Toe Injuries

Toe Specialist

Conroe, TX | Spring, TX | The Woodlands, TX


Conditions can be inherited or develop from lifestyle or trauma. Ingrown toenails, hammertoes, and other toe conditions can worsen if not treated. At Woodlands Foot and Ankle Center, our toe specialists can find the source of your toe issues and treat them before they get any worse. We offer both surgical and non-surgical treatment options. Call today to schedule an appointment with Dr. Gregory Vidovic, our toe specialist, who has many years of experience dealing with common problems, some listed below. We proudly serve clients throughout Conroe TX; The Woodlands TX; Spring TX; and beyond.


Bunions

A bunion is a hard, bony knob on the side of your big toe. Bunions are caused by uneven weight distribution on your toe joint. Over time, your toe joint becomes unstable and your body begins to mold the joint into a hard bump on the side of your toe. 


Bunions are much more common in women; in fact, according to the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons, over half the women in America experience bunions at some point in their lives. Women often wear shoes that are too narrow and crush the toes. High heels add to the problem by pushing the toes forward. 


Bunions can be caused by:

  • Tight, narrow shoes and high heels
  • Genetic bone deformity and foot type
  • Foot trauma or injury 
  • Rheumatoid arthritis
  • Occupational foot stress

Bunions can result in you not being able to put on your shoes. You may also have rouble walking and doing your daily activities without pain. There are some simple therapies you can try to get relief from your bunion, such as:

  • Placing ice packs on your bunion for 15 minutes
  • Taping your foot to support the bunion and cushion it 
  • Wearing shoe inserts or padding to cushion the bunion
  • Changing to wide, supportive shoes or sandals
  • Taking over-the-counter pain and anti-inflammatory medication


For large, painful bunions that don’t respond to conservative therapies, it’s best to see a physician for additional treatment. The doctor can inject the area of your bunion with cortisone to reduce swelling and pain. 


You may need surgery if your bunion pain gets severe and interferes with your life. The types of doctors that can help are specialized orthopedic surgeons and podiatric surgeons, and it's always best for patients to choose a doctor that makes them comfortable and that they trust. Surgery is typically reserved for more severe cases, and patients should weigh all of their options before deciding which treatment is best suited for them. A qualified surgeon may suggest one or more of these surgical procedures:

  • Straightening your foot and big toe
  • Removing swollen tissue around the joint in your big toe
  • Stabilizing your big toe joints together 
  • Smoothening the large bump next to the big toe


For more information: There are some fantastic resources for patients to research their bunion diagnosis. For more information, check out the Patient Education link on this website or resources published by the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons (ACFAS) or The American Foot and Ankle Orthopedic Society (AOFAS).


ACFAS Patient Education https://www.foothealthfacts.org..

AIFAS Patient Education: https://www.footcaremd.org/con…


Let us know if you have questions, and trust that Dr. Vidovic will always treat you with honesty, integrity and precision. 




Bunions


A bunion is a bump on the side of toes that usually begin on the big toe and progress to push the angle of the other bones in the foot. Diagnosis is generally simple, as a look at the foot will confirm the presence of a bunion. Treatments include padding, wide toed footwear, changes in activity, medication, icing, injection therapy, or surgery. 



Hammertoes


A toe joint that bends is called hammertoe. Symptoms of hammertoes include pain from shoes; corns, calluses, and inflammation; a burning sensation; or sores. Untreated, a hammertoe will never get better. In fact, hammertoes will eventually become more rigid and require surgery. Early treatment options include footwear changes, orthotic devices, injections, medications, and splinting. If you have a hammertoe, please schedule a visit to see how our toe specialist can help.



Ingrown Toenails


Ingrown toenails can be a nasty condition causing intense pain, irritation, swelling and even infection. Luckily, this condition can be avoided by taking measures to properly care for your toenails. However, understanding what causes ingrown toenails and how your doctor can treat them can help you keep your toenails health and free from injury


Ingrown Toenails Causes


Ingrown toenails occur when the side of the nail begins to curl in as it grows, causing it to dig into the skin on the side of the toe. This can cause the skin to break, which can lead to serious pain, discomfort and infection. The most common cause of ingrown toenails is failing to cut the toenail properly. However, foot deformities like bunions, wearing improperly fitting or too-tight shoes, trauma to the toe, obesity, diabetes and arthritis can also contribute to ingrown toenail development. 


Treating Ingrown Toenails


Preventing an ingrown toenail begins with taking proper care of your toenails and feet. When you trim your nails, cut them straight across. Do not cut the sides of the toenail down lower than the middle area to create a rounded shape. Be sure to wear the proper shoes for any physical activities in which you participate. Keep your feet clean and dry and be sure to change your socks every day and after taking part in activities which cause perspiration. Additionally, avoid wearing ill-fitting shoes like high heels or shoes which are very tight or narrow. 




Neuroma


Neuroma is another word for a pinched nerve in the foot, resulting in intense pain, a stinging feeling, or numbness. A neuroma can be caused by foot ailments like bunions or hammertoes, or be caused by wearing high heels or tight shoes during exercise. Treatment includes taking away the factors that caused it in the first place, injections, or surgery. 



Toe Fracture


 A fracture is another word for a hairline break in a bone. You may hear and feel the break when it occurs and experience swelling and bruising the next day. Diagnosis can be done using an X-ray, and possible treatment includes splinting, resting the foot, “buddy taping,” or surgery. If you're feeling consistent pain in your ankle, heel or foot, contact us about your options for surgery to correct the source of pain. 

Call Us Today

Not every issue will require surgery. Our health professionals can find the source of your foot pain and suggest if a surgical or non-surgical option is sufficient. Call us today to schedule an appointment. 

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