There are several ways a broken toe may occur. These may include dropping a heavy object on the toe, stubbing it on a piece of furniture, or consistent impact that can cause a stress fracture. One of the first symptoms felt may be severe pain. Many people may also notice bruising and swelling around the affected toe and surrounding areas. A cast may be needed if the fracture is severe, and the toe may look deformed. After the injury occurs, it can be beneficial to elevate the foot, and this can be helpful in reducing any swelling that may be present. Some patients find that support and stability may be increased if the affected toe is taped to the toe next to it. As the healing process begins, it is important to rest the foot as often as possible. When the splint or tape is removed, the toe's range of motion can increase as stretching exercises are performed. If you have broken your toe, it is advised that you speak to a podiatrist who can recommend the correct treatment.
A broken toe can be very painful and lead to complications if not properly fixed. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Bruce Smit, DPM from Frankfort Foot & Ankle Clinic. 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
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 Frankfort, IL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
If you have athlete's foot, you may have gotten it through a contaminated surface or another person. It is caused by a fungus that is known as the tinea fungus, and typically lives in warm and wet environments. These areas may include shower room floors, locker rooms, or swimming pools. The fungus may enter the body through small cuts in the skin on the feet and is considered to be contagious. There are noticeable symptoms that are associated with athlete's foot. These may include a burning sensation between the toes or on the bottom of your foot, or mild to severe itching. Additionally, many patients notice cracking and peeling skin, or toenails that have become thick and discolored. If you have severe athlete’s foot, it is suggested to consult with a podiatrist who can recommend the correct treatment.
Athlete’s foot is an inconvenient condition that can be easily reduced with the proper treatment. If you have any concerns about your feet and ankles, contact Bruce Smit, DPM from Frankfort Foot & Ankle Clinic. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.
Athlete’s Foot: The Sole Story
Athlete's foot, also known as tinea pedis, can be an extremely contagious foot infection. It is commonly contracted in public changing areas and bathrooms, dormitory style living quarters, around locker rooms and public swimming pools, or anywhere your feet often come into contact with other people.
Solutions to Combat Athlete’s Foot
Athlete’s foot can cause many irritating symptoms such as dry and flaking skin, itching, and redness. Some more severe symptoms can include bleeding and cracked skin, intense itching and burning, and even pain when walking. In the worst cases, Athlete’s foot can cause blistering as well. Speak to your podiatrist for a better understanding of the different causes of Athlete’s foot, as well as help in determining which treatment options are best for you.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Frankfort, IL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
Research has indicated that one billion adults are overweight in the world. This may cause stress on the bones in the foot, which may cause unwanted foot conditions. These may include arthritis, heel pain, or tendonitis. Additionally, any excess weight is typically gained before foot pain is noticed. The structure of the foot may change as a result of becoming overweight, which may cause stress fractures, flat feet, and poor circulation. It is important to wear shoes that fit correctly, and it may be difficult to find shoes that will properly accommodate the foot. The feet may feel better if excess weight is lost, and this may be accomplished by implementing healthy dietary changes and incorporating an exercise program into your daily routine. If you would like additional information about how obesity affects the feet, please consult with a podiatrist.
Obesity has become very problematic at this point in time and can have extremely negative effects on the feet. If you’re an obese individual and are concerned about your feet, contact Bruce Smit, DPM from Frankfort Foot & Ankle Clinic. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
Obesity and Your Feet
Since your feet are what support your entire weight when standing, any additional weight can result in pain and swelling. Being overweight is one of the main contributors to foot complications.
Problems & Complications
Extra Weight – Even putting on just a few extra pounds could create serious complications for your feet. As your weight increases, your balance and body will shift, creating new stresses on your feet. This uneven weight distribution can cause pain, even while doing the simplest tasks, such as walking.
Diabetes – People who are overweight are at serious risk of developing type-2 diabetes, which has a drastic impact on the health of your feet. As you get older, your diabetes might worsen, which could lead to loss of feeling in your feet, sores, and bruises. You could also become more prone to various infections.
