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Tuesday, 09 April 2024 00:00
Healing Time for a Broken Toe
A broken toe, often caused by accidents like dropping heavy objects on it or colliding with furniture, can result in significant discomfort and affect daily activities. Typically, treatment involves immobilizing the toe by taping it to an adjacent one. In more severe cases, casting or surgery may be required, especially if multiple toes or the big toe are affected. The average healing time for a broken toe ranges from six to eight weeks, but several factors can influence this duration. The extent of the injury, the number of joints involved, and any accompanying damage, such as ligament injuries, all play a role in the recovery timeline. Upon seeking medical attention from a podiatrist, an X-ray is generally conducted to assess the severity of the fracture and guide treatment decisions. For hairline fractures, rest and limited weight-bearing suffice, while splinting may be necessary for more severe cases. The use of crutches may be prescribed to alleviate pressure on the foot. If healing progresses slowly or complications arise, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for further evaluation and specialized care.
A broken toe can be very painful and lead to complications if not properly fixed. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Mark Isenberg, DPM from Center for Podiatric Excellence. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.
What to Know About a Broken Toe
Although most people try to avoid foot trauma such as banging, stubbing, or dropping heavy objects on their feet, the unfortunate fact is that it is a common occurrence. Given the fact that toes are positioned in front of the feet, they typically sustain the brunt of such trauma. When trauma occurs to a toe, the result can be a painful break (fracture).
Symptoms of a Broken Toe
- Throbbing pain
- Swelling
- Bruising on the skin and toenail
- The inability to move the toe
- Toe appears crooked or disfigured
- Tingling or numbness in the toe
Generally, it is best to stay off of the injured toe with the affected foot elevated.
Severe toe fractures may be treated with a splint, cast, and in some cases, minor surgery. Due to its position and the pressure it endures with daily activity, future complications can occur if the big toe is not properly treated.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Pensacola, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
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Tuesday, 09 April 2024 00:00
What to Know About a Broken Toe
The forefoot is composed of five metatarsal bones and fourteen phalanges. Each toe has three phalanges except for the big toe which only has two. Our toes play an essential role to the walking process, which is why a broken toe could seriously disrupt one’s ability to move around. Toe fractures are common and can be very painful. Fortunately, these injuries rarely require surgery and usually heal with rest and a change in activity.
Broken toes typically result from a traumatic event such as falling, stubbing the toe, or dropping something on the toe. Traumatic toe fractures may be categorized as either minor or severe fractures. At times, one may hear a “pop” or “crack” sound when the bone breaks. Common symptoms of a traumatic toe fracture include pain, throbbing, bruising, swelling, and redness.
Another type of toe fractures is a stress fracture. These injuries usually appear in the form of small hairline breaks on the bone. Stress fractures develop after repetitive activity instead of a single injury. Stress fractures occur when the muscles in the bone become too weak to absorb impact. Consequently, the toe bone becomes vulnerable to any pressure and impact it endures. Symptoms for a stress fracture in the toe include swelling without bruising, tenderness to the touch, pain that goes away with rest, and pain after walking or running.
If you suspect that you have a broken toe, you should make an appointment with your podiatrist. He or she will likely diagnose you by performing a physical exam and an X-ray. Treatment for a broken toe may include the R.I.C.E. method, buddy taping, surgery, or antibiotics. The R.I.C.E. method (Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation) is a common treatment method for many injuries because it decreases pain. Buddy tapping involves wrapping the injured toe next to an adjacent toe to keep it supported and protected. These two methods have proven to be effective in the healing process for toe fractures. The estimated healing time for a broken toe is approximately four to six weeks. If the injury becomes infected or requires surgery, the estimated healing time may take eight weeks or more.
