Items filtered by date: April 2022

The most common cause of a dislocated toe is direct injury, either bumping into something solid or dropping something heavy on it. You most likely will feel extreme pain at the time of the injury, it will be hard to bend, or even move the toe; and it will swell, become bruised or lose feeling. Sometimes a loose ligament will cause a toe to dislocate, which is extremely painful. Avoid trying to pop the toe into place yourself, as this may cause further injury. The first thing to do is stop further activity, elevate the foot, immobilize it, and apply ice. Next, make an appointment with a podiatrist immediately. An X-ray may be required, followed by manipulating the bones back into place. Followup treatments include strapping the injured toe to the one next to it, alternating ice and heat, undergoing whirlpool treatments, and doing strengthening exercises. A podiatrist can properly diagnose the severity of your toe injury and propose the proper treatment plan 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 Troy Wilde, DPM from Practice. 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 Phoenix, Gilbert, and Chandler, AZ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Our feet are body parts that are often taken for granted but they are so important to get us through life. Most people have probably suffered from foot and/or ankle discomfort at some point. The majority of ankle and foot problems are chronic and are generally caused by repetitive movement leading to overuse and strain. Overloaded tendons or joints can lead to tendonitis or cartilage breakdown and continual stretching of ligaments can lead to joint instability. Important things to consider in trying to prevent foot problems include force (compression, tension, torsion/twisting) on feet and ankles, foot type, body weight, activity, and frequency of activity. Developing a relationship with a podiatrist early and seeing such a specialist throughout one’s life can help with the prevention of foot and ankle problems and treatment of such problems if they do arise.

If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Troy Wilde, DPM from Practice. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Biomechanics in Podiatry

Podiatric biomechanics is a particular sector of specialty podiatry with licensed practitioners who are trained to diagnose and treat conditions affecting the foot, ankle and lower leg. Biomechanics deals with the forces that act against the body, causing an interference with the biological structures. It focuses on the movement of the ankle, the foot and the forces that interact with them.

A History of Biomechanics

• Biomechanics dates back to the BC era in Egypt where evidence of professional foot care has been recorded.
• In 1974, biomechanics gained a higher profile from the studies of Merton Root, who claimed that by changing or controlling the forces between the ankle and the foot, corrections or conditions could be implemented to gain strength and coordination in the area.

Modern technological improvements are based on past theories and therapeutic processes that provide a better understanding of podiatric concepts for biomechanics. Computers can provide accurate information about the forces and patterns of the feet and lower legs.

Understanding biomechanics of the feet can help improve and eliminate pain, stopping further stress to the foot.

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

Seniors are particularly susceptible to poor blood circulation that can often affect the feet. Symptoms to look for in checking your feet for poor circulation are numbness, tenderness, cramping, swelling, coldness, and discoloration (paleness, white patches on skin and toenails), particularly after physical activity or prolonged standing. It should be considered a critical situation if your feet turn blue as this usually means they are not receiving enough oxygen due to poor circulation. If you have wounds on your feet that are slow to heal, this can also be a sign that blood circulation to your feet is problematic. As one ages, and foot problems become more common, it is a good idea to visit a podiatrist regularly to have your feet examined and tended to. It is particularly important to seek treatment if you suspect poor blood circulation in the feet because, if left untreated, serious problems such as varicose veins and amputation can result.

Poor circulation is a serious condition and needs immediate medical attention. If you have any concerns with poor circulation in your feet contact Troy Wilde, DPM of Practice. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Poor Circulation in the Feet

Poor blood circulation in the feet and legs is can be caused by peripheral artery disease (PAD), which is the result of a buildup of plaque in the arteries.

Plaque buildup or atherosclerosis results from excess calcium and cholesterol in the bloodstream. This can restrict the amount of blood which can flow through the arteries. Poor blood circulation in the feet and legs are sometimes caused by inflammation in the blood vessels, known as vasculitis.

Causes

Lack of oxygen and oxygen from poor blood circulation restricts muscle growth and development. It can also cause:

• Muscle pain, stiffness, or weakness   
• Numbness or cramping in the legs 
• Skin discoloration
• Slower nail & hair growth
• Erectile dysfunction

Those who have diabetes or smoke are at greatest risk for poor circulation, as are those who are over 50. If you have poor circulation in the feet and legs it may be caused by PAD and is important to make changes to your lifestyle in order to reduce risk of getting a heart attack or stroke. Exercise and maintaining a healthy lifestyle will dramatically improve conditions.

As always, see a podiatrist as he or she will assist in finding a regimen that suits you. A podiatrist can also prescribe you any needed medication. 

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