Foot pain is a common issue that can affect people of all ages, and the causes can vary. One of the most common causes is plantar fasciitis, which results in pain at the bottom of the heel and arch, often felt during the first steps in the morning. Foot osteoarthritis can cause pain in the joints of the foot, particularly the big toe, leading to stiffness and swelling. Another cause is posterior tibial tendonitis, which affects the inner ankle and can radiate through the arch, leading to pain and difficulty with movement. Additionally, tarsal tunnel syndrome, caused by compression of the tibial nerve, results in pain, tingling, or numbness on the inside of the foot and ankle. If you have any type of foot pain, it is strongly suggested that you promptly contact a podiatrist who can accurately diagnose and treat various foot conditions. 

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with Jordan Baker, DPM from Best Foot Forward Surgical Podiatry. 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 Florence, SC . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Gout develops when uric acid forms sharp crystals in a joint. Uric acid is a waste product that leaves the body through the kidneys. When too much remains in the blood, crystals can collect and trigger inflammation. An attack typically begins in the big-toe joint, though it can also affect the ankle. Symptoms include intense pain, swelling, and redness. The joint can also feel warm and extremely tender. Even light pressure from a sock or bedsheet can become difficult to tolerate. Repeated attacks can damage nearby bone and threaten the long-term health of the joint.

Gout research has found bone erosions in nearly half of the patients studied. These findings show why recurring attacks deserve careful medical attention. Bone erosions are damaged areas along the surface of a bone near a joint. The damage was more likely to occur among older patients and those who had lived with gout longer. It was also linked to frequent flare-ups. High blood pressure, high blood sugar, and kidney disease were associated with greater risk. Tophi, which are firm deposits of uric acid crystals around joints, were also connected with bone deterioration. 

A podiatrist can examine the painful joint and review the pattern of gout attacks. The evaluation includes checking swelling, skin color, and joint movement. Imaging can reveal crystal deposits or bone damage, while laboratory testing can help support the diagnosis. The podiatrist can develop a treatment plan and coordinate care with the patient’s primary doctor or another specialist. Professional foot care can protect irritated skin and reduce pressure around a tender joint. A podiatrist can also recommend fitted shoes or custom orthotics that improve comfort and support. Regular evaluations help track changes in the joint and identify complications before more damage occurs. Early diagnosis and steady medical management can reduce future attacks and protect joint health. If you have symptoms of gout, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Gout is a painful condition that can be treated. If you are seeking treatment, contact Jordan Baker, DPM from Best Foot Forward Surgical Podiatry. 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 office located in Florence, SC . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Common foot problems in elderly people include arthritis, bunions, and diabetic foot complications. These issues often develop due to the natural aging process, which affects joint health, circulation, and skin integrity. As people age, cartilage can wear down, leading to arthritis and stiffness in the feet. Bunions may form as a result of structural changes and long-term pressure on the joints. Diabetic foot problems can arise when high blood sugar affects nerve function and healing ability. The feet are often overlooked, yet they play a vital role in mobility and overall health.

Symptoms of these conditions may include joint pain, swelling, and difficulty walking. Bunions can cause visible deformity and discomfort, especially while wearing shoes. Numbness, tingling, or slow-healing wounds may indicate diabetic foot problems. Risk factors include aging, reduced circulation, chronic conditions such as diabetes, and wearing improper footwear. Limited flexibility and balance issues can also increase the likelihood of developing foot problems in older adults.

The causes of these conditions are closely linked to the aging process. With age, the body experiences reduced blood flow, thinning skin, and decreased cushioning in the feet. These changes can make the feet more vulnerable to injury and pressure-related conditions. A sedentary lifestyle can further reduce circulation and weaken muscles, making it more difficult to maintain proper foot function. Regular movement, wearing supportive footwear, and maintaining a healthy weight can help reduce stress on the feet and improve overall function.

Prevention focuses on daily foot care, proper hygiene, and routine monitoring for changes in skin or structure. Wearing well-fitted, supportive shoes can help reduce pressure and prevent deformities. Stretching and low-impact activity can support circulation and joint mobility. Early intervention can prevent minor issues from becoming more serious. If you are elderly and have developed foot problems, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Proper foot care is something many older adults forget to consider. If you have any concerns about your feet and ankles, contact Jordan Baker, DPM from Best Foot Forward Surgical Podiatry. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

The Elderly and Their Feet

As we age we start to notice many changes in our body, but the elder population may not notice them right away. Medical conditions may prevent the elderly to take notice of their foot health right away. Poor vision is a lead contributor to not taking action for the elderly.

Common Conditions 

• Neuropathy – can reduce feeling in the feet and can hide many life-threatening medical conditions.
• Reduced flexibility – prevents the ability of proper toenail trimming, and foot cleaning. If left untreated, it may lead to further medical issues.
• Foot sores – amongst the older population can be serious before they are discovered. Some of the problematic conditions they may face are:
• Gouging toenails affecting nearby toe
• Shoes that don’t fit properly
• Pressure sores
• Loss of circulation in legs & feet
• Edema & swelling of feet and ankles

Susceptible Infections

Diabetes and poor circulation can cause general loss of sensitivity over the years, turning a simple cut into a serious issue.

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

A cracking sound from the toes can happen when a joint bends, stretches, or changes position. One harmless cause is the release of gas bubbles in joint fluid. A tendon or ligament can shift across a bone and create a quick snap. Ligaments are strong bands of tissue that connect bones. These noises can occur after sitting still, when moving the toes, or while walking. Cracking without pain, swelling, or loss of movement does not always mean that the joint is damaged. However, a new sound that keeps returning deserves attention, especially when it affects comfort or movement.

Toe cracking can also be linked to an earlier injury, a small stress fracture, or arthritis. An old injury can change the position of a joint or leave scar tissue that catches as the toe bends. Arthritis wears down the cartilage that protects the ends of bones. As the joint surfaces become rough, movement can produce grinding, crunching, or popping sounds. Gout, a form of arthritis caused by uric acid crystals, can bring pain and swelling to the big-toe joint. Warning signs include warmth, stiffness, and difficulty pushing off the foot. A toe that locks, changes shape, or hurts with pressure also needs professional evaluation.

A podiatrist can examine the toes, check joint movement, and locate tenderness. The evaluation also considers past injuries, activity level, and changes in the sound. X-rays can reveal fractures, joint damage, or bone spurs. Other imaging can provide more detail when an injury is suspected. Treatment depends on the cause and can include custom orthotics to reduce pressure or shoe recommendations to improve support. A podiatrist can provide joint injections for painful conditions. If your toes make a cracking sound, 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 Jordan Baker, DPM of Best Foot Forward Surgical Podiatry. 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 Florence, SC . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.