Patients who have endured a broken toe often notice daily activities can be difficult to accomplish. Many people fracture their toe from trauma, such as dropping something heavy on it, or by stubbing it against a piece of furniture. The symptoms often experienced with this type of injury include severe pain and discomfort, swelling, and the affected area may appear to be bruised. Minor fractures can be treated effectively by using the buddy taping method. This consists of taping the broken toe to the toe next to it, and this is often helpful in providing the necessary support as the healing process begins. It is beneficial to rest and elevate the affected foot, and this may help to diminish any existing swelling. If you have broken your toe, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist, who can perform a proper diagnosis and begin the best course of 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 Charles Perry, DPM from Ohio. 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 offices located in Cambridge and Zanesville, OH . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Plantar warts are small, thickened growths that develop on the bottom of the feet due to the human papillomavirus, or HPV. They often appear on weight-bearing areas such as the heel or ball of the foot, causing discomfort or pain when walking. These warts may look like calluses, but often have tiny black dots, which are clotted blood vessels. Because the virus thrives in warm, moist environments, it is commonly contracted in places like locker rooms or public showers. Treatment options include topical medications, cryotherapy, or freezing, laser therapy, or minor procedures to remove the wart. Avoiding walking barefoot in public areas and keeping feet dry can help prevent recurrence. Since plantar warts can spread or become resistant to over-the-counter remedies, it is suggested you see a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and effective treatment.

Plantar warts can be very uncomfortable. If you need your feet checked, contact Charles Perry, DPM from Ohio. Our doctor will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.

About Plantar Warts

Plantar warts are the result of HPV, or human papillomavirus, getting into open wounds on the feet. They are mostly found on the heels or balls of the feet.

While plantar warts are generally harmless, those experiencing excessive pain or those suffering from diabetes or a compromised immune system require immediate medical care. Plantar warts are easily diagnosed, usually through scraping off a bit of rough skin or by getting a biopsy.

Symptoms

• Lesions on the bottom of your feet, usually rough and grainy
• Hard or thick callused spots
• Wart seeds, which are small clotted blood vessels that look like little black spots
• Pain, discomfort, or tenderness of your feet when walking or standing

Treatment

• Freezing
• Electric tool removal
• Laser Treatment
• Topical Creams (prescription only)
• Over-the-counter medications

To help prevent developing plantar warts, avoid walking barefoot over abrasive surfaces that can cause cuts or wounds for HPV to get into. Avoiding direct contact with other warts, as well as not picking or rubbing existing warts, can help prevent the further spread of plantar warts. However, if you think you have developed plantar warts, speak to your podiatrist. He or she can diagnose the warts on your feet and recommend the appropriate treatment options.

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

An ingrown toenail happens when the edge of the nail grows into the surrounding skin. This can lead to pain, redness, swelling, and sometimes infection. They often occur on the big toe and may be the result of trimming nails too short, wearing shoes that squeeze the toes, or even from an injury. Ingrown toenails can happen to anyone, though athletes and those on their feet for long periods of time may notice them more often. The discomfort can feel sharp and throbbing, making walking or wearing shoes difficult. Treatment may involve soaking the foot, gently lifting the nail edge, or, in more serious cases, a podiatrist may need to remove part of the nail. Prevention starts with cutting nails straight across and choosing properly fitted shoes. If you are struggling with an ingrown toenail, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for proper care.

Ingrown toenails can become painful if they are not treated properly. For more information about ingrown toenails, contact Charles Perry, DPM of Ohio. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Ingrown Toenails

Ingrown toenails occur when a toenail grows sideways into the bed of the nail, causing pain, swelling, and possibly infection.

Causes

• Bacterial infections
• Improper nail cutting such as cutting it too short or not straight across
• Trauma to the toe, such as stubbing, which causes the nail to grow back irregularly
• Ill-fitting shoes that bunch the toes too close together
• Genetic predisposition

Prevention

Wearing proper fitting shoes and using proper cutting techniques will also help decrease your risk of developing ingrown toenails.

Treatment

Ingrown toenails are a very treatable foot condition. In minor cases, soaking the affected area in salt or antibacterial soaps will not only help with the ingrown nail itself, but also help prevent any infections from occurring. In more severe cases, surgery is an option. In either case, speaking to your podiatrist about this condition will help you get a better understanding of specific treatment options that are right for you.

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

The medical condition that is known as plantar fasciitis can often cause severe pain and discomfort. It affects the heel and arch of the foot, and it may be difficult to walk. The plantar fascia is identified as a portion of tissue that is found on the bottom of the foot, and connects the heel to the toes. Research has indicated there are specific stretches that can be performed which may help to strengthen the plantar fascia. These can consist of sitting on the floor and placing a towel around the bottom of the foot while gently pulling the feet close towards the body. Stretching the calf muscles may help to relieve pain that can originate from plantar fasciitis. This is accomplished by standing on a step, and raising and lowering one heel at a time. If you would like additional information about how stretches may help plantar fasciitis, please consult with a podiatrist.

Plantar fasciitis can be very painful and inconvenient. If you are experiencing heel pain or symptoms of plantar fasciitis, contact Charles Perry, DPM  from Ohio. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is the inflammation of the thick band of tissue that runs along the bottom of your foot, known as the plantar fascia, and causes mild to severe heel pain.

What Causes Plantar Fasciitis?

• Excessive running
• Non-supportive shoes
• Overpronation
• Repeated stretching and tearing of the plantar fascia

How Can It Be Treated?

• Conservative measures – anti-inflammatories, ice packs, stretching exercises, physical therapy, orthotic devices
• Shockwave therapy – sound waves are sent to the affected area to facilitate healing and are usually used for chronic cases of plantar fasciitis
• Surgery – usually only used as a last resort when all else fails. The plantar fascia can be surgically detached from the heel

While very treatable, plantar fasciitis is definitely not something that should be ignored. Especially in severe cases, speaking to your doctor right away is highly recommended to avoid complications and severe heel pain. Your podiatrist can work with you to provide the appropriate treatment options tailored to your condition.

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