A broken toe, although seemingly minor in the realm of injuries, can be incredibly painful and disruptive. Knowing the causes and recognizing the symptoms is essential for timely and appropriate medical care. The causes of a broken toe are diverse, typically resulting from direct trauma such as stubbing the toe against a hard object, dropping something heavy on it, or sustaining an injury during physical activities. Moreover, fractures can occur due to repetitive stress, as seen in athletes or those who engage in high-impact sports. Recognizing the symptoms of a broken toe is vital for prompt diagnosis and treatment. These often include severe pain, swelling, bruising, and difficulty in moving the affected toe. In some cases, the toe may appear misshapen or discolored. Pain tends to intensify while bearing weight or when trying to move the toe. Seeking medical attention is important to assess the extent of the injury, and the appropriate treatment method can then begin. If you have broken your toe, it is suggested that you visit a chiropodist who can accurately diagnose and treat this condition. 

A broken toe typically occurs following either a sudden, traumatic injury, like dropping a heavy piece of furniture on the toe. The impact causes the bone to fracture and produces a variety of painful symptoms. If you suspect that you’ve broken your toe, please consult with one of the chiropodists from The Footcare Centre. Our chiropodists can help you maintain the health of your lower limbs and your mobility. 

Symptoms

• Throbbing pain
• Swelling
• Bruising
• Cracking sound at the time of injury
• Difficulty bearing weight on the toe
• Difficulty walking
• Toe resting at an unnatural angle

Diagnosis

Your chiropodist can diagnose a broken toe through physical examination and imaging studies, such as X-rays. 

Treatment

The main goals of treatment are to ensure that the bone heals properly, as a toe fracture that doesn’t heal properly can lead to osteoarthritis. You will typically need to rest the affected toe. You may be prescribed a splint to immobilize the toe while it heals. Icing the affected toe and taking over-the-counter medications can help reduce pain. In cases of severe fractures, surgery may be necessary to reset the broken bones and make sure that they heal correctly.  

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

Plantar warts, also known as verruca warts, are a common skin condition caused by the human papilloma virus, or HPV. While there are over 100 different strains of HPV, only a select few cause warts on the feet, with the others are more likely to affect hands, face, or genitals. Plantar warts often appear on weight-bearing areas, like the heels, due to their contagious nature. Although they are generally not a serious health concern, the discomfort caused by plantar warts can be quite painful, especially given their location on the sole of the foot. Warts can go away on their own, but plantar warts may require active treatment and removal, which can vary in duration. A chiropodist can offer several treatment options, such as microwave technology or freezing them off with cryotherapy. In some cases, warts may clear up without such intervention, but ignoring severe plantar warts can lead to prolonged discomfort and changes in posture or gait. Further, the virus can spread to other body parts and even be transmitted to other people. If you or your child has been infected with plantar warts, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a chiropodist for treatment options.

Plantar warts can be uncomfortable or even painful. If you’re suffering from warts on your feet, please consult with one of the chiropodists from The Footcare Centre. Our chiropodists can help you maintain the health of your lower limbs and your mobility. 

What Does a Plantar Wart Look Like? 

Plantar warts are fleshy growths that generally have a rough, grainy texture. They may look and feel like a callus and are usually small and can grow individually or in clusters. Plantar warts may have small, black dots at their center that are actually tiny blood vessels. Warts interrupt the natural lines of your skin. 

Treatment Options

• Salicylic acid - A chemical solution applied directly to the wart
• Cryotherapy - Freezing the wart off with liquid nitrogen
• Minor surgery - Removing the wart through excision
• Laser treatment - A concentrated beam of light is used to remove the wart
• Wearing comfortable shoes and socks to avoid irritating the wart
• Over-the-counter medications for pain relief
• Patches to keep pressure off the warts

Plantar warts can go away on their own, but this may take several months to years. If your plantar warts are bothering you, seeking medical treatment is suggested. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Aching feet can affect your daily activities and overall quality of life. From walking and running to simply standing in the kitchen, healthy feet are essential for a pain-free existence. If you find yourself constantly dealing with aching feet, here are four valuable tips to help you find relief and maintain better foot health. First, invest in high-quality shoes that fit properly. Ill-fitting shoes can make foot pain worse and lead to issues like blisters, calluses, and corns. Look for shoes that provide adequate arch support that does not squeeze your feet too tightly. Second, performing regular leg muscle workouts, such as weight training, can significantly benefit your feet. Strong leg muscles can help to distribute your body weight evenly and reduce the strain on your feet. Third, relieve foot pain and inflammation by indulging in a relaxing foot bath. A warm Epsom salt water soak can work wonders for tired and aching feet. Finally, it is beneficial to engage in stretching exercises to maintain pain-free feet. While aching feet may be a symptom of fatigue on any given day, chronic foot pain should not be ignored. For help with aching feet, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a chiropodist who can determine the cause and offer more advanced remedies.

Caring for your feet is not just something done at the chiropodist’s office. Good foot care starts at home. If you would like to learn more about daily foot care practices, please consult with one of the chiropodists from The Footcare Centre. Our chiropodists can help you maintain the health of your lower limbs and your mobility. 

There are many things that you can do at home to help care for your feet, including: 

• Wearing shoes and socks that fit properly
• Washing the feet daily with soap and water
• Drying the feet thoroughly
• Applying moisturizer to the soles and heels of the feet
• Taking a walk and exercising the feet regularly
• Doing foot stretches and strengthening exercises 

A chiropodist can help figure out a manageable foot care routine for you to keep your feet healthy. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.