Ankle pain is discomfort that affects the joint connecting the foot and lower leg, an area that supports movement of the toes and calves while allowing stability during daily activities. Symptoms can include swelling, tenderness, changes in gait, deformity of the ankle, difficulty moving the ankle or toes, and an inability to bear weight. These issues may come from injury, arthritis, or structural problems. A podiatrist can evaluate the joint, provide a precise diagnosis, offer treatments that improve mobility, reduce pain, and prevent further injury. If you have ankle pain, it is suggested that you seek expert podiatric care to restore comfort and function, beginning your path to relief.

Ankle pain can be caused by a number of problems and may be potentially serious. If you have ankle pain, consult with Larry J. Kipp, DPM from Coastal Podiatry Center. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Ankle pain is any condition that causes pain in the ankle. Due to the fact that the ankle consists of tendons, muscles, bones, and ligaments, ankle pain can come from a number of different conditions.

Causes

The most common causes of ankle pain include:

• Types of arthritis (rheumatoid, osteoarthritis, and gout)
• Ankle sprains
• Broken ankles
• Achilles tendonitis
• Achilles tendon rupture
• Stress fractures
• Bursitis
• Tarsal tunnel syndrome
• Plantar fasciitis

Symptoms

Symptoms of ankle injury vary based upon the condition. Pain may include general pain and discomfort, swelling, aching, redness, bruising, burning or stabbing sensations, and/or loss of sensation.

Diagnosis

Due to the wide variety of potential causes of ankle pain, podiatrists will utilize a number of different methods to properly diagnose ankle pain. This can include asking for personal and family medical histories and of any recent injuries. Further diagnosis may include sensation tests, a physical examination, and potentially x-rays or other imaging tests.

Treatment

Just as the range of causes varies widely, so do treatments. Some more common treatments are rest, ice packs, keeping pressure off the foot, orthotics and braces, medication for inflammation and pain, and surgery.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in New Port Richey, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

The toes are connected to the long bones of the foot with metatarsophalangeal, or MTP,  joints. These joints are essential for balance and forward motion while walking. Pain in this area, most often in the big toe, develops when the joint is exposed to excess stress, poor alignment, or conditions that cause inflammation. Common causes include bunions, turf toe, and certain forms of arthritis like gout, osteoarthritis, and rheumatoid arthritis. MTP joint problems can lead to swelling, stiffness, and tenderness that make it difficult to walk or stand comfortably. Risk factors include chronic inflammatory disease and foot or leg misalignment. Wearing shoes that lack adequate support or place pressure on the toes, such as high heels or narrow footwear, are other factors. A podiatrist can assess the underlying cause and provide effective treatment to reduce pain and improve alignment. If you have ongoing pain in an MTP joint, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam and treatment options.

Toe pain can disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, contact Larry J. Kipp, DPM of Coastal Podiatry 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 office located in New Port Richey, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Arthritis in the feet can make each step feel heavier and more painful than the last. It often begins with stiffness in the morning or after sitting, followed by aching or swelling surrounding the joints of the toes, midfoot, or ankle. The pain may feel sharp during movement or dull and throbbing by the end of the day. As the condition progresses, joints can lose flexibility, making it harder to walk, climb stairs, or fit into regular shoes. Some people notice warmth, redness, or bony bumps forming around the affected areas. Because arthritis can worsen over time, early diagnosis is important. A podiatrist can assess joint health, recommend supportive footwear, custom orthotics, or anti-inflammatory treatments, and suggest gentle exercises to maintain mobility. If you have joint pain in your feet or ankles, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for relief options.

Arthritis can be a difficult condition to live with. If you are seeking treatment, contact Larry J. Kipp, DPM from Coastal Podiatry Center. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Arthritic Foot Care  

Arthritis is a joint disorder that involves the inflammation of different joints in your body, such as those in your feet. Arthritis is often caused by a degenerative joint disease and causes mild to severe pain in all affected areas. In addition to this, swelling and stiffness in the affected joints can also be a common symptom of arthritis.

In many cases, wearing ill-fitting shoes can worsen the effects and pain of arthritis. Wearing shoes that have a lower heel and extra room can help your feet feel more comfortable. In cases of rheumatoid arthritis, the arch in your foot may become problematic. Buying shoes with proper arch support that contour to your feet can help immensely.

Alleviating Arthritic Pain

• Exercises that stretch the foot can prevent further pain and injury and increase mobility
• Most of the pain can be alleviated with anti-inflammatory drugs, heat, and topical medications
• Massages can help temporarily alleviate pain.

It is best to see your doctor for the treatment that is right for your needs and symptoms. Conditions vary, and a podiatrist can help you determine the right method of care for your feet.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in New Port Richey, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Ingrown toenail surgery is a medical procedure performed to treat toenails that grow into the surrounding skin, causing pain, swelling, and infection. Surgery may be necessary when conservative treatments such as soaking, proper trimming, or topical care fail to relieve symptoms. Common types of procedures include wedge excision, which removes a portion of the nail, Zadek's procedure, which addresses nail matrix issues, and simple toenail removal for severe cases. A podiatrist can evaluate the condition, recommend the most appropriate surgical option, and provide post-operative care to ensure proper healing and prevent recurrence. If you are experiencing recurring ingrown toenails, it is suggested that you promptly schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an expert assessment and discussion on how surgery might benefit you.

Foot surgery is sometimes necessary to treat a foot ailment. To learn more, contact Larry J. Kipp, DPM of Coastal Podiatry Center. Our doctor will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.

When Is Surgery Necessary?

Foot and ankle surgery is generally reserved for cases in which less invasive, conservative procedures have failed to alleviate the problem. Some of the cases in which surgery may be necessary include:

• Removing foot deformities like bunions and bone spurs
• Severe arthritis that has caused bone issues
• Cosmetic reconstruction

What Types of Surgery Are There?

The type of surgery you receive will depend on the nature of the problem you have. Some of the possible surgeries include:

• Bunionectomy for painful bunions
• Surgical fusion for realignment of bones
• Neuropathy decompression surgery to treat nerve damage

Benefits of Surgery

Although surgery is usually a last resort, it can provide more complete pain relief compared to non-surgical methods and may allow you to finally resume full activity.

Surgical techniques have also become increasingly sophisticated. Techniques like endoscopic surgery allow for smaller incisions and faster recovery times.

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