Pain under the base of the big toe may be caused by two small bones, called sesamoids. They sit beneath the end of the long bone that connects to the big toe. The tiny bones help the big toe move and absorb pressure as the foot pushes off the ground. In some cases, a sesamoid bone is fractured or shifts from its usual position. Dancers, certain athletes, and runners face a higher risk because their activities place repeated pressure on the front of the foot. High arches, bunions, and frequent wearing of high-heeled shoes can also increase strain in this area.

Pain from sesamoiditis is usually centered under the big-toe joint and can develop gradually. It may become sharper when walking, running, or bending the big toe upward. Walking barefoot can be painful because there is little protection beneath the sore area. Wearing thin-soled and high-heeled shoes can also make symptoms worse. The skin near the joint may appear red, warm, or swollen. These signs can resemble a fracture, arthritis, or gout. Continuing to place pressure on the area can limit movement and make a patient change how the foot meets the ground.

A podiatrist can examine the painful area, check big-toe movement, and evaluate the way pressure moves through the foot. X-rays can help identify a fracture, arthritis, or a change in the position of a sesamoid bone. An MRI scan or another imaging test can provide more detail when the source of pain remains unclear. A podiatrist can provide offloading pads, prescribe custom orthotics, or recommend shoes with thick soles and lower heels. A podiatrist also may suggest taping, a brace, or a walking boot to limit painful movement while healing. Surgery is rarely considered, but it can be an option for severe damage that does not improve with other care. If you have symptoms of sesamoiditis, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Toe pain can disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, contact Carrie Frame, DPM of West Virginia Foot & Ankle. 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 Charleston, WV . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Blisters are small pockets of fluid that develop beneath the outer layer of the skin, most often because of repeated friction or pressure. They commonly appear on the heels, toes, or the ball of the foot after prolonged walking, running, or wearing shoes that rub against the skin. Although many blisters are minor, they can become painful and make everyday activities more difficult. Symptoms may include tenderness, swelling, and a clear fluid-filled bubble on the skin. In some cases, the blister may break open, increasing the risk of infection if not properly managed. Because other foot conditions can resemble blisters, a professional evaluation is important when pain is severe, symptoms persist, or signs of infection develop.

Several factors can increase the likelihood of developing foot blisters. Poorly fitting footwear, excessive moisture, and repetitive physical activity may all increase friction on the skin. Individuals with diabetes or reduced circulation may have a greater risk of complications because wounds can heal more slowly. Persistent discomfort may also change the way a person walks, placing additional stress on the foot and ankle. A comprehensive podiatry examination helps determine the cause of the blister while evaluating the surrounding skin for infection or other concerns. Early diagnosis and treatment are important to relieve discomfort and prevent more serious foot problems from developing.

A podiatrist specializes in diagnosing and treating foot blisters while protecting the overall health of the feet. Professional care focuses on relieving pain, preventing infection, and promoting proper healing based on each patient's condition. Treatment is tailored to the size, location, and severity of the blister, as well as any underlying medical conditions that may affect recovery. Regular podiatry visits can also help identify recurring problems and reduce the risk of future complications. If you have a painful foot blister, persistent symptoms, or signs of infection, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for an evaluation and appropriate treatment options.

Blisters may appear as a single bubble or in a cluster. They can cause a lot of pain and may be filled with pus, blood, or watery serum. If your feet are hurting, contact Carrie Frame, DPM of West Virginia Foot & Ankle. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Foot Blisters

Foot blisters are often the result of friction. This happens due to the constant rubbing from shoes, which can lead to pain.

What Are Foot Blisters?

A foot blister is a small fluid-filled pocket that forms on the upper-most layer of the skin. Blisters are filled with clear fluid and can lead to blood drainage or pus if the area becomes infected.

Symptoms

(Blister symptoms may vary depending on what is causing them)

• Bubble of skin filled with fluid
• Redness
• Moderate to severe pain
• Itching

Prevention & Treatment

In order to prevent blisters, you should be sure to wear comfortable shoes with socks that cushion your feet and absorb sweat. Breaking a blister open may increase your chances of developing an infection. However, if your blister breaks, you should wash the area with soap and water immediately and then apply a bandage to the affected area. If your blisters cause severe pain it is important that you call your podiatrist right away.

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

Plantar warts are small skin growths that form on the bottom of the foot. They are caused by certain types of human papillomavirus, often called HPV. This virus can enter through tiny cracks or weak spots in the skin. Because plantar warts grow on areas that carry body weight, pressure can push them inward and make them painful. They may appear as rough, thickened spots on the sole of the foot. Some have tiny dark dots, which are small clotted blood vessels. Plantar warts can be mistaken for corns or calluses because they may look similar. A professional evaluation is important when a painful spot develops or does not improve.

A podiatrist can examine the growth and determine whether it is a plantar wart or another foot condition. This helps ensure the right type of care is recommended. During the visit, the podiatrist may check the size, location, and appearance of the wart. Treatment depends on the patient’s symptoms and how deep the wart has grown into the skin. Professional plantar wart treatment may include removing thickened skin, applying medical treatments, or using other in-office methods to target the wart. Some plantar warts take more than one visit to treat, especially if they are painful or have been present for a long time.

Prompt podiatry care can help reduce pain and protect healthy skin around the wart. Early treatment may also help prevent the wart from spreading or becoming harder to treat. A podiatrist can monitor healing and adjust treatment when needed, which supports better comfort while walking or standing. Professional foot wart treatment is especially helpful when pain affects daily movement or when the growth is hard to identify. If you have a painful growth on the bottom of your foot, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for an evaluation.

Plantar warts can be very uncomfortable. If you need your feet checked, contact Carrie Frame, DPM from West Virginia Foot & Ankle. Our doctor will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.

About Plantar Warts

Plantar warts are the result of HPV, or human papillomavirus, getting into open wounds on the feet. They are mostly found on the heels or balls of the feet.

While plantar warts are generally harmless, those experiencing excessive pain or those suffering from diabetes or a compromised immune system require immediate medical care. Plantar warts are easily diagnosed, usually through scraping off a bit of rough skin or by getting a biopsy.

Symptoms

• Lesions on the bottom of your feet, usually rough and grainy
• Hard or thick callused spots
• Wart seeds, which are small clotted blood vessels that look like little black spots
• Pain, discomfort, or tenderness of your feet when walking or standing

Treatment

• Freezing
• Electric tool removal
• Laser Treatment
• Topical Creams (prescription only)
• Over-the-counter medications

To help prevent developing plantar warts, avoid walking barefoot over abrasive surfaces that can cause cuts or wounds for HPV to get into. Avoiding direct contact with other warts, as well as not picking or rubbing existing warts, can help prevent the further spread of plantar warts. However, if you think you have developed plantar warts, speak to your podiatrist. He or she can diagnose the warts on your feet and recommend the appropriate treatment options.

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

Ganglion cysts are fluid-filled lumps that commonly form along tendons or joints, including on the feet. These non-cancerous cysts vary in size and can sometimes cause discomfort, especially if located in areas that bear weight or experience friction from shoes. While the exact cause of ganglion cysts remains unclear, repetitive stress on the foot joints or trauma may contribute to their development. Symptoms range from a visible lump to pain, limited movement, and, in some cases, numbness if the cyst presses on nearby nerves. While ganglion cysts are generally harmless, treatment may be necessary if they cause discomfort or impede movement. Treatment options include draining the fluid, or, in more persistent cases, surgical removal. If you have this type of cyst, it is suggested that you visit a podiatrist for an exam and monitoring.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with Carrie Frame, DPM from West Virginia Foot & Ankle. 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 Charleston, WV . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.