A broken toe is a common injury that can occur due to stubbing the toe, dropping heavy objects on it, or participating in sports or physical activities. Symptoms of a broken toe include sharp pain at the site of injury, swelling, bruising, and difficulty walking or standing. In some cases, the toe may appear deformed or crooked. The first step in treating a broken toe is to rest and avoid putting weight on the affected foot to prevent further injury. Elevating the foot can help reduce swelling. In many cases, a podiatrist may recommend buddy taping, where the broken toe is taped to the adjacent toe for added stability. For more severe fractures, surgical intervention may be necessary. If you have broken your toe, it is suggested that you contact a podiatrist who can offer the best treatment for you.

A broken toe can be very painful and lead to complications if not properly fixed. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Carrie Frame, DPM from West Virginia Foot & Ankle. 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 Charleston, WV . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Middle-toe joint pain can result from various factors, often affecting daily activities and mobility. One common cause is arthritis, which leads to inflammation and stiffness in the joint. This condition can be a result of wear and tear over time or due to an autoimmune disorder. Another cause of this type of pain is a bunion, where a bony bump forms at the base of the big toe, as the result of misalignment of the toes. Trauma or injury, such as a sprain or fracture, can also lead to pain in the middle toe joint. Symptoms of middle toe joint pain include swelling, redness, and tenderness in the affected area. The pain typically worsens with movement, and it may become difficult to walk or wear shoes. In some cases, the joint may become stiff, limiting flexibility. If you have toe pain, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who can determine what the cause is, and offer viable treatment solutions.

Toe pain can disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, contact Carrie Frame, DPM of West Virginia Foot & Ankle. 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 Charleston, WV . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Poor foot circulation can result from several underlying health conditions. Atherosclerosis, the buildup of plaque in the arteries, is one of the primary causes, as it restricts blood flow to the feet and other extremities. Peripheral artery disease, or PAD, often a result of atherosclerosis, further narrows the arteries, leading to reduced circulation and causing pain, cramping, and numbness. Diabetes also contributes to poor circulation, as high blood sugar levels can damage blood vessels and nerves, impairing the flow of blood to the feet. Obesity, a sedentary lifestyle, and smoking all increase the risk of poor circulation by putting extra strain on the cardiovascular system. These factors can lead to complications such as slow-healing foot wounds, infections, and even tissue damage. If you have any of the above symptoms, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can help you to manage this condition.

While poor circulation itself isn’t a condition; it is a symptom of another underlying health condition you may have. If you have any concerns with poor circulation in your feet contact Carrie Frame, DPM of West Virginia Foot & Ankle. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Poor Circulation in the Feet

Peripheral artery disease (PAD) can potentially lead to poor circulation in the lower extremities. PAD is a condition that causes the blood vessels and arteries to narrow. In a linked condition called atherosclerosis, the arteries stiffen up due to a buildup of plaque in the arteries and blood vessels. These two conditions can cause a decrease in the amount of blood that flows to your extremities, therefore resulting in pain.

Symptoms

Some of the most common symptoms of poor circulation are:

• Numbness
• Tingling
• Throbbing or stinging pain in limbs
• Pain
• Muscle Cramps

Treatment for poor circulation often depends on the underlying condition that causes it. Methods for treatment may include insulin for diabetes, special exercise programs, surgery for varicose veins, or compression socks for swollen legs.

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 Charleston, WV . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.