Items filtered by date: February 2022

Broken toes, while painful, are typically not serious and have a good prognosis, with most injuries healing within four to six weeks. In addition to pain, symptoms of a broken toe include swelling, bruising, and difficulty walking on the affected toe. Severe breaks, which may involve the bone sticking out at an angle, a visible deformity of the toe, or the bone breaking through the skin, should be treated by a medical professional immediately. A mild injury can be treated at home while you wait to see your podiatrist. If you suspect your toe may be broken, rest and elevate the affected foot on cushions, apply ice wrapped in a towel to the toe, and take over-the-counter medications to reduce pain and swelling. If symptoms do not improve within a few days, it is strongly suggested that you see a podiatrist as soon as possible.

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 Southwest Podiatry. 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 Dallas, and Carrollton, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Sesamoiditis, an inflammation of the two tiny sesamoid bones located just beneath the big toe, can cause foot pain in the ball of the foot. A bone scan or MRI, in addition to a physical examination, are typically needed to diagnose this condition. There are various means for managing sesamoiditis. These include immobilizing and resting the affected foot, wearing orthotics, taking non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications to reduce pain, applying ice to the area, and going to physical therapy. If these management strategies don’t provide adequate relief, corticosteroid injections directly into the foot may help. If you are suffering from foot pain, it's a good idea to schedule an appointment with a podiatrist near you. 

Sesamoiditis is an unpleasant foot condition characterized by pain in the balls of the feet. If you think you’re struggling with sesamoiditis, contact one of our podiatrists of Southwest Podiatry. Our doctors will treat your condition thoroughly and effectively.

Sesamoiditis

Sesamoiditis is a condition of the foot that affects the ball of the foot. It is more common in younger people than it is in older people. It can also occur with people who have begun a new exercise program, since their bodies are adjusting to the new physical regimen. Pain may also be caused by the inflammation of tendons surrounding the bones. It is important to seek treatment in its early stages because if you ignore the pain, this condition can lead to more serious problems such as severe irritation and bone fractures.

Causes of Sesamoiditis

• Sudden increase in activity
• Increase in physically strenuous movement without a proper warm up or build up
• Foot structure: those who have smaller, bonier feet or those with a high arch may be more susceptible

Treatment for sesamoiditis is non-invasive and simple. Doctors may recommend a strict rest period where the patient forgoes most physical activity. This will help give the patient time to heal their feet through limited activity. For serious cases, it is best to speak with your doctor to determine a treatment option that will help your specific needs.

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

Having heel pain is a common complaint, especially among runners and older adults. A  common cause of heel pain is plantar fasciitis, when the tissue that connects the heel to the toes becomes damaged or inflamed. Certain stretching exercises and medication can help to alleviate these symptoms. As you age, the padding under the heel diminishes and heel pain is more likely to occur, especially if you are overweight. Sometimes just stopping any foot-pounding activity, such as running, is enough to help reduce the pain. Eating healthier meals to lose weight, resting your heels more often, and wearing shoes with better cushioning may also lessen the pain. Wearing orthotic inserts in your shoes can help as well. If heel pain continues or becomes more severe, it’s a good idea to seek the guidance of a podiatrist who can examine your feet, diagnose the cause, and offer various treatment options.

Many people suffer from bouts of heel pain. For more information, contact one of our podiatrists of Southwest Podiatry. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Causes of Heel Pain

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 offices located in Dallas, and Carrollton, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Sinus tarsi syndrome (STS) is a condition that causes pain along the outside of the foot, underneath the ankle. STS is thought to be caused by an unstable subtalar foot joint, brought about by recurrent ankle sprains and trauma. It is particularly common in athletes who play sports that require a lot of jumping, such as basketball or volleyball. In addition to pain on the outside of the foot, people with STS may also experience swelling, tenderness, and a feeling of instability in the subtalar joint. A podiatrist can diagnose STS through taking your medical history and completing a thorough physical examination. Imaging studies, such as an X-ray, ultrasound, or MRI, may be needed to confirm the diagnosis and see the extent of the injury. If you are suffering from foot or ankle pain, don’t hesitate to schedule an appointment with a podiatrist near you.

Ankle pain can have many different causes and the pain may potentially be serious. If you have ankle pain, consult with one of our podiatrists from Southwest Podiatry. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Ankle pain is any condition that causes pain in the ankle. Due to the fact that the ankle consists of tendons, muscles, bones, and ligaments, ankle pain can come from a number of different conditions.

Causes

The most common causes of ankle pain include:

• Types of arthritis (rheumatoid, osteoarthritis, and gout)
• Ankle sprains
• Broken ankles
• Achilles tendinitis
• Achilles tendon rupture
• Stress fractures
• Tarsal tunnel syndrome
• Plantar fasciitis

Symptoms

Symptoms of ankle injury vary based upon the condition. Pain may include general pain and discomfort, swelling, aching, redness, bruising, burning or stabbing sensations, and/or loss of sensation.

Diagnosis

Due to the wide variety of potential causes of ankle pain, podiatrists will utilize a number of different methods to properly diagnose ankle pain. This can include asking for personal and family medical histories and of any recent injuries. Further diagnosis may include sensation tests, a physical examination, and potentially x-rays or other imaging tests.

Treatment

Just as the range of causes varies widely, so do treatments. Some more common treatments are rest, ice packs, keeping pressure off the foot, orthotics and braces, medication for inflammation and pain, and surgery.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Dallas, and Carrollton, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.