Toenail and toe pain while hiking is a common problem that can turn an enjoyable outdoor adventure into a painful experience. Causes often include wearing shoes that are too tight or too loose, friction from improper socks, and repetitive impact on uneven terrain. To prevent these issues, it is important to wear properly sized hiking shoes, gradually break them in before long treks, and choose socks with cushioning and reinforcement in key areas. These steps help reduce pressure on the toes, prevent blisters, and protect the toenails from trauma. A podiatrist can evaluate your foot structure, recommend appropriate footwear, and provide treatment for any persistent pain or nail injuries. If you have toe or toenail pain that is preventing you from enjoying your hiking experience, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for appropriate treatment solutions.

Toe pain can disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, contact Cary Golub, DPM of New York. 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 offices located in Williston Park, and Long Beach, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Plantar fasciitis is a common condition that occurs when the thick band of tissue connecting the heel to the toes becomes inflamed. Overuse, especially in runners, repetitive stress, or sudden increases in activity can lead to microtears in the plantar fascia. Symptoms often include sharp heel pain, particularly in the morning or after periods of inactivity, swelling, and discomfort when walking or standing for long periods. Risk factors include flat feet, high arches, obesity, improper footwear, and tight calf muscles. A podiatrist can diagnose plantar fasciitis through a thorough evaluation, recommend targeted treatments such as stretching exercises, custom orthotics, or supportive footwear, and provide strategies to prevent recurrence. If you are a runner and have persistent heel pain, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who can offer effective relief and treatment solutions.

Plantar fasciitis is a common foot condition that is often caused by a strain injury. If you are experiencing heel pain or symptoms of plantar fasciitis, contact Cary Golub, DPM from New York. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common causes of heel pain. The plantar fascia is a ligament that connects your heel to the front of your foot. When this ligament becomes inflamed, plantar fasciitis is the result. If you have plantar fasciitis you will have a stabbing pain that usually occurs with your first steps in the morning. As the day progresses and you walk around more, this pain will start to disappear, but it will return after long periods of standing or sitting.

What Causes Plantar Fasciitis?

• Excessive running
• Having high arches in your feet
• Other foot issues such as flat feet
• Pregnancy (due to the sudden weight gain)
• Being on your feet very often

There are some risk factors that may make you more likely to develop plantar fasciitis compared to others. The condition most commonly affects adults between the ages of 40 and 60. It also tends to affect people who are obese because the extra pounds result in extra stress being placed on the plantar fascia.

Prevention

• Take good care of your feet – Wear shoes that have good arch support and heel cushioning.
• Maintain a healthy weight
• If you are a runner, alternate running with other sports that won’t cause heel pain

There are a variety of treatment options available for plantar fasciitis along with the pain that accompanies it. Additionally, physical therapy is a very important component in the treatment process. It is important that you meet with your podiatrist to determine which treatment option is best for you.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Williston Park, and Long Beach, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Gout is a painful form of inflammatory arthritis that occurs when uric acid crystals build up in a joint, most often the big toe. This condition can develop due to high uric acid levels, certain foods, dehydration, or underlying medical issues. Risk factors include family history, obesity, kidney disease, and diets high in red meat or alcohol. Symptoms often include sudden sharp pain, redness, swelling, and warmth in the affected joint. A podiatrist can diagnose gout, provide relief through targeted treatment, and recommend lifestyle changes to reduce flare ups. If your big toe and surrounding areas are causing you pain, it is suggested that you promptly consult a podiatrist who can accurately diagnose gout, and help you to manage this painful condition.

Gout is a painful condition that can be treated. If you are seeking treatment, contact Cary Golub, DPM from New York. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Is Gout?

Gout is a form of arthritis that is characterized by sudden, severe attacks of pain, redness, and tenderness in the joints. The condition usually affects the joint at the base of the big toe. A gout attack can occur at any random time, such as the middle of the night while you are asleep.

Symptoms

• Intense Joint Pain - Usually around the large joint of your big toe, and it most severe within the first four to twelve hours
• Lingering Discomfort - Joint discomfort may last from a few days to a few weeks
• Inflammation and Redness -Affected joints may become swollen, tender, warm and red
• Limited Range of Motion - May experience a decrease in joint mobility

Risk Factors

• Genetics - If family members have gout, you’re more likely to have it
• Medications - Diuretic medications can raise uric acid levels
• Gender/Age - Gout is more common in men until the age of 60. It is believed that estrogen protects women until that point
• Diet - Eating red meat and shellfish increases your risk
• Alcohol - Having more than two alcoholic drinks per day increases your risk
• Obesity - Obese people are at a higher risk for gout

Prior to visiting your podiatrist to receive treatment for gout, there are a few things you should do beforehand. If you have gout you should write down your symptoms--including when they started and how often you experience them, important medical information you may have, and any questions you may have. Writing down these three things will help your podiatrist in assessing your specific situation so that he or she may provide the best route of treatment for you.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Williston Park, and Long Beach, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

A baby’s feet are soft, flexible, and still developing, which makes proper care essential for healthy growth. Gently wash and dry your baby’s feet daily, and trim toenails straight across to prevent ingrown nails. Avoid wearing tight socks or shoes that restrict natural movement and allow the feet to move freely. Encourage gentle foot exercises such as kicking or grasping to strengthen muscles and improve coordination. Common foot concerns in babies include in-toeing, out-toeing, and curly toes, which often improve as they grow. A podiatrist can evaluate your baby’s feet, provide guidance on healthy development, and address any concerns early. If your child has any foot pain or has symptoms of specific foot conditions, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who can provide effective treatment solutions.

Making sure that your children maintain good foot health is very important as they grow. If you have any questions, contact Cary Golub, DPM of New York. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Keeping Children's Feet Healthy

Having healthy feet during childhood can help prevent medical problems later in life, namely in the back and legs. As children grow, their feet require different types of care. Here are some things to consider...

Although babies do not walk yet, it is still very important to take care of their feet.

Avoid putting tight shoes or socks on his or her feet.

Allow the baby to stretch and kick his or her feet to feel comfortable.

As a toddler, kids are now on the move and begin to develop differently. At this age, toddlers are getting a feel for walking, so don’t be alarmed if your toddler is unsteady or ‘walks funny’. 

As your child gets older, it is important to teach them how to take care of their feet.

Show them proper hygiene to prevent infections such as fungus.

Be watchful for any pain or injury.

Have all injuries checked by a doctor as soon as possible.

Comfortable, protective shoes should always be worn, especially at play.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Williston Park, and Long Beach, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.