Blog

Turf toe occurs when the big toe is forced upward while the heel lifts, such as during a sprint or a sudden jump. This motion, which is common among athletes, strains the soft tissues surrounding the joint at the base of the toe. Playing on artificial turf increases the risk because the surface is firm and offers little shock absorption, which can make the toe bend back more unexpectedly. Sports that demand quick direction changes, pushing off the toes, or landing from a jump also place stress on this joint. Flexible shoes or flip-flops can make the big toe bend too far and lead to injury. A podiatrist can examine the toe joint, order imaging to look for damage, and offer treatment to protect the joint. If a tear is severe and pain does not improve, surgery may be needed to repair the area. If you have joint pain under the big toe, 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 John Killough, DPM of Regional 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 offices located in Charleston and Effingham, IL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Flat feet occur when the arches of the feet do not rise off the ground, causing the entire foot to make contact with the surface. You can often find out if you have flat feet by looking at your footprint after stepping on a wet surface or by checking whether your ankles roll inward when standing. Flat feet differ from normal arches, which provide natural support and shock absorption, and from high arches, which place extra pressure on the heel and ball of the foot. A podiatrist can evaluate your arch type, identify any related pain or alignment problems, and recommend treatments such as supportive footwear or custom orthotics. If you have problems related to flat feet, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can confirm this condition, and offer effective management tips.

Flatfoot is a condition many people suffer from. If you have flat feet, contact John Killough, DPM from Regional Foot Center. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Are Flat Feet?

Flatfoot is a condition in which the arch of the foot is depressed and the sole of the foot is almost completely in contact with the ground. About 20-30% of the population generally has flat feet because their arches never formed during growth.

Conditions & Problems:

Having flat feet makes it difficult to run or walk because of the stress placed on the ankles.

Alignment – The general alignment of your legs can be disrupted, because the ankles move inward which can cause major discomfort.

Knees – If you have complications with your knees, flat feet can be a contributor to arthritis in that area.  

Symptoms

• Pain around the heel or arch area
• Trouble standing on the tip toe
• Swelling around the inside of the ankle
• Flat look to one or both feet
• Having your shoes feel uneven when worn

Treatment

If you are experiencing pain and stress on the foot you may weaken the posterior tibial tendon, which runs around the inside of the ankle. 

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

Choosing the right footwear is essential for construction workers who spend long hours on demanding surfaces. Safety toe shoes offer strong protection from falling objects, while metatarsal guard shoes add an extra layer that shields the top of the foot from heavy impact. Waterproof shoes help keep feet dry in wet environments and slip resistant shoes provide better traction on slick or uneven ground. Additionally, high cut shoes support the ankles and reduce the risk of sprains on unstable job sites. A podiatrist can guide workers in selecting footwear that fits properly, prevents pain, and supports long term foot health. If you have sustained a foot or ankle injury, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for expert advice and personalized care.

While working on the feet, it is important to take the proper care of them. For more information about working on your feet, contact John Killough, DPM from Regional Foot Center. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Working on Your Feet

Standing on your feet for long periods of time can cause stress and pain in your feet. Your whole body may experience change in terms of posture, back pain, bunions, callouses and or plantar warts. There are ways to avoid these conditions with proper foot care, smart choices and correct posture.

Positive Changes

Negative heeled shoe – Choosing this shoe type places the heel slightly lower than the ball of the foot. These are great for overall foot health. Find shoes that fit you correctly.

Go barefoot – Our feet were not designed to be enclosed for all hours of the day. Try to periodically expose your feet to air.

Eliminate Pain

Foot Exercises – Performing simple exercises, incorporating yoga and doing stretches are beneficial. This will allow increased blood flow to the area and muscles of the foot.

Achilles tendon – Stretching the foot out flat on the floor will relax the calf muscles and tendon. These exercises can be performed almost anywhere. Make sure you add these exercises to your daily regimen. 

With a little bit of this information and knowing more about foot health, you will notice changes. Foot stretches and proper footwear will help with pain and prevent further issues.

If you have any questions please contact our offices located in Charleston and Effingham, IL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Foot pain linked to sciatica occurs when the sciatic nerve, which extends from the lower back to the feet, becomes compressed or irritated. This compression disrupts nerve signals, causing pain that can radiate into the heel, arch, or toes. People often notice tingling, burning, or numbness on the top or bottom of the foot, and some experience weakness when standing on their toes or lifting the front of the foot. The discomfort can worsen when walking, wearing shoes that lack adequate support, or standing for long periods. A podiatrist can evaluate whether the source of pain is nerve-related or due to another foot condition, such as plantar fasciitis or tarsal tunnel syndrome. Diagnostic imaging and nerve testing can help confirm the cause. Treatment may involve orthotics, shoe adjustments, or surgery if nerve compression is severe. If you have symptoms of sciatica-related foot pain, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and suggested treatment.

When dealing with systemic disease of the feet, it is extremely important to check the affected areas routinely so that any additional problems are caught quickly.  If you have any concerns about your feet and ankles contact John Killough, DPM from Regional Foot Center. Our doctor will assist you with all of your podiatric needs.

Systemic Diseases of the Feet

Systemic diseases affect the whole body, and symptoms usually are displayed in the feet. This condition can make a patient’s ability to walk unbearable.  Systemic diseases include gout, diabetes mellitus, neurological disorders, and arthritis.

Gout – is caused by an excess of uric acid in the body. Common symptoms include pain, inflammation, and redness at the metatarsal/phalangeal joint of the base big toe. Gout can be treated by NSAIDs to relieve pain and inflammation, and other drugs that lower the acid levels in the body.

Diabetes mellitus – is an increase in the level of blood sugar that the body cannot counteract with its own insulin. Failure to produce enough insulin is a factor in Diabetes.

Diabetes of the Feet

Diabetic Neuropathy – may lead to damaged nerves and affect the feet through numbness and loss of sensation.

Peripheral Vascular Disease – can restrict the blood flow to the feet, and often times lead to amputation of the feet. 

If you have any questions please contact our offices located in Charleston and Effingham, IL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.