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Tuesday, 02 April 2024 00:00
Exercises to Strengthen the Ankles
Strengthening your ankle ligaments is essential for preventing sprains and enhancing stability, especially if you are active in sports or physical activities. Simple ankle exercises include pointing and flexing your toes and performing heel raises while focusing on controlled movements. Other simple, but effective, ankle strengthening exercises include partial knee squats, either against a wall or with a chair for support, and incorporating stair climbing into your workout routine. These exercises help build strength and stability in your ankles, reducing the risk of sprains and enhancing overall mobility. However, it is suggested that you consult with a podiatrist before starting any ankle exercise regimen, particularly if you have existing ankle joint issues or are experiencing ankle pain. For personalized exercise recommendations and treatments to address your ankle instability or weakness, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist.
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 Mark Isenberg, DPM from Center for Podiatric Excellence. 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 Pensacola, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
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Tuesday, 02 April 2024 00:00
Exercise for Your Feet
Foot and ankle pain can be a nuisance in a person’s life, especially if it happens frequently. The best way to prevent this type of pain, is to exercise often. Regular exercise of the foot includes stretching and strength exercises. Stretching exercises can help prevent injuries such as a sprained ankle, while strength exercises can prevent ailments such as plantar fasciitis.
Stretching exercises can help improve flexibility and the foot and ankle’s range of motion. These exercises can certainly help with those who participate in high-energy activities such as sports. Many athletes routinely perform foot and ankle exercises to prevent injuries like sprained ankles, which are common injuries where the tendons in the ankle are over stretched. Strength exercises help develop foot muscles for better support and protection.
Most exercises are simple and can be done at home, either standing or sitting. One chair exercise is called “limber up”. In this exercise, a person would start by sitting down with their feet flat on the floor. Then lift one leg up so the feet are not touching the floor, then rotate your foot clockwise 15-20 times, and 15-20 times counterclockwise. Repeat the same process with the opposite leg. Another sitting exercise helps stretch the back of your heel and requires an exercise band. It begins by looping the band around a heavy piece of furniture, or something stable that will not be moved when the band is tugged or pulled. Then sit directly in front of it, and slide one foot into the loop, so that the band curves around the forefoot. Start by pulling the forefoot back and holding it for 5-10 seconds. Doing this 10-15 times on each foot, will stretch the back of your heel, increasing your flexibility.
Foot exercises that require standing are also just as easy and simple. Referred as the “Achilles Stretch”, this exercise stretches the Achilles tendon, making it more flexible, helping prevent foot, ankle, and leg pain. It begins by first standing and facing the wall, with the arms outstretched and the palms on the wall. Then place one foot behind another keeping the back leg straight, and the forward leg bending at the knee. Make sure both heels are flat on the floor and adjust your stance accordingly. With your hips, lean forward to feel the stretch, you can also adjust the distance from your feet to feel the stretch in various parts of the calf. Make sure to hold the stretch for about 30 seconds and repeat the same process 3 times with each leg. An even easier foot exercise is simply walking on sand. Walking barefoot on sand both strengthens and stretches your feet.
Doing these exercises regularly can help prevent many foot and ankle problems. Other foot exercises can even relieve pain. For example, those affected with plantar fasciitis can simply sit down on a chair, and then place a tennis ball below their affected foot. By rolling the ball under the foot, and increasing or decreasing pressure, pain will be relieved. With any exercise, it is always important to do a small warmup such as walking a few laps around the house to get the blood flowing. If after doing an exercise to relieve pain such as the tennis ball exercise, or are unsure that your execution is correct, be sure to contact a podiatrist for further instruction.
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Tuesday, 26 March 2024 00:00
Big Toe Joint Pain May Signal Turf Toe
Turf toe is an injury common among athletes, particularly those who play on hard surfaces like artificial turf. It occurs when the big toe bends too far upwards, stretching or tearing the soft tissue underneath the toe joint. This type of injury is most often seen in sports that involve rapid starts, stops, and turns, leading to a sudden forceful impact on the toe. Symptoms of turf toe include pain at the base or joint of the big toe, swelling, and limited joint movement, making it difficult to walk or run. Some people also experience a popping sensation at the time of the injury. Symptoms may be more severe if there is extensive damage to the soft tissue. Proper diagnosis and treatment are important to manage pain, reduce inflammation, and ensure a full recovery. If you have big toe joint pain, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist, or foot doctor, for diagnosis. Turf toe is not the only possible cause of big toe joint pain, and each condition has specialized treatment that podiatrists may recommend.
