Items filtered by date: December 2022

A broken toe can occur due to trauma or injury, such as stubbing the toe or dropping a heavy object on it. Pain, swelling, stiffness, bruising, and difficulty walking are symptoms of a fractured toe. If a broken toe is not properly cared for, complications can develop including arthritis or a toe deformity. Depending on the severity of a toe fracture, surgery might be needed to put it back in place. Staying off the foot and buddy taping are generally recommended as things one can do immediately to relieve the pain of a broken toe. Buddy taping involves taping the fractured toe to the one next to it. If you think you may have broken your toe, and rest and home remedies are not providing relief, contact a podiatrist who can provide appropriate treatments for healing.

A broken toe can be very painful and lead to complications if not properly fixed. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Dr. Barbara Davis from Gilbert Podiatry. 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 Gilbert, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Foot ulcers are generally caused by an underlying disease or condition that makes it difficult to detect sores or cuts on the feet. The most common causes are as the result of diabetes, which can result in neuropathy, or peripheral artery disease, which results from constricted blood vessels. Foot ulcers are basically sores that don’t heal properly, with the end result of damaging the skin to the point where it degrades and could turn into gangrene. There are preventative measures available to ward off the worst effects of foot ulcers. Among them are carrying out daily inspections of the feet, toes, and ankles to detect cuts, sores, or cracks in the skin that can become infected. Washing and thoroughly drying the feet daily is recommended, along with use of an emollient to avoid cracks in the skin. It is thought best to avoid going barefoot and to wear shoes with a wide toe box and well-cushioned sole. Regular visits to a podiatrist who can monitor and correct any foot issues are also suggested. 

Diabetic foot care is important in preventing foot ailments such as ulcers. If you are suffering from diabetes or have any other concerns about your feet, contact Dr. Barbara Davis from Gilbert Podiatry. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Diabetic Foot Care

Diabetes affects millions of people every year. The condition can damage blood vessels in many parts of the body, especially the feet. Because of this, taking care of your feet is essential if you have diabetes, and having a podiatrist help monitor your foot health is highly recommended.

The Importance of Caring for Your Feet

• Routinely inspect your feet for bruises or sores.
• Wear socks that fit your feet comfortably.
• Wear comfortable shoes that provide adequate support.

Patients with diabetes should have their doctor monitor their blood levels, as blood sugar levels play such a huge role in diabetic care. Monitoring these levels on a regular basis is highly advised.

It is always best to inform your healthcare professional of any concerns you may have regarding your feet, especially for diabetic patients. Early treatment and routine foot examinations are keys to maintaining proper health, especially because severe complications can arise if proper treatment is not applied.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Gilbert, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

If you are a runner, then it is imperative that you select running shoes that are providing your feet with the kind of support that they deserve and need. There are several different broad categories of different running shoes that you might consider buying depending on your precise needs. For example, one main type of running shoe is known as a neutral running shoe. This shoe is primarily meant to absorb shock and feature arches that have medium height. Additionally, another kind of running shoe is known as a stability running shoe. These shoes can be particularly helpful to individuals who are prone to having their feet roll inward and outward during runs. Lastly, there are cushioned running shoes that are particularly beneficial to individuals that strike their heels forcefully when running. Individuals with high heels also can benefit from wearing this kind of shoe. Contact a podiatrist today for more information about different types of running shoes.

If you are a runner, wearing the right running shoe is essential. For more information, contact Dr. Barbara Davis from Gilbert Podiatry. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Choosing the Right Running Shoe for Your Foot Type

To increase performance and avoid the risk of injury, it is important to choose the right running shoe based on your foot type. The general design of running shoes revolves around pronation, which is how the ankle rolls from outside to inside when the foot strikes the ground.

• Neutral runners are able to choose from a wide variety of shoes, including minimalist shoes or even going barefoot.
• Runners who overpronate, or experience an over-abundance of ankle rolling, should choose shoes that provide extra motion control and stability.
• Runners who underpronate, or supinate, have feet that have high arches and lack flexibility, preventing shock absorption. They require shoes with more flexibility and cushion.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Gilbert, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Synovitis is inflammation of the tissues that line a joint. Those with gout or another form of arthritis may be at risk for synovitis. It is also a result of overuse or trauma to a joint. Symptoms include redness, swelling, warmth, and pain with joint motion. Since pain or synovitis might mimic that of other afflictions, like fractures or infections, it is important to see a podiatrist and have the feet evaluated. Treatment often includes rest, immobilization, and medications. Surgery may be necessary for synovitis that has persisted. If you feel pain in your feet and ankle joints, see a podiatrist  to get a proper diagnosis and learn about treatment options.

Some foot conditions may require additional professional care. If you have any concerns, contact Dr. Barbara Davis of Gilbert Podiatry. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Rare Foot Conditions

The majority of foot conditions are common and can be treated by a podiatrist.  Standard diagnostic procedures are generally used to identify specific conditions and treatment can be rendered. A podiatrist also treats rare foot conditions which can be difficult to diagnose and may need extra attention and care. 

There are many rare foot conditions that can affect children. Some of these can include:

• Freiberg’s disease
• Kohler’s disease
• Maffucci syndrome

Freiberg’s disease - This can be seen as a deterioration and flattening of a metatarsal bone that exists in the ball of the foot. It typically affects pre-teen and teenage girls, but can affect anyone at any age. Symptoms that can accompany this can be swelling, stiffness, and the patient may limp. 

Kohler’s disease - This often targets the bone in the arch of the foot and affects younger boys. It can lead to an interruption of the blood supply which ultimately can lead to bone deterioration. The patient may limp or experience tenderness, swelling, and redness.

Maffucci syndrome - This affects the long bones in a child’s foot leading to the development of abnormal bone lesions. They are benign growths and typically develop in early childhood and the bones may be susceptible to breaking. 

A podiatrist can properly diagnose and treat all types of rare foot conditions. If your child is affected by any of these symptoms or conditions, please don’t hesitate to call our office so the correct treatment method can begin.

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