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Is My Toe Broken?

Noticeable symptoms of a broken toe include severe pain, swelling, and bruising. In severe fractures, the bone may protrude from the skin, which can cause it to appear deformed. This ailment can occur if the toe suddenly hits a piece of furniture, or if a heavy object is dropped on it. Some patients can develop a broken toe as a result of a stress fracture. This is caused by repetitive movements or from wearing shoes that do not fit correctly. After a proper diagnosis takes place, which typically includes having an X-ray taken, the toe can be taped to the toe next to it. This is referred to as buddy taping. This procedure is helpful in maintaining stability as the healing process occurs. If you feel you have broken your toe, please consult with a podiatrist who can properly treat this condition.

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 Dr. Janet Leicht from New Jersey. 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 Berkeley Heights, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

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What is a Gout Attack?

The condition that is known as gout is considered to be a form of arthritis, and affects the joint under the big toe. Many people who suffer from this ailment often experience severe pain and stiffness, which will most likely begin during the night. Additional symptoms include extreme sensitivity when touched, as well as the joint appearing to be swollen and red. This condition occurs as a result of excess uric acid in the blood levels, which can cause crystals to form. These crystals can lodge into the joints of the body, and many patients notice symptoms of this in the big toe. Research has indicated the formation of these crystals can be caused by eating foods that have elevated levels of purines. These include shellfish, red meat, alcohol, and sugary beverages. If you are having gout attacks, it is advised to speak to a podiatrist who can guide you toward beginning proper treatment, in addition to learning about prevention methods.

Gout is a foot condition that requires certain treatment and care. If you are seeking treatment, contact Dr. Janet Leicht from New Jersey. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Is Gout?

Gout is a type of arthritis caused by a buildup of uric acid in the bloodstream. It often develops in the foot, especially the big toe area, although it can manifest in other parts of the body as well. Gout can make walking and standing very painful and is especially common in diabetics and the obese.

People typically get gout because of a poor diet. Genetic predisposition is also a factor. The children of parents who have had gout frequently have a chance of developing it themselves.

Gout can easily be identified by redness and inflammation of the big toe and the surrounding areas of the foot. Other symptoms include extreme fatigue, joint pain, and running high fevers. Sometimes corticosteroid drugs can be prescribed to treat gout, but the best way to combat this disease is to get more exercise and eat a better diet.

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

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Stress Fractures of the Foot and Ankle

A stress fracture is a small crack, or substantial bruising within a bone. The majority of stress fractures are caused by repetitive and overworking activities such as running. They can also occur from a change in activity, like a new workout that is higher in intensity than one is used to. The bones in the foot and ankle that bear the most weight are the most vulnerable to stress fractures. In the foot, stress fractures will most often occur in the 2nd and 3rd metatarsals. This is a frequent location for a stress fracture, because it is the area of greatest impact on the foot when a person pushes off to walk or run. In the ankle, it is most often found in the fibula, which is the outer bone on the lower part of the leg. Some common symptoms of a stress fracture are bruising, swelling, pain during normal activities and tenderness at the spot of fracture. It is vital to visit your podiatrist as soon as possible if you think that you may have a stress fracture. Ignoring the pain will lead to more dire issues such as a complete break of the bone.

Activities where too much pressure is put on the feet can cause stress fractures. To learn more, contact Dr. Janet Leicht from New Jersey. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep your pain free and on your feet.

Dealing with Stress Fractures of the Foot and Ankle

Stress fractures occur in the foot and ankle when muscles in these areas weaken from too much or too little use.  The feet and ankles then lose support when walking or running from the impact of the ground. Since there is no protection, the bones receive the full impact of each step. Stress on the feet can cause cracks to form in the bones, thus creating stress fractures.

What Are Stress Fractures?

Stress fractures occur frequently in individuals whose daily activities cause great impact on the feet and ankles. Stress factors are most common among:

  • Runners                                
  • People affected with Osteoporosis
  • Tennis or basketball players
  • Gymnasts
  • High impact workouts

Symptoms

Pain from the fractures occur in the area of the fractures and can be constant or intermittent. It will often cause sharp or dull pain with swelling and tenderness. Engaging in any kind of activity which involves high impact will aggravate pain.

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

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