A broken pinky toe can cause significant discomfort despite the small size of the bone. Symptoms include immediate pain, swelling, bruising, and difficulty walking or putting weight on the foot. In some cases, the pinky toe may appear crooked or out of alignment, and touching or moving the toe can increase the pain. Causes of a broken pinky toe typically involve direct trauma, such as stubbing the toe against a hard object, dropping something heavy on the foot, or twisting the foot awkwardly during a fall or misstep. Stress fractures from repetitive impact activities can also affect the pinky toe. If you believe you have broken your toe, it is suggested that you contact a podiatrist who can accurately diagnose this condition and offer 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 Robert Hutchison, DPM, FACFAS from Lower Keys Foot & Ankle Surgery. 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 Key West, FL. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
A bunion is a bony bump that forms at the base of the big toe as the top of toe to angles inward toward the other smaller toes. This deformity often results from inherited foot structure, wearing improper footwear, or medical conditions like arthritis. Over time, bunions can lead to pain, swelling, and difficulty walking. When conservative treatments fail to relieve symptoms, bunion surgery may be recommended to correct the alignment and relieve discomfort. Recovery from bunion surgery involves rest, elevation, and wearing a special shoe to protect the foot during healing. Swelling may last for several weeks, and, with proper care, most individuals can return to normal activities. If you have a bunion that is causing you pain, it is suggested that you confer with a podiatrist who can determine if this type of foot surgery is right for you.
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 office located in Key West, FL. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
A broken heel bone, or calcaneus fracture, is a serious foot injury that often results from high-impact trauma, such as falling from a height or being in a car accident. In some cases, athletes who engage in repetitive stress, like long-distance running, may develop a stress fracture in the heel. Signs of a broken heel bone include intense heel pain, swelling, bruising, and an inability to walk. A podiatrist will perform a thorough exam, which may include imaging tests, to determine the severity of the fracture. If the bone fragments remain in proper position, casting and immobilization may be sufficient. However, when the bone is significantly displaced or if the fracture is open, surgery may be necessary. This typically involves repositioning the bone and securing it with plates and screws. In the most severe cases, a fusion between the heel and ankle bones may be required to stabilize the foot. If you have extreme heel pain and fear it may be broken, it is suggested that you make an immediate appointment with a podiatrist for an exam, diagnosis, and appropriate treatment.
Heel pain is often associated with plantar fasciitis. The plantar fascia is a band of tissues that extends along the bottom of the foot. A rip or tear in this ligament can cause inflammation of the tissue.
Achilles tendonitis is another cause of heel pain. Inflammation of the Achilles tendon will cause pain from fractures and muscle tearing. Lack of flexibility is also another symptom.
Heel spurs are another cause of pain. When the tissues of the plantar fascia undergo a great deal of stress, it can lead to ligament separation from the heel bone, causing heel spurs.
Why Might Heel Pain Occur?
Wearing ill-fitting shoes
Wearing non-supportive shoes
Weight change
Excessive running
Treatments
Heel pain should be treated as soon as possible for immediate results. Keeping your feet in a stress-free environment will help. If you suffer from Achilles tendonitis or plantar fasciitis, applying ice will reduce the swelling. Stretching before an exercise like running will help the muscles. Using all these tips will help make heel pain a condition of the past.
If you have any questions please contact our office located in Key West, FL. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
