Two tiny bones under the big toe joint, called sesamoids, help the foot handle pressure while walking and running. When these bones or the surrounding tissue become irritated, inflammation can develop. This often causes pain beneath the base of the big toe, especially when walking, standing for long periods of time, or wearing thin-soled or high-heeled shoes. The area may feel swollen, warm, or tender, and bending the big toe can make the pain worse. Repeated stress from dancing, jogging, or wearing poor-fitting shoes often leads to this problem. A podiatrist can examine the foot, check for swelling, and order X-rays to rule out a fracture or arthritis. Treatment of sesamoiditis includes custom orthotics, offloading pads that reduce pressure, and supportive shoes with thicker soles. Pain also can be relieved with anti-inflammatory medicine taken orally and injections to numb the painful area. If you have pain beneath the big toe joint, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an accurate diagnosis and effective treatment.

Sesamoiditis is an unpleasant foot condition characterized by pain in the balls of the feet. If you think you’re struggling with sesamoiditis, contact one of our podiatrists of Shady Grove Podiatry. Our doctors will treat your condition thoroughly and effectively.

Sesamoiditis

Sesamoiditis is a condition of the foot that affects the ball of the foot. It is more common in younger people than it is in older people. It can also occur with people who have begun a new exercise program, since their bodies are adjusting to the new physical regimen. Pain may also be caused by the inflammation of tendons surrounding the bones. It is important to seek treatment in its early stages because if you ignore the pain, this condition can lead to more serious problems such as severe irritation and bone fractures.

Causes of Sesamoiditis

• Sudden increase in activity
• Increase in physically strenuous movement without a proper warm up or build up
• Foot structure: those who have smaller, bonier feet or those with a high arch may be more susceptible

Treatment for sesamoiditis is non-invasive and simple. Doctors may recommend a strict rest period where the patient forgoes most physical activity. This will help give the patient time to heal their feet through limited activity. For serious cases, it is best to speak with your doctor to determine a treatment option that will help your specific needs.

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

Strong feet help support balance, movement, and stability during activity. When small muscles in the feet become weak, people may notice fatigue, aching, or poor control when walking. Simple exercises can improve foot strength by targeting these muscles. They also improve flexibility in the feet and ankles. Movements that involve lifting the toes or spreading them apart can help build strength. Gentle pointing and flexing of the foot can improve range of motion. Better foot strength can support the arch and reduce strain on parts of the foot and ankle. A podiatrist can evaluate foot function and identify areas of weakness. They can guide patients through structured exercise programs and prescribe custom orthotics to support alignment. Strengthening the feet can help to improve comfort and mobility. If you have sore or aching feet that limit daily activities, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for help.

Exercising your feet regularly with the proper foot wear is a great way to prevent injuries and build strength. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact one of our podiatrists from Shady Grove Podiatry. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Exercise for Your Feet

Exercise for your feet can help you gain strength, mobility and flexibility in your feet. They say that strengthening your feet can be just as rewarding as strengthening another part of the body. Your feet are very important, and we often forget about them in our daily tasks. But it is because of our feet that are we able to get going and do what we need to. For those of us fortunate enough to not have any foot problems, it is an important gesture to take care of them to ensure good health in the long run.

Some foot health exercises can include ankle pumps, tip-toeing, toe rises, lifting off the floor doing reps and sets, and flexing the toes. It is best to speak with Our doctors to determine an appropriate regimen for your needs. Everyone’s needs and bodies are different, and the activities required to maintain strength in the feet vary from individual to individual. 

Once you get into a routine of doing regular exercise, you may notice a difference in your feet and how strong they may become.