Plantar fasciitis – Pressure and stress that is placed on muscles, joints, and tendons can trigger plantar fasciitis, which is an inflammation of tissue that forms along the bottom of the foot.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Frankfort, IL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
Your feet are covered most of the day. If you're diabetic, periodic screening is important for good health. Numbness is often a sign of diabetic foot and can mask a sore or wound.
Many people experience cracked heels, and if it begins in childhood, genetic reasons may be the cause. If it starts as an adult, the reasons may be environmental or hormonal. Additionally, medical conditions, which may include eczema and psoriasis, may play a significant role in developing cracked heels. It typically appears as a thickening of the skin on the heel, and deep cracks, or fissures may form if left untreated. Patients who wear open-back sandals or who stand for extended periods of time during the day may find they have cracked heels. Mild relief may be found when washing and drying the feet thoroughly, followed by utilizing a good moisturizer. If you have cracked heels that are painful, it is suggested to speak to a podiatrist who can properly treat this condition.
Cracked heels are unsightly and can cause further damage to your shoes and feet. If you have any concerns, contact Bruce Smit, DPM from Frankfort Foot & Ankle Clinic. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
Cracked Heels
Cracked heels appear unappealing and can make it harder for you walk around in sandals. Aside from looking unpleasant, cracked heels can also tear stockings, socks, and wear out your shoes. There are several methods to help restore a cracked heel and prevent further damage.
How Do You Get Them?
Dry skin is the number one culprit in creating cracked heels. Many athletes, walkers, joggers, and even swimmers suffer from cracked heels. Age and skin oil production play a role to getting cracked heels as well.
Promote Healing
Over the counter medicines can help, especially for those that need instant relief or who suffer from chronic dry feet.
Wear Socks – Wearing socks with medicated creams helps lock in moisture.
Moisturizers – Applying both day and night will help alleviate dryness which causes cracking.
Pumice Stones – These exfoliate and remove dead skin, which allows for smoother moisturizer application and better absorption into the skin.
Change in Diet
Eating healthy with a well-balanced diet will give the skin a fresh and radiant look. Your body responds to the kinds of food you ingest. Omega-3 fatty acids and zinc supplements can also revitalize skin tissue.
Most importantly, seek professional help if unsure how to proceed in treating cracked heels. A podiatrist will help you with any questions or information needed.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Frankfort, IL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
The medical condition that is referred to as poor circulation can be an indication of health issues that may exist in the body. It may be caused by poor dietary habits or sitting for extended periods of time. Additional causes may consist of diabetes, peripheral artery disease (PAD), or blood clots in the legs. Many patients experience symptoms that are indicative of poor circulation, and these may include a lack of energy, feet that are cold the majority of the time, or a tingling or numbing sensation in the hands and feet. Other symptoms may consist of having a poor memory, a weakened immune system, or a loss of appetite. Research has indicated that maintaining a healthy diet and engaging in an exercise regime may be helpful in treating poor circulation. It’s important to drink plenty of fresh water daily, in addition to avoiding alcohol. If poor circulation is affecting your feet, it is suggested to speak to a podiatrist who can properly diagnose and treat this condition.
Poor circulation is a serious condition and needs immediate medical attention. If you have any concerns with poor circulation in your feet contact Bruce Smit, DPM of Frankfort Foot & Ankle Clinic. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.
Poor Circulation in the Feet
Poor blood circulation in the feet and legs is can be caused by peripheral artery disease (PAD), which is the result of a buildup of plaque in the arteries.
Plaque buildup or atherosclerosis results from excess calcium and cholesterol in the bloodstream. This can restrict the amount of blood which can flow through the arteries. Poor blood circulation in the feet and legs are sometimes caused by inflammation in the blood vessels, known as vasculitis.
