Items filtered by date: August 2024

A broken pinky toe often results from accidental impact or trauma, such as stubbing the toe or dropping a heavy object on it. The symptoms of a fractured pinky toe include significant pain, swelling, bruising, and difficulty in moving the toe. In severe cases, the toe may appear deformed or out of alignment. To find relief, it is essential to rest the injured foot and avoid putting weight on it. Relief may be found by elevating the foot as this can assist in minimizing inflammation. Mild pain relievers may alleviate discomfort. In cases of severe injury or if the toe appears dislocated, seeking medical attention from a podiatrist is critical for a proper diagnosis and treatment. If you have fractured your toe, it is suggested that you promptly contact this foot doctor for the appropriate 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 Advanced Foot and Ankle Centers, Inc.. Our doctors 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 Clovis, CA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Plantar fasciitis is an inflammation of the plantar fascia, a thick band of tissue running along the bottom of the foot. It commonly results from excessive strain, overuse, or wearing improper footwear. Key muscles affecting the plantar fascia include the calf muscles and the Achilles tendon, which, when tight, can exacerbate the condition. Effective stretches to alleviate plantar fasciitis include calf stretches, where you lean against a wall with one foot behind you and gently press the heel down, and the plantar fascia stretch, where you sit, cross one leg over the other, and pull the toes back toward your shin. Incorporating these stretches into your routine can help relieve tension, improve flexibility, and reduce pain associated with plantar fasciitis. If you have heel pain, it is strongly suggested that you promptly consult a podiatrist who can accurately diagnose plantar fasciitis, and offer effective treatment solutions.

Plantar fasciitis can be very painful and inconvenient. If you are experiencing heel pain or symptoms of plantar fasciitis, contact one of our podiatrists  from Advanced Foot and Ankle Centers, Inc.. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is the inflammation of the thick band of tissue that runs along the bottom of your foot, known as the plantar fascia, and causes mild to severe heel pain.

What Causes Plantar Fasciitis?

• Excessive running
• Non-supportive shoes
• Overpronation
• Repeated stretching and tearing of the plantar fascia

How Can It Be Treated?

• Conservative measures – anti-inflammatories, ice packs, stretching exercises, physical therapy, orthotic devices
• Shockwave therapy – sound waves are sent to the affected area to facilitate healing and are usually used for chronic cases of plantar fasciitis
• Surgery – usually only used as a last resort when all else fails. The plantar fascia can be surgically detached from the heel

While very treatable, plantar fasciitis is definitely not something that should be ignored. Especially in severe cases, speaking to your doctor right away is highly recommended to avoid complications and severe heel pain. Your podiatrist can work with you to provide the appropriate treatment options tailored to your condition.

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

Clubfoot, or congenital talipes equinovarus, is a birth defect where a baby's foot is twisted out of shape or position, resembling the shape of a golf club. This condition affects the muscles, tendons, and bones, causing the foot to turn inward and downward. The exact cause of clubfoot is unknown, but it is believed to result from a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Family history increases the risk, and it is more common in boys than girls. Treatment typically begins shortly after birth with the Ponseti method, which involves gentle manipulation and casting to gradually correct the foot's position. In some cases, minor surgery may be necessary to lengthen the Achilles tendon. If your child was born with clubfoot, it is strongly suggested that you see a podiatrist as quickly as possible for treatment. Early and consistent care is essential to ensure normal foot function and to enable the child to walk and run without difficulty.

Congenital foot problems require immediate attention to avoid future complications. If you have any concerns, contact one of our podiatrists of Advanced Foot and Ankle Centers, Inc.. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Congenital foot problems are deformities affecting the feet, toes, and/or ankles that children are born with. Some of these conditions have a genetic cause while others just happen. Some specific foot ailments that children may be born with include clubfeet, polydactyly/macrodactyly, and cleft foot. There are several other foot anomalies that can occur congenitally. What all of these conditions have in common is that a child may experience difficulty walking or performing everyday activities, as well as trouble finding footwear that fits their foot deformity. Some of these conditions are more serious than others. Consulting with a podiatrist as early as possible will help in properly diagnosing a child’s foot condition while getting the necessary treatment underway.

What are Causes of Congenital Foot Problem?

A congenital foot problem is one that happens to a child at birth. These conditions can be caused by a genetic predisposition, developmental or positional abnormalities during gestation, or with no known cause.

What are Symptoms of Congenital Foot Problems?

Symptoms vary by the congenital condition. Symptoms may consist of the following:

• Clubfoot, where tendons are shortened, bones are shaped differently, and the Achilles tendon is tight, causing the foot to point in and down. It is also possible for the soles of the feet to face each other.
• Polydactyly, which usually consists of a nubbin or small lump of tissue without a bone, a toe that is partially formed but has no joints, or an extra toe.
• Vertical talus, where the talus bone forms in the wrong position causing other bones in the foot to line up improperly, the front of the foot to point up, and the bottom of the foot to stiffen, with no arch, and to curve out.
• Tarsal coalition, when there is an abnormal connection of two or more bones in the foot leading to severe, rigid flatfoot.
• Cleft foot, where there are missing toes, a V-shaped cleft, and other anatomical differences.
• Macrodactyly, when the toes are abnormally large due to overgrowth of the underlying bone or soft tissue.

Treatment and Prevention

While there is nothing one can do to prevent congenital foot problems, raising awareness and receiving neonatal screenings are important. Early detection by taking your child to a podiatrist leads to the best outcome possible.

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

Pregnancy can bring forth several foot conditions that impact comfort and mobility. As weight naturally increases, the arch of the foot may flatten, leading to overpronation and strain on the plantar fascia, potentially causing plantar fasciitis. This condition causes pain along the bottom of the foot, particularly near the heel, worsened by standing or walking for extended periods. Hormonal changes during pregnancy contribute to ligament laxity, further destabilizing the foot's structure and increasing the risk of injuries. To alleviate discomfort, wearing supportive footwear with cushioning and arch support is essential. Regular stretching exercises targeting the calves and plantar fascia help maintain flexibility and reduce tension. Managing weight gain through appropriate exercise and a balanced diet can also ease the strain on the feet. If you have persistent foot pain during your pregnancy, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can offer you effective relief options.

Pregnant women with swollen feet can be treated with a variety of different methods that are readily available. For more information about other cures for swollen feet during pregnancy, consult with one of our podiatrists from Advanced Foot and Ankle Centers, Inc.. Our doctors will attend to all of your foot and ankle needs.

What Foot Problems Can Arise During Pregnancy?

One problem that can occur is overpronation, which occurs when the arch of the foot flattens and tends to roll inward.  This can cause pain and discomfort in your heels while you’re walking or even just standing up, trying to support your baby.  

Another problem is edema, or swelling in the extremities. This often affects the feet during pregnancy but tends to occur in the later stages. 

How Can I Keep My Feet Healthy During Pregnancy?

• Wearing orthotics can provide extra support for the feet and help distribute weight evenly
• Minimize the amount of time spent walking barefoot
• Wear shoes with good arch support
• Wear shoes that allow for good circulation to the feet
• Elevate feet if you experience swelling
• Massage your feet
• Get regular, light exercise, such as walking, to promote blood circulation to the feet

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