Arthritis in the big toe can cause pain, stiffness, and limited movement that makes walking uncomfortable. This affects the joint at the base of the toe, where the tissue that cushions bone ends starts to wear down. As the joint becomes irritated, motion may decrease and pain may increase during activity. Treatment focuses on reducing stress on the joint and improving how the foot functions. A podiatrist can provide custom orthotic devices to limit joint strain and improve alignment. Medication may be used to reduce inflammation and ease discomfort. In some cases, targeted injections into the joint can help relieve pain and swelling. When arthritis becomes more advanced, surgery may be recommended to remove bone growth, improve joint motion, or stabilize the joint. A podiatrist will adjust treatment based on the severity of the arthritis and the patient’s activity level. If you are experiencing pain from arthritis in the toes, feet or ankles, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for help.

Arthritis can be a difficult condition to live with. If you are seeking treatment, contact Kent DiNucci, DPM from Ankle and Foot Clinic . Our doctor 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 office located in Omaha, NE . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

A stiff big toe is often caused by a condition called hallux limitus or hallux rigidus, which means the joint at the base of the big toe has limited or very little movement. This problem usually develops over time, beginning with discomfort when walking or bending the toe and gradually progressing to more constant pain and stiffness. The joint may look swollen or enlarged, and some patients notice a firm bump on the top of the toe. Activities that require push off, such as walking uphill or running, can become difficult and uncomfortable. Common causes include arthritis, repetitive stress, prior injury, or foot structure that places extra pressure on the joint. A podiatrist can evaluate movement and may use imaging to understand the severity. Treatment options include supportive footwear, custom orthotics, and targeted exercises to help maintain motion. In more advanced cases, surgery may be considered. If you have a stiff big toe, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist.

Toe pain can disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, contact Kent DiNucci, DPM of Ankle and Foot Clinic . 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 office located in Omaha, NE . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Toenail fungus affects the nail and the skin beneath it. It begins when fungi enter through small cracks and slowly spread under the nail surface, leading to infection. Symptoms often include thickened, brittle, and yellow discolored nails that may become difficult to trim. Risk factors include older age, exposure to someone with the infection, and warm, moist environments that support fungal growth. Without treatment, the condition can worsen and affect multiple nails. Early recognition and care are important to maintain healthy, strong nails and prevent further spread. If you have symptoms of toenail fungus, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can effectively treat this condition, which may include prescribed medication.

For more information about treatment, contact Kent DiNucci, DPM of Ankle and Foot Clinic . Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Toenail Fungus Treatment

Toenail fungus is a condition that affects many people and can be especially hard to get rid of. Fortunately, there are several methods to go about treating and avoiding it.

Antifungals & Deterrence

Oral antifungal medicine has been shown to be effective in many cases. It is important to consult with a podiatrist to determine the proper regiment for you, or potentially explore other options.

Applying foot powder on the feet and shoes helps keep the feet free of moisture and sweat.

Sandals or open toed shoes – Wearing these will allow air movement and help keep feet dry. They also expose your feet to light, which fungus cannot tolerate. Socks with moisture wicking material also help as well.

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

Pain on the top of the foot can develop gradually or begin suddenly after activity or injury. This area contains several small bones, joints, and tendons that help lift the foot while walking. When these structures become irritated, discomfort may appear along the upper surface of the foot and sometimes extend toward the toes or ankle. The pain may feel sharp, aching, or tight, and swelling or mild bruising may also appear. Common causes include overuse from running or walking, tight footwear that places pressure on the top of the foot, or inflammation of the tendons that help lift the toes. Stress injuries to the small bones can also occur in active individuals. A podiatrist will examine the foot, discuss recent activity, and may order imaging to identify the exact cause of the pain. Treatment may include shoe adjustments, protective support, and targeted exercises to reduce strain. If you have pain on the top of the foot, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with Kent DiNucci, DPM from Ankle and Foot Clinic . Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Causes

Foot pain is a very broad condition that could be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

• Bunions
• Hammertoes
• Plantar Fasciitis
• Bone Spurs
• Corns
• Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
• Ingrown Toenails
• Arthritis (such as Gout, Rheumatoid, and Osteoarthritis)
• Flat Feet
• Injury (from stress fractures, broken toe, foot, ankle, Achilles tendon ruptures, and sprains)
• And more

Diagnosis

To figure out the cause of foot pain, podiatrists utilize several different methods. This 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

Treatment depends upon the cause of the foot pain. Whether it is resting, staying off the foot, or having surgery; podiatrists have a number of treatment options available for foot pain.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Omaha, NE . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.