Toe surgery is sometimes needed when deformities or painful changes in the toes make walking, standing, or wearing shoes difficult. Conditions like hammer toes, claw toes, or severe bunions may cause joints to bend abnormally, leading to corns, ulcers, or painful pressure points. These problems may be present at birth or develop later due to arthritis, high arches, or changes in foot mechanics. When the toe becomes rigid, conservative measures may no longer help, and toe surgery may be required to restore function. A podiatrist can determine whether procedures such as joint realignment, tendon release, bone removal, or fusion are appropriate. In some cases, correction also involves the metatarsal bones of the forefoot to achieve better balance and reduce strain. Surgery can relieve discomfort, improve alignment, and lower the risk of more serious complications. If you are experiencing ongoing toe pain, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam and treatment.

Toe pain can disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, contact one of our podiatrists of Spartan Podiatry. 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 contact our offices located in Battle Creek and Marshall, MI . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Tarsal tunnel syndrome is an unusual form of peripheral neuropathy caused by pressure on the tibial nerve as it travels through the tarsal tunnel near the ankle. This compression can lead to numbness, burning, tingling, and pain in the ankle, bottom of the foot, and toes. A podiatrist can perform a detailed examination and order diagnostic tests, which record electrical activity in muscles and nerves, to confirm the condition. Treatment may include custom orthotics, anti-inflammatory therapy, or surgical release of the nerve, in severe cases. If you have persistent foot or ankle pain with tingling or numbness, it is suggested that you promptly schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who can accurately diagnose and treat what may be going on.

Tarsal tunnel syndrome can be very uncomfortable to live with. If you are experiencing tarsal tunnel syndrome, contact one of our podiatrists of Spartan Podiatry. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome

Tarsal tunnel syndrome, which can also be called tibial nerve dysfunction, is an uncommon condition of misfiring peripheral nerves in the foot. The tibial nerve is the peripheral nerve in the leg responsible for sensation and movement of the foot and calf muscles. In tarsal tunnel syndrome, the tibial nerve is damaged, causing problems with movement and feeling in the foot of the affected leg.

Common Cause of Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome

• Involves pressure or an injury, direct pressure on the tibial nerve for an extended period of time, sometimes caused by other body structures close by or near the knee.
• Diseases that damage nerves, including diabetes, may cause tarsal tunnel syndrome.
• At times, tarsal tunnel syndrome can appear without an obvious cause in some cases.

The Effects of Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome

• Different sensations, an afflicted person may experience pain, tingling, burning or other unusual sensations in the foot of the affected leg.
• The foot muscles, toes and ankle become weaker, and curling your toes or flexing your foot can become difficult.
• If condition worsens, infections and ulcers may develop on the foot that is experiencing the syndrome.

A physical exam of the leg can help identify the presence of tarsal tunnel syndrome. Medical tests, such as a nerve biopsy, are also used to diagnose the condition. Patients may receive physical therapy and prescriptive medication. In extreme cases, some may require surgery.

If you have any questions please contact our offices located in Battle Creek and Marshall, MI . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

For individuals with arthritis in the feet or ankles, wearing the right footwear can make a remarkable difference in comfort and mobility. Supportive shoes help reduce pressure on painful joints, improve alignment, and provide stability during walking or standing. Custom orthotics can further cushion the foot, evenly distribute weight, and ease strain on inflamed areas. Choosing shoes with a wide toe box, firm heel support, and flexible soles promotes better balance and movement while minimizing fatigue. In some cases, rocker-bottom soles or extra-depth designs can help improve motion and reduce stiffness. Working with a podiatrist ensures footwear is properly fitted and matched to each person’s unique needs and activity level. With the right support, individuals with arthritic feet or ankles can move more comfortably and maintain an active, independent lifestyle. For individualized advice on footwear to ease arthritis pain, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist.

Arthritis can be a difficult condition to live with. If you are seeking treatment, contact one of our podiatrists from Spartan Podiatry. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Arthritic Foot Care  

Arthritis is a term that is commonly used to describe joint pain.  The condition itself can occur to anyone of any age, race, or gender, and there are over 100 types of it.  Nevertheless, arthritis is more commonly found in women compared to men, and it is also more prevalent in those who are overweight. The causes of arthritis vary depending on which type of arthritis you have. Osteoarthritis for example, is often caused by injury, while rheumatoid arthritis is caused by a misdirected immune system.

Symptoms

• Swelling
• Pain
• Stiffness
• Decreased Range of Motion

Arthritic symptoms range in severity, and they may come and go. Some symptoms stay the same for several years but could potentially get worse with time. Severe cases of arthritis can prevent its sufferers from performing daily activities and make walking difficult.

Risk Factors

• Occupation – Occupations requiring repetitive knee movements have been linked to osteoarthritis
• Obesity – Excess weight can contribute to osteoarthritis development
• Infection – Microbial agents can infect the joints and trigger arthritis
• Joint Injuries – Damage to joints may lead to osteoarthritis
• Age – Risk increases with age
• Gender –Most types are more common in women
• Genetics – Arthritis can be hereditary

If you suspect your arthritis is affecting your feet, it is crucial that you see a podiatrist immediately. Your doctor will be able to address your specific case and help you decide which treatment method is best for you.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Battle Creek and Marshall, MI . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Morton’s neuroma is a painful condition affecting the ball of the foot, most commonly between the third and fourth toes. It is caused by thickening of the tissue surrounding a nerve, often due to irritation, pressure, or trauma. Wearing tight shoes, high heels, or engaging in high-impact activities can contribute to its development. Symptoms include a sharp, burning pain in the forefoot, numbness or tingling in the toes, and the sensation of a pebble or fold in a sock under the foot. The discomfort typically worsens with walking or standing and may improve with rest or shoe removal. A podiatrist can diagnose Morton’s neuroma through a physical exam and may use imaging, such as ultrasound or MRI, for confirmation. Treatment includes footwear modifications, custom orthotics, anti-inflammatory medications, corticosteroid injections, or in some cases, surgery. Since early treatment leads to better outcomes, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist at your earliest convenience.

Morton’s neuroma is a very uncomfortable condition to live with. If you think you have Morton’s neuroma, contact one of our podiatrists of Spartan Podiatry. Our doctors will attend to all of your foot care needs and answer any of your related questions.  

Morton’s Neuroma

Morton's neuroma is a painful foot condition that commonly affects the areas between the second and third or third and fourth toe, although other areas of the foot are also susceptible. Morton’s neuroma is caused by an inflamed nerve in the foot that is being squeezed and aggravated by surrounding bones.

What Increases the Chances of Having Morton’s Neuroma?

• Ill-fitting high heels or shoes that add pressure to the toe or foot
• Jogging, running or any sport that involves constant impact to the foot
• Flat feet, bunions, and any other foot deformities

Morton’s neuroma is a very treatable condition. Orthotics and shoe inserts can often be used to alleviate the pain on the forefront of the feet. In more severe cases, corticosteroids can also be prescribed. In order to figure out the best treatment for your neuroma, it’s recommended to seek the care of a podiatrist who can diagnose your condition and provide different treatment options.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Battle Creek and Marshall, MI . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.