Items filtered by date: June 2025

White spots on toenails can appear for several reasons and may vary in size and pattern. Small white dots are often the result of minor injuries to the nail matrix, which can occur from pressure or trauma. Larger white lines running across the nail may suggest more significant damage or stress to the nail bed. Fungal infections can also cause discoloration, thickening, or changes in nail texture. In some cases, white spots may indicate a mineral deficiency or exposure to heavy metals. A podiatrist can examine the nails to determine the underlying cause, provide appropriate treatment, and offer guidance on nail care. If you have toe pain or notice white lines or dots on your toenails, it is suggested that you contact this type of doctor who can offer effective treatment solutions.

Toe pain can disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, contact Katie Besselman, DPM of Advanced Podiatry. 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 Saint Peters, MO . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Stretching exercises can help ease aching feet caused by long hours of standing, walking, or wearing shoes with inadequate support. When muscles in the feet and ankles are overworked, they may feel sore or tight. Simple movements like ankle circles, toe spreads, or heel raises can help reduce discomfort by improving flexibility and restoring blood flow. For example, pointing and flexing the foot or performing toe scrunches can help relieve tension across the arches. Calf stretches are also useful, as tight calves can add stress to the feet. A podiatrist may evaluate your foot posture, walking mechanics, and muscle tightness before recommending a specific foot exercise plan. In some cases, foot pain may be linked to issues like poor alignment or structural problems. This may require more advanced care, including orthotics or surgery. If your feet are aching at the end of the day, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis, suggested exercises, and appropriate treatment.

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 Katie Besselman, DPM from Advanced Podiatry. Our doctor 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 doctor 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 Saint Peters, MO . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.