Overlapping toes develop when one toe lies over or under a neighboring one. This may be due to inherited foot shape, crowding from shoes that are too tight, or changes in how the foot moves when walking. A longer second toe, flat feet, high arches, or a bunion can shift pressure across the forefoot and encourage a toe to move out of line. Arthritis can stiffen the joints in the toes and alter their position over time. In some newborns, an overlapping pinky toe develops from inherited traits or from limited space in the womb. Foot injuries that affect the small joints can also contribute to this condition as the toe loses stability. A podiatrist can assess toe flexibility, alignment, and the overall structure of the foot to recommend the best care. If you or your child has a problematic overlapping toe, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and treatment.

Toe pain can disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, contact Scott Matthews, DPM, MD of Salem Foot Care . 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 Wikesboro, NC . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Gout is a painful form of inflammatory arthritis caused by a buildup of uric acid crystals in the joints, most commonly affecting the big toe. The pain may be so debilitating that even the weight of a sheet can cause discomfort. Several factors increase the risk of developing gout, including family history, male gender, older age, obesity, and frequent alcohol consumption. These elements can raise uric acid levels and trigger sudden attacks of severe redness, swelling, and intense joint pain. A podiatrist can diagnose gout through examination and testing, provide treatment to reduce inflammation, and offer long-term strategies to prevent future flare ups. Managing foot function and joint health is also essential for comfort and mobility. If you have symptoms of gout, it is strongly suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can help you to manage this painful condition.

Gout is a foot condition that requires certain treatment and care. If you are seeking treatment, contact Scott Matthews, DPM, MD from Salem Foot Care . Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Is Gout?

Gout is a type of arthritis caused by a buildup of uric acid in the bloodstream. It often develops in the foot, especially the big toe area, although it can manifest in other parts of the body as well. Gout can make walking and standing very painful and is especially common in diabetics and the obese.

People typically get gout because of a poor diet. Genetic predisposition is also a factor. The children of parents who have had gout frequently have a chance of developing it themselves.

Gout can easily be identified by redness and inflammation of the big toe and the surrounding areas of the foot. Other symptoms include extreme fatigue, joint pain, and running high fevers. Sometimes corticosteroid drugs can be prescribed to treat gout, but the best way to combat this disease is to get more exercise and eat a better diet.

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

Swollen ankles and feet are a common issue that can result from a variety of causes. Prolonged standing or sitting can lead to fluid buildup in the lower extremities, while high salt intake can increase water retention. Pregnancy often contributes to swelling due to hormonal changes and increased pressure on blood vessels, and obesity places extra stress on the feet and ankles, worsening fluid accumulation. Symptoms may include puffiness, tightness, discomfort, and difficulty walking or wearing shoes comfortably. A podiatrist can evaluate the underlying cause, recommend strategies to reduce swelling, provide supportive footwear options, and offer therapies to improve circulation and foot health. If you have persistent swelling in your feet or ankles, it is  suggested that you schedule a visit with a podiatrist who can provide effective relief tips. 

Swollen feet can be a sign of an underlying condition. If you have any concerns, contact Scott Matthews, DPM, MD of Salem Foot Care . Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Swollen feet are a common ailment among pregnant women and people who stand or sit for extended periods. Aging may increase the possibility of swollen feet and patients who are obese often notice when their feet are swelling too. There may be medical reasons why swollen feet occur:

• Phlebitis - A condition that causes the veins to become inflamed and can also cause leg pain.
• Liver disease - This may lead to low blood levels of albumin which is a protein. This can cause fluid in the blood to pass into the tissues and several areas of the body can become swollen.
• Heart failure - When the heart doesn’t pump properly the blood that is normally pumped back to the heart can pool in the veins of the legs causing swollen feet.
• Kidney disease - One of the main functions of the kidneys is releasing excess fluid in the body. This type of condition can make it difficult for the kidneys to function properly, and as a result the feet may become swollen.
• Deep-vein thrombosis (DVT)- This is a serious condition where blood clots form in the veins of the legs. They can block the return of blood from the legs to the heart which may cause the feet to swell. It is important to be treated by a podiatrist if this condition is present.

Swollen feet can also be caused by bone and tendon conditions, including fractures, arthritis, and tendinitis. Additionally, there may be skin and toenail conditions and an infection may cause the feet to swell. Patients who take medicine to treat high blood pressure may be prone to getting swollen feet. 

Many patients elevate their feet to help relieve the swelling and this is generally a temporary remedy. When a podiatrist is consulted the reason behind the swelling can be uncovered and subsequently treated.

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

Ankle pain is common among ice skaters due to abrupt starts and stops, repetitive movements, and long hours spent on the ice. These actions place continuous stress on the ankle joints and surrounding muscles, which can lead to inflammation and discomfort. Prevention begins with using properly fitting skates that offer the right degree of flexibility to support the ankle without restricting natural movement. Strengthening and stretching exercises also help improve stability and reduce strain during skating sessions. A podiatrist can assess ankle alignment, identify overuse issues, and recommend custom supports or treatment to relieve pain and prevent further injury. If you have sustained an ankle injury from ice skating, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can offer effective relief, treatment and prevention tips. 

Ankle and foot injuries are common among athletes and in many sports. They can be caused by several problems and may be potentially serious. If you are feeling pain or think you were injured in a sporting event or when exercising, consult with Scott Matthews, DPM, MD from Salem Foot Care . Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Common Injuries

The most common injuries that occur in sporting activities include:

• Achilles Tendonitis
• Achilles Tendon Rupture
• Ankle Sprains
• Broken Foot
• Plantar Fasciitis
• Stress Fractures
• Turf Toe

Symptoms

Symptoms vary depending upon the injury and in some cases, there may be no symptoms at all. However, in most cases, some form of symptom is experienced. Pain, aching, burning, bruising, tenderness, tightness or stiffness, sensation loss, difficulty moving, and swelling are the most common symptoms.

Treatment

Just as symptoms vary depending upon the injury, so do treatment options. A common treatment method is known as the RICE method. This method involves rest, applying ice, compression and elevating the afflicted foot or ankle. If the injury appears to be more serious, surgery might be required, such as arthroscopic or reconstructive surgery. Lastly, rehabilitation or therapy might be needed to gain full functionality in the afflicted area. Any discomfort experienced by an athlete must be evaluated by a licensed, reputable medical professional.  

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