Finding shoes is not only about picking the right size and style. The shape of the toe box also matters because it determines how much space your toes have at the front of the shoe. A proper toe box should allow your toes to lie naturally and move without pressure. A poor fit can cause rubbing and pinching. These problems may lead to blisters, ingrown toenails, or crooked toes.

A few checks can help you choose a better fit. Stand when trying on shoes because your feet can lengthen and widen with weight on them. Make sure there is enough room for your longest toe without pressing against the front. The toe box should also have enough width and height for your forefoot and toes. Foot shape, bunions, and hammertoes can increase your need for extra space. Shoes that feel tight across the toes are not a good choice, even if the length seems correct.

The wrong toe box can create problems slowly. Constant rubbing can produce a blister, while pressure against the toe may contribute to an ingrown toenail. Crowded toes can also encourage painful changes in toe position. If symptoms develop, a podiatrist can inspect the skin and nails, evaluate toe alignment, and look for pressure-related problems. Treatment may include blister care, ingrown toenail treatment, or recommendations for better-fitting footwear. In more advanced cases, the podiatrist can discuss treatment based on the cause.

Think of shoe shopping as an opportunity to protect your feet, not just cover them. Choose shoes that give your toes enough room without allowing your heel to slide. Replace footwear when it becomes worn or loses its support. If tight shoes are causing foot pain or changes in your toes, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for effective relief tips, and additional guidance on proper shoe fit.

It is important to find shoes that fit you properly in order to avoid a variety of different foot problems. For more information about treatment, contact Bryan Sullivan, DPM from Mississippi Foot Center . Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Proper Shoe Fitting

Shoes have many different functions. They cushion our body weight, protect our feet, and allow us to safely play sports. You should always make sure that the shoes you wear fit you properly in order to avoid injuries and deformities such as: bunions, corns, calluses, hammertoes, plantar fasciitis, stress fractures, and more. It is important to note that although a certain pair of shoes might be a great fit for someone else, that doesn’t mean they will be a great fit for you. This is why you should always try on shoes before buying them to make sure they are worth the investment. Typically, shoes need to be replaced ever six months to one year of regular use.

Tips for Proper Shoe Fitting

• Select a shoe that is shaped like your foot
• Don’t buy shoes that fit too tight, expecting them to stretch to fit
• Make sure there is enough space (3/8” to ½”) for your longest toe at the end of each shoe when you are standing up
• Walk in the shoes to make sure they fit and feel right
• Don’t select shoes by the size marked inside the shoe, but by how the shoe fits your foot

The shoes you buy should always feel as good as they look. Shoes that fit properly will last longer, feel better, and improve your way of life each day.

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

Toe pain ranges from a mild irritation to severe discomfort that makes it difficult to put pressure on the foot. The toes contain bones, joints, and muscles, along with tendons and ligaments that support movement. Nerves and blood vessels also pass through the toes. Problems affecting any of these structures can cause pain. Symptoms can develop suddenly after an injury or appear gradually. Toe pain also occurs with burning, numbness, or a pins-and-needles sensation. Swelling or stiffness can make walking and other daily activities more difficult.

Many conditions can lead to toe pain. Bunions cause pain around the big-toe joint, while arthritis makes toe joints sore and stiff. Corns and calluses also create painful pressure. Other causes include an ingrown toenail, a broken toe, or a sprain. Hammertoe develops when a toe stays in a bent position and can become painful when it rubs against a shoe. Nerve problems may produce burning or numbness. Persistent pain with redness, warmth, or swelling deserves prompt attention because these signs can be linked to infection or another condition.

A podiatrist examines the toes and foot to identify the source of pain. The evaluation includes checking joint movement, skin changes, and areas of tenderness. A podiatrist also determines whether foot structure or pressure from shoes is contributing to symptoms. Treatment options depend on the cause and include custom orthotics, shoe modifications, or a brace. If you have symptoms of toe pain, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for diagnosis and treatment.

