Items filtered by date: February 2021

Patients who stub their toe against a piece of furniture, or drop a heavy object on it, may experience a broken toe. The average healing time for this type of injury is generally four to six weeks, and it is often accompanied by swelling and bruising. Additional symptoms can include severe pain and it may be difficult to put a shoe on and walk. Mild relief can be found if you have a mildly fractured toe by taping the affected toe to the toe next to it. This is referred to as buddy taping, and it is typically effective in providing the necessary stability to the affected toe as the healing process occurs. Severely broken toes may require that a cast be worn, and it can be helpful to use crutches to keep weight off of the toe. If you have fractured your toe, please consult with a podiatrist.

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 Dan Kirk, DPM from Bluffton Foot & Ankle. 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 offices located in Bluffton and Celina, OH . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

One of the functions of the sesamoid bones is leverage. The sesamoids are attached to tendons in the foot, and they are able to provide additional force while pushing off during a running or jumping activity. The sesamoids are located within ligaments under the big toe, and pain can be felt on the ball of the foot when the sesamoids are injured or inflamed. Sesamoiditis is a condition that occurs when the sesamoid bones become inflamed, and is common among runners and dancers. The healing process generally begins with stopping the activity that caused the injury, and it may help to elevate the affected foot. It is beneficial to wear shoes that fit correctly, and the amount of rest needed can be determined by the severity of the condition. If you have pain in this part of your foot, please consult with a podiatrist who can determine if this is sesamoiditis, and offer you the correct treatment options.

Sesamoiditis is an unpleasant foot condition characterized by pain in the balls of the feet. If you think you’re struggling with sesamoiditis, contact Dan Kirk, DPM of Bluffton Foot & Ankle. Our doctor will treat your condition thoroughly and effectively.

Sesamoiditis

Sesamoiditis is a condition of the foot that affects the ball of the foot. It is more common in younger people than it is in older people. It can also occur with people who have begun a new exercise program, since their bodies are adjusting to the new physical regimen. Pain may also be caused by the inflammation of tendons surrounding the bones. It is important to seek treatment in its early stages because if you ignore the pain, this condition can lead to more serious problems such as severe irritation and bone fractures.

Causes of Sesamoiditis

• Sudden increase in activity
• Increase in physically strenuous movement without a proper warm up or build up
• Foot structure: those who have smaller, bonier feet or those with a high arch may be more susceptible

Treatment for sesamoiditis is non-invasive and simple. Doctors may recommend a strict rest period where the patient forgoes most physical activity. This will help give the patient time to heal their feet through limited activity. For serious cases, it is best to speak with your doctor to determine a treatment option that will help your specific needs.

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

Stress fractures generally occur because of overuse. They are considered to be a hairline fractures of the bones in the foot, and can cause severe pain and discomfort. The foot may become swollen and tender, and in severe cases, bruising may develop. They are a common condition among people who enjoy running, or frequently participating in jumping activities.  Some of the reasons stress fractures may develop can include rapidly increasing the intensity of a sport or exercise, or the surface that is run on or played upon can change. Research has indicated stress fractures may be prevented by slowly increasing the intensity of the chosen sport, in addition to maintaining a healthy diet. If you have foot pain, it is strongly suggested that you consult with a podiatrist who can properly diagnose and treat stress fractures.

Activities where too much pressure is put on the feet can cause stress fractures. To learn more, contact Dan Kirk, DPM from Bluffton Foot & Ankle. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep your pain free and on your feet.

Dealing with Stress Fractures of the Foot and Ankle

Stress fractures occur in the foot and ankle when muscles in these areas weaken from too much or too little use.  The feet and ankles then lose support when walking or running from the impact of the ground. Since there is no protection, the bones receive the full impact of each step. Stress on the feet can cause cracks to form in the bones, thus creating stress fractures.

What Are Stress Fractures?

Stress fractures occur frequently in individuals whose daily activities cause great impact on the feet and ankles. Stress factors are most common among:

• Runners                                  
• People affected with Osteoporosis
• Tennis or basketball players
• Gymnasts
• High impact workouts

Symptoms

Pain from the fractures occur in the area of the fractures and can be constant or intermittent. It will often cause sharp or dull pain with swelling and tenderness. Engaging in any kind of activity which involves high impact will aggravate pain.

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

Fallen arches or acquired flat feet occur when the arches of the feet collapse over time due to a weakening of the tendon that supports the arch. One of the main functions of the arches is to flex and absorb shock. When the arches are flat, stress is transferred up into the legs, hips, and lower back, causing pain in both the feet and these areas higher up in the body. Fallen arches can also cause the ankle and leg bones to rotate slightly, which can make ankle and ACL injuries more likely. If you have fallen arches, it is recommended that you seek the care of a podiatrist, who can help prevent or minimize the pain and discomfort caused by this condition.

Flatfoot is a condition many people suffer from. If you have flat feet, contact Dan Kirk, DPM from Bluffton Foot & Ankle. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Are Flat Feet?

Flatfoot is a condition in which the arch of the foot is depressed and the sole of the foot is almost completely in contact with the ground. About 20-30% of the population generally has flat feet because their arches never formed during growth.

Conditions & Problems:

Having flat feet makes it difficult to run or walk because of the stress placed on the ankles.

Alignment – The general alignment of your legs can be disrupted, because the ankles move inward which can cause major discomfort.

Knees – If you have complications with your knees, flat feet can be a contributor to arthritis in that area.  

Symptoms

• Pain around the heel or arch area
• Trouble standing on the tip toe
• Swelling around the inside of the ankle
• Flat look to one or both feet
• Having your shoes feel uneven when worn

Treatment

If you are experiencing pain and stress on the foot you may weaken the posterior tibial tendon, which runs around the inside of the ankle. 

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