Sesamoiditis, a common cause of big toe pain, affects the two semilunar-shaped sesamoid bones nestled within the tendon in the sole, aiding foot movement. Trauma or positional changes of these bones due to foot structural alterations, such as lateral displacement of the great toe, can trigger pain. Dancers, joggers, and individuals with high-arched feet or who wear high heels are particularly susceptible, with tibial sesamoiditis often observed in those with bunions. Symptoms include pain beneath the first metatarsal head, exacerbated by walking and certain shoe types. Diagnosis involves clinical evaluation, possibly joint aspiration to rule out gout or infectious arthritis, and imaging if fractures or osteoarthritis are suspected. Treatment ranges from offloading pads and orthotics to pain medications and corticosteroid injections, with surgery considered in chronic cases. If you have pain in your big toe that is persistent or worsening, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a chiropodist for a proper diagnosis and treatment.

Sesamoiditis can be painful and prevent you from participating in certain activities. To learn more about this condition, please consult with one of our chiropodists from West Toronto Foot & Ankle Clinic Inc. . Our chiropodist will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment. 

What Is Sesamoiditis? 

Sesamoiditis refers to an injury of the sesamoids (two small, pea-shaped bones located beneath the big toe joint) or the tendons and/or surrounding tissue in the joint.

Causes

Sesamoiditis is typically the result of an overuse injury caused by activities that put repetitive pressure on the sesamoid bones and the tendons involved with those bones. These activities can include basketball, football, running, ballet, and tennis. People who have high foot arches and those who frequently wear high-heeled shoes are also at an increased risk of developing sesamoiditis. 

Symptoms

Common symptoms of sesamoiditis include: 

• Dull, longstanding pain under the big toe joint
• Swelling
• Bruising
• Difficulty straightening or bending the big toe
• Pain during movement

Diagnosis

Sesamoiditis can be diagnosed by physical examination and X-rays. Sometimes other imaging studies, such as a bone scan, MRI, or ultrasound may be needed if damage to the area surrounding the sesamoid bones is suspected. 

Treatment

Treatment options include conservative measures, such as padding, strapping, taping or immobilizing the affected foot, taking oral medications or getting steroid injections to reduce pain and swelling, and wearing orthotic devices. Surgical treatment may be necessary if conservative measures are not effective. 

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Toronto, ON . 

Shooting pain in the foot can be a distressing experience, significantly affecting your daily life. One common source of shooting foot pain is nerve compression. Conditions such as Morton's neuroma or nerve entrapment can lead to discomfort as nerves become pinched or compressed. Another prevalent cause is plantar fasciitis, which affects the thick band of tissue running along the bottom of the foot. The sharp pain often strikes during those first steps in the morning. Injuries, whether from trauma or overuse, can also result in shooting pain. Stress fractures, tendonitis, and sprains are typical culprits in this regard. Neuropathy, particularly diabetic neuropathy, or other nerve disorders can cause shooting pain as the nerves sustain damage. Treatment options may include rest, exercises, orthotics and medication. To address shooting foot pain, it's suggested that you consult a chiropodist for an evaluation and a proper diagnosis. 

Foot pain can have many causes. To receive an accurate diagnosis and treatment for your foot pain, please consult with one of our chiropodists from West Toronto Foot & Ankle Clinic Inc. . Our chiropodist will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment. 

Causes

There are a variety of different conditions that can cause foot pain, including: 

• Plantar fasciitis
• Deformities, such as bunions or hammertoes
• Injuries to the muscles, bones, tendons, or ligaments in the feet
• Arthritis
• Flat feet
• Ingrown toenails

Symptoms

The type and location of your foot pain can help determine what may be causing it and what type of treatment options are best for you. 

Common types of foot pain include: 

• Heel pain
• Arch pain
• Toe pain
• Ball of foot pain
• Pain that has a stabbing, burning, or tingling quality
• Pain that is constant, intermittent, or that gets better or worse depending on the situation 

Diagnosis

A thorough medical history and physical examination of your feet will be required to determine a diagnosis. Imaging studies, such as X-rays or MRIs may be performed to rule out or confirm certain diagnoses. 

