Items filtered by date: February 2024

If you break your big toe, seeing a podiatrist can be helpful. This type of doctor will examine your toe to determine the extent of the injury. Depending on the severity,  X-rays may be taken to see the extent of the fracture. The podiatrist can provide guidance on how to care for your broken toe properly. They can recommend resting the foot and elevating it to reduce swelling. In some cases, they may suggest buddy taping the broken toe to the adjacent one for support. If the fracture is severe or if the toe is misaligned, they may need to realign it or provide a splint to keep it in place. The podiatrist can also offer pain management techniques and advise on when it is safe to resume normal activities. If you believe you have fractured your big toe, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and treatment that is deemed necessary.

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 Centers for Foot & Ankle Care. 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 one of our offices located in Merrillville, Portage, Michigan City/LaPorte, and Schererville, IN . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Neuropathy, a nerve disorder characterized by damage or dysfunction to peripheral nerves, can manifest in various symptoms and significantly impact the feet. Common symptoms of neuropathy include tingling, burning sensations, numbness, and sharp pain in the affected areas. In the context of foot neuropathy, individuals may experience loss of sensation, making it difficult to detect injuries or changes in temperature. This increases the risk of foot ulcers, infections, and other complications, particularly for those with diabetes or other underlying health conditions. Neuropathy can also disrupt normal motor function, leading to muscle weakness and altered gait patterns, affecting balance and coordination while walking or standing. Additionally, neuropathic pain can be chronic and debilitating, impairing quality of life and overall mobility. Recognizing the symptoms of neuropathy and its impact on the feet is critical for early diagnosis and management. If you have symptoms of neuropathy and your feet are affected, it is strongly suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can help you to manage this condition.

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 Centers for Foot & Ankle Care. 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 one of our offices located in Merrillville, Portage, Michigan City/LaPorte, and Schererville, IN . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Trail running is an exhilarating activity that invites people of all preferences and ideologies to explore nature's paths. And with the right pair of shoes, anyone can conquer the trails with confidence. Before purchasing trail running shoes, there are two vital considerations to keep in mind. These can include your foot type and the terrain you will be tackling. First, understanding your foot type is essential for finding the perfect fit. Consider factors like the stiffness or pliability of the shoe, whether you need a neutral or stable base, and if you require a wide or narrow fit. Additionally, think about the heel to toe drop that suits your running style best. Equally important is selecting shoes tailored to the terrain you will be traversing. Such factors include trails with uneven surfaces, smoother paths with gentle inclines, water crossings, or dryer routes. If you have experienced foot, toe, or ankle pain as the result of trail running, you may benefit from a gait analysis and thorough examination of your feet and shoes. It is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for further guidance.  

You should always make sure your running shoes fit properly in order to avoid injury. For more information, contact one of our podiatrists from Centers for Foot & Ankle Care. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Choosing the Right Running Shoe for Your Foot Type

Improper shoe sizing can cause a myriad of problems for your feet. Shoes that don’t fit you properly can lead to muscular imbalances in your body, which can result in foot, knee, and hip injuries.

Tips for Finding the Right Running Shoe

• Make sure you have a thumb’s width of wiggle room between the end of your longest toe and the front of the shoe.
• There should be little to no slipping at the heel
• Don’t assume your size in one shoe brand will be your size in another
• Do not lace up your shoes too tightly
• Walk around in the store with your new shoes before you buy them

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our one of our offices located in Merrillville, Portage, Michigan City/LaPorte, and Schererville, IN . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Cuboid syndrome is a foot condition where the cuboid bone in the lateral foot column slips out of place, causing pain and discomfort. It is often mistaken for other foot issues, necessitating a thorough evaluation. The syndrome primarily involves ligament sprains, not fractures or major sprains, and is typically linked to specific movements during activities such as sports or dancing. Symptoms can include significant pain, resembling a fracture, and an altered gait. Swelling and skin discoloration are usually absent, and X-rays may appear normal. Contributing factors include tight footwear, lateral heel wear, and rapid return to lateral-heavy sports after ankle sprains. Addressing biomechanical problems, correcting alignment, and using orthotic padding under the cuboid are often used in management. If you have lateral foot pain, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist to determine whether you have cuboid syndrome or some other condition. Treatment to alleviate pain and expedite recovery will be provided.

Cuboid syndrome, also known as cuboid subluxation, occurs when the joints and ligaments near the cuboid bone in the foot become torn. If you have cuboid syndrome, consult with one of our podiatrists from Centers for Foot & Ankle Care. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Cuboid syndrome is a common cause of lateral foot pain, which is pain on the outside of the foot. The condition may happen suddenly due to an ankle sprain, or it may develop slowly overtime from repetitive tension through the bone and surrounding structures.

Causes

The most common causes of cuboid syndrome include:

• Injury – The most common cause of this ailment is an ankle sprain.
• Repetitive Strain – Tension placed through the peroneus longus muscle from repetitive activities such as jumping and running may cause excessive traction on the bone causing it to sublux.
• Altered Foot Biomechanics – Most people suffering from cuboid subluxation have flat feet.

Symptoms

A common symptom of cuboid syndrome is pain along the outside of the foot which can be felt in the ankle and toes. This pain may create walking difficulties and may cause those with the condition to walk with a limp.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of cuboid syndrome is often difficult, and it is often misdiagnosed. X-rays, MRIs and CT scans often fail to properly show the cuboid subluxation. Although there isn’t a specific test used to diagnose cuboid syndrome, your podiatrist will usually check if pain is felt while pressing firmly on the cuboid bone of your foot.

Treatment

Just as the range of causes varies widely, so do treatments. Some more common treatments are ice therapy, rest, exercise, taping, and orthotics.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Merrillville, Portage, Michigan City/LaPorte, and Schererville, IN . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.