A broken toe occurs when one of the bones in a toe cracks or breaks. Stubbing a toe against furniture or dropping a heavy object on the foot can cause this injury. The big toe is important because it helps support body weight and provides balance while walking. A fracture can cause immediate pain, swelling, and bruising. The injured toe may also become difficult to move. Some patients notice discomfort when standing or putting pressure on the foot. Even a small break can interfere with daily activities and make shoes uncomfortable.

The seriousness of a broken toe depends on the location of the fracture and whether the bones remain aligned. When the broken pieces stay in place, healing is usually more straightforward. A toe that looks crooked may indicate that the bones have shifted. Most toe fractures heal in about four to six weeks, although soreness can last longer. Stiffness may continue after the bone heals, particularly when the break involves a joint. Returning to sports or demanding work too soon can cause discomfort. Persistent swelling or pain deserves evaluation, especially when recovery is not progressing as expected.

A podiatrist can examine the injured toe and use X-rays to identify the break and check bone alignment. Treatment depends on the severity of the injury. For a stable fracture, a podiatrist can recommend a stiff-soled shoe or a protective walking shoe to limit painful movement. Shoes with a wide toe box can reduce pressure on the injured area. Follow-up appointments can help assess healing when a fracture is serious or symptoms continue. A podiatrist can also guide a safe return to work and exercise based on comfort and recovery. If you have broken your toe, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for effective relief and treatment solutions.

A broken toe can be very painful and lead to complications if not properly fixed. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Sam Sanandaji, DPM from Foot and Ankle Care Center. 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 Los Angeles, CA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Athlete's foot is a fungal infection that affects the skin of the feet. The fungus grows especially well in warm, moist environments and can spread through contact with contaminated surfaces. It frequently begins between the toes, where moisture can collect. The infection can also affect the soles or sides of the feet. Symptoms can include itching, burning, and redness. The skin can also become scaly, cracked, or irritated. Some patients develop small blisters or areas of peeling skin. Athlete's foot can spread from one area of the foot to another and can sometimes affect the toenails. People who frequently have damp or sweaty feet can have a greater chance of developing the infection.

A podiatrist can evaluate athlete's foot by examining the affected skin and determining whether the symptoms are consistent with a fungal infection. An examination can also help distinguish athlete's foot from other skin problems that can cause itching or scaling. A podiatrist can recommend antifungal treatment based on the location and severity of the infection. Prescription-strength topical medication can be applied directly to affected skin. In some cases, oral antifungal medication can be prescribed when the infection is widespread or difficult to treat. A podiatrist can also evaluate the toenails when signs of a fungal nail infection are present.

Untreated athlete's foot can become increasingly uncomfortable and can spread to other areas. Cracked skin can become painful, especially between the toes or on areas that experience pressure. A podiatrist can monitor the infection and adjust treatment according to how the skin responds. Care can also focus on reducing repeated fungal infections by identifying factors that contribute to excess moisture around the feet. Patients with recurring symptoms can benefit from an evaluation of their skin and toenails to determine whether fungal infection remains present. Prompt treatment can help control the infection and improve the condition of affected skin. If you have symptoms of athlete's foot, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for diagnosis and treatment.

Athlete’s Foot

Athlete’s foot is often an uncomfortable condition to experience. Thankfully, podiatrists specialize in treating athlete’s foot and offer the best treatment options. If you have any questions about athlete’s foot, consult with Sam Sanandaji, DPM from Foot and Ankle Care Center. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality treatment.

What Is Athlete’s Foot?

Tinea pedis, more commonly known as athlete’s foot, is a non-serious and common fungal infection of the foot. Athlete’s foot is contagious and can be contracted by touching someone who has it or infected surfaces. The most common places contaminated by it are public showers, locker rooms, and swimming pools. Once contracted, it grows on feet that are left inside moist, dark, and warm shoes and socks.

Prevention

The most effective ways to prevent athlete’s foot include:

• Thoroughly washing and drying feet
• Avoid going barefoot in locker rooms and public showers
• Using shower shoes in public showers
• Wearing socks that allow the feet to breathe
• Changing socks and shoes frequently if you sweat a lot

Symptoms

Athlete’s foot initially occurs as a rash between the toes. However, if left undiagnosed, it can spread to the sides and bottom of the feet, toenails, and if touched by hand, the hands themselves. Symptoms include:

• Redness
• Burning
• Itching
• Scaly and peeling skin

Diagnosis and Treatment

Diagnosis is quick and easy. Skin samples will be taken and either viewed under a microscope or sent to a lab for testing. Sometimes, a podiatrist can diagnose it based on simply looking at it. Once confirmed, treatment options include oral and topical antifungal medications.