Toe pain can disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, contact Mark Isenberg, DPM of Center for Podiatric Excellence. 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 Pensacola, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.
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Tuesday, 26 March 2024 00:00
Toe Pain
Toe pain can originate from corns, calluses, hammertoes, and bunions, as well as ingrown toenails, sprains, fractures, and dislocations. Corns develop as the toe rubs against the inside of a shoe which causes the skin to thicken as a form of protection. A corn is typically cone-shaped and has a small, hardened spot that points inward. When a corn is pressed into the skin, the toe becomes painful. Corns usually form on the top or side of the toe. A callus is also a thickened patch of skin that generally forms on the bottom of the foot. Calluses are the result of friction from the toe rubbing against the inside of a shoe. They may also occur by walking barefoot or having flat feet. A hammertoe is a bump on the knuckle of the second toe that is produced by wearing shoes that are too short for your feet. The bony protrusion rubs against the top of the shoe causing pain and irritation. A bunion is a malformation of the big toe. The base of the big toe pushes away from the smaller toes, forcing the top of the big toe to press toward the other toes. Bunions can be hereditary, or they can result from injury to the toe joint or from wearing high heels with a narrow toe box. The toe becomes inflamed, and a bump may develop at the end of the misplaced bone. Ingrown toenails typically affect the big toe and its surrounding skin. The nail will dig into the skin and become painful. Wearing tight or narrow shoes that compress the big toe causes the nail to grow into the fleshy part of the toe. Cutting toenails incorrectly can also add to the development of an ingrown toenail. A toe sprain originates from a torn or stretched ligament. Strapping the injured toe to the toe next to it for stabilization is common. A broken or fractured toe usually occurs from trauma like dropping a heavy object on it or bumping into something extremely hard and rigid. Osteoporosis, a thinning of the bones, can also bring about toe fractures.
Any of the conditions mentioned can lead to pain and irritation. While some are more serious than others, seeking an examination and diagnosis from a podiatrist is a good idea. A podiatrist can treat each ailment and get you back on your feet again without pain.
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Friday, 22 March 2024 00:00
Do Your Child's Feet Hurt?
Have your child's feet been examined lately? Healthy feet are happy feet. If your child is complaining of foot pain, it may be a sign of underlying problems.
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Tuesday, 19 March 2024 00:00
Finding Athletic Shoes for Your Feet
In the dynamic world of athletic footwear, finding the perfect fit is paramount for optimal performance and foot health. Whether you are an athlete or a casual exerciser, understanding your foot type and specific needs will guide your selection process. Flat feet, overpronation, plantar fasciitis, and arthritis are just a few factors that can influence your shoe selection process. Seek out shoes with features tailored to your sports or exercise needs. Remember to prioritize fit. This can be done by shopping towards the end of the day when your feet are slightly swollen and making sure of the correct size. Differentiate between motion control, stability, and cushioned shoes to find the style that best suits your requirements, whether you need maximum support or prefer a more flexible option. It is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a gait analysis and examination of your feet to help in determining the particular needs you may have to help in choosing the right athletic shoes for you.
If you are a runner, wearing the right running shoe is essential. For more information, contact Mark Isenberg, DPM from Center for Podiatric Excellence. 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 office located in Pensacola, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
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Tuesday, 19 March 2024 00:00
Choosing the Right Running Shoe for Your Foot Type
Running may seem like a simple to do. However, running is actually a complex movement that puts stress on the ligaments, bones, and joints of the body. Selecting the correct running shoe is important for increasing performance and avoiding risk of injury. Running shoes should be selected based on your foot type. Considerations such as trail versus road shoes are important. Your foot type dictates the degree of cushioning, stability and motion control you require. The most accurate way to learn your foot type is to visit a local shop that specializes in running shoes. Professionals can measure your arch type, stride and gait and help you with your shoe needs.
