Tuesday, 10 June 2025 00:00

Turf toe is a sprain of the metatarsophalangeal, or MTP, joint, which connects the base of the big toe to the foot. This injury typically occurs when the big toe bends upward beyond its normal range, damaging the surrounding ligaments and tissues of the plantar complex. Symptoms of turf toe include pain, swelling, bruising, and reduced ability to push off with the toe. Turf toe injuries are grouped into three categories. Grade 1 involves stretching of the soft tissue, resulting in mild tenderness. Grade 2 involves a partial tear, causing more pain, swelling, and limited joint movement. Grade 3 is the most severe, with a complete tear of the soft tissue, often preventing weight-bearing on the toe. Turf toe is frequently experienced by athletes who play on artificial surfaces, especially those who wear lightweight shoes. It can affect gymnasts, dancers and other active people, as well. If you have symptoms of a turf toe injury, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam and appropriate treatment options.

Toe pain can disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, contact Leonard Talarico, DPM of Georgia. 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 feel free to contact our office located in Pooler, GA . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

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Tuesday, 03 June 2025 00:00

Cuboid syndrome, medically referred to as subluxation of the midtarsal joint, occurs when the cuboid bone partially dislocates from its normal position. This condition is more common than many people realize, particularly among athletes and individuals with repetitive strain on the foot. Risk factors include overuse, poor footwear, ankle instability, and biomechanical abnormalities. Causes may involve acute injury or gradual stress that affects the surrounding ligaments. Symptoms often include lateral foot pain, difficulty walking, and tenderness near the midfoot. If left untreated, it can impact mobility and quality of life. If you are experiencing persistent foot discomfort, it is strongly suggested that you seek an evaluation from a podiatrist who can diagnose the issue and offer personalized treatment options for lasting relief.

Cuboid syndrome, also known as cuboid subluxation, occurs when the joints and ligaments near the cuboid bone in the foot become torn. If you have cuboid syndrome, consult with Leonard Talarico, DPM from Georgia. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Cuboid syndrome is a common cause of lateral foot pain, which is pain on the outside of the foot. The condition may happen suddenly due to an ankle sprain, or it may develop slowly overtime from repetitive tension through the bone and surrounding structures.

Causes

The most common causes of cuboid syndrome include:

  • Injury – The most common cause of this ailment is an ankle sprain.
  • Repetitive Strain – Tension placed through the peroneus longus muscle from repetitive activities such as jumping and running may cause excessive traction on the bone causing it to sublux.
  • Altered Foot Biomechanics – Most people suffering from cuboid subluxation have flat feet.

Symptoms

A common symptom of cuboid syndrome is pain along the outside of the foot which can be felt in the ankle and toes. This pain may create walking difficulties and may cause those with the condition to walk with a limp.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of cuboid syndrome is often difficult, and it is often misdiagnosed. X-rays, MRIs and CT scans often fail to properly show the cuboid subluxation. Although there isn’t a specific test used to diagnose cuboid syndrome, your podiatrist will usually check if pain is felt while pressing firmly on the cuboid bone of your foot.

Treatment

Just as the range of causes varies widely, so do treatments. Some more common treatments are ice therapy, rest, exercise, taping, and orthotics.

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

 

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Sunday, 01 June 2025 00:00

Painful deformities, such as hammertoes, can be treated. Stop living with foot pain, and have beautiful feet again!

Tuesday, 27 May 2025 00:00

A podiatrist is a medical professional who specializes in diagnosing and treating conditions related to the feet, ankles, and lower legs. They receive extensive training in foot and ankle care, including both non-surgical and surgical treatment options. Podiatrists treat a wide range of issues such as heel pain, bunions, hammertoes, ingrown toenails, fungal infections, and foot injuries. They also manage complications related to diabetes, including foot ulcers and nerve damage. Podiatrists provide care for individuals of all ages, from children with flat feet to seniors with arthritis or circulation problems. This type of doctor also plays an important role in preventive care by offering guidance on footwear, gait, and foot hygiene. If you have foot or ankle pain, it is suggested that you promptly contact a podiatrist for treatment.

If you are experiencing pain in the feet or ankles, don’t join the stubborn majority refusing treatment. Feel free to contact Leonard Talarico, DPM from Georgia. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is a Podiatrist?

Someone would seek the care of a podiatrist if they have suffered a foot injury or have common foot ailments such as heal spurs, bunions, arch problems, deformities, ingrown toenails, corns, foot and ankle problems, etc.

Podiatric Treatment

A podiatrist will treat the problematic areas of the feet, ankle or lower leg by prescribing the following:

  • Physical therapy
  • Drugs
  • Orthotic inserts or soles
  • Surgery on lower extremity fractures

A common podiatric procedure a podiatrist will use is a scanner or force plate which will allow the podiatrist to know the designs of orthotics. Patients are then told to follow a series of tasks to complete the treatment. The computer will scan the foot a see which areas show weight distribution and pressure points. The podiatrist will read the analysis and then determine which treatment plans are available.

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

Read more about What is a Podiatrist?

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