Roy A. Rothman, DPM, PA
Podiatric Medicine and SurgeonFoot & Ankle Specialist
If you break your big toe, seeing a podiatrist can be helpful. This type of doctor will examine your toe to determine the extent of the injury. Depending on the severity, X-rays may be taken to see the extent of the fracture. The podiatrist can provide guidance on how to care for your broken toe properly. They can recommend resting the foot and elevating it to reduce swelling. In some cases, they may suggest buddy taping the broken toe to the adjacent one for support. If the fracture is severe or if the toe is misaligned, they may need to realign it or provide a splint to keep it in place. The podiatrist can also offer pain management techniques and advise on when it is safe to resume normal activities. If you believe you have fractured your big toe, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and treatment that is deemed necessary.
Broken toes may cause a lot of pain and should be treated as soon as possible. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Roy Rothman, DPM from Florida. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.
What Is a Broken Toe?
A broken toe occurs when one or more of the toe bones of the foot are broken after an injury. Injuries such as stubbing your toe or dropping a heavy object on it may cause a toe fracture.
Symptoms of a Broken Toe
Although the injured toe should be monitored daily, it is especially important to have a podiatrist look at your toe if you have severe symptoms. Some of these symptoms include worsening or new pain that is not relieved with medication, sores, redness, or open wounds near the toe.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in DeBary, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
The forefoot is composed of five metatarsal bones and fourteen phalanges. Each toe has three phalanges except for the big toe which only has two. Our toes play an essential role to the walking process, which is why a broken toe could seriously disrupt one’s ability to move around. Toe fractures are common and can be very painful. Fortunately, these injuries rarely require surgery and usually heal with rest and a change in activity.
Broken toes typically result from a traumatic event such as falling, stubbing the toe, or dropping something on the toe. Traumatic toe fractures may be categorized as either minor or severe fractures. At times, one may hear a “pop” or “crack” sound when the bone breaks. Common symptoms of a traumatic toe fracture include pain, throbbing, bruising, swelling, and redness.
Another type of toe fractures is a stress fracture. These injuries usually appear in the form of small hairline breaks on the bone. Stress fractures develop after repetitive activity instead of a single injury. Stress fractures occur when the muscles in the bone become too weak to absorb impact. Consequently, the toe bone becomes vulnerable to any pressure and impact it endures. Symptoms for a stress fracture in the toe include swelling without bruising, tenderness to the touch, pain that goes away with rest, and pain after walking or running.
If you suspect that you have a broken toe, you should make an appointment with your podiatrist. He or she will likely diagnose you by performing a physical exam and an X-ray. Treatment for a broken toe may include the R.I.C.E. method, buddy taping, surgery, or antibiotics. The R.I.C.E. method (Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation) is a common treatment method for many injuries because it decreases pain. Buddy tapping involves wrapping the injured toe next to an adjacent toe to keep it supported and protected. These two methods have proven to be effective in the healing process for toe fractures. The estimated healing time for a broken toe is approximately four to six weeks. If the injury becomes infected or requires surgery, the estimated healing time may take eight weeks or more.
Custom orthotics, or shoe inserts, should be periodically replaced. Orthotics must fit properly to give you the best results. Protect your feet and ankles!
An ingrown toenail occurs when the edge of the nail grows into the surrounding skin, leading to pain, swelling, and redness. This common condition typically affects the big toe and can result from various factors. Improper nail trimming, such as cutting nails too short or rounding the edges, increases the risk of ingrown toenails by encouraging the nail to grow into the skin. Wearing tight or ill-fitting shoes can also exert pressure on the toes, causing the nail to grow abnormally and become ingrown. Additionally, injury or trauma to the toe, such as stubbing or repetitive pressure, can disrupt nail growth patterns and contribute to ingrown toenails. Individuals with curved or unusually shaped nails may be more susceptible to this condition. Poor foot hygiene and fungal infections further exacerbate the risk of ingrown toenails. If you have symptoms of an ingrown toenail, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who can properly diagnose this condition, and offer appropriate treatment solutions.
Ingrown toenails can become painful if they are not treated properly. For more information about ingrown toenails, contact Roy Rothman, DPM of Florida. 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
Prevention
Because ingrown toenails are not something found outside of shoe-wearing cultures, going barefoot as often as possible will decrease the likeliness of developing ingrown toenails. 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 office located in DeBary, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
An ingrown toenail is a nail that has curved downward and grown into the skin. This typically occurs at either the nail borders or the sides of the nail. As a result, pain, redness, swelling, and warmth may occur in the toe. If a break in the skin forms due to the ingrown nail, bacteria may enter and cause an infection in the area; this is typically characterized by a foul odor and drainage.