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

A broken foot can make standing and walking painful, but not every fracture looks severe. Foot fractures range from tiny cracks to complete breaks in a bone. Some can even break through the skin. Symptoms can include pain, swelling, and trouble moving the foot. Bruising or tenderness can also develop after an injury. A visible change in the shape of the foot strongly suggests a fracture. However, some small breaks cause little pain and no obvious deformity, which can make them difficult to recognize without a careful evaluation.

Foot bones can break after a fall, a direct blow, or an awkward twist. Stress fractures are small cracks that develop from repeated force rather than one sudden injury. They can affect athletes who take part in high-impact activities and can develop after a rapid increase in exercise intensity. A broken foot can sometimes resemble a sprain because both injuries can cause pain and swelling. Fractures, however, can produce more intense and continuous pain. Difficulty bearing weight can also occur. Proper diagnosis is important because untreated fractures can heal in poor alignment and lead to lasting mobility problems.

A podiatrist can examine an injured foot and determine whether a fracture is likely. Imaging can help confirm a break and show its location and severity. Treatment depends on the type of fracture and whether the bones remain properly aligned. A podiatrist can use a protective boot or cast to keep the injured area stable while it heals. A podiatrist can also monitor healing and determine when it is safe to increase activity. If you have symptoms of a broken foot, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for diagnosis and treatment.

A broken foot requires immediate medical attention and treatment. If you need your feet checked, contact Sam Sanandaji, DPM from Foot and Ankle Care Center. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Broken Foot Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

A broken foot is caused by one of the bones in the foot typically breaking when bended, crushed, or stretched beyond its natural capabilities. Usually the location of the fracture indicates how the break occurred, whether it was through an object, fall, or any other type of injury. 

Common Symptoms of Broken Feet:

• Bruising
• Pain
• Redness
• Swelling
• Blue in color
• Numbness
• Cold
• Misshapen
• Cuts
• Deformities

Those that suspect they have a broken foot shoot seek urgent medical attention where a medical professional could diagnose the severity.

Treatment for broken bones varies depending on the cause, severity and location. Some will require the use of splints, casts or crutches while others could even involve surgery to repair the broken bones. Personal care includes the use of ice and keeping the foot stabilized and elevated.

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

Heel pain can turn a comfortable run into a difficult test. Continuing to run can make the problem worse and extend the break needed for recovery. Plantar fasciitis, heel spurs, and stress fractures are possible causes of heel pain. Plantar fasciitis is irritation of the strong band of tissue that supports the arch. A stress fracture is a small crack caused by repeated pressure on a bone. Because these problems require different forms of care, runners should not assume that all heel pain comes from the same source. Stopping a run when pain begins can reduce the chance of further injury.

Pain also changes the way a runner moves. A person may shorten a stride, shift weight, or land differently to protect the sore heel. These changes can place added strain on the ankle, knee, and hip. Discomfort can also spread to the lower back as the body tries to adjust. Warning signs that deserve prompt attention include swelling, bruising, or trouble placing weight on the foot. Pain that is sharp, continues at rest, or grows worse from one run to the next also needs an evaluation. Running through these symptoms can delay healing and interfere with work and daily activities.

A podiatrist can examine the heel, check foot movement, and review the runner’s training routine. X-rays or other imaging can help reveal a fracture or another source of pain. Treatment depends on the diagnosis and can include custom orthotics, supportive taping, or a walking boot. The podiatrist can also recommend shoes that fit correctly and provide proper support. A gradual return-to-running plan can protect the heel once pain improves. Some conditions respond well to these options, while more severe injuries may require surgery. An accurate diagnosis helps the runner avoid repeated strain and return to activity safely. If you have heel pain while running, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Ankle and foot injuries are common among athletes and in many sports. They can be caused by several problems and may be potentially serious. If you are feeling pain or think you were injured in a sporting event or when exercising, consult with Sam Sanandaji, DPM from Foot and Ankle Care Center. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Common Injuries

The most common injuries that occur in sporting activities include:

• Achilles Tendonitis
• Achilles Tendon Rupture
• Ankle Sprains
• Broken Foot
• Plantar Fasciitis
• Stress Fractures
• Turf Toe

Symptoms

Symptoms vary depending upon the injury and in some cases, there may be no symptoms at all. However, in most cases, some form of symptom is experienced. Pain, aching, burning, bruising, tenderness, tightness or stiffness, sensation loss, difficulty moving, and swelling are the most common symptoms.

Treatment

Just as symptoms vary depending upon the injury, so do treatment options. A common treatment method is known as the RICE method. This method involves rest, applying ice, compression and elevating the afflicted foot or ankle. If the injury appears to be more serious, surgery might be required, such as arthroscopic or reconstructive surgery. Lastly, rehabilitation or therapy might be needed to gain full functionality in the afflicted area. Any discomfort experienced by an athlete must be evaluated by a licensed, reputable medical professional.  

If you have any questions please contact our office located in Los Angeles, CA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.