Items filtered by date: February 2023

A broken toe is a common injury. The bones in the toe can be easier to fracture than other bones because they are at the end of the body. A toe can be stubbed by a piece of furniture or break from a heavy object falling on it. The medical condition known as osteoporosis is defined as a thinning and weakening of the bones and may be an additional cause of a broken toe. Symptoms often include severe pain, bruising or swelling, and it may become difficult to walk. A severely broken toe might have a bone that protrudes through the skin requiring prompt medical attention. An X-ray is generally performed to determine the extent of the fracture. The buddy-taping method may be implemented for a mildly broken toe. This is done by taping the affected toe to the toe next to it. This can provide adequate support as the healing process occurs. If you have broken your toe, it is suggested that you confer with a podiatrist who can help you with the correct treatment methods.

A broken toe can be very painful and lead to complications if not properly fixed. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Edward S. Pozarny DPM from Arlington Podiatry 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 Arlington, VA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Hammertoe is certainly one of the peskiest conditions affecting the feet because it can make wearing shoes more uncomfortable. Hammertoe is defined by the jutting up of the middle joint of the toe, creating a shape that resembles a hammer. Since this creates a deformity in the shape of the shoe, it might be more difficult to wear shoes comfortably. Patients with hammertoe often need the help of a podiatrist in selecting shoes that will not aggravate this condition. Upon examining your specific condition, the podiatrist might recommend to you that you should be wearing shoes with larger toe boxes. By wearing this kind of shoe, the patient will essentially accommodate the peculiar toe shape by providing it with more space in the shoe. It is suggested that you contact a podiatrist and schedule an appointment for more information.

Hammertoe

Hammertoes can be a painful condition to live with. For more information, contact Edward S. Pozarny DPM from Arlington Podiatry Center. Our doctor will answer any of your foot- and ankle-related questions.

Hammertoe is a foot deformity that affects the joints of the second, third, fourth, or fifth toes of your feet. It is a painful foot condition in which these toes curl and arch up, which can often lead to pain when wearing footwear.

Symptoms

• Pain in the affected toes
• Development of corns or calluses due to friction
• Inflammation
• Redness
• Contracture of the toes

Causes

Genetics – People who are genetically predisposed to hammertoe are often more susceptible

Arthritis – Because arthritis affects the joints in your toes, further deformities stemming from arthritis can occur

Trauma – Direct trauma to the toes could potentially lead to hammertoe

Ill-fitting shoes – Undue pressure on the front of the toes from ill-fitting shoes can potentially lead to the development of hammertoe

Treatment

Orthotics – Custom made inserts can be used to help relieve pressure placed on the toes and therefore relieve some of the pain associated with it

Medications – Oral medications such as anti-inflammatories or NSAIDs could be used to treat the pain and inflammation hammertoes causes. Injections of corticosteroids are also sometimes used

Surgery – In more severe cases where the hammertoes have become more rigid, foot surgery is a potential option

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

People who have initial flareups of gout may be unaware of what this foot condition is. It brings attention to the patient by the debilitating pain and discomfort that gout is associated with, and answers are often sought. Gout is a form of arthritis and occurs from excess uric acid in the blood. It can happen from genetic reasons, or from the foods that are eaten. These can include shellfish, red meat, and drinks that are made with large amounts of sugar. Existing medical conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, or heart disease may lead to having gout attacks. Additional uric acid will form crystals that lodge in the joints of the big toe, causing redness, swelling, and the temporary inability to walk. Effective prevention techniques can include limiting unhealthy foods and engaging in a gentle exercise routine. If you have gout, it is strongly suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can help you to manage and treat this condition.

Gout is a painful condition that can be treated. If you are seeking treatment, contact Edward S. Pozarny DPM from Arlington Podiatry Center. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Is Gout?

Gout is a form of arthritis that is characterized by sudden, severe attacks of pain, redness, and tenderness in the joints. The condition usually affects the joint at the base of the big toe. A gout attack can occur at any random time, such as the middle of the night while you are asleep.

Symptoms

• Intense Joint Pain - Usually around the large joint of your big toe, and it most severe within the first four to twelve hours
• Lingering Discomfort - Joint discomfort may last from a few days to a few weeks
• Inflammation and Redness -Affected joints may become swollen, tender, warm and red
• Limited Range of Motion - May experience a decrease in joint mobility

Risk Factors

• Genetics - If family members have gout, you’re more likely to have it
• Medications - Diuretic medications can raise uric acid levels
• Gender/Age - Gout is more common in men until the age of 60. It is believed that estrogen protects women until that point
• Diet - Eating red meat and shellfish increases your risk
• Alcohol - Having more than two alcoholic drinks per day increases your risk
• Obesity - Obese people are at a higher risk for gout

Prior to visiting your podiatrist to receive treatment for gout, there are a few things you should do beforehand. If you have gout you should write down your symptoms--including when they started and how often you experience them, important medical information you may have, and any questions you may have. Writing down these three things will help your podiatrist in assessing your specific situation so that he or she may provide the best route of treatment for you.

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

Many pregnant women have foot pain, and despite it being a temporary condition, it is nonetheless difficult to deal with. It may become prevalent in the third trimester and can be a result of the extra weight that has been gained. It is common for the feet to become swollen during pregnancy, which can happen from the additional fluids the body produces to accommodate the growing fetus. Water retention may affect the feet and ankles, and the blood pressure can increase. The body naturally produces the hormone that is known as relaxin, which is meant to loosen the tendons, ligaments, and muscles. This can impact the feet, and they may become wider, often requiring larger shoes to be purchased. If you would like more information about how pregnancy affects the feet, in addition to learning about successful relief methods, please consult with a podiatrist.

Pregnant women with swollen feet can be treated with a variety of different methods that are readily available. For more information about other cures for swollen feet during pregnancy, consult with Edward S. Pozarny DPM from Arlington Podiatry Center. Our doctor will attend to all of your foot and ankle needs.

What Foot Problems Can Arise During Pregnancy?

One problem that can occur is overpronation, which occurs when the arch of the foot flattens and tends to roll inward.  This can cause pain and discomfort in your heels while you’re walking or even just standing up, trying to support your baby.  

Another problem is edema, or swelling in the extremities. This often affects the feet during pregnancy but tends to occur in the later stages. 

How Can I Keep My Feet Healthy During Pregnancy?

• Wearing orthotics can provide extra support for the feet and help distribute weight evenly
• Minimize the amount of time spent walking barefoot
• Wear shoes with good arch support
• Wear shoes that allow for good circulation to the feet
• Elevate feet if you experience swelling
• Massage your feet
• Get regular, light exercise, such as walking, to promote blood circulation to the feet

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