When an individual breaks their toe, the fracture might cause any number of different side effects in relation to the toe. For example, one important side effect of breaking your toe includes, in some cases, the possibility of nerve damage. There are several significant nerves in the toes. In fact, there is a nerve on each side of each toe. Not only does this mean that the toes can be particularly sensitive, it also means that a broken toe can cause nerve damage. It is important to note that if you develop sensations of numbness in the toe after a fracture occurs, then you should seek out medical attention immediately, as this is a sign of nerve damage. Those who suffer from diabetes are at an increased risk of experiencing some kind of nerve damage or abnormality. If you have recently endured a toe fracture and are concerned about the ramifications that it might have on the nerves in your feet, consult a podiatrist today.

A broken toe can be very painful and lead to complications if not properly fixed. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Dr. Kennedy Legel from Advanced Foot & Ankle Care Specialists. 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 Dallas, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Typically, certain individuals might have to take extra care in maintaining the health of their feet because they might be particularly susceptible to enduring afflictions of the feet. For example, individuals who suffer from diabetes are at an increased risk of developing conditions that negatively impact the feet. Additionally, senior citizens ought to be very diligent about protecting the health of their feet. There are a number of reasons for this. Notably, as an individual ages, the muscles in the feet might decrease in strength and vitality. As a result, the senior might have difficulty engaging in weight bearing activities. They might also experience a balance problems. This can make suffering falls or tumbles more likely. If you are a senior citizen that is experiencing foot problems, it is recommended that you reach out to a podiatrist. This foot specialist will be able to tailor their advice to you and help you address any foot problems you might have.  

Proper foot care is something many older adults forget to consider. If you have any concerns about your feet and ankles, contact Dr. Kennedy Legel from Advanced Foot & Ankle Care Specialists. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

The Elderly and Their Feet

As we age we start to notice many changes in our body, but the elder population may not notice them right away. Medical conditions may prevent the elderly to take notice of their foot health right away. Poor vision is a lead contributor to not taking action for the elderly.

Common Conditions 

• Neuropathy – can reduce feeling in the feet and can hide many life-threatening medical conditions.
• Reduced flexibility – prevents the ability of proper toenail trimming, and foot cleaning. If left untreated, it may lead to further medical issues.
• Foot sores – amongst the older population can be serious before they are discovered. Some of the problematic conditions they may face are:
• Gouging toenails affecting nearby toe
• Shoes that don’t fit properly
• Pressure sores
• Loss of circulation in legs & feet
• Edema & swelling of feet and ankles

Susceptible Infections

Diabetes and poor circulation can cause general loss of sensitivity over the years, turning a simple cut into a serious issue.

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

Different people will respond to different exercise regimens when they want to lose weight and are challenged with foot problems. Beyond figuring out which exercises will work best, it may be hard to stay motivated. Pilates is one such program that can provide a total body workout of strength and flexibility while not taxing the feet. Swimming can also be a good alternative to the weight-bearing of traditional walking or running to lose weight. Weight training, and a program that incorporates at least one exercise for each direction that the joints of the body move should be sought. If you are having trouble losing weight because you suffer from foot pain, it is suggested that you seek evaluation and treatment from a podiatrist. The quicker the core issue is tended to, the faster and easier it will be to get back to exercising and lose unwanted weight.

Obesity has become very problematic at this point in time and can have extremely negative effects on the feet. If you’re an obese individual and are concerned about your feet, contact Dr. Kennedy Legel from Advanced Foot & Ankle Care Specialists. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Obesity and Your Feet

Since your feet are what support your entire weight when standing, any additional weight can result in pain and swelling. Being overweight is one of the main contributors to foot complications.

Problems & Complications

Extra Weight – Even putting on just a few extra pounds could create serious complications for your feet. As your weight increases, your balance and body will shift, creating new stresses on your feet. This uneven weight distribution can cause pain, even while doing the simplest tasks, such as walking.

Diabetes – People who are overweight are at serious risk of developing type-2 diabetes, which has a drastic impact on the health of your feet. As you get older, your diabetes might worsen, which could lead to loss of feeling in your feet, sores, and bruises. You could also become more prone to various infections.

Plantar fasciitis – Pressure and stress that is placed on muscles, joints, and tendons can trigger plantar fasciitis, which is an inflammation of tissue that forms along the bottom of the foot. 

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

There are various foot conditions that will improve with medications and orthotics. For some patients, these types of treatments are not sufficient enough to provide complete relief. Foot surgery may be an option for some foot ailments, such as bunions and hammertoe. A bunion is a bony protrusion that develops on the side of the big toe, and in severe cases, may cause the other toes to shift toward each other. Surgery is performed by cutting the bones and realigning them into their natural position. The bunion is removed by repositioning the big toe joint which can make it easier to walk. The scar is located on the side of the foot, which makes it less visible. Hammertoe is a deformity that causes the joints in the middle toes to bend downward. Surgery can be successfully performed by straightening the toes which can reduce the pressure that is put on the front of the foot. Rheumatoid arthritis may cause flat feet in adults, and surgery may be necessary to reduce or eliminate existing pain completely. If you are experiencing specific foot conditions that are not improving with medication, please consult with a podiatrist who can determine if foot surgery is a viable option for you.

Foot surgery is sometimes necessary to treat a foot ailment. To learn more, contact Dr. Kennedy Legel of Advanced Foot & Ankle Care Specialists. Our doctor 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 office located in Dallas, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.