Items filtered by date: March 2025

Skier's toe is a common condition that occurs when repeated pressure or trauma causes bleeding under the toenail. It is often seen in skiers and other athletes who engage in activities that involve prolonged pressure on the toes. This condition develops when the toenail repeatedly strikes the inside of a boot, leading to bruising and discoloration beneath the nail. One of the main causes is wearing boots that are either too big or too snug, allowing excessive movement or creating excessive compression. Extreme cold temperatures can also contribute by reducing circulation in the toes, making them more vulnerable to injury. Symptoms include pain, swelling, and a darkened appearance of the nail. Skier's toe can be painful and uncomfortable. If you have toe pain from skiing, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can effectively treat skier’s toe. 

Toe pain can disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, contact Mack Jay Groves IV, DPM of Practice. 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 Covington, LA . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Gout is a rare condition in children and teenagers that occurs when uric acid builds up in the bloodstream and forms crystals in the joints. This leads to sudden, intense pain and inflammation, commonly in the big toe but also in other joints like the knees or ankles. The primary causes of gout in young people are genetic factors that cause the body to produce too much uric acid or fail to eliminate it properly. Other contributing factors may include obesity, kidney problems, or a diet high in purines found in foods such as red meat and seafood. Symptoms of gout in children and teenagers include severe joint pain, swelling, redness, and warmth around the affected area. If untreated, gout can lead to recurring attacks and long-term joint damage. If your child has symptoms of gout, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can effectively treat this condition.

Gout is a painful condition that can be treated. If you are seeking treatment, contact Mack Jay Groves IV, DPM from Practice. 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 Covington, LA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.