Metatarsal pain, known as metatarsalgia, occurs in the ball of the foot where long bones of the foot absorb body weight during standing and walking. People often notice burning, sharp, or aching discomfort beneath the toes, sometimes accompanied by numbness, tingling, or a feeling of walking on a stone. Symptoms worsen with activity, standing, or tight footwear. Causes of metatarsal pain include repetitive impact from sports, stress fractures, arthritis, and high arches. Toe deformities, such as hammertoes, and pressure shifts created by narrow or high heeled shoes are other factors. A podiatrist can perform a biomechanical examination, evaluate gait patterns, order imaging, and provide care that redistributes pressure and treats the disorder to prevent progression and complications. If you have pain in the ball of the foot, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam, diagnosis, and ongoing treatment.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with Luis Esquerdo Cruz, DPM from Dr. Esquerdo Podiatry and Laser Center . Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Causes

Foot pain is a very broad condition that could be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

• Bunions
• Hammertoes
• Plantar Fasciitis
• Bone Spurs
• Corns
• Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
• Ingrown Toenails
• Arthritis (such as Gout, Rheumatoid, and Osteoarthritis)
• Flat Feet
• Injury (from stress fractures, broken toe, foot, ankle, Achilles tendon ruptures, and sprains)
• And more

Diagnosis

To figure out the cause of foot pain, podiatrists utilize several different methods. This 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

Treatment depends upon the cause of the foot pain. Whether it is resting, staying off the foot, or having surgery; podiatrists have a number of treatment options available for foot pain.

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

Swelling of the feet, also known as edema, occurs when excess fluid collects in the tissues. It is often caused by prolonged standing or sitting, injury, pregnancy, or underlying medical conditions, such as heart, kidney, or circulation problems. Symptoms include puffiness or tightness and discomfort that worsens as the day progresses. The feet may look enlarged or shiny, and pressing on the skin can leave a temporary indentation. Swelling can feel achy, stiff, or tender, and may limit mobility or make shoes feel tight. A podiatrist can help by starting with a detailed evaluation of the feet, circulation, and medical history, sometimes using diagnostic testing to determine the cause. Treatment may include lifestyle modifications, compression support, targeted exercises to improve circulation, and management of contributing conditions. Early care helps prevent complications and maintains foot health. If you have swollen feet, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for effective relief and management tips.

Swollen feet can be a sign of an underlying condition. If you have any concerns, contact Luis Esquerdo Cruz, DPM of Dr. Esquerdo Podiatry and Laser Center . Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Swollen feet are a common ailment among pregnant women and people who stand or sit for extended periods. Aging may increase the possibility of swollen feet and patients who are obese often notice when their feet are swelling too. There may be medical reasons why swollen feet occur:

• Phlebitis - A condition that causes the veins to become inflamed and can also cause leg pain.
• Liver disease - This may lead to low blood levels of albumin which is a protein. This can cause fluid in the blood to pass into the tissues and several areas of the body can become swollen.
• Heart failure - When the heart doesn’t pump properly the blood that is normally pumped back to the heart can pool in the veins of the legs causing swollen feet.
• Kidney disease - One of the main functions of the kidneys is releasing excess fluid in the body. This type of condition can make it difficult for the kidneys to function properly, and as a result the feet may become swollen.
• Deep-vein thrombosis (DVT)- This is a serious condition where blood clots form in the veins of the legs. They can block the return of blood from the legs to the heart which may cause the feet to swell. It is important to be treated by a podiatrist if this condition is present.

Swollen feet can also be caused by bone and tendon conditions, including fractures, arthritis, and tendinitis. Additionally, there may be skin and toenail conditions and an infection may cause the feet to swell. Patients who take medicine to treat high blood pressure may be prone to getting swollen feet. 

Many patients elevate their feet to help relieve the swelling and this is generally a temporary remedy. When a podiatrist is consulted the reason behind the swelling can be uncovered and subsequently treated.

If you have any questions please contact our office located in San Juan, PR . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

A bunion is a common foot deformity that develops when there is a visible bump at the base of the joint in the big toe as the toe shifts towards the smaller toes. Bunions are also known as hallux valgus, a medical term that describes the angled position of the big toe. Some people refer to them as metatarsophalangeal joint deformities, although this term is used less often outside of clinical settings. Bunions may be painless at first, but over time, they can lead to redness, swelling, stiffness, and difficulty wearing certain shoes. Genetics, foot structure, arthritis, and long-standing pressure from narrow footwear all play a role in their development. Diagnosis usually involves a physical exam, discussion of symptoms, and imaging such as X-rays to evaluate joint alignment and severity. If a bunion becomes painful, interferes with walking, or continues to worsen, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

If you are suffering from bunion pain, contact Luis Esquerdo Cruz, DPM of Dr. Esquerdo Podiatry and Laser Center . Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is a Bunion?

Bunions are painful bony bumps that usually develop on the inside of the foot at the joint of the big toe. As the deformity increases over time, it may become painful to walk and wear shoes. Women are more likely to exacerbate existing bunions since they often wear tight, narrow shoes that shift their toes together. Bunion pain can be relieved by wearing wider shoes with enough room for the toes.

Causes

• Genetics – some people inherit feet that are more prone to bunion development
• Inflammatory Conditions - rheumatoid arthritis and polio may cause bunion development

Symptoms

• Redness and inflammation
• Pain and tenderness
• Callus or corns on the bump
• Restricted motion in the big toe

In order to diagnose your bunion, your podiatrist may ask about your medical history, symptoms, and general health. Your doctor might also order an x-ray to take a closer look at your feet. Nonsurgical treatment options include orthotics, padding, icing, changes in footwear, and medication. If nonsurgical treatments don’t alleviate your bunion pain, surgery may be necessary.

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

Hammertoe is a deformity in which one of the smaller toes bends downward at the middle joint, creating a curled or claw-like appearance. It may look raised or misaligned, and may develop corns or calluses where the toe joint rubs against footwear. Symptoms include stiffness, irritation, swelling, and pain that can make walking difficult. The condition may feel tender, cramped, or sore, especially while wearing tight shoes. Causes include muscle imbalance, arthritis, previous injury, or wearing shoes that are too narrow or too short. A podiatrist can begin by examining the affected toe joint, assessing its flexibility, and identifying any underlying biomechanical factors. Once a diagnosis is made, treatment options include footwear changes, protective padding, custom orthotics, or splinting to improve alignment. In more advanced cases, surgery may be recommended to restore function and relieve chronic discomfort. Because early care can reduce symptoms and prevent progression, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for effective treatment solutions.

Hammertoe

Hammertoes can be a painful condition to live with. For more information, contact Luis Esquerdo Cruz, DPM from Dr. Esquerdo Podiatry and Laser Center . Our doctor 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 San Juan, PR . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.