Broken toes can cause significant discomfort and limit mobility. Toe fractures usually occur from stubbing the toe, dropping something heavy on the foot, or sustaining a sports-related impact. Symptoms include swelling, bruising, and pain when walking or applying pressure. Diagnosis is confirmed through an exam and imaging to assess the extent of the fracture and determine if the bone is displaced. Stable, nondisplaced fractures may be managed with protective footwear to reduce movement and pressure, while displaced fractures often require a procedure to realign the bone. Fractures of the big toe tend to be more serious due to this toe’s role in balance and walking. Big toe injuries may require stabilization or even surgery if the damage is severe. A podiatrist can provide a proper diagnosis, realignment, and supportive devices to promote healing and prevent long-term complications. If you are experiencing pain from a broken toe, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam, diagnosis, and 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 one of our podiatrists from Highpoint Foot & Ankle Center. Our practitioners 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 offices located in Chalfont, Doylestown, and Hatboro, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

The feet are made up of a variety of bones, tendons and ligaments, and running can put stress on any them.  While runners can experience different minor issues with the feet, there are many issues that can lead to severe pain and sideline a runner.  One common cause of foot pain in runners is plantar fasciitis. This occurs when the plantar fascia ligament that runs along the bottom of the foot becomes inflamed, leading to heel pain.  Stress fractures, which are hairline fractures in the bones of the feet, are also common among runners.  Runners should also be aware of extensor tendonitis, which results in the inflammation of the tendons that help with the movement of the toes.  A tight abductor or adductor hallucis, both muscles that help with movement of the feet, can lead to debilitating pain as well.  If you are a runner and you notice severe pain in your feet, it is suggested that you make an appointment podiatrist for a diagnosis and treatment.

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 one of our podiatrists from Highpoint Foot & Ankle Center. Our practitioners 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 contact our offices located in Chalfont, Doylestown, and Hatboro, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Many podiatric procedures can be performed safely and effectively right in the office, offering patients a more convenient experience. In-office surgeries often require only local anesthesia, which lowers risks associated with general anesthesia and allows for faster recovery. The familiar setting can reduce stress compared to a hospital environment, and scheduling is often more flexible, meaning shorter wait times for treatment. Procedures such as permanent correction of ingrown toenails, removal of soft tissue masses, or certain minor fracture repairs can often be managed on-site. Patients also benefit from lower costs, since hospital and facility fees are avoided. After the procedure, follow up care is provided in the same office where the relationship with the podiatrist is already established. If you are considering surgery for a foot or ankle condition, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist to explore in-office options.

Foot surgery is sometimes necessary to treat a foot ailment. To learn more, contact one of our podiatrists of Highpoint Foot & Ankle Center. Our practitioners 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 offices located in Chalfont, Doylestown, and Hatboro, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Ankle instability occurs when the ligaments that support the ankle become stretched or torn, leaving the joint vulnerable to repeated sprains. This condition is commonly seen after multiple ankle injuries, and patients often describe their ankle as rolling inward or feeling as if it may give way. True ankle instability results from weakened ligaments. However, functional instability refers to pain or altered mechanics that create the sensation of looseness, even if the ligaments remain stable. Both forms can cause discomfort on the outside or inside of the ankle due to strain on tendons or irritation from altered joint motion. Risk factors include prior ankle sprains, and participation in sports that demand quick changes in direction. A podiatrist can evaluate the extent of instability, identify whether the problem is structural or functional, and recommend treatment. If you experience the feeling that your ankle is giving way, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Ankle pain can be caused by a number of problems and may be potentially serious. If you have ankle pain, consult with one of our podiatrists from Highpoint Foot & Ankle Center. Our practitioners will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Ankle pain is any condition that causes pain in the ankle. Due to the fact that the ankle consists of tendons, muscles, bones, and ligaments, ankle pain can come from a number of different conditions.

Causes

The most common causes of ankle pain include:

• Types of arthritis (rheumatoid, osteoarthritis, and gout)
• Ankle sprains
• Broken ankles
• Achilles tendonitis
• Achilles tendon rupture
• Stress fractures
• Bursitis
• Tarsal tunnel syndrome
• Plantar fasciitis

Symptoms

Symptoms of ankle injury vary based upon the condition. Pain may include general pain and discomfort, swelling, aching, redness, bruising, burning or stabbing sensations, and/or loss of sensation.

Diagnosis

Due to the wide variety of potential causes of ankle pain, podiatrists will utilize a number of different methods to properly diagnose ankle pain. This can include asking for personal and family medical histories and of any recent injuries. Further diagnosis may include sensation tests, a physical examination, and potentially x-rays or other imaging tests.

Treatment

Just as the range of causes varies widely, so do treatments. Some more common treatments are rest, ice packs, keeping pressure off the foot, orthotics and braces, medication for inflammation and pain, and surgery.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Chalfont, Doylestown, and Hatboro, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.