There are bones in the toes that are known as phalanges. The big toe has two, which are referred to as the distal and the proximal. The remaining toes have three phalanges, and an additional one is found between the distal and proximal. The bones in the toes can be easily fractured, as they are at the end of the body. When an injury happens, and the impact presses the ends of the bone toward the center, this is known as a compressed fracture. If the bone split into many pieces, a comminuted fracture has occurred. A displaced fracture is noticeable as the bone protrudes from the skin, and moves out of alignment. Conversely, a bone that is broken and remains in its normal position is called a non-displaced fracture. Research has shown the most commonly broken toe is the pinky. This can happen if the toe is stubbed into a piece of furniture, or if a heavy object suddenly drops on it. An X-ray is generally performed that can determine the extent of the injury. If you have broken your toe, it is suggested that you confer with a podiatrist who can begin you on the right treatment path.

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 Mark Isenberg, DPM from Center for Podiatric Excellence. 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 Pensacola, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Ingrown toenails are certainly no fun. When the side of a toenail grows into the skin, and the skin essentially grows over the nail, irritation can ensue. Ingrown toenails are also associated with redness of the skin. If you are someone that is living with an ingrown toenail, you may consider visiting a podiatrist to get the toenail cut. It is important to note that removing the ingrown toenail is typically a remedy that is saved for more severe cases. If a medical professional cuts the nail, they normally use the correct method of cutting the nail straight across using nail clippers. They also may use tweezers or other tools to get the nail to grow in the proper direction. However, the nature of trimming the toenails will vary from case to case, as each ingrown toenail is unique. If you are living with an ingrown toenail, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who can determine the best way to cut your toenails.

Ingrown toenails can become painful if they are not treated properly. For more information about ingrown toenails, 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.

Ingrown Toenails

Ingrown toenails occur when a toenail grows sideways into the bed of the nail, causing pain, swelling, and possibly infection.

Causes

• Bacterial infections
• Improper nail cutting such as cutting it too short or not straight across
• Trauma to the toe, such as stubbing, which causes the nail to grow back irregularly
• Ill-fitting shoes that bunch the toes too close together
• Genetic predisposition

Prevention

Because ingrown toenails are not something found outside of shoe-wearing cultures, going barefoot as often as possible will decrease the likeliness of developing ingrown toenails. Wearing proper fitting shoes and using proper cutting techniques will also help decrease your risk of developing ingrown toenails.

Treatment

Ingrown toenails are a very treatable foot condition. In minor cases, soaking the affected area in salt or antibacterial soaps will not only help with the ingrown nail itself, but also help prevent any infections from occurring. In more severe cases, surgery is an option. In either case, speaking to your podiatrist about this condition will help you get a better understanding of specific treatment options that are right for you.

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.

Many patients consider having foot surgery when non-invasive options for their particular ailment have not worked. People who have severe bunions may opt for surgery, which is successful in permanently removing the bunion and realigning the toes. Patients who have arthritis may be interested in learning about fusion surgery, which can be helpful in relieving ankle pain. Hammertoe is a foot condition that causes the toes to bend upwards at the middle joint, and it may be difficult to wear shoes. Surgery may be performed that can permanently straighten the toes and can be successful in relieving existing pain. A common foot surgery involves the plantar fascia, which may become torn or irritated for various reasons. The type of surgery is helpful in repairing the plantar fascia, which is the band of tissue that connects the heels to the toes. If you have any type of foot condition that may be improved with surgery, it is suggested that you confer with a podiatrist who can determine if this is the correct decision for you.

Foot surgery is sometimes necessary to treat a foot ailment. To learn more, contact Mark Isenberg, DPM of Center for Podiatric Excellence. Our doctor will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.

When Is Surgery Necessary?

Foot and ankle surgery is generally reserved for cases in which less invasive, conservative procedures have failed to alleviate the problem. Some of the cases in which surgery may be necessary include:

• Removing foot deformities like bunions and bone spurs
• Severe arthritis that has caused bone issues
• Cosmetic reconstruction

What Types of Surgery Are There?

