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If your toe bone has broken into one or more pieces, you have experienced a broken toe. A broken toe can often be mistaken for a toe sprain, however during this type of injury, you may actually hear the bone break. If left untreated, a broken toe can alter your walking or running, and leave you in a great deal of pain. Common symptoms that often accompany a broken toe may include throbbing pain, swelling, bruising or discoloration of the surrounding skin, dislocation of the toe, and difficulty bearing weight on the affected toe. Stubbing the toe, or having an object dropped on it, are the most common causes of a broken toe. To treat a broken toe, a podiatrist may recommend a splint to help support the toe, or surgery for more severe cases. In order to distinguish a toe break from a sprain, it’s suggested you consult with a podiatrist for professional care and a proper diagnosis.

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. Howard Horowitz from Bowie Foot & Ankle . 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 Bowie, MD. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

If left untreated, an ingrown toenail can lead to greater issues. Give us a call, and get treated!

Heel spurs are essentially bone-like growths that occur when calcium collects between your heel and arch. There can be many causes for heel spurs that include arthritis and poor footwear. While they can cause pain, they are almost impossible to detect without the help of a doctor. Since the pain caused by heel spurs is similar to that of other foot injuries, specialists may need to perform a variety of tests or X-rays. Rest, cold compressions, and shoe inserts are some common treatments for heel spurs.  However, it is important to consult with a podiatrist in case further treatments, such as injections, prescriptions, or surgery, are necessary.

Heel spurs can be incredibly painful and sometimes may make you unable to participate in physical activities. To get medical care for your heel spurs, contact Dr. Howard Horowitz from Bowie Foot & Ankle . Our doctor will do everything possible to treat your condition.

Heels Spurs

Heel spurs are formed by calcium deposits on the back of the foot where the heel is. This can also be caused by small fragments of bone breaking off one section of the foot, attaching onto the back of the foot. Heel spurs can also be bone growth on the back of the foot and may grow in the direction of the arch of the foot.

Older individuals usually suffer from heel spurs and pain sometimes intensifies with age. One of the main condition's spurs are related to is plantar fasciitis.

Pain

The pain associated with spurs is often because of weight placed on the feet. When someone is walking, their entire weight is concentrated on the feet. Bone spurs then have the tendency to affect other bones and tissues around the foot. As the pain continues, the feet will become tender and sensitive over time.

Treatments

There are many ways to treat heel spurs. If one is suffering from heel spurs in conjunction with pain, there are several methods for healing. Medication, surgery, and herbal care are some options.

If you have any questions feel free to contact our office located in Bowie, MD. We offer the latest in diagnostic and treatment technology to meet your needs.

Obesity affects a large percentage of people worldwide. The additional weight the feet endure can lead to the development of painful foot conditions. Heel pain is a common ailment, and it can be indicative of specific foot complications. These can include plantar fasciitis, flat feet, or different types of arthritis. Many people who are overweight are faced with the dilemma of lacking the desire to exercise. Performing frequent stretches and exercises is beneficial to losing weight, despite that it may be difficult to accomplish. If you have gained weight and have frequent heel pain, it is recommended that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can properly diagnose you and help to manage your weight.

The more you weigh, the harder your feet must work to support your body. If you’re an obese individual and are concerned about your feet, contact Dr. Howard Horowitz from Bowie Foot & Ankle . Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Obesity and Your Feet

People who are overweight are putting more pressure on their ankles, knees, and hips as well as their feet. This unfortunately can lead to variety of different issues.

Problems & Complications Stemming from Obesity

• When the body is overweight, it tries to compensate by changing the way that it moves. An obese person may lean forward and put extra weight on the wrong part of the foot. This puts unnecessary stress on the feet.
• Obese people are also more likely to develop type II diabetes which is a condition that causes a lot of foot problems. People with diabetes often don’t feel the cuts and sores that they may have on their feet, which can lead to more complicated and severe issues.
• Plantar fasciitis is another foot condition that can be caused by obesity. Plantar fasciitis is an inflammation of the tissue along the bottom of the foot, which causes pain and stiffness while walking and climbing stairs.

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