The design of running shoes is created around the idea of pronation. Pronation is the natural rolling movement of your ankle from the outside to inside when your foot strikes the ground. If you run properly you strike the ground on the outside of your heel and roll in the direction of your big toe before pushing off once more. Pronation is beneficial because it assists the lower half of your body in absorbing shock and storing energy. Those considered neutral runners pronate correctly and do not need running shoes that help correct their form. Neutral runners can choose from a wide variety of shoes, including barefoot or minimal types. However, those who have arch problems or who adopt an incorrect form while running may experience too much or too little pronation. They may require running shoes that offer additional support.
Those who overpronate experience an over-abundance of ankle rolling. Even while standing, those who severely overpronate display ankles that are angled inward. It is not uncommon for them to have flat feet or curved legs. The tendency to overpronate may cause many injuries. Areas that tend to become injured are the knees, ankles, and Achilles tendon. If you find that you have a tendency to overpronate, you should look at shoes that provide extra stability and motion-control. Motion-control shoes are straight and firm. Shoes of this type do not curve at the tip. The restricted flexibility along the middle of the shoe prohibits the foot from rolling too far inward as your foot strikes the ground.
A less common problem is underpronation. Underpronation, also called supination, is when the feet are unable to roll inward during landing. Those who underpronate have feet that lack flexibility and high arches. This prevents any kind of shock absorption, even though it does place less rotational stress on ankles and knees. This added force can cause fractures, ligament tears, and muscle strains because the legs are trying to compensate for the impact. Those who underpronate need shoes with more cushioning and flexibility. If you have a tendency to underpronate, selecting stability or motion-control shoes may cause you more problems by continuing to prevent pronation.
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Tuesday, 12 March 2024 00:00
The Mysteries of Orthotics
Patients often rely on podiatrists to understand how orthotics alleviate pain and prevent injuries. Determining the right orthotic type demands expertise in biomechanics, gait analysis, and understanding the patient's specific condition. Orthotics function by providing support, cushioning, and realignment to the feet, thereby correcting biomechanical abnormalities or imbalances. They distribute pressure evenly, reducing stress on vulnerable areas and promoting proper foot function. By stabilizing the foot and ankle, orthotics can correct issues such as overpronation or supination, which can lead to various foot and lower limb problems if left untreated. Additionally, orthotics can help improve posture and alleviate discomfort in other parts of the body, such as the knees, hips, and lower back. Podiatrists assess patients comprehensively to determine the most suitable orthotic design, material, and level of support to address their specific needs and enhance overall foot health and function. If you have chronic foot pain, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist to determine if orthotics can help you.
If you are having discomfort in your feet and would like to try orthotics, contact Mark Isenberg, DPM from Center for Podiatric Excellence. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
What Are Orthotics?
Orthotics are inserts you can place into your shoes to help with a variety of foot problems such as flat feet or foot pain. Orthotics provide relief and comfort for minor foot and heel pain but can’t correct serious biomechanical problems in your feet.
Over-the-Counter Inserts
Orthotics come in a wide variety of over-the-counter inserts that are used to treat foot pain, heel pain, and minor problems. For example, arch supports can be inserted into your shoes to help correct overarched or flat feet, while gel insoles are often used because they provide comfort and relief from foot and heel pain by alleviating pressure.
Prescription Orthotics
If over-the-counter inserts don’t work for you or if you have a more severe foot concern, it is possible to have your podiatrist prescribe custom orthotics. These high-quality inserts are designed to treat problems such as abnormal motion, plantar fasciitis, and severe forms of heel pain. They can even be used to help patients suffering from diabetes by treating foot ulcers and painful calluses and are usually molded to your feet individually, which allows them to provide full support and comfort.
If you are experiencing minor to severe foot or heel pain, it’s recommended to speak with your podiatrist about the possibilities of using orthotics. A podiatrist can determine which type of orthotic is right for you and allow you to take the first steps towards being pain-free.
If you have any questions please contact our office located in Pensacola, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
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