Items filtered by date: February 2023

A broken toe is a common injury. The bones in the toe can be easier to fracture than other bones because they are at the end of the body. A toe can be stubbed by a piece of furniture or break from a heavy object falling on it. The medical condition known as osteoporosis is defined as a thinning and weakening of the bones and may be an additional cause of a broken toe. Symptoms often include severe pain, bruising or swelling, and it may become difficult to walk. A severely broken toe might have a bone that protrudes through the skin requiring prompt medical attention. An X-ray is generally performed to determine the extent of the fracture. The buddy-taping method may be implemented for a mildly broken toe. This is done by taping the affected toe to the toe next to it. This can provide adequate support as the healing process occurs. If you have broken your toe, it is suggested that you confer with a podiatrist who can help you with the correct treatment methods.

A broken toe can be very painful and lead to complications if not properly fixed. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact the foot specialists from Marvel Foot & Ankle Centers. 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 Gilbert and Chandler, AZ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Plantar warts can cause a considerable amount of pain and discomfort. They occur when the human papillomavirus, which is abbreviated as HPV, enters the body through small cracks in the skin on the feet. They are found on the soles of the feet and grow inward as a result of the weight the feet endure while walking and running, possibly causing severe pain. A plantar wart is a small bump with a rough consistency, and it often has small black dots in the center. Certain people may be prone to getting a plantar wart, including people who have a weakened immune system, or it may come from sharing shoes, towels, and socks. There are various treatment methods that can be used on plantar warts, and it is suggested that you confer with a podiatrist who can determine what the best course of treatment is for you. 

Plantar warts can be very uncomfortable. If you need your feet checked, contact the foot specialists from Marvel Foot & Ankle Centers. Our doctors 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 Gilbert and Chandler, AZ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

There are various reasons patients may choose to have foot surgery, including conditions that involve the small toes. Deformities may develop such as hammertoe and claw toe, and severe cases may require the misaligned tendons to be repaired surgically. Medical ailments which can include rheumatoid arthritis can damage or dislocate the toes, possibly causing severe pain and discomfort. The object of having foot surgery done is to strengthen the toes, which can help shoes to fit comfortably. There are many options for toe surgery, and this depends on what the condition is. Surgery is generally a successful method of putting joints back into their normal place. This may be accomplished by cutting the bones of the toes, which may help them to realign. It is beneficial to prepare the body gradually before the surgery takes place. This can be done by quitting smoking, if applicable, and maintaining a healthy weight. If you have chronic foot or toe pain, it is strongly advised that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can determine if foot surgery is correct for you.

Foot surgery is sometimes necessary to treat a foot ailment. To learn more, contact the foot specialists of Marvel Foot & Ankle Centers. Our doctors will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.

When Is Surgery Necessary?

Foot and ankle surgery is generally reserved for cases in which less invasive, conservative procedures have failed to alleviate the problem. Some of the cases in which surgery may be necessary include:

• Removing foot deformities like bunions and bone spurs
• Severe arthritis that has caused bone issues
• Cosmetic reconstruction

What Types of Surgery Are There?

The type of surgery you receive will depend on the nature of the problem you have. Some of the possible surgeries include:

• Bunionectomy for painful bunions
• Surgical fusion for realignment of bones
• Neuropathy decompression surgery to treat nerve damage

Benefits of Surgery

Although surgery is usually a last resort, it can provide more complete pain relief compared to non-surgical methods and may allow you to finally resume full activity.

Surgical techniques have also become increasingly sophisticated. Techniques like endoscopic surgery allow for smaller incisions and faster recovery times.

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

People worldwide can develop the painful foot condition that is known as gout. However, research has shown it is more prevalent among men. It is an ailment that happens as a result of excess uric acid levels in the blood, and it can come from the foods that are eaten. These can include red meats, shellfish, and drinks that are made with large amounts of sugar. Additionally, it may happen for genetic reasons, or if there has been an organ transplant. The excess uric acid will form into crystals in the joints of the big toe, and this can cause debilitating pain. Gout attacks may be limited or avoided when healthy lifestyle changes are implemented. These can consist of drinking plenty of water daily and engaging in a gentle exercise program. Additionally, it is beneficial to eat regular servings of fruits and vegetables, and update existing medications that may increase the risk of getting gout. If you suffer from this condition, it is strongly urged that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can help you to manage it.

Gout is a painful condition that can be treated. If you are seeking treatment, contact the foot specialists from Marvel Foot & Ankle Centers. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Is Gout?

Gout is a form of arthritis that is characterized by sudden, severe attacks of pain, redness, and tenderness in the joints. The condition usually affects the joint at the base of the big toe. A gout attack can occur at any random time, such as the middle of the night while you are asleep.

Symptoms

• Intense Joint Pain - Usually around the large joint of your big toe, and it most severe within the first four to twelve hours
• Lingering Discomfort - Joint discomfort may last from a few days to a few weeks
• Inflammation and Redness -Affected joints may become swollen, tender, warm and red
• Limited Range of Motion - May experience a decrease in joint mobility

Risk Factors

• Genetics - If family members have gout, you’re more likely to have it
• Medications - Diuretic medications can raise uric acid levels
• Gender/Age - Gout is more common in men until the age of 60. It is believed that estrogen protects women until that point
• Diet - Eating red meat and shellfish increases your risk
• Alcohol - Having more than two alcoholic drinks per day increases your risk
• Obesity - Obese people are at a higher risk for gout

Prior to visiting your podiatrist to receive treatment for gout, there are a few things you should do beforehand. If you have gout you should write down your symptoms--including when they started and how often you experience them, important medical information you may have, and any questions you may have. Writing down these three things will help your podiatrist in assessing your specific situation so that he or she may provide the best route of treatment for you.

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