Pain in the big toe joint can have many causes. It often happens when the bones, tendons, or soft tissues around the first metatarsophalangeal, or MTP, joint become strained or inflamed. Conditions like gout, arthritis, bunions, or sesamoiditis can make the MTP joint stiff, swollen, and painful when walking. Repeated stress from sports, tight shoes, or wearing high heels can also irritate this joint, causing turf toe, tendonitis, or bursitis. A fracture or sprain can result from a direct injury, like stubbing the toe or dropping something heavy on it. If left untreated, pain in the big toe joint can limit movement or cause deformity. A podiatrist can examine the foot, order X-rays, and determine the cause of pain to prevent further joint damage. Treatment can relieve pressure on the toe, improve alignment, or involve surgery if needed. If you have pain in the joint of your big 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 Raul Hidalgo DPM of South Texas Foot & Ankle 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 San Antonio, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Taking care of diabetic feet is essential because diabetes can affect circulation, nerve sensation, and skin health. Diabetic feet may look dry, cracked, or swollen, and can develop calluses, wounds, or nail changes. They may feel numb, unusually cold, or painful, making injuries harder to notice. Reduced sensation and poor blood flow increase the risk of infection and slow healing. A podiatrist can help from the start by performing a thorough foot examination, checking circulation and nerve function, and identifying early warning signs. Diagnosis may include sensory testing, skin assessment, and nail evaluation. Treatment focuses on regular foot care, safe callus and nail management, and wound prevention. If ulcers or infections develop, prompt podiatric treatment supports healing and reduces serious complications. Ongoing care helps protect mobility, comfort, and independence. It is suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist if you have diabetes-related foot complications.

Diabetic foot care is important in preventing foot ailments such as ulcers. If you are suffering from diabetes or have any other concerns about your feet, contact Raul Hidalgo DPM from South Texas Foot & Ankle Care. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Diabetic Foot Care

Diabetes affects millions of people every year. The condition can damage blood vessels in many parts of the body, especially the feet. Because of this, taking care of your feet is essential if you have diabetes, and having a podiatrist help monitor your foot health is highly recommended.

The Importance of Caring for Your Feet

• Routinely inspect your feet for bruises or sores.
• Wear socks that fit your feet comfortably.
• Wear comfortable shoes that provide adequate support.

Patients with diabetes should have their doctor monitor their blood levels, as blood sugar levels play such a huge role in diabetic care. Monitoring these levels on a regular basis is highly advised.

It is always best to inform your healthcare professional of any concerns you may have regarding your feet, especially for diabetic patients. Early treatment and routine foot examinations are keys to maintaining proper health, especially because severe complications can arise if proper treatment is not applied.

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

Keeping the feet strong can improve balance, stability, and overall movement during daily activities. One helpful exercise is a towel scrunch. Place a small towel on the floor, rest your foot on top, and slowly pull the towel toward you by curling your toes. This strengthens the small muscles that support the arch. Another useful exercise is the heel raise. Stand near a counter for support, lift your heels until you are on the balls of your feet, pause briefly, and lower with control. This helps build strength in the calves and improves ankle stability. While these movements support functional fitness, they are most effective when performed correctly and paired with proper footwear and healthy mechanics. A podiatrist can evaluate your foot structure, recommend appropriate exercises, and address any discomfort that limits progress. If foot pain develops during these activities, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for effective relief tips and additional guidance on exercising the feet.

Exercising your feet regularly with the proper foot wear is a great way to prevent injuries and build strength. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Raul Hidalgo DPM from South Texas Foot & Ankle Care. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Exercise for Your Feet

Exercise for your feet can help you gain strength, mobility and flexibility in your feet. They say that strengthening your feet can be just as rewarding as strengthening another part of the body. Your feet are very important, and we often forget about them in our daily tasks. But it is because of our feet that are we able to get going and do what we need to. For those of us fortunate enough to not have any foot problems, it is an important gesture to take care of them to ensure good health in the long run.

Some foot health exercises can include ankle pumps, tip-toeing, toe rises, lifting off the floor doing reps and sets, and flexing the toes. It is best to speak with Our doctor to determine an appropriate regimen for your needs. Everyone’s needs and bodies are different, and the activities required to maintain strength in the feet vary from individual to individual. 

Once you get into a routine of doing regular exercise, you may notice a difference in your feet and how strong they may become.

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