The type of surgery you receive will depend on the nature of the problem you have. Some of the possible surgeries include:

• Bunionectomy for painful bunions
• Surgical fusion for realignment of bones
• Neuropathy decompression surgery to treat nerve damage

Benefits of Surgery

Although surgery is usually a last resort, it can provide more complete pain relief compared to non-surgical methods and may allow you to finally resume full activity.

Surgical techniques have also become increasingly sophisticated. Techniques like endoscopic surgery allow for smaller incisions and faster recovery times.

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.

Having high levels of uric acid in the blood may lead to developing a condition that is known as gout. It is a form of arthritis, and it can cause debilitating pain and discomfort. The affected toe can be swollen and red, and may consistently ache. Excess uric acid can happen from foods that are eaten that contain purines. These types of foods can include shellfish, red meat, and drinks that are made with large amounts of sugar. Gout generally affects the big toe, where the uric acid converts to crystals that lodge in the joints of the big toe. Effective prevention methods can consist of eating healthy foods and beginning a gentle exercise program. People who are overweight, have diabetes, or chronic kidney disease may be prone to experiencing gout attacks. Additionally, having high blood pressure or thyroid disease may also lead to developing gout. Many people can have one or multiple gout attacks. If this applies to you, it is suggested that you consult with a podiatrist who can guide you toward effective prevention methods and relief options.

Gout is a foot condition that requires certain treatment and care. If you are seeking treatment, contact Mark Isenberg, DPM from Center for Podiatric Excellence. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Is Gout?

Gout is a type of arthritis caused by a buildup of uric acid in the bloodstream. It often develops in the foot, especially the big toe area, although it can manifest in other parts of the body as well. Gout can make walking and standing very painful and is especially common in diabetics and the obese.

People typically get gout because of a poor diet. Genetic predisposition is also a factor. The children of parents who have had gout frequently have a chance of developing it themselves.

Gout can easily be identified by redness and inflammation of the big toe and the surrounding areas of the foot. Other symptoms include extreme fatigue, joint pain, and running high fevers. Sometimes corticosteroid drugs can be prescribed to treat gout, but the best way to combat this disease is to get more exercise and eat a better diet.

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.

Pes planus is the medical term for the condition known as flat feet. Flat feet are also referred to as fallen arches and are common among infants and young children. Most babies are born with flat feet, and their arches begin to develop between the ages of 2 and 3. Studies show the most common type of flat feet is flexible flat feet. With this condition, the arch is visible when the foot is lifted and disappears when the foot is placed on the ground. An injury can also cause additional problems like posterior tibial tendon dysfunction, which generally occurs during adulthood. The tendons that support the arch can become weak and flat from a lack of adequate support. Flat feet can be caused by genetic reasons or possibly from existing medical conditions, such as cerebral palsy. If you have this foot condition, it is suggested that you consult with a podiatrist who can offer you treatment options, which may include wearing custom-made orthotics.

Flatfoot is a condition many people suffer from. If you have flat feet, contact Mark Isenberg, DPM from Center for Podiatric Excellence. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Are Flat Feet?

Flatfoot is a condition in which the arch of the foot is depressed and the sole of the foot is almost completely in contact with the ground. About 20-30% of the population generally has flat feet because their arches never formed during growth.

Conditions & Problems:

Having flat feet makes it difficult to run or walk because of the stress placed on the ankles.

Alignment – The general alignment of your legs can be disrupted, because the ankles move inward which can cause major discomfort.

Knees – If you have complications with your knees, flat feet can be a contributor to arthritis in that area.  

Symptoms

• Pain around the heel or arch area
• Trouble standing on the tip toe
• Swelling around the inside of the ankle
• Flat look to one or both feet
• Having your shoes feel uneven when worn

Treatment

If you are experiencing pain and stress on the foot you may weaken the posterior tibial tendon, which runs around the inside of the ankle. 

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.