Ingrown toenails have multiple reasons for developing. In many instances, the condition is a result of genetics and is inherited. The most common cause, however, is improper trimming; cutting the toenails too short forces the skin beside the nail to fold over. An ingrown toenail can also develop due to trauma, such as stubbing the toe, having an object fall on the toe, or participating in activities that involve repeated kicking or running. Wearing shoes that are too tight or too short can also cause ingrown toenails.
Treatment for an ingrown toenail varies between patients and the severity of the condition. In most cases, it is best to see your podiatrist for thorough and proper treatment. After examining your toe, your podiatrist may prescribe oral antibiotics to clear the infection if one is present. Surgical removal of either a portion of the nail or the entire nail may also be considered. In some cases, complete removal or destruction of the nail root may be required. Most patients who undergo nail surgery experience minimal pain afterward and can return to normal activity the following day.
Ingrown toenails can be prevented with proper nail trimming and by avoiding improper-fitting shoes. When cutting the toenails, be sure that you are cutting in a straight line and avoid cutting them too short. Shoes should not be too short or tight in the toe box.
Trail running is an exhilarating activity that invites people of all preferences and ideologies to explore nature's paths. And with the right pair of shoes, anyone can conquer the trails with confidence. Before purchasing trail running shoes, there are two vital considerations to keep in mind. These can include your foot type and the terrain you will be tackling. First, understanding your foot type is essential for finding the perfect fit. Consider factors like the stiffness or pliability of the shoe, whether you need a neutral or stable base, and if you require a wide or narrow fit. Additionally, think about the heel to toe drop that suits your running style best. Equally important is selecting shoes tailored to the terrain you will be traversing. Such factors include trails with uneven surfaces, smoother paths with gentle inclines, water crossings, or dryer routes. If you have experienced foot, toe, or ankle pain as the result of trail running, you may benefit from a gait analysis and thorough examination of your feet and shoes. It is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for further guidance.
You should always make sure your running shoes fit properly in order to avoid injury. For more information, contact Roy Rothman, DPM from Florida. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
Choosing the Right Running Shoe for Your Foot Type
Improper shoe sizing can cause a myriad of problems for your feet. Shoes that don’t fit you properly can lead to muscular imbalances in your body, which can result in foot, knee, and hip injuries.
Tips for Finding the Right Running Shoe
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our our office located in DeBary, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
Choosing the right running shoes for you is an important part of running. A good pair of running shoes will make the running experience more enjoyable for you and prevent potential injury.
Poorly-fitted shoes can increase the risk of injury in runners substantially. Common injuries from running with poor quality shoes include shin splints, sprained ankles, Achilles tendinitis, stress fractures, plantar fasciitis and more. This is due to the fact that bad shoes do not provide proper foot support, can increase pronation (how much the foot rolls when hitting the ground), have little to no cushioning, do not allow the feet to breath, and do not provide enough flex and rigidity in the right parts.
When looking for running shoes, first, determine where you will be running. If you are a trail runner, then pick trail shoes. If you run on concrete and asphalt, then regular running shoes are the best choice. When trying on shoes, its best to go at the end of the day as feet grow during the day and shrink after a night of sleep. Shoes should be more rigid towards the back of the foot while being more flexible up where the toes are. The toe box should provide enough room for the toes to move freely. The overall fit should be snug, not too tight but not too loose. A good pair of running shoes should also provide enough arch support for your foot type. If you experience overpronation or under-pronation while running, try to find a pair of shoes that will help correct this with different sole patterns. Finally, try to find a pair of shoes that allow the feet to breathe like nylon mesh or synthetic leather.
Don’t forget about the socks either. Socks that hold too much moisture can lead to athlete’s foot. Socks should be breathable so that your feet can air out and breathe. Synthetic socks wick away moisture like sweat. If you tend to run a lot, having a second pair of shoes that you can wear while you let the first pair air out is smart. Just don’t forget to replace your shoes after about every 300 to 500 miles.
Before you start running, it is advised to see a podiatrist to see if running is right for you. They can also offer good advice on how to run and what to look for in a pair of running shoes. If you have flat feet or poorly supported ones, they can also offer custom-made orthotics that will help give your feet the support they need.
Laser treatment for toenail fungus has emerged as a popular option for those seeking an alternative to traditional remedies. One of the notable advantages lies in its non-invasiveness, as the procedure is typically painless and requires no anesthesia. Laser therapy targets the fungal infection by penetrating the nail, effectively destroying the fungi without harming surrounding tissues. The absence of side effects and a relatively short treatment duration are additional pros that attract individuals to this method. However, it is essential to consider the drawbacks. Laser treatment may require multiple sessions for optimal results, making it a potentially lengthy process. Moreover, the effectiveness can vary, and its success is contingent on the severity of the fungal infection. Weighing these pros and cons is essential for individuals contemplating laser treatment for toenail fungus to make informed decisions about their foot health. If you have developed toenail fungus, it is suggested that you discuss treatment options with a podiatrist who can determine if laser treatments are the right option for you.
