Items filtered by date: July 2025

Bunions, also known as hallux valgus, are a type of mechanical foot pain that develop when the big toe shifts out of place over time. This change causes a bony bump to form at the base of the big toe, leading to discomfort and difficulty fitting into regular shoes. The pain is often made worse by standing or walking for long periods, as pressure on the joint increases. Several factors can contribute to bunion development, including inherited foot structure, wearing narrow or tight shoes, and certain foot conditions like flat feet. As the bunion grows larger, it may lead to swelling, stiffness, or even difficulty moving the big toe. Using supportive footwear and wearing custom orthotics can help ease discomfort in the early stages. If the bunion worsens, surgery may be considered. It is suggested you visit a podiatrist to discuss relief and treatment options.

Toe pain can disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, contact Dr. Eddy Caldwell of Foot Care of Northeast Arkansas, P.A.. 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 contact our office located in Jonesboro, AR . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

An ingrown toenail occurs when the edge of the nail grows into the surrounding skin, causing irritation and discomfort. In children, this can be caused by improper nail trimming, wearing tight shoes, injuries, or inherited nail shapes. Symptoms include redness, swelling, pain along the nail edge, and sometimes drainage if an infection develops. Children may avoid walking or show signs of discomfort during activity. A podiatrist can gently lift or remove the ingrown portion, treat any infection, and provide guidance to prevent recurrence. Early care is important to avoid worsening symptoms. If your child is showing signs of an ingrown toenail, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist to ensure safe, effective treatment and lasting relief.

Making sure that your children maintain good foot health is very important as they grow. If you have any questions, contact Dr. Eddy Caldwell of Foot Care of Northeast Arkansas, P.A.. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Keeping Children's Feet Healthy

Having healthy feet during childhood can help prevent medical problems later in life, namely in the back and legs. As children grow, their feet require different types of care. Here are some things to consider...

Although babies do not walk yet, it is still very important to take care of their feet.

Avoid putting tight shoes or socks on his or her feet.

Allow the baby to stretch and kick his or her feet to feel comfortable.

As a toddler, kids are now on the move and begin to develop differently. At this age, toddlers are getting a feel for walking, so don’t be alarmed if your toddler is unsteady or ‘walks funny’. 

As your child gets older, it is important to teach them how to take care of their feet.

Show them proper hygiene to prevent infections such as fungus.

Be watchful for any pain or injury.

Have all injuries checked by a doctor as soon as possible.

Comfortable, protective shoes should always be worn, especially at play.

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

Foot corns are thickened areas of skin that develop due to repeated pressure or friction, usually on the top or side of toes or the soles of the feet. They are the body's way of protecting skin from ongoing irritation, often caused by wearing tight shoes, high heels, or abnormal foot structure. Symptoms include hard, raised bumps, pain when walking, and sensitivity surrounding the area. Corns can become more uncomfortable if not treated properly. A podiatrist can remove corns safely, recommend proper footwear, and provide custom orthotics to prevent recurrence. If you have developed foot corns, it is suggested that you visit a podiatrist for expert care and lasting relief from discomfort.

If you have any concerns regarding your feet and ankles, contact Dr. Eddy Caldwell of Foot Care of Northeast Arkansas, P.A.. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Corns: What Are They? and How Do You Get Rid of Them?
Corns can be described as areas of the skin that have thickened to the point of becoming painful or irritating. They are often layers and layers of the skin that have become dry and rough, and are normally smaller than calluses.

Ways to Prevent Corns
There are many ways to get rid of painful corns such as wearing:

• Well-fitting socks
• Comfortable shoes that are not tight around your foot
• Shoes that offer support

Treating Corns
Treatment of corns involves removing the dead skin that has built up in the specific area of the foot. Consult with Our doctor to determine the best treatment option for your case of corns.

