Looking After a Broken Foot

A fracture in the foot can result from a sudden injury, an awkward step, or repeated stress on the bones. Signs may include sharp pain, swelling, bruising, or trouble standing and walking. Because the foot has many small bones that work together for balance and movement, getting the right care is essential. Treatment varies depending on how serious the break is. Some patients may need only rest, a walking boot, or crutches, while others may require a cast, or, in more complicated cases, surgery to realign the bones. Elevating the foot and keeping weight off it helps with recovery. Healing usually takes several weeks, but following a podiatrist’s guidance supports a smoother return to activity. If you think you may have fractured your foot, it is recommended that you promptly visit a podiatrist for an accurate diagnosis and care plan.

A broken foot requires immediate medical attention and treatment. If you need your feet checked, contact one of our podiatrists from North Eastern Ohio Podiatry Group LLC. our doctors 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 offices located in Willoughby Hills, Euclid, and Beachwood, OH . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

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Extra Care Is the Ticket for Aging Feet

Feet naturally flatten out and widen with age, and fat pads, which had previously cushioned bones and joints, become worn down. This can cause foot pain, discomfort, and impaired mobility. Simple daily foot care can help older adults maintain foot and ankle health and prevent smaller issues from becoming serious ones. Shoes should be properly sized and offer arch and heel support. Feet should be kept clean to avoid infections and moisturized to avoid sores and cracked heels. Toenails should be trimmed straight across at the proper length to prevent ingrown toenails. Ankles should be elevated regularly to give heels a break from touching the floor or bed, which can lead to sores. If any type of foot sore develops, especially a diabetic ulcer, or there is any kind of foot or ankle pain, it is suggested that you seek the care of a podiatrist.

Proper foot care is something many older adults forget to consider. If you have any concerns about your feet and ankles, contact one of our podiatrists from North Eastern Ohio Podiatry Group LLC. our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

The Elderly and Their Feet

As we age we start to notice many changes in our body, but the elder population may not notice them right away. Medical conditions may prevent the elderly to take notice of their foot health right away. Poor vision is a lead contributor to not taking action for the elderly.

Common Conditions 

  • Neuropathy – can reduce feeling in the feet and can hide many life-threatening medical conditions.
  • Reduced flexibility – prevents the ability of proper toenail trimming, and foot cleaning. If left untreated, it may lead to further medical issues.
  • Foot sores – amongst the older population can be serious before they are discovered. Some of the problematic conditions they may face are:
  • Gouging toenails affecting nearby toe
  • Shoes that don’t fit properly
  • Pressure sores
  • Loss of circulation in legs & feet
  • Edema & swelling of feet and ankles

Susceptible Infections

Diabetes and poor circulation can cause general loss of sensitivity over the years, turning a simple cut into a serious issue.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Willoughby Hills, Euclid, and Beachwood, OH . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

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Sever’s Disease can Affect the Growth Plate in the Heel

The medical condition that is referred to as Sever’s disease can affect children and young adults who participate in sporting activities. There is a soft area in the heel bone known as the calcaneal growth plate, and it is surrounded by the Achilles tendon and plantar fascia. The heel plate may become inflamed as consistent body weight is placed on the foot, and this may cause your child to limp. It is beneficial to stop the activity that has caused the injury. Additionally, your child may feel relief when a heel lift is placed inside the shoe, as this may help to relieve a portion of the pressure. If your child is complaining of heel pain, consult with a podiatrist who can perform a proper diagnosis and begin effective treatment as soon as possible.

Sever's disease often occurs in children and teens. If your child is experiencing foot or ankle pain, see one of our podiatrists from North Eastern Ohio Podiatry Group LLC. our doctors can treat your child’s foot and ankle needs.

Sever’s Disease

Sever’s disease is also known as calcaneal apophysitis, which is a medical condition that causes heel pain I none or both feet. The disease is known to affect children between the ages of 8 and 14.

Sever’s disease occurs when part of the child’s heel known as the growth plate (calcaneal epiphysis) is attached to the Achilles tendon. This area can suffer injury when the muscles and tendons of the growing foot do not keep pace with bone growth. Therefore, the constant pain which one experiences at the back of the heel will make the child unable to put any weight on the heel. The child is then forced to walk on their toes.

Symptoms

Acute pain – Pain associated with Sever’s disease is usually felt in the heel when the child engages in physical activity such as walking, jumping and or running.

Highly active – Children who are very active are among the most susceptible in experiencing Sever’s disease, because of the stress and tension placed on their feet.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Willoughby Hills, Euclid, and Beachwood, OH . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

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Inspect Your Feet Regularly for Abnormalities if You're Diabetic

Diabetic patients often have decreased sensitivity in their feet, which makes a visual inspection of the feet even more important. If you're diabetic, having periodic screenings is extremely important for maintaining the overall health of your feet. 

A Bump Can Indicate a Bunion Has Formed

A noticeable bony bump on the bottom of the big toe may indicate a bunion has developed. If it forms on the pinky toe, it is referred to as a bunionette. A bunion may cause some patients to purchase larger shoes, and it may help to wear a protective covering over it. This ailment is mostly likely caused by wearing shoes that do not have ample room for the toes to move freely in. Additionally, patients who have a genetic history of bunions may be prone to developing them. Mild relief may be found when specific exercises and stretches are frequently performed, and this may help to strengthen the surrounding muscles. Patients whose daily life is negatively affected by bunions are strongly suggested to confer with a podiatrist who can recommend the best treatment methods, which may include surgery for permanent removal.

If you are suffering from bunion pain, contact one of our podiatrists of North Eastern Ohio Podiatry Group LLC. our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is a Bunion?

Bunions are painful bony bumps that usually develop on the inside of the foot at the joint of the big toe. As the deformity increases over time, it may become painful to walk and wear shoes. Women are more likely to exacerbate existing bunions since they often wear tight, narrow shoes that shift their toes together. Bunion pain can be relieved by wearing wider shoes with enough room for the toes.

Causes

  • Genetics – some people inherit feet that are more prone to bunion development
  • Inflammatory Conditions - rheumatoid arthritis and polio may cause bunion development

Symptoms

  • Redness and inflammation
  • Pain and tenderness
  • Callus or corns on the bump
  • Restricted motion in the big toe

In order to diagnose your bunion, your podiatrist may ask about your medical history, symptoms, and general health. Your doctor might also order an x-ray to take a closer look at your feet. Nonsurgical treatment options include orthotics, padding, icing, changes in footwear, and medication. If nonsurgical treatments don’t alleviate your bunion pain, surgery may be necessary.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Willoughby Hills, Euclid, and Beachwood, OH . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Read more about Bunions

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