Laser treatment can be an effective way to get rid of toenail fungus. If you have any questions about laser treatment, consult with Roy Rothman, DPM from Florida. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality treatment for fungal nails.
What Are Toenail Fungal Infections?
Onychomycosis, or fungal infection of the nail, is a relatively common and non-serious condition. Around 10 percent of U.S. citizens are afflicted with fungal nails. Common forms of fungus that infect the nail include dermatophytes, yeasts, and molds.
Symptoms of Toenail Fungal Infections Include:
Diagnosis for Fungal Nails
Fungal infections are diagnosed by fungal culture and microscopy. This will rule out any other conditions such as nail trauma, psoriasis, lichen planus, and onychogryphosis.
What Is Laser Treatment?
Laser treatment is a non-invasive, safe, quick, and painless procedure that uses the heat from a laser to kill fungus in the nail. Each infected nail is targeted with a laser for several minutes. The treatment is usually utilized several different times over a select period. During this time, a podiatrist will keep an eye on the infection.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in DeBary, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
A new treatment for fungal nails, or onychomycosis, which has grown in popularity in recent years, is laser treatment. Laser treatment involves the use of a laser that kills fungus in the toenail with heat. Laser therapy causes no side effects and does not affect nearby healthy tissue.
Toenail fungus afflicts almost 10 percent of the U.S. population and is more common among the elderly. The most common symptom of toenail fungus is the discoloration and thickening of the nail. The nail can also become brittle and a foul smell may be produced. In rare cases, pain might be present. While it is not a serious condition, it can lead to a perception of disgust amongst those it affects. There are several different fungi that cause fungal infections. These include dermatophyte, yeast, and mold. The most common of these is dermatophyte.
Diagnosis for fungal nails involves a podiatrist utilizing microscopy and fungal cultures. This will allow the doctor to determine whether it is a fungus or another condition, such as lichen planus, psoriasis, nail damage, and onychogryphosis.
Fungus in the nails can be hard to get rid of with over-the-counter drugs. This is due to the nail being hard and protective, with fungus able to slip between the nail bed and plate. Furthermore the slow growth of the nail increases the difficulty of fungus going away. Laser treatment seeks to get around this by directly penetrating through the nail and killing the fungus. The laser is used on each infected nail for a couple of minutes. Patients then typically return several weeks or months later for another laser treatment. During this time the podiatrist will routinely observe the foot and infection. It is also recommended to wear clean socks and shoes and allow the feet to dry and breathe to prevent toenail fungus.
Laser treatment is still a relatively new treatment and not all podiatrists have laser machines. Ask your podiatrist if they do laser treatment for toenail fungus and if it is right for you.
Custom-made orthotics are often an effective solution for alleviating foot pain and promoting overall foot health. These specially crafted insoles are designed to provide personalized support and cushioning, catering to the unique needs of an individual. Orthotics work by offering targeted support to areas of the foot that may be experiencing discomfort or strain. They can help correct issues like overpronation or underpronation, which can lead to various foot problems. By providing proper alignment and cushioning, custom orthotics can reduce pressure on the arches, heels, and metatarsal areas, addressing conditions such as plantar fasciitis, bunions, or flat feet. One significant advantage of custom orthotics is their tailored fit. They are created based on a detailed analysis of an individual's foot structure and gait pattern, ensuring a precise and comfortable fit. Whether you are an athlete seeking improved performance or someone dealing with chronic foot pain, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist to discuss whether custom-made orthotics can help you.
If you are having discomfort in your feet and would like to try orthotics, contact Roy Rothman, DPM from Florida. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
What Are Orthotics?
Orthotics are inserts you can place into your shoes to help with a variety of foot problems such as flat feet or foot pain. Orthotics provide relief and comfort for minor foot and heel pain but can’t correct serious biomechanical problems in your feet.
Over-the-Counter Inserts
Orthotics come in a wide variety of over-the-counter inserts that are used to treat foot pain, heel pain, and minor problems. For example, arch supports can be inserted into your shoes to help correct overarched or flat feet, while gel insoles are often used because they provide comfort and relief from foot and heel pain by alleviating pressure.
Prescription Orthotics
If over-the-counter inserts don’t work for you or if you have a more severe foot concern, it is possible to have your podiatrist prescribe custom orthotics. These high-quality inserts are designed to treat problems such as abnormal motion, plantar fasciitis, and severe forms of heel pain. They can even be used to help patients suffering from diabetes by treating foot ulcers and painful calluses and are usually molded to your feet individually, which allows them to provide full support and comfort.
If you are experiencing minor to severe foot or heel pain, it’s recommended to speak with your podiatrist about the possibilities of using orthotics. A podiatrist can determine which type of orthotic is right for you and allow you to take the first steps towards being pain-free.
If you have any questions please contact our office located in DeBary, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
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