What Toe Fractures Are and How They Happen

A toe fracture is a break in one or more of the small bones in the toes, usually caused by direct trauma, such as stubbing the toe or dropping a heavy object on the foot. These injuries are common and can vary in severity. Symptoms may include sharp pain, swelling, bruising, and difficulty in walking. In some cases, the toe may appear crooked or deformed. Risk factors include weak bone density, participation in contact sports, and walking barefoot in unsafe areas. A podiatrist can provide a thorough evaluation and determine the best treatment to ensure proper healing. If you think you may have fractured your toe, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can accurately diagnose and treat this injury.

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 one of our podiatrists from New Jersey. our doctors 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 Neptune City, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

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How Weight and Health Affect Your Feet

Feet carry the body’s full weight with every step, making them especially vulnerable when health is not at its best. Extra pounds can place excess pressure on the arches, heels, and joints, often leading to pain, inflammation, or instability. A lack of movement can weaken muscles and limit circulation, setting the stage for long-term damage. Diabetes adds further risk, as poor blood flow and nerve changes may prevent a person from noticing injuries. Small cuts or pressure spots can turn into serious infections, if left untreated. In combination, these factors often make foot care more complex and more important. Ignoring foot discomfort can lead to lasting problems, especially when other health concerns are involved. If your feet ache, swell, or feel numb, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for a personalized evaluation and plan to keep you steady, mobile, and protected.

Obesity has become very problematic at this point in time and can have extremely negative effects on the feet. If you’re an obese individual and are concerned about your feet, contact one of our podiatrists from New Jersey. our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Obesity and Your Feet

Since your feet are what support your entire weight when standing, any additional weight can result in pain and swelling. Being overweight is one of the main contributors to foot complications.

Problems & Complications

Extra Weight – Even putting on just a few extra pounds could create serious complications for your feet. As your weight increases, your balance and body will shift, creating new stresses on your feet. This uneven weight distribution can cause pain, even while doing the simplest tasks, such as walking.

Diabetes – People who are overweight are at serious risk of developing type-2 diabetes, which has a drastic impact on the health of your feet. As you get older, your diabetes might worsen, which could lead to loss of feeling in your feet, sores, and bruises. You could also become more prone to various infections.

Plantar fasciitis – Pressure and stress that is placed on muscles, joints, and tendons can trigger plantar fasciitis, which is an inflammation of tissue that forms along the bottom of the foot. 

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

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When Toes Cross or Overlap in Adults and Infants

Toes that rest on top of or press against each other can be seen in both newborns and adults. In infants, this may be due to how the baby was positioned during pregnancy. The condition often improves with time or may respond well to gentle stretching or taping. In adults, overlapping toes often develop from long-term pressure caused by wearing tight shoes, poor foot mechanics, or changes in the muscles and tendons. This can lead to discomfort, rubbing, or visible changes in the shape of the foot. Non-surgical solutions such as roomier footwear, padding, or toe separators are often helpful in mild cases. For more severe overlap or persistent pain, surgical correction may be considered. If you or your child is experiencing discomfort due to overlapping toes, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist to discuss the best approach for relief and care.

Hammertoes can be a painful condition to live with. For more information, contact one of our podiatrists of New Jersey. our doctors will answer any of your foot- and ankle-related questions.

Hammertoe

Hammertoe is a foot deformity that occurs due to an imbalance in the muscles, tendons, or ligaments that normally hold the toe straight. It can be caused by the type of shoes you wear, your foot structure, trauma, and certain disease processes.

Symptoms

  • Painful and/or difficult toe movement
  • Swelling
  • Joint stiffness
  • Calluses/Corns
  • Physical deformity

Risk Factors

  • Age – The risk of hammertoe increases with age
  • Sex – Women are more likely to have hammertoe compared to men
  • Toe Length – You are more likely to develop hammertoe if your second toe is longer than your big toe
  • Certain Diseases – Arthritis and diabetes may make you more likely to develop hammertoe

Treatment

If you have hammertoe, you should change into a more comfortable shoe that provides enough room for your toes. Exercises such as picking up marbles may strengthen and stretch your toe muscles. Nevertheless, it is important to seek assistance from a podiatrist in order to determine the severity of your hammertoe and see which treatment option will work best for you.

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

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Heel Pain Can Be Treated!

Do you suffer from heel pain when you get up in the morning? If so, you should seek professional help and have a proper diagnosis performed. Heel pain can be caused by several different foot-related conditions.

Causes of Swollen Feet and Ankles

Swollen feet and ankles can result from a variety of medical conditions that affect circulation and fluid balance. Common causes include heart failure, kidney problems, liver disease, pregnancy, and thyroid disorders. Swelling may come with heaviness, tightness, discomfort, or difficulty walking. It can develop gradually or suddenly, and may affect one or both feet. Chronic swelling in the feet should never be ignored, as it may signal a serious underlying issue. A podiatrist can evaluate your symptoms, identify contributing foot or vascular conditions, and recommend appropriate treatment. If you notice persistent swelling in your feet or ankles, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist to uncover the cause and provide you with treatment options that are tailored to your needs. 

Swollen feet can be a sign of an underlying condition. If you have any concerns, contact one of our podiatrists of New Jersey. our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Swollen feet are a common ailment among pregnant women and people who stand or sit for extended periods. Aging may increase the possibility of swollen feet and patients who are obese often notice when their feet are swelling too. There may be medical reasons why swollen feet occur:

  • Phlebitis - A condition that causes the veins to become inflamed and can also cause leg pain.
  • Liver disease - This may lead to low blood levels of albumin which is a protein. This can cause fluid in the blood to pass into the tissues and several areas of the body can become swollen.
  • Heart failure - When the heart doesn’t pump properly the blood that is normally pumped back to the heart can pool in the veins of the legs causing swollen feet.
  • Kidney disease - One of the main functions of the kidneys is releasing excess fluid in the body. This type of condition can make it difficult for the kidneys to function properly, and as a result the feet may become swollen.
  • Deep-vein thrombosis (DVT)- This is a serious condition where blood clots form in the veins of the legs. They can block the return of blood from the legs to the heart which may cause the feet to swell. It is important to be treated by a podiatrist if this condition is present.

Swollen feet can also be caused by bone and tendon conditions, including fractures, arthritis, and tendinitis. Additionally, there may be skin and toenail conditions and an infection may cause the feet to swell. Patients who take medicine to treat high blood pressure may be prone to getting swollen feet. 

Many patients elevate their feet to help relieve the swelling and this is generally a temporary remedy. When a podiatrist is consulted the reason behind the swelling can be uncovered and subsequently treated.

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

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