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

Plantar fasciitis is a main cause of heel pain that affects the thick band of tissue along the bottom of the foot. It often begins with sharp discomfort during the first steps in the morning or after periods of rest. Pain may ease with movement but return after long periods of standing. The heel may feel tender, tight, or slightly swollen, and pressure along the arch can increase discomfort. Causes include repetitive strain, poor foot support, and tight calf muscles. Abnormal foot structure that places excess stress on the tissue may also contribute. A podiatrist can evaluate foot mechanics, confirm the diagnosis, and develop a treatment plan tailored to the patient. Care options include supportive footwear, custom orthotics, and targeted exercises to reduce tension and improve flexibility. Early treatment can help prevent chronic pain and further injury. If you think you may have plantar fasciitis, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist.

Plantar fasciitis is a common foot condition that is often caused by a strain injury. If you are experiencing heel pain or symptoms of plantar fasciitis, contact one of our podiatrists from Shady Grove Podiatry. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common causes of heel pain. The plantar fascia is a ligament that connects your heel to the front of your foot. When this ligament becomes inflamed, plantar fasciitis is the result. If you have plantar fasciitis you will have a stabbing pain that usually occurs with your first steps in the morning. As the day progresses and you walk around more, this pain will start to disappear, but it will return after long periods of standing or sitting.

What Causes Plantar Fasciitis?

• Excessive running
• Having high arches in your feet
• Other foot issues such as flat feet
• Pregnancy (due to the sudden weight gain)
• Being on your feet very often

There are some risk factors that may make you more likely to develop plantar fasciitis compared to others. The condition most commonly affects adults between the ages of 40 and 60. It also tends to affect people who are obese because the extra pounds result in extra stress being placed on the plantar fascia.

Prevention

• Take good care of your feet – Wear shoes that have good arch support and heel cushioning.
• Maintain a healthy weight
• If you are a runner, alternate running with other sports that won’t cause heel pain

There are a variety of treatment options available for plantar fasciitis along with the pain that accompanies it. Additionally, physical therapy is a very important component in the treatment process. It is important that you meet with your podiatrist to determine which treatment option is best for you.

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

A hammertoe is a deformity in which one of the smaller toes bends downward at the middle joint, creating a curled or claw-like appearance. Over time, the toe may become stiff and difficult to straighten. Hammertoe can develop from muscle imbalance,  wearing improper footwear, or arthritis. Symptoms include pain while  walking, irritation from shoe pressure, and the formation of corns or calluses on the top of the toe or at the tip. The affected toe may look raised at the joint with redness or thickened skin from friction. A podiatrist can evaluate the flexibility of the toe and determine the severity of the deformity. Early treatment includes padding, footwear changes, and custom orthotics to relieve pressure and improve alignment. Targeted exercises may help maintain flexibility in milder cases. When the deformity becomes rigid or painful, surgery may be considered to realign the toe. If you have a hammertoe, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for appropriate treatment solutions.

Hammertoe

Hammertoes can be a painful condition to live with. For more information, contact one of our podiatrists from Shady Grove Podiatry. Our doctors will answer any of your foot- and ankle-related questions.

Hammertoe is a foot deformity that affects the joints of the second, third, fourth, or fifth toes of your feet. It is a painful foot condition in which these toes curl and arch up, which can often lead to pain when wearing footwear.

Symptoms

• Pain in the affected toes
• Development of corns or calluses due to friction
• Inflammation
• Redness
• Contracture of the toes

Causes

Genetics – People who are genetically predisposed to hammertoe are often more susceptible

Arthritis – Because arthritis affects the joints in your toes, further deformities stemming from arthritis can occur

Trauma – Direct trauma to the toes could potentially lead to hammertoe

Ill-fitting shoes – Undue pressure on the front of the toes from ill-fitting shoes can potentially lead to the development of hammertoe

Treatment

Orthotics – Custom made inserts can be used to help relieve pressure placed on the toes and therefore relieve some of the pain associated with it

Medications – Oral medications such as anti-inflammatories or NSAIDs could be used to treat the pain and inflammation hammertoes causes. Injections of corticosteroids are also sometimes used

Surgery – In more severe cases where the hammertoes have become more rigid, foot surgery is a potential option

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