Treatment

Treatment will depend on the cause of the pain. Common treatments for foot pain include resting, icing, compressing, and elevating the affected foot, wearing orthotics, or taking anti-inflammatory medications. 

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Toronto, ON . 

Gout is an inflammatory condition that causes a great deal of pain in the joints and frequently attacks the big toe. Gout, for which there is no known cure, can be managed and the frequency of flare-ups reduced. It may be hard to determine if the pain you are experiencing is from gout because there are several causes of inflammatory joint pain. One method is to examine the synovial fluid in the affected joint, looking for high levels of urate crystals. The fluid will be taken by needle and syringe from the joint. In advanced cases of gout, tophi, or crystalized uric acid can also be tested. If a buildup of uric acid crystals is present, gout is likely to be the cause. Measures can be taken to reduce the chances of another attack. These may include changing the way you eat, drinking little or no alcohol, and taking prescribed medication. Leaving gout untreated is unwise, as it can be linked to heart attacks, strokes, high blood pressure, and diabetes. For more information on dealing with gout, it is suggested that you consult a chiropodist for a full examination and treatment options.

Gout is a painful form of arthritis that can affect anyone. Please consult with one of our chiropodists from West Toronto Foot & Ankle Clinic Inc. . Our chiropodist will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment. 

What Is Gout?

Gout is characterized by sudden, severe attacks of pain, redness, and tenderness in the joints. This type of arthritis is caused by a buildup of uric acid in the bloodstream. When uric acid crystallizes in a joint, often the joint of the big toe, it can bring about a gout attack. 

Symptoms

Symptoms of gout include: 

• Sudden and severe pain
• Swelling
• Redness
• Warmth
• Joint stiffness
• Joint deformity

Diagnosis

A chiropodist will ask questions about your personal and family medical history, followed by an examination of the affected joint. Laboratory tests and x-rays are sometimes ordered to determine if the inflammation is caused by something other than gout. A sample of fluid taken from your joint can show whether it contains uric acid. 

Treatment

Prescription medications or injections are used to treat the pain, swelling, and inflammation. Patients with chronic gout can also use behavioral modifications such as diet, exercise, and decreased intake of alcohol to help minimize the frequency of gout attacks. Foods and beverages that are high in purines should be avoided since purines are converted in the body to uric acid. If left untreated, this painful condition can leave your joint permanently damaged and swollen.  

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Toronto, ON . 

The feet work hard every day to get us where we want to go. And yet, for many people, getting a pedicure is the sum total of their foot care regime. There are a few other things you can do to keep your feet healthy. Research shows that 90 percent of adults have developed some form of foot problem in their lifetime. However, it is possible to prevent some of these painful conditions by embarking on a daily foot care routine. It all starts with foot hygiene. Keep your feet washed and thoroughly dried before putting on socks. Keep dry skin from cracking by applying moisturizer before going to bed. In order to avoid ingrown toenails, trim your toenails straight across and be careful not to cut them too short. Wear shoes that fit well and provide ample cushioning and support. Examine your feet often to detect any abnormalities or unexplained sores, especially if they are not healing quickly. Wear protective footwear in public showers, gyms, or swimming pools to avoid fungal infections. Do simple foot exercises to keep your feet and toes strong and flexible. Plan regular visits to a chiropodist for routine examinations or to address any foot issues before they become serious problems.  

Caring for your feet is not just something done at the chiropodist’s office. Good foot care starts at home. If you would like to learn more about daily foot care practices, please consult with one of our chiropodists from West Toronto Foot & Ankle Clinic Inc. . Our chiropodist can help you maintain the health of your lower limbs and your mobility. 

There are many things that you can do at home to help care for your feet, including: 

• Wearing shoes and socks that fit properly
• Washing the feet daily with soap and water
• Drying the feet thoroughly
• Applying moisturizer to the soles and heels of the feet
• Taking a walk and exercising the feet regularly
• Doing foot stretches and strengthening exercises 

A chiropodist can help figure out a manageable foot care routine for you to keep your feet healthy. If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Toronto, ON .