A fracture in the foot can result from a sudden injury, an awkward step, or repeated stress on the bones. Signs may include sharp pain, swelling, bruising, or trouble standing and walking. Because the foot has many small bones that work together for balance and movement, getting the right care is essential. Treatment varies depending on how serious the break is. Some patients may need only rest, a walking boot, or crutches, while others may require a cast, or, in more complicated cases, surgery to realign the bones. Elevating the foot and keeping weight off it helps with recovery. Healing usually takes several weeks, but following a podiatrist’s guidance supports a smoother return to activity. If you think you may have fractured your foot, it is recommended that you promptly visit a podiatrist for an accurate diagnosis and care plan.
A broken foot requires immediate medical attention and treatment. If you need your feet checked, contact one of our podiatrists from DM Foot & Ankle Associates . Our doctors 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:
Bruising
Pain
Redness
Swelling
Blue in color
Numbness
Cold
Misshapen
Cuts
Deformities
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 Lemont, IL. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
Retronychia is a lesser known nail condition that can sometimes be mistaken for an ingrown toenail. While ingrown toenails occur when the side of the nail curves into the skin, retronychia develops when a new nail plate grows underneath the old one instead of pushing it forward. This backward growth can cause thickening, discoloration, persistent pain, and swelling near the cuticle area rather than along the nail edge. It is more likely to appear after repeated trauma such as stubbing the toe or wearing tight shoes. Because retronychia may mimic some symptoms of ingrown toenails, it is easy to confuse the two conditions. However, their causes and treatments are different. If you are experiencing ongoing nail pain, swelling, or unusual nail changes, it is suggested that you seek the care of a podiatrist for a thorough evaluation and treatment plan.
Ingrown toenails can become painful if they are not treated properly. For more information about ingrown toenails, contact one of our podiatrists of DM Foot & Ankle Associates . Our doctors 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 Lemont, IL. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
A bunionette, also called a tailor’s bunion, is a bony bump that forms on the outside of the foot at the base of the little toe. It may appear red, swollen, or irritated, and often becomes painful, especially when wearing tight or narrow shoes. The area may feel tender, sore, or produce a burning sensation during walking or standing. Common causes include inherited foot structure, improper footwear, pressure on the outer edge of the foot, or abnormal foot mechanics. A podiatrist can diagnose a bunionette with a physical examination and may use X-rays to assess the alignment of the bones. Treatment options depend on the severity and include wider shoes, padding, anti-inflammatory medications, and custom orthotics to relieve pressure. In more advanced cases, surgery may be necessary to realign the toe and remove the bony prominence. It is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist to receive an accurate diagnosis and the most effective treatment.
A bunion is formed of swollen tissue or an enlargement of boney growth, usually located at the base joint of the toe that connects to the foot. The swelling occurs due to the bones in the big toe shifting inward, which impacts the other toes of the foot. This causes the area around the base of the big toe to become inflamed and painful.
Why Do Bunions Form?
Genetics – Susceptibility to bunions are often hereditary
Stress on the feet – Poorly fitted and uncomfortable footwear that places stress on feet, such as heels, can worsen existing bunions
How Are Bunions Diagnosed?
Doctors often perform two tests – blood tests and x-rays – when trying to diagnose bunions, especially in the early stages of development. Blood tests help determine if the foot pain is being caused by something else, such as arthritis, while x-rays provide a clear picture of your bone structure to your doctor.
How Are Bunions Treated?
Refrain from wearing heels or similar shoes that cause discomfort
Select wider shoes that can provide more comfort and reduce pain
Anti-inflammatory and pain management drugs
Orthotics or foot inserts
Surgery
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Lemont, IL. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
