December 2022

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 one of our podiatrists from Foot & Ankle Centers of Charlotte County . 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 Punta Gorda and Port Charlotte, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Children’s foot problems often go undiagnosed because parents do not know what to pay attention to, or they believe their kids will outgrow the problems. Ankle and foot ailments can be common in children because they are so physically active, but it can be easy to overlook these things because kids are so resilient. Parents should watch for symptoms of common foot and ankle problems among children. These problems include ankles turning in more than usual, pain, the arch of the foot flattening, cramping, limping, or a change in the activity level of the child. Children who participate in sports are most apt to experience foot and ankle issues. If your child exhibits the symptoms described above, consult with a podiatrist so that the risk of problems turning into more serious or chronic conditions is mitigated. 

The health of a child’s feet is vital to their overall well-being. If you have any questions regarding foot health, contact one of our podiatrists of Foot & Ankle Centers of Charlotte County . Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Tips for Keeping Children's Feet Healthy

• Make sure their shoes fit properly
• Look for any signs of in-toeing or out-toeing
• Check to see if they have Clubfoot (condition that affects your child’s foot and ankle, twisting the heel and toes inward) which is one of the most common nonmajor birth defects.
• Lightly cover your baby’s feet (Tight covers may keep your baby from moving their feet freely, and could prevent normal development)
• Allow your toddler to go shoeless (Shoes can be restricting for a young child’s foot)
• Cut toenails straight across to avoid ingrown toenails
• Keep your child’s foot clean and dry
• Cover cuts and scrapes. Wash any scratches with soap and water and cover them with a bandage until they’ve healed.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Punta Gorda and Port Charlotte, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Foot blisters usually happen from friction, caused when shoes that are too tight or restrictive are worn and rubbed against the foot. While one can pop a blister and disinfect the area, it is a good idea to leave it alone. In addition, it is suggested you cover blisters with a padded bandage for protection and to prevent further irritation, so the body can reabsorb it. To prevent blisters, wear shoes that fit properly and feel comfortable with socks that provide padding in common areas of blister development. If a foot blister does not heal after the irritant is removed, looks infected, or is extremely painful, it is suggested that a podiatrist be seen for proper evaluation and treatment. Individuals with diabetes should be especially cautious since a blister could turn into a foot ulcer.

Blisters may appear as a single bubble or in a cluster. They can cause a lot of pain and may be filled with pus, blood, or watery serum. If your feet are hurting, contact one of our podiatrists of Foot & Ankle Centers of Charlotte County . Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Foot Blisters

Foot blisters are often the result of friction. This happens due to the constant rubbing from shoes, which can lead to pain.

What Are Foot Blisters?

A foot blister is a small fluid-filled pocket that forms on the upper-most layer of the skin. Blisters are filled with clear fluid and can lead to blood drainage or pus if the area becomes infected.

Symptoms

(Blister symptoms may vary depending on what is causing them)

• Bubble of skin filled with fluid
• Redness
• Moderate to severe pain
• Itching

Prevention & Treatment

In order to prevent blisters, you should be sure to wear comfortable shoes with socks that cushion your feet and absorb sweat. Breaking a blister open may increase your chances of developing an infection. However, if your blister breaks, you should wash the area with soap and water immediately and then apply a bandage to the affected area. If your blisters cause severe pain it is important that you call your podiatrist right away.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Punta Gorda and Port Charlotte, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

There are several different types of running shoes, and it can be a daunting task to choose which kind is right for you. It is important to identify the running preferences in addition to the type of surfaces that will be run on, such as trails or pavement. Trail shoes are known to provide traction in the snow and mud, and can help to protect the feet against rocks and rugged terrain. Additionally, trail shoes are sturdier, which can successfully support the foot as it moves from side to side. Conversely, road shoes are ideal for running on treadmills and smooth pavements. People who compete in track meets often opt for track spikes or racing flats. These shoes are helpful in gripping the surface in various types of weather, and are considered to be the lightest running shoe. If you have questions about what type of running shoes are best for you, please consult with a podiatrist who can address any concerns you may have.

You should always make sure your running shoes fit properly in order to avoid injury. For more information, contact one of our podiatrists from Foot & Ankle Centers of Charlotte County . Our doctors 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

• Make sure you have a thumb’s width of wiggle room between the end of your longest toe and the front of the shoe.
• There should be little to no slipping at the heel
• Don’t assume your size in one shoe brand will be your size in another
• Do not lace up your shoes too tightly
• Walk around in the store with your new shoes before you buy them

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our our offices located in Punta Gorda and Port Charlotte, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.