A painful pinky toe can make every step feel uncomfortable, and the causes are often more varied than expected. Wearing tight shoes that squeeze the toes can lead to irritation, corns, or calluses along the sides of the toe. Some people develop a small bony bump that rubs against footwear, while others may experience pain from a minor fracture or a soft tissue injury after stubbing the toe. The pinky toe can also shift inward over time, creating pressure points and swelling. Although gentle padding and wider shoes may ease early symptoms, pain that persists or worsens should not be ignored. A podiatrist can examine the toe, identify the exact source of discomfort, and recommend treatments that reduce irritation and prevent further problems. If your pinky toe continues to hurt or makes daily walking difficult, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for proper evaluation and appropriate care.

Toe pain can disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, contact Amy DeGirolamo, DPM of Florida Foot and Ankle Associates. Our practitioner 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 Miami,FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Morton’s neuroma is a painful condition that develops when the tissue around a nerve between the toes thickens, often due to pressure from tight shoes, high heels, or repetitive impact activities. It may look subtle from the outside, but many people feel a sharp, burning, or tingling sensation in the ball of the foot that can radiate into the toes. Some describe the feeling as standing on a pebble or having a fold in the sock that will not smooth out. Swelling is sometimes present, although it is not always visible. Morton’s neuroma most commonly occurs between the third and fourth toes, likely because this area experiences the greatest compression during walking. A podiatrist can diagnose the condition through a physical exam, gait evaluation, and imaging if needed. Treatment options may include footwear modifications, custom orthotics, anti-inflammatory therapies, or targeted injections to reduce nerve irritation. If you experience persistent forefoot pain or numbness, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist.

Morton’s neuroma is a very uncomfortable condition to live with. If you think you have Morton’s neuroma, contact Amy DeGirolamo, DPM of Florida Foot and Ankle Associates. Our practitioner will attend to all of your foot care needs and answer any of your related questions.  

Morton’s Neuroma

Morton's neuroma is a painful foot condition that commonly affects the areas between the second and third or third and fourth toe, although other areas of the foot are also susceptible. Morton’s neuroma is caused by an inflamed nerve in the foot that is being squeezed and aggravated by surrounding bones.

What Increases the Chances of Having Morton’s Neuroma?

• Ill-fitting high heels or shoes that add pressure to the toe or foot
• Jogging, running or any sport that involves constant impact to the foot
• Flat feet, bunions, and any other foot deformities

Morton’s neuroma is a very treatable condition. Orthotics and shoe inserts can often be used to alleviate the pain on the forefront of the feet. In more severe cases, corticosteroids can also be prescribed. In order to figure out the best treatment for your neuroma, it’s recommended to seek the care of a podiatrist who can diagnose your condition and provide different treatment options.

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

Toenail fungus, also known as onychomycosis, is a common infection that develops in stages. In the early stage, the nail may appear dull or discolored with white or yellow spots. As the infection progresses, the nail thickens, becomes brittle, and may start to lift from the nail bed. In the advanced stage, the nail can become dark, crumbly, and emit an unpleasant odor, often causing discomfort or pain while walking. Toenail fungus is caused by fungi that thrive in warm, moist environments, such as locker rooms and inside shoes. It can spread easily from one nail to another or to other people through shared surfaces. A podiatrist can diagnose the condition through examination and laboratory testing, then provide treatments including antifungal medications or debridement to remove infected nail tissue. Early treatment offers the best results. If you are dealing with toenail fungus, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist to restore healthy, clear nails. 

If left untreated, toenail fungus may spread to other toenails, skin, or even fingernails. If you suspect you have toenail fungus it is important to seek treatment right away. For more information about treatment, contact Amy DeGirolamo, DPM of Florida Foot and Ankle Associates. Our practitioner can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Symptoms

• Warped or oddly shaped nails
• Yellowish nails
• Loose/separated nail
• Buildup of bits and pieces of nail fragments under the nail
• Brittle, broken, thickened nail

Treatment

If self-care strategies and over-the-counter medications does not help your fungus, your podiatrist may give you a prescription drug instead. Even if you find relief from your toenail fungus symptoms, you may experience a repeat infection in the future.

Prevention

In order to prevent getting toenail fungus in the future, you should always make sure to wash your feet with soap and water. After washing, it is important to dry your feet thoroughly especially in between the toes. When trimming your toenails, be sure to trim straight across instead of in a rounded shape. It is crucial not to cover up discolored nails with nail polish because that will prevent your nail from being able to “breathe”.

In some cases, surgical procedure may be needed to remove the toenail fungus. Consult with your podiatrist about the best treatment options for your case of toenail fungus.  

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