Items filtered by date: June 2023

The bones in the toe are small and fragile and may easily break when stubbed against a piece of furniture. Each toe has two or three bones and may fracture if a heavy object drops on one or more toes. Immediate symptoms of a broken toe can consist of swelling and bruising, and it is often difficult to move. An X-ray can be performed to determine the fracture's severity. The buddy taping method can provide adequate healing if the toe is mildly broken. This is done by taping the broken toe to the toe next to it, which can provide the necessary stability as the healing process occurs. Many people will purchase larger shoes that can accommodate their broken toe. If the injury causes a bone to protrude from the toe, different treatment methods may be required for proper healing. If you have broken your toe, it is suggested that you visit a podiatrist who can offer the treatment technique that is right for you.

Broken toes may cause a lot of pain and should be treated as soon as possible. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Eugene Little, DPM from Foot and Ankle Centers of Ohio. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Is a Broken Toe?

A broken toe occurs when one or more of the toe bones of the foot are broken after an injury. Injuries such as stubbing your toe or dropping a heavy object on it may cause a toe fracture.

Symptoms of a Broken Toe

• Swelling
• Pain (with/without wearing shoes)
• Stiffness
• Nail Injury

Although the injured toe should be monitored daily, it is especially important to have a podiatrist look at your toe if you have severe symptoms. Some of these symptoms include worsening or new pain that is not relieved with medication, sores, redness, or open wounds near the toe.

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

Given the importance of our feet in getting through life comfortably and maintaining independence, it is wise to practice good foot care. There are things that can be done on a regular basis that can rejuvenate the feet. These can include taking a warm foot bath to relieve sore, aching muscles, and performing stretching and strengthening exercises to prevent cramping. Additionally, regular stretching may improve flexibility and foot strength. Having foot massages done may help to relieve soreness and improve circulation. Wearing shoes that fit well and are appropriate for the activities that are practiced can also help to keep the feet stable while standing and walking, in addition to possibly eliminating pain. If you have injured your foot or you are experiencing chronic foot pain, it is suggested that you visit a podiatrist who can diagnose the reason, and provide correct treatment options.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with Eugene Little, DPM from Foot and Ankle Centers of Ohio. 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 Sidney, OH . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

If you are a senior, then you may already be familiar with the risk of falling or tripping that many older Americans experience. Doing the best to prevent falling can be an essential part of a senior’s foot care plan, as falling can lead to foot conditions such as fractures. One area in which a senior may be extra careful to prevent falling is on parking lots and sidewalks. By keeping these areas in good repair around one’s house, a senior can potentially prevent a fall. Also, addressing the accumulation of any snow or ice around these areas is also critical to preventing falls. If you are a senior or are caring for one, it is suggested that you contact a podiatrist about falls prevention.

Preventing falls among the elderly is very important. If you are older and have fallen or fear that you are prone to falling, consult with Eugene Little, DPM from Foot and Ankle Centers of Ohio. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality advice and care.

Every 11 seconds, an elderly American is being treated in an emergency room for a fall related injury. Falls are the leading cause of head and hip injuries for those 65 and older. Due to decreases in strength, balance, senses, and lack of awareness, elderly persons are very susceptible to falling. Thankfully, there are a number of things older persons can do to prevent falls.

How to Prevent Falls

Some effective methods that older persons can do to prevent falls include:

• Enrolling in strength and balance exercise program to increase balance and strength
• Periodically having your sight and hearing checked
• Discuss any medications you have with a doctor to see if it increases the risk of falling
• Clearing the house of falling hazards and installing devices like grab bars and railings
• Utilizing a walker or cane
• Wearing shoes that provide good support and cushioning
• Talking to family members about falling and increasing awareness

Falling can be a traumatic and embarrassing experience for elderly persons; this can make them less willing to leave the house, and less willing to talk to someone about their fears of falling. Doing such things, however, will increase the likelihood of tripping or losing one’s balance. Knowing the causes of falling and how to prevent them is the best way to mitigate the risk of serious injury.  

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

There are various reasons why pain in the big toe can happen. The foot condition that is known as gout causes sharp pain in the joints of the big toe. Many people notice the pain can begin at night, and happens as a result of excess uric acid that collects in the toe joints. Having an ingrown toenail can cause intense toe pain. This condition occurs when the nail grows into the skin of the side of the toe instead of over it, and can be accompanied by swelling, redness, and tenderness. The ligaments in the toe are affected when turf toe happens, and can be a common injury among athletes. A bony lump that forms on the side of the big toe may indicate a bunion has developed. The gradual movement of this toe may cause the other toes to shift toward each other, and larger shoes may need to be purchased. If you have toe pain, it is suggested that you confer with a podiatrist who can determine the cause and offer effective treatment solutions. 

Toe pain can disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, contact Eugene Little, DPM of Foot and Ankle Centers of Ohio. 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 Sidney, OH . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.