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

Flat feet, also known as pes planus, are common in children and often resolve as the arches develop with age. In some cases, however, the arch remains low or absent, which may lead to pain or discomfort during activity. Children with flat feet might experience tired legs, an awkward gait, or reluctance to participate in sports. While many cases are flexible and do not cause problems, some may require intervention to avoid future complications. Custom foot orthotics are often recommended to support the arch, improve foot alignment, and reduce strain on muscles and joints. These devices fit inside the child’s shoes and are designed to provide comfort while walking, running, or standing for long periods of time. Wearing supportive shoes with firm soles and structured heels is also helpful. If your child is experiencing foot pain, fatigue, or changes in walking patterns, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Custom orthotics can be an important solution for reducing foot pain by targeting its structural causes rather than just the symptoms. When the feet are misaligned, excess strain develops in the muscles, tendons, and ligaments, often resulting in discomfort in the arches, balls of the feet, or toes. Orthotics are designed to match each foot’s natural shape, supporting proper alignment and evenly distributing pressure to ease pain and improve movement.

Foot pain is commonly caused by overuse, wearing improper footwear, or biomechanical issues that place added stress on sensitive areas. By stabilizing the foot and restoring natural motion, custom orthotics help reduce strain, calm inflammation, and promote healing. Many patients experience lasting relief and greater comfort while walking, standing, or exercising.

Created from a detailed assessment using advanced imaging or casting, each pair of orthotics is tailored to your individual needs. If you are experiencing ongoing foot pain, it is suggested that you contact our office for an evaluation and treatment.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Jonesboro, AR .

Wearing high heels regularly can significantly affect foot structure and movement. Heels alter natural gait, forcing the body to lean forward and placing excess pressure on the ball of the foot. This unnatural position can lead to pain, calluses, and long-term joint stress. High heels also create ankle instability, increasing the risk of sprains or fractures from sudden twists or missteps. Over time, frequent use may lead to chronic foot discomfort and toe deformities. A podiatrist can evaluate foot health, provide relief strategies, and recommend supportive footwear alternatives. If you experience foot pain from wearing heels, it is suggested that you seek guidance from a podiatrist to restore comfort, improve balance, and protect your feet from further damage or injury.

High heels have a history of causing foot and ankle problems. If you have any concerns about your feet or ankles, contact Dr. Eddy Caldwell from Foot Care of Northeast Arkansas, P.A.. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Effects of High Heels on the Feet

High heels are popular shoes among women because of their many styles and societal appeal.  Despite this, high heels can still cause many health problems if worn too frequently.

Which Parts of My Body Will Be Affected by High Heels?

• Ankle Joints
• Achilles Tendon – May shorten and stiffen with prolonged wear
• Balls of the Feet
• Knees – Heels cause the knees to bend constantly, creating stress on them
• Back – They decrease the spine’s ability to absorb shock, which may lead to back pain.  The vertebrae of the lower back may compress.

What Kinds of Foot Problems Can Develop from Wearing High Heels?

• Corns
• Calluses
• Hammertoe
• Bunions
• Morton’s Neuroma
• Plantar Fasciitis

How Can I Still Wear High Heels and Maintain Foot Health?

If you want to wear high heeled shoes, make sure that you are not wearing them every day, as this will help prevent long term physical problems.  Try wearing thicker heels as opposed to stilettos to distribute weight more evenly across the feet.  Always make sure you are wearing the proper shoes for the right occasion, such as sneakers for exercising.  If you walk to work, try carrying your heels with you and changing into them once you arrive at work.  Adding inserts to your heels can help cushion your feet and absorb shock. Full foot inserts or metatarsal pads are available. 

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

Tingling in the feet, toes, or ankles may signal a range of issues that require medical attention. Chronic conditions such as diabetes, peripheral artery disease, kidney failure, and autoimmune disorders can damage nerves or reduce blood flow. This can lead to sensations of numbness, burning, or tingling in the feet. Other possible causes include neuropathy from alcohol use, vitamin deficiencies, thyroid dysfunction, and pregnancy‑related nerve pressure. Diagnosing the source of tingling in the feet typically involves a detailed medical history, physical examination, nerve conduction studies, imaging such as MRI or CT scans, blood tests, urine tests or vascular assessments. Identifying the underlying cause with such evaluations enables targeted treatment that may include medication, blood vessel repair surgery, or nerve-related surgery. A podiatrist plays a key role in evaluating foot and ankle nerve issues, coordinating diagnostics, and developing an appropriate care plan. If you are experiencing constant tingling in your feet and toes, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with Dr. Eddy Caldwell from Foot Care of Northeast Arkansas, P.A.. 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 Jonesboro, AR . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.