Toe pain can disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, contact Bryan Sullivan, DPM of Mississippi Foot Center . 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 Jackson, MS . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Skateboarding can be exciting and physically demanding, but repeated jumps and tricks can place considerable stress on the feet and ankles. The impact of landing on a skateboard or the ground can contribute to foot injuries, especially among children and young adults. Skateboarding injuries can range from bruises and cuts to more serious ankle sprains or fractures. Repetitive, forceful movements can also irritate tissues over time. Plantar fasciitis, which causes heel pain, may develop from repeated strain. Skateboarders may also experience Achilles tendonitis or stress fractures from continued pressure on the feet and ankles.

Some skateboarding injuries may be more serious than they first appear. An ankle sprain and a fracture can cause similar symptoms, making a professional diagnosis important. Being able to walk after an injury does not necessarily mean that a bone is not fractured. Cuts and abrasions also deserve attention, because damaged skin can become infected. Supportive footwear and protective equipment can help reduce some of the risks associated with skateboarding. However, persistent pain, swelling, or difficulty walking may indicate an injury that requires medical evaluation. Ignoring these warning signs could allow a foot or ankle problem to become more difficult to manage.

A podiatrist can examine sports-related foot and ankle injuries and determine the source of pain after a skateboarding accident. An evaluation can help distinguish between a sprain and fracture while identifying injuries caused by repeated impact. Treatment will depend on the type and severity of the injury. Proper diagnosis is especially important when symptoms continue after an injury or interfere with normal movement. A podiatrist can develop an appropriate treatment plan that supports recovery and helps protect long-term foot health. If skateboarding has caused ongoing foot pain, ankle pain, or difficulty walking, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for an evaluation and appropriate treatment options.

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 Bryan Sullivan, DPM from Mississippi Foot Center . 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 Jackson, MS . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

A heel bone fracture can happen when a powerful force drives the heel against a hard surface. Falls from heights and motor vehicle crashes are leading causes. A severe ankle twist can also crack the heel bone, called the calcaneus. Pain, swelling, and bruising can develop quickly. Some patients cannot place weight on the foot, while those with a minor fracture may walk with a limp. The heel can look wider, shorter, or misshapen when pieces of bone move out of position. Because the force may injure other areas, a complete medical evaluation is needed.

A podiatrist examines the foot and ankle for tenderness, skin damage, and changes in heel shape. This also includes checking blood flow, feeling, and toe movement. X-rays can confirm the break and show whether bone pieces have shifted. A CT scan creates detailed pictures and helps the podiatrist understand the fracture pattern. Treatment depends on the injury, the position of the broken pieces, and tissue damage. A cast, splint, or brace can hold a stable fracture in place. Patients must avoid placing weight on the injured foot while the bone heals. When fragments have moved or the heel has lost its normal shape, surgery may be required to realign and secure the bone.

Recovery from a heel bone fracture can take several months, especially after a high-impact injury. The podiatrist monitors healing with examinations and imaging, then advises when weight-bearing can increase. Custom orthotics may improve support and reduce pressure inside the shoe. After treatment, some patients develop stiffness, swelling, or pain. Arthritis can form if the fracture damages the joint below the ankle. These problems may affect balance on uneven ground and make demanding work difficult. Prompt diagnosis helps the podiatrist protect the skin, restore heel alignment, and reduce further problems. If you have injured your heel, it is suggested that you promptly schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Many people suffer from bouts of heel pain. For more information, contact Bryan Sullivan, DPM of Mississippi Foot Center . Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Causes of Heel Pain

Heel pain is often associated with plantar fasciitis. The plantar fascia is a band of tissues that extends along the bottom of the foot. A rip or tear in this ligament can cause inflammation of the tissue.

Achilles tendonitis is another cause of heel pain. Inflammation of the Achilles tendon will cause pain from fractures and muscle tearing. Lack of flexibility is also another symptom.

Heel spurs are another cause of pain. When the tissues of the plantar fascia undergo a great deal of stress, it can lead to ligament separation from the heel bone, causing heel spurs.

Why Might Heel Pain Occur?

• Wearing ill-fitting shoes                
• Wearing non-supportive shoes
• Weight change           
• Excessive running

Treatments

Heel pain should be treated as soon as possible for immediate results. Keeping your feet in a stress-free environment will help. If you suffer from Achilles tendonitis or plantar fasciitis, applying ice will reduce the swelling. Stretching before an exercise like running will help the muscles. Using all these tips will help make heel pain a condition of the past.

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