leading cause of heel pain, occurs when the ligament supporting the foot's arch becomes inflamed due to overuse or stress. Similarly, heel spurs, which are bony growths at the bottom or back of the heel, may develop from prolonged strain on the plantar fascia. Inflammation of the Achilles tendon causes pain at the back of the heel where it connects the calf muscle to the heel bone. It is often triggered by repetitive activities or wearing poorly supportive footwear. Bursitis, or inflammation of the fluid-filled sacs that cushion the heel, can result from friction or underlying conditions like arthritis. A podiatrist can identify the root cause of heel pain by conducting a physical examination and ordering X-rays and digital imaging tests, if needed. If you are experiencing chronic or extreme heel pain, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and treatment.

Many people suffer from bouts of heel pain. For more information, contact Steven Ginex, DPM of Palm Desert Podiatry. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Causes of Heel Pain

Heel pain is often associated with plantar fasciitis. The plantar fascia is a band of tissues that extends along the bottom of the foot. A rip or tear in this ligament can cause inflammation of the tissue.

Achilles tendonitis is another cause of heel pain. Inflammation of the Achilles tendon will cause pain from fractures and muscle tearing. Lack of flexibility is also another symptom.

Heel spurs are another cause of pain. When the tissues of the plantar fascia undergo a great deal of stress, it can lead to ligament separation from the heel bone, causing heel spurs.

Why Might Heel Pain Occur?

• Wearing ill-fitting shoes                  
• Wearing non-supportive shoes
• Weight change           
• Excessive running

Treatments

Heel pain should be treated as soon as possible for immediate results. Keeping your feet in a stress-free environment will help. If you suffer from Achilles tendonitis or plantar fasciitis, applying ice will reduce the swelling. Stretching before an exercise like running will help the muscles. Using all these tips will help make heel pain a condition of the past.

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

Bone spurs on the feet are bony growths that form along joints, commonly in the heel. Repetitive pressure causes the body to produce extra bone tissue, forming spurs as a protective response. Symptoms may include sharp or aching pain, swelling, or tenderness, especially when walking or standing for long periods. People at higher risk include those with flat feet, high arches, or jobs that require prolonged standing. A podiatrist diagnoses bone spurs through a physical examination and imaging, such as X-rays. Treatment often involves anti-inflammatory medications, orthotic inserts, stretching exercises, or, in severe cases, surgery to remove the spurs. If you have heel pain, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who can diagnose the cause, help you manage symptoms, and prevent further discomfort.

Heel spurs can be incredibly painful and sometimes may make you unable to participate in physical activities. To get medical care for your heel spurs, contact Steven Ginex, DPM from Palm Desert Podiatry. Our doctor will do everything possible to treat your condition.

Heels Spurs

Heel spurs are formed by calcium deposits on the back of the foot where the heel is. This can also be caused by small fragments of bone breaking off one section of the foot, attaching onto the back of the foot. Heel spurs can also be bone growth on the back of the foot and may grow in the direction of the arch of the foot.

Older individuals usually suffer from heel spurs and pain sometimes intensifies with age. One of the main condition's spurs are related to is plantar fasciitis.

Pain

The pain associated with spurs is often because of weight placed on the feet. When someone is walking, their entire weight is concentrated on the feet. Bone spurs then have the tendency to affect other bones and tissues around the foot. As the pain continues, the feet will become tender and sensitive over time.

Treatments

There are many ways to treat heel spurs. If one is suffering from heel spurs in conjunction with pain, there are several methods for healing. Medication, surgery, and herbal care are some options.

If you have any questions feel free to contact our office located in Palm Desert, CA . We offer the latest in diagnostic and treatment technology to meet your needs.