Items filtered by date: June 2023

The bones in the toe are small and fragile and may easily break when stubbed against a piece of furniture. Each toe has two or three bones and may fracture if a heavy object drops on one or more toes. Immediate symptoms of a broken toe can consist of swelling and bruising, and it is often difficult to move. An X-ray can be performed to determine the fracture's severity. The buddy taping method can provide adequate healing if the toe is mildly broken. This is done by taping the broken toe to the toe next to it, which can provide the necessary stability as the healing process occurs. Many people will purchase larger shoes that can accommodate their broken toe. If the injury causes a bone to protrude from the toe, different treatment methods may be required for proper healing. If you have broken your toe, it is suggested that you visit a podiatrist who can offer the treatment technique that is right for you.

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 & Ankle Care Centers. 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 offices located in Nashville, Smyrna, Spring Hill, Columbia, Dickson, Fairview, Hohenwald, TN and the Middle Tennessee community . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Spraining an ankle is a common injury that results from overstretching one or more ligaments that helps to hold the ankle joint together. Signs of an ankle sprain are pain, swelling, and bruising. There are three main types of ankle sprains. A grade 1 sprain is the least serious injury. The ligaments are stretched, but not torn, and the joint remains stable. A grade 2 sprain is more severe and painful, and may indicate that more than one ligament has partially torn. This causes the ankle joint to become less stable, and bearing weight is more difficult. With a grade 3 sprain, more than one ligament is torn, and ankle movement is impossible. If you have this type of sprain, seeking immediate medical attention is imperative. Ignoring an ankle sprain can be permanently damaging to the joint. For that reason, if you believe you may have sprained an ankle, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for an evaluation and treatment.

Ankle sprains are common but need immediate attention. If you need your feet checked, contact one of our podiatrists from Advanced Foot & Ankle Care Centers. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

How Does an Ankle Sprain Occur?

Ankle sprains take place when the ligaments in your ankle are torn or stretched beyond their limits. There are multiple ways that the ankle can become injured, including twisting or rolling over onto your ankle, putting undue stress on it, or causing trauma to the ankle itself.

What Are the Symptoms?

• Mild to moderate bruising
• Limited mobility
• Swelling
• Discoloration of the skin (depending on severity)

Preventing a Sprain

• Wearing appropriate shoes for the occasion
• Stretching before exercises and sports
• Knowing your limits

Treatment of a Sprain

Treatment of a sprain depends on the severity.  Many times, people are told to rest and remain off their feet completely, while others are given an air cast. If the sprain is very severe, surgery may be required.

If you have suffered an ankle sprain previously, you may want to consider additional support such as a brace and regular exercises to strengthen the ankle.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Nashville, Smyrna, Spring Hill, Columbia, Dickson, Fairview, Hohenwald, TN and the Middle Tennessee community . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

The body is full of nerves whose main job is to let us touch and feel, as well as to warn us of dangerous conditions. The peripheral nervous system contains nerves in the lower extremities. When these nerves become damaged, they are unable to signal the toes and feet when something goes wrong. This condition is known as peripheral neuropathy. Symptoms of peripheral neuropathy are numbness, pain, and weakness. Causes include excessive use of alcohol, certain types of medication, vitamin B12 deficiency, and heredity. Other causes are infections, such as shingles and Lyme disease, as well as tumors and diabetes. Many diabetics develop peripheral neuropathy, which leaves them unable to detect sores and cuts on the feet. If left unattended, a cut or sore may turn into a diabetic foot ulcer that can become gangrenous and endanger the limb itself. Such diabetic neuropathy is the result of maintaining high levels of blood sugar that damage the nerves serving the feet. If you are experiencing any level of neuropathy in the toes, feet, or ankles, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist as soon as possible.

Neuropathy

Neuropathy can be a potentially serious condition, especially if it is left undiagnosed. If you have any concerns that you may be experiencing nerve loss in your feet, consult with one of our podiatrists from Advanced Foot & Ankle Care Centers. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment for neuropathy.

What Is Neuropathy?

Neuropathy is a condition that leads to damage to the nerves in the body. Peripheral neuropathy, or neuropathy that affects your peripheral nervous system, usually occurs in the feet. Neuropathy can be triggered by a number of different causes. Such causes include diabetes, infections, cancers, disorders, and toxic substances.

Symptoms of Neuropathy Include:

• Numbness
• Sensation loss
• Prickling and tingling sensations
• Throbbing, freezing, burning pains
• Muscle weakness

Those with diabetes are at serious risk due to being unable to feel an ulcer on their feet. Diabetics usually also suffer from poor blood circulation. This can lead to the wound not healing, infections occurring, and the limb may have to be amputated.

Treatment

To treat neuropathy in the foot, podiatrists will first diagnose the cause of the neuropathy. Figuring out the underlying cause of the neuropathy will allow the podiatrist to prescribe the best treatment, whether it be caused by diabetes, toxic substance exposure, infection, etc. If the nerve has not died, then it’s possible that sensation may be able to return to the foot.

Pain medication may be issued for pain. Electrical nerve stimulation can be used to stimulate nerves. If the neuropathy is caused from pressure on the nerves, then surgery may be necessary.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Nashville, Smyrna, Spring Hill, Columbia, Dickson, Fairview, Hohenwald, TN and the Middle Tennessee community . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.