Items filtered by date: June 2023

The majority of people experience immediate symptoms when they break a toe. There is often bruising, swelling, and it can be difficult to walk. It can happen for various reasons, including a heavy object dropping on it, or if it stubbed into a piece of furniture. Additionally, falling may cause a toe to break, and people who have osteoporosis may be more susceptible to sustaining this type of injury. If the toe is severely broken, a protruding bone from the toe may cause it to look deformed. This type of fracture requires prompt medical attention, and surgery may be necessary to heal and restore the toe to its normal position. A diagnosis generally consists of having an X-ray taken, and this can help to determine the severity of the fracture. Mildly broken toes can be treated by using the buddy taping method. This is done by taping the affected toe to the toe next to it. If you have broken your toe, it is suggested that you confer with a podiatrist who can guide you toward the treatment option 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 Carrie Frame, DPM from West Virginia Foot & Ankle. 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 office located in Charleston, WV . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Cuts and sores are common occurrences, and many happen to the feet. This is especially true during the summer months, when people are more likely to wear sandals and flip flops. In most cases, these minor wounds heal with a small amount of antiseptic gel and a bandage. However, if a wound does not heal properly, it may cause painful foot conditions. Signs that a wound needs professional care can include excessive bleeding, increasing pain, and pus or discharge. If a foot wound is becoming worse, a podiatrist can treat it with a series of actions. This can begin with flushing out the wound for any foreign particles that may be embedded, likely followed with a tetanus shot. With larger wounds, especially those bleeding profusely, stitches may be required, and pain medication will likely be prescribed. In certain cases, such as a diabetic ulcer, surgical treatment may be necessary. For more information about foot wound care, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist as quickly as possible.

Wound care is an important part in dealing with diabetes. If you have diabetes and a foot wound or would like more information about wound care for diabetics, consult with Carrie Frame, DPM from West Virginia Foot & Ankle. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

What Is Wound Care?

Wound care is the practice of taking proper care of a wound. This can range from the smallest to the largest of wounds. While everyone can benefit from proper wound care, it is much more important for diabetics. Diabetics often suffer from poor blood circulation which causes wounds to heal much slower than they would in a non-diabetic. 

What Is the Importance of Wound Care?

While it may not seem apparent with small ulcers on the foot, for diabetics, any size ulcer can become infected. Diabetics often also suffer from neuropathy, or nerve loss. This means they might not even feel when they have an ulcer on their foot. If the wound becomes severely infected, amputation may be necessary. Therefore, it is of the upmost importance to properly care for any and all foot wounds.

How to Care for Wounds

The best way to care for foot wounds is to prevent them. For diabetics, this means daily inspections of the feet for any signs of abnormalities or ulcers. It is also recommended to see a podiatrist several times a year for a foot inspection. If you do have an ulcer, run the wound under water to clear dirt from the wound; then apply antibiotic ointment to the wound and cover with a bandage. Bandages should be changed daily and keeping pressure off the wound is smart. It is advised to see a podiatrist, who can keep an eye on it.

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