Causes
Lack of oxygen and oxygen from poor blood circulation restricts muscle growth and development. It can also cause:
Those who have diabetes or smoke are at greatest risk for poor circulation, as are those who are over 50. If you have poor circulation in the feet and legs it may be caused by PAD and is important to make changes to your lifestyle in order to reduce risk of getting a heart attack or stroke. Exercise and maintaining a healthy lifestyle will dramatically improve conditions.
As always, see a podiatrist as he or she will assist in finding a regimen that suits you. A podiatrist can also prescribe you any needed medication.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Frankfort, IL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
You don't need an excuse to have beautiful nails. Step outside without worrying about the appearance of your feet.
Sever’s disease is a painful heel condition that only affects children. Swelling of the growth plate is what causes this disease, along with discomfort and pain. Children that are involved in sports are more likely to have this affiliation, because injuries to the growth plate are caused by weight-bearing activities. Stretching can help to prevent Sever’s disease, and it can also assist in the healing process. Movements that stretch the hamstring, calf muscles, and tendons on the back of the leg should be performed 2 to 3 times a day, with the stretch being held for around 20 seconds. Even if there is only pain in one heel, the stretches should be done with both legs. Exercises that strengthen the muscles surrounding the shin will also help alleviate some discomfort and help to prevent this condition from developing again. If you think your child may have Sever’s Disease, then it is highly recommended to consult with a podiatrist in order to receive more information and proper treatment.
Sever's disease often occurs in children and teens. If your child is experiencing foot or ankle pain, see Bruce Smit, DPM from Frankfort Foot & Ankle Clinic. Our doctor can treat your child’s foot and ankle needs.
Sever’s Disease
Sever’s disease is also known as calcaneal apophysitis, which is a medical condition that causes heel pain I none or both feet. The disease is known to affect children between the ages of 8 and 14.
Sever’s disease occurs when part of the child’s heel known as the growth plate (calcaneal epiphysis) is attached to the Achilles tendon. This area can suffer injury when the muscles and tendons of the growing foot do not keep pace with bone growth. Therefore, the constant pain which one experiences at the back of the heel will make the child unable to put any weight on the heel. The child is then forced to walk on their toes.
Symptoms
Acute pain – Pain associated with Sever’s disease is usually felt in the heel when the child engages in physical activity such as walking, jumping and or running.
Highly active – Children who are very active are among the most susceptible in experiencing Sever’s disease, because of the stress and tension placed on their feet.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Frankfort, IL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle injuries.
If you have fallen or dropped a heavy object on your foot, the result may be a broken foot. There are typically noticeable symptoms that are associated with this condition, and these may include severe pain and discomfort that is felt while attempting to walk, and possible swelling and bruising. If the fracture is severe, and appears to be dislocated, it may be a result of bones that are out of alignment. Patients who have medical conditions which may include diabetes or peripheral neuropathy, may not notice if their foot is fractured, and this may be a result of a loss of sensation. Once a proper diagnosis is performed, which typically consists of having an X-ray taken, the correct treatment can begin. This may include resting and elevating the foot as often as possible, and wearing a cast or protective boot while the healing process takes place. For more severe fractures, an MRI might be a necessary test to aid in determining the severity of the fracture. If you feel you have broken your foot, it is suggested that you consult with a podiatrist as quickly as possible so the proper treatment can begin.
A broken foot requires immediate medical attention and treatment. If you need your feet checked, contact Bruce Smit, DPM from Frankfort Foot & Ankle Clinic. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
Broken Foot Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
A broken foot is caused by one of the bones in the foot typically breaking when bended, crushed, or stretched beyond its natural capabilities. Usually the location of the fracture indicates how the break occurred, whether it was through an object, fall, or any other type of injury.
Common Symptoms of Broken Feet:
Those that suspect they have a broken foot shoot seek urgent medical attention where a medical professional could diagnose the severity.
Treatment for broken bones varies depending on the cause, severity and location. Some will require the use of splints, casts or crutches while others could even involve surgery to repair the broken bones. Personal care includes the use of ice and keeping the foot stabilized and elevated.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Frankfort, IL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
