A broken toe can happen suddenly or develop over time. Common causes include stubbing a toe against furniture, dropping something heavy on it, falls, or sports injuries. Repeated pressure from running or jumping may also lead to small cracks in the toe bones. Symptoms of a broken toe include pain, swelling, bruising, tenderness, and trouble walking. Some people notice that the toe looks out of place and has become stiff. Treatment depends on the severity of the break and which toe is affected. A podiatrist may protect the toe by taping it to a nearby toe for stabilization, termed buddy taping. Other options include wearing a stiff or supportive shoe and limiting weight-bearing activities while the toe heals. If the bone is not lined up properly or the joint is involved, surgery may be needed. If you believe you have broken a toe, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam, diagnosis, and treatment.

A broken toe can be very painful and lead to complications if not properly fixed. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Michael Bess, DPM from Florida. Our podiatrist 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 West Palm Beach, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Diabetes is a chronic condition that affects how the body regulates blood sugar, and it can have serious effects on foot health. Diabetic foot problems develop when prolonged high blood sugar damages nerves and blood vessels in the feet. Loss of sensitivity may prevent a person from noticing cuts, blisters, or pressure points, allowing infections to form and worsen without early treatment. Additionally, limited blood supply can slow healing and increase the risk of ulcers and complications. A podiatrist plays a critical role in diabetic foot care by performing regular foot exams, treating wounds, managing infections, and providing guidance on proper footwear and daily foot care. If you have diabetes, it is strongly suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can help protect your feet and reduce complications. Proactive podiatric care is essential in supporting long-term mobility and overall health.

Diabetic foot care is important in preventing foot ailments such as ulcers. If you are suffering from diabetes or have any other concerns about your feet, contact Michael Bess, DPM from Florida. Our podiatrist can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Diabetic Foot Care

Diabetes affects millions of people every year. The condition can damage blood vessels in many parts of the body, especially the feet. Because of this, taking care of your feet is essential if you have diabetes, and having a podiatrist help monitor your foot health is highly recommended.

The Importance of Caring for Your Feet

• Routinely inspect your feet for bruises or sores.
• Wear socks that fit your feet comfortably.
• Wear comfortable shoes that provide adequate support.

Patients with diabetes should have their doctor monitor their blood levels, as blood sugar levels play such a huge role in diabetic care. Monitoring these levels on a regular basis is highly advised.

It is always best to inform your healthcare professional of any concerns you may have regarding your feet, especially for diabetic patients. Early treatment and routine foot examinations are keys to maintaining proper health, especially because severe complications can arise if proper treatment is not applied.

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

Wearing high heels later in life adds pressure on the forefoot and increases strain on the toes and ankles, which can make balance more difficult and raise the chance of falls. When a heel sits too far back on the shoe and does not line up well with the leg bones, the foot is not properly supported and the ankle can become unstable. A heel positioned more directly under the leg helps improve balance, reduces wobbling, and lowers the chance of injuries. Choosing a shorter or wider heel eases pressure on the ball of the foot, and avoiding very narrow styles for long-term standing helps limit irritation. High heels also shift weight forward, which can lead to aching or burning beneath the ball of the foot. A podiatrist can offer guidance on safer footwear choices and prescribe orthotic inserts as needed. If you are experiencing foot pain or balance problems from wearing high heels, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam and treatment.

High heels have a history of causing foot and ankle problems. If you have any concerns about your feet or ankles, contact Michael Bess, DPM from Florida. Our podiatrist can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Effects of High Heels on the Feet

High heels are popular shoes among women because of their many styles and societal appeal.  Despite this, high heels can still cause many health problems if worn too frequently.

Which Parts of My Body Will Be Affected by High Heels?

• Ankle Joints
• Achilles Tendon – May shorten and stiffen with prolonged wear
• Balls of the Feet
• Knees – Heels cause the knees to bend constantly, creating stress on them
• Back – They decrease the spine’s ability to absorb shock, which may lead to back pain.  The vertebrae of the lower back may compress.

What Kinds of Foot Problems Can Develop from Wearing High Heels?

• Corns
• Calluses
• Hammertoe
• Bunions
• Morton’s Neuroma
• Plantar Fasciitis

How Can I Still Wear High Heels and Maintain Foot Health?

If you want to wear high heeled shoes, make sure that you are not wearing them every day, as this will help prevent long term physical problems.  Try wearing thicker heels as opposed to stilettos to distribute weight more evenly across the feet.  Always make sure you are wearing the proper shoes for the right occasion, such as sneakers for exercising.  If you walk to work, try carrying your heels with you and changing into them once you arrive at work.  Adding inserts to your heels can help cushion your feet and absorb shock. Full foot inserts or metatarsal pads are available. 

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

Webbed toes, also known as syndactyly, occur when two or more toes are joined by skin or soft tissue. Surgery for webbed toes is designed to separate the toes and improve their appearance and function. This treatment may be needed when webbing causes discomfort, limits shoe wear, affects balance, or creates hygiene concerns between the toes. During the procedure, the podiatric surgeon carefully separates the toes and reshapes the skin to allow proper healing and movement. A podiatrist helps by evaluating the condition, discussing treatment options, performing or coordinating surgical care, and guiding recovery with wound care and targeted exercises. If webbed toes are causing pain, functional problems, or self-concern, it is suggested that you schedule a podiatry consultation to learn whether surgical correction is appropriate for you.

Foot surgery is sometimes necessary to treat a foot ailment. To learn more, contact Michael Bess, DPM of Florida. Our podiatrist will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.

When Is Surgery Necessary?

Foot and ankle surgery is generally reserved for cases in which less invasive, conservative procedures have failed to alleviate the problem. Some of the cases in which surgery may be necessary include:

• Removing foot deformities like bunions and bone spurs
• Severe arthritis that has caused bone issues
• Cosmetic reconstruction

What Types of Surgery Are There?

The type of surgery you receive will depend on the nature of the problem you have. Some of the possible surgeries include:

• Bunionectomy for painful bunions
• Surgical fusion for realignment of bones
• Neuropathy decompression surgery to treat nerve damage

Benefits of Surgery

Although surgery is usually a last resort, it can provide more complete pain relief compared to non-surgical methods and may allow you to finally resume full activity.

Surgical techniques have also become increasingly sophisticated. Techniques like endoscopic surgery allow for smaller incisions and faster recovery times.

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