Items filtered by date: January 2024

A broken toe, though seemingly minor, unfolds as a painful reality, demanding attention to its distinctive features. The anatomy of toes, comprising small bones known as phalanges, renders them susceptible to fractures. A break in the toe may occur from trauma, such as dropping a heavy object on it or stubbing it against a hard surface. The symptoms of a broken toe are noticeable through localized pain, swelling, and bruising, often accompanied by difficulty in bearing weight on the affected toe. A limited range of motion and deformity, where the toe appears crooked or misaligned, are indicative signs. The pain intensifies with movement or pressure, and in some cases, there may be a noticeable cracking sound at the time of injury. If you have broken your toe, it is suggested that you visit a podiatrist as quickly as possible who can perform a correct diagnosis and treat it accordingly.

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 Carrie Frame, DPM from West Virginia Foot & Ankle. 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 Charleston, WV . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

A foot fracture, also known as a broken foot, refers to the break or crack in one or more of the bones within the foot. These fractures can result from various incidents, such as traumatic injuries, repetitive stress, or weakened bone structure. Diagnosing a foot fracture often involves a combination of physical examination and diagnostic imaging. The podiatrist will assess the injured area, looking for signs like pain, tenderness, swelling, deformity, and impaired range of motion. X-rays are the most common imaging tool used to confirm the diagnosis, allowing podiatrists to determine the type and location of the fracture accurately. Understanding the definition and diagnosis of a foot fracture is crucial for proper treatment and recovery. Whether it is a stress fracture from overuse or a traumatic injury, early diagnosis and appropriate management are essential for optimal healing and the restoration of normal foot function. If you have broken your foot, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can provide one of several treatment options that are right for you.

A broken foot requires immediate medical attention and treatment. If you need your feet checked, contact Carrie Frame, DPM from West Virginia Foot & Ankle. 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:

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

Ingrown toenails, a common and often painful ailment, result from the toenail's edge growing into the surrounding skin. Various factors contribute to their occurrence, with improper toenail trimming being a leading cause. Cutting nails too short or rounding them rather than maintaining a straight edge can encourage ingrowth. Wearing tight-fitting shoes or socks that squeeze the toes may also exert pressure, pushing the toenail into the skin. Additionally, injury or trauma to the toe can contribute to this uncomfortable condition. Preventing ingrown toenails involves adopting meticulous nail care practices, trimming them straight across, and avoiding tight footwear. Maintaining good foot hygiene, especially during pedicures, can significantly reduce the risk of ingrown toenails. If you have developed an ingrown toenail, it is strongly suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can effectively treat this condition.

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

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

As young athletes embark on their journey in sports, the health of their feet and ankles becomes paramount to their overall well-being and performance. The developing musculoskeletal system of young individuals is more susceptible to various conditions that can impact their mobility and athletic prowess. Common issues include Sever's disease, an inflammation of the growth plate in the heel, and Osgood-Schlatter disease, which affects the growth plate at the top of the shinbone. Sprained ankles, often incurred during high-impact activities, require prompt attention to prevent lingering complications. Additionally, stress fractures, a result of repetitive strain on the bones, can affect young athletes pushing their physical limits. It is vital for parents, coaches, and young athletes alike to be aware of these conditions, emphasizing the significance of wearing proper footwear and getting adequate rest. If your active child has developed a foot or ankle condition, it is suggested that you confer with a podiatrist who can offer the appropriate treatment methods.

Ankle and foot injuries are common among athletes and in many sports. They can be caused by several problems and may be potentially serious. If you are feeling pain or think you were injured in a sporting event or when exercising, consult with Carrie Frame, DPM from West Virginia Foot & Ankle. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Common Injuries

The most common injuries that occur in sporting activities include:

• Achilles Tendonitis
• Achilles Tendon Rupture
• Ankle Sprains
• Broken Foot
• Plantar Fasciitis
• Stress Fractures
• Turf Toe

Symptoms

Symptoms vary depending upon the injury and in some cases, there may be no symptoms at all. However, in most cases, some form of symptom is experienced. Pain, aching, burning, bruising, tenderness, tightness or stiffness, sensation loss, difficulty moving, and swelling are the most common symptoms.

Treatment

Just as symptoms vary depending upon the injury, so do treatment options. A common treatment method is known as the RICE method. This method involves rest, applying ice, compression and elevating the afflicted foot or ankle. If the injury appears to be more serious, surgery might be required, such as arthroscopic or reconstructive surgery. Lastly, rehabilitation or therapy might be needed to gain full functionality in the afflicted area. Any discomfort experienced by an athlete must be evaluated by a licensed, reputable medical professional.  

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.

Heel pain, a pervasive discomfort impacting daily activities, can be attributed to a myriad of factors. Plantar fasciitis, a common cause, arises from inflammation of the plantar fascia, the tissue connecting the heel bone to the toes. Excessive strain on this ligament, often from overuse or wearing improper footwear, can lead to stabbing pain. Achilles tendonitis, inflammation of the Achilles tendon at the back of the heel, contributes to discomfort, particularly in activities that stress the calf muscles. Additionally, heel spurs, bony protrusions at the bottom of the heel, may result from prolonged plantar fasciitis, causing intermittent or chronic pain. Other potential causes may include stress fractures, nerve impingement, or bursitis. Foot anatomy, gait abnormalities, and excessive weight can further exacerbate heel pain. Identifying the specific factors that contribute to heel pain is essential for tailored interventions. If you have heel pain, it is strongly suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can determine the cause and offer appropriate treatment methods. 

Many people suffer from bouts of heel pain. For more information, 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.

Causes of Heel Pain

Heel pain is often associated with plantar fasciitis. The plantar fascia is a band of tissues that extends along the bottom of the foot. A rip or tear in this ligament can cause inflammation of the tissue.

Achilles tendonitis is another cause of heel pain. Inflammation of the Achilles tendon will cause pain from fractures and muscle tearing. Lack of flexibility is also another symptom.

Heel spurs are another cause of pain. When the tissues of the plantar fascia undergo a great deal of stress, it can lead to ligament separation from the heel bone, causing heel spurs.

Why Might Heel Pain Occur?

• Wearing ill-fitting shoes                  
• Wearing non-supportive shoes
• Weight change           
• Excessive running

Treatments

Heel pain should be treated as soon as possible for immediate results. Keeping your feet in a stress-free environment will help. If you suffer from Achilles tendonitis or plantar fasciitis, applying ice will reduce the swelling. Stretching before an exercise like running will help the muscles. Using all these tips will help make heel pain a condition of the past.

If you have any questions please contact our office located in Charleston, WV . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.