Items filtered by date: January 2025

Stress fractures in the feet, toes, and ankles occur when repeated pounding causes bone tissue to weaken faster than it can rebuild. Unlike a typical fracture, a stress fracture is a small crack or severe weakness in the bone, rather than a complete break. Commonly seen in athletes who run or jump frequently, stress fractures often result from abrupt increases in training, changes in surfaces, or returning to activity too quickly after a break. Symptoms include localized pain that worsens with weight-bearing, tenderness, and occasional swelling. Early in the injury, discomfort may occur only during activity but can progress to persistent pain with daily movements. Women, people with low bone density, and those with poor muscle strength or inadequate nutrition may face a higher risk. A podiatrist can diagnose stress fractures through imaging tests and address underlying causes, like improper footwear or training habits. Treatment usually includes immobilization to allow healing and guidance on safe activity resumption. If you believe you may have developed stress fractures in your feet, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam and treatment.

Stress fractures occur when there is a tiny crack within a bone. To learn more, contact James Torhorst, DPM from Torhorst Foot and Ankle. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain free and on your feet.

How Are They Caused?

Stress fractures are the result of repetitive force being placed on the bone. Since the lower leg and feet often carry most of the body’s weight, stress fractures are likely to occur in these areas. If you rush into a new exercise, you are more likely to develop a stress fracture since you are starting too much, too soon.  Pain resulting from stress fractures may go unnoticed at first, however it may start to worsen over time.

Risk Factors

• Gender – They are more commonly found in women compared to men.
• Foot Problems – People with unusual arches in their feet are more likely to develop stress fractures.
• Certain Sports – Dancers, gymnasts, tennis players, runners, and basketball players are more likely to develop stress fractures.
• Lack of Nutrients – A lack of vitamin D and calcium may weaken the bones and make you more prone to stress fractures
• Weak Bones – Osteoporosis can weaken the bones therefore resulting in stress fractures

Stress fractures do not always heal properly, so it is important that you seek help from a podiatrist if you suspect you may have one. Ignoring your stress fracture may cause it to worsen, and you may develop chronic pain as well as additional fractures.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Waupaca and Stevens Point, WI . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Toenail fungus, or onychomycosis, is a common infection that can cause thickened, discolored, and brittle nails. Mistakes in managing it often worsen the condition. Ignoring early signs like slight discoloration or nail brittleness can allow the infection to spread. Mild treatments might help, but using them inconsistently or stopping too soon often leads to recurrence. Another mistake is attempting to self-treat with home remedies without proper diagnosis, delaying effective care. Wearing tight, non-breathable shoes or walking barefoot in public areas like pools or gyms increases reinfection risks. Poor nail hygiene, such as improper nail trimming or sharing nail tools also contributes to fungal growth. Treating toenail fungus requires patience and consistency. If you have this condition, it is strongly suggested that you see a podiatrist for effective and safe treatment.

If left untreated, toenail fungus may spread to other toenails, skin, or even fingernails. If you suspect you have toenail fungus it is important to seek treatment right away. For more information about treatment, contact James Torhorst, DPM of Torhorst Foot and Ankle. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Symptoms

• Warped or oddly shaped nails
• Yellowish nails
• Loose/separated nail
• Buildup of bits and pieces of nail fragments under the nail
• Brittle, broken, thickened nail

Treatment

If self-care strategies and over-the-counter medications does not help your fungus, your podiatrist may give you a prescription drug instead. Even if you find relief from your toenail fungus symptoms, you may experience a repeat infection in the future.

Prevention

In order to prevent getting toenail fungus in the future, you should always make sure to wash your feet with soap and water. After washing, it is important to dry your feet thoroughly especially in between the toes. When trimming your toenails, be sure to trim straight across instead of in a rounded shape. It is crucial not to cover up discolored nails with nail polish because that will prevent your nail from being able to “breathe”.

In some cases, surgical procedure may be needed to remove the toenail fungus. Consult with your podiatrist about the best treatment options for your case of toenail fungus.  

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Waupaca and Stevens Point, WI . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

When selecting shoes for brisk walking, comfort and support are key. It is best to shop for shoes later in the day when your feet are naturally slightly swollen, ensuring the shoes will fit comfortably throughout your walk. Look for shoes with a low heel to provide better balance and reduce pressure on your feet and joints. Ample wiggle room in the toe box is essential to prevent discomfort or blisters during your walk. Stability is important, so choose shoes with a firm sole to maintain a steady stride and prevent foot fatigue. Adequate cushioning is necessary to absorb impact and protect your feet from repetitive stress. Finally, make sure the shoes are the correct length, with enough space in the toe area to avoid cramping. If you have foot pain from wearing the wrong shoes, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can offer relief tips and guide you on shoes that are right for you.

If you are a runner, wearing the right running shoe is essential. For more information, contact James Torhorst, DPM from Torhorst Foot and Ankle. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Choosing the Right Running Shoe for Your Foot Type

To increase performance and avoid the risk of injury, it is important to choose the right running shoe based on your foot type. The general design of running shoes revolves around pronation, which is how the ankle rolls from outside to inside when the foot strikes the ground.

• Neutral runners are able to choose from a wide variety of shoes, including minimalist shoes or even going barefoot.
• Runners who overpronate, or experience an over-abundance of ankle rolling, should choose shoes that provide extra motion control and stability.
• Runners who underpronate, or supinate, have feet that have high arches and lack flexibility, preventing shock absorption. They require shoes with more flexibility and cushion.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Waupaca and Stevens Point, WI . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Toe exercises, such as toe raises, toe curls, and toe splaying, offer numerous benefits for foot and ankle health. These toe exercises work the muscles, tendons, and ligaments in the toes and lower legs, helping to strengthen and stabilize the feet. Regularly performing toe exercises can improve flexibility, enhance range of motion, and promote better balance, which makes daily activities like walking or running more comfortable and safe. Toe curls can build strength in the arch and improve foot control, while toe splaying enhances flexibility and helps reduce stiffness. These exercises also play a role in alleviating foot pain by supporting joint health and reducing strain on the plantar fascia and other connective tissues. A podiatrist can assess your foot structure and recommend a personalized regimen of toe exercises to address pain, improve function, or prevent injuries. If you have toe pain, it is suggested that you schedle an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam and treatment.

Toe pain can disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, contact James Torhorst, DPM of Torhorst Foot and Ankle. 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 offices located in Waupaca and Stevens Point, WI . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.