Most broken toes are the result of falling, dropping something heavy on it, or bumping it into a hard object. Symptoms of a broken, rather than sprained, toe include severe throbbing pain that does not subside, swelling, bruising, and redness of the skin. The inability to put weight on the toe is another sign, as standing or walking is likely to send shooting pain up through the body. Worse, it may even cause you to lose your balance and fall. A telltale sign of a broken toe is a popping or cracking noise heard when the injury occurs. If you have a broken toe it will become extremely tender to the touch. Putting on shoes, or even socks, may become impossible to bear. An obvious sign that a toe is broken is if the bone becomes visible through a break in the skin. Besides being painful, the toe is then more likely to be exposed to infection. Further, if not properly healed, this can lead to a permanent deformity. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for treatment. 

Broken toes may cause a lot of pain and should be treated as soon as possible. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Dr. Randy Garr from Bigfoot Podiatry. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Is a Broken Toe?

A broken toe occurs when one or more of the toe bones of the foot are broken after an injury. Injuries such as stubbing your toe or dropping a heavy object on it may cause a toe fracture.

Symptoms of a Broken Toe

• Swelling
• Pain (with/without wearing shoes)
• Stiffness
• Nail Injury

Although the injured toe should be monitored daily, it is especially important to have a podiatrist look at your toe if you have severe symptoms. Some of these symptoms include worsening or new pain that is not relieved with medication, sores, redness, or open wounds near the toe.

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

Getting the correct shoe size requires trying shoes on and walking around to ensure they are comfortable. Measuring the feet with a Brannock device, often available in most shoe stores or departments, or outlining the feet on paper and cutting them out to have a pattern to be compared to shoes can also help. Other recommendations for ensuring proper shoe size include making sure there is a thumb’s worth of room between the tip of the toes and the front of the shoe and a finger’s worth of space between the heel and the back of the shoe to prevent unwanted friction and a host of resulting foot problems. Wearing the socks intended to be worn with shoes when trying them on and trying on shoes later in the day, when feet are at their largest, can help in getting the correct shoe size and fit. If insoles in new shoes are not substantial and do not provide adequate cushioning, they can be swapped out for those providing extra support and comfort. If you are having trouble finding the best shoe size for your feet and you often have foot discomfort, it is suggested that you visit a podiatrist who can help you on your quest to find the right shoes.

Getting the right shoe size is an important part of proper foot health. Seek the assistance of Dr. Randy Garr from Bigfoot Podiatry. Our doctor will provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Getting the Right Shoe Size

There are many people who wear shoes that are the incorrect size, negatively affecting their feet and posture. Selecting the right shoes is not a difficult process, so long as you keep several things in mind when it comes to choosing the right pair.

• When visiting the shoe store, use the tools available to measure your foot.
• Be sure there is ‘wiggle room’. There should be about an inch between your toes and the tip of your shoes.
• Do not always assume you are the same size, as manufacturers run differently.
• Purchase shoes later in the day, as your feet swell as the day progresses.
• If a shoe is not comfortable, it is not suitable. Most shoes can’t be ‘broken in’, and comfort should be the ultimate goal when it comes to choosing the right pair of shoes

As our feet hold our body weight and keep us moving, it is important to treat them right. Picking the right pair of shoes can provide your feet comfort and mobility without pain.

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

An abnormal bend in the middle joint of a toe is a sign of hammertoe, a deformity caused by a weakening of the muscles, tissue, and tendon in the joint. A hammertoe also can be the result of arthritis or a genetic predisposition to joint problems. Trauma, injury, or improper footwear may also be factors in the formation of a hammertoe. Symptoms include pain when flexing the toe or wearing shoes. The toe may also become reddened. In many cases of hammertoe, a corn or callus develops on the raised portion of the joint as it rubs against the inside of a shoe. When trying to determine the best way to deal with a hammertoe, a podiatrist may take X-rays to determine the toe’s current bone and ligament structure. In some cases, taping and padding of the toe can reduce painful effects. Anti-inflammatory or cortisone injections also can lessen the discomfort in some cases. Orthotic devices and surgery are other options for hammertoe treatment. For more information on dealing with a hammertoe deformity, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist.

Hammertoe

Hammertoes can be a painful condition to live with. For more information, contact Dr. Randy Garr from Bigfoot Podiatry. 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 Provo, UT . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

There are various reasons why falling may occur. One reason may be a lack of awareness of surroundings, and this can happen from a lack of sleep. The general health of the body may also contribute to the act of falling, which may determine the reaction speed. Getting adequate sleep may enhance the ability to avoid a fall, in addition to having a healthy and strong body. This is especially true of the feet, which can propel the body to stand up after a fall and maintain balance. Effective fall prevention methods can include regular physical and eye examinations. This can be helpful in updating existing medications and eyeglasses. Taking supplements daily may possibly have a positive effect on the brain and nervous system, in addition to having increased awareness. If you would like more knowledge about fall prevention techniques, it is suggested that you consult with a podiatrist who can offer you the correct information.

Preventing falls among the elderly is very important. If you are older and have fallen or fear that you are prone to falling, consult with Dr. Randy Garr from Bigfoot Podiatry. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality advice and care.

Every 11 seconds, an elderly American is being treated in an emergency room for a fall related injury. Falls are the leading cause of head and hip injuries for those 65 and older. Due to decreases in strength, balance, senses, and lack of awareness, elderly persons are very susceptible to falling. Thankfully, there are a number of things older persons can do to prevent falls.

How to Prevent Falls

Some effective methods that older persons can do to prevent falls include:

• Enrolling in strength and balance exercise program to increase balance and strength
• Periodically having your sight and hearing checked
• Discuss any medications you have with a doctor to see if it increases the risk of falling
• Clearing the house of falling hazards and installing devices like grab bars and railings
• Utilizing a walker or cane
• Wearing shoes that provide good support and cushioning
• Talking to family members about falling and increasing awareness

Falling can be a traumatic and embarrassing experience for elderly persons; this can make them less willing to leave the house, and less willing to talk to someone about their fears of falling. Doing such things, however, will increase the likelihood of tripping or losing one’s balance. Knowing the causes of falling and how to prevent them is the best way to mitigate the risk of serious injury.  

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

A bunion, termed hallux valgus, is a bone deformity of the big toe. This condition can cause the tip of the toe to push toward the smaller toes as the bottom of the toe joint juts outward from the foot. The resulting bump can prove to be painful as it changes the gait and rubs against the inside of the shoe. In some cases, a surgical procedure may be the only option for reducing pain. This may be successful in straightening out the joint, in addition to stabilizing the gait. It can also help to prevent hammertoe and other foot abnormalities from developing. Deciding on bunion surgery depends on various factors, such as the severity of the bunion, and whether it is related to osteoarthritis. Additionally, the impact it may have on completing daily activities or participating in sporting activities may contribute to making this decision. Side effects may include nerve damage, inflammation, and permanent stiffness. It is beneficial to explore this with a podiatrist before deciding on this type of surgery. To find out whether bunion surgery is the right option for you, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for an exam and diagnosis. 

If you are suffering from bunion pain, contact Dr. Randy Garr of Bigfoot Podiatry. Our doctor 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 office located in Provo, UT . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.