Items filtered by date: December 2024

A broken toe might seem minor, but it can have surprising consequences if left untreated. While small fractures can heal with rest, complex breaks may cause chronic pain or misalignment. Broken toes often result from stubbing your toe, dropping heavy objects, or sports injuries. Symptoms include sharp pain, swelling, bruising, and difficulty walking. However, not all fractures are obvious. Sometimes, persistent discomfort is the only sign of a broken toe. Healing depends on the type and severity of the break. Simple fractures may require buddy taping, or splinting the injured toe to a healthy one, while severe cases might need a cast or surgery. Improper healing can lead to complications like arthritis or gait issues. If you suspect a broken toe, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for an accurate diagnosis and personalized treatment plan.

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 Michael Bess, DPM from Florida. Our podiatrist 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 West Palm Beach, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Basketball players frequently experience ankle sprains due to the physical demands of the sport. The most common type is a lateral ankle sprain. This type of ankle sprain occurs when the foot rolls inward, a movement called inversion, which stretches or tears the ligaments on the outer side of the ankle. High ankle sprains, though less common, are more severe. This ankle sprain involves the syndesmosis, a group of connective tissues that holds the tibia and fibula bones together just above the ankle. High ankle sprains are caused by a twisting motion that separates these bones. Medial ankle sprains occur when the foot rolls outward, termed eversion, which stresses the deltoid ligament on the inside of the ankle. All types of ankle sprains can cause swelling, pain, and instability. A podiatrist can order digital imaging tests to determine the type of sprain, assess its severity, and create a treatment plan to restore ankle function. If you have ankle pain after playing basketball, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam, diagnosis, and treatment options.

Ankle and foot injuries are common among athletes and in many sports. They can be caused by several problems and may be potentially serious. If you are feeling pain or think you were injured in a sporting event or when exercising, consult with Michael Bess, DPM from Florida. Our podiatrist will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Common Injuries

The most common injuries that occur in sporting activities include:

• Achilles Tendonitis
• Achilles Tendon Rupture
• Ankle Sprains
• Broken Foot
• Plantar Fasciitis
• Stress Fractures
• Turf Toe

Symptoms

Symptoms vary depending upon the injury and in some cases, there may be no symptoms at all. However, in most cases, some form of symptom is experienced. Pain, aching, burning, bruising, tenderness, tightness or stiffness, sensation loss, difficulty moving, and swelling are the most common symptoms.

Treatment

Just as symptoms vary depending upon the injury, so do treatment options. A common treatment method is known as the RICE method. This method involves rest, applying ice, compression and elevating the afflicted foot or ankle. If the injury appears to be more serious, surgery might be required, such as arthroscopic or reconstructive surgery. Lastly, rehabilitation or therapy might be needed to gain full functionality in the afflicted area. Any discomfort experienced by an athlete must be evaluated by a licensed, reputable medical professional.  

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.

Sever’s disease is a common cause of heel pain in growing children and adolescents, especially those active in sports. It occurs when the growth plate in the heel bone, known as the calcaneus, becomes inflamed due to repetitive stress and tension from the Achilles tendon. Symptoms include heel pain, swelling, and difficulty walking, particularly after physical activity. A podiatrist can help in managing Sever’s disease. They can accurately diagnose the condition, ruling out other causes of heel pain. Treatment often includes customized orthotics, heel lifts, or cushioning to reduce stress on the growth plate. They may also recommend stretching exercises to improve flexibility in the calf and Achilles tendon. Activity modification or temporary rest from sports might be advised. If your child has persistent heel pain, it is suggested that you visit a podiatrist to ease their discomfort and prevent long-term complications.

Sever's disease often occurs in children and teens. If your child is experiencing foot or ankle pain, see Michael Bess, DPM from Florida. Our podiatrist 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 office located in West Palm Beach, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle injuries.

Cuboid syndrome is a condition that affects the foot, specifically the cuboid bone, which is one of the seven tarsal bones located on the outer side of the foot. This syndrome occurs when the cuboid bone becomes slightly misaligned or stiff, often leading to pain in the outer part of the foot. The main causes of cuboid syndrome include sudden movements, foot injuries, overuse, or wearing improper footwear. Activities such as running, jumping, or twisting can strain the cuboid bone and surrounding tissues. Common symptoms include localized pain, swelling, and tenderness on the outer foot, in addition to difficulty walking or bearing weight. To diagnose cuboid syndrome, a podiatrist typically conducts a physical examination and may perform specific manipulation tests. In some cases, imaging tests like X-rays or MRI scans may be used to rule out other conditions and confirm the diagnosis. If you have pain in the outer part of your foot, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can accurately diagnose and treat the problem.

Cuboid syndrome, also known as cuboid subluxation, occurs when the joints and ligaments near the cuboid bone in the foot become torn. If you have cuboid syndrome, consult with Michael Bess, DPM from Florida. Our podiatrist will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Cuboid syndrome is a common cause of lateral foot pain, which is pain on the outside of the foot. The condition may happen suddenly due to an ankle sprain, or it may develop slowly overtime from repetitive tension through the bone and surrounding structures.

Causes

The most common causes of cuboid syndrome include:

• Injury – The most common cause of this ailment is an ankle sprain.
• Repetitive Strain – Tension placed through the peroneus longus muscle from repetitive activities such as jumping and running may cause excessive traction on the bone causing it to sublux.
• Altered Foot Biomechanics – Most people suffering from cuboid subluxation have flat feet.

Symptoms

A common symptom of cuboid syndrome is pain along the outside of the foot which can be felt in the ankle and toes. This pain may create walking difficulties and may cause those with the condition to walk with a limp.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of cuboid syndrome is often difficult, and it is often misdiagnosed. X-rays, MRIs and CT scans often fail to properly show the cuboid subluxation. Although there isn’t a specific test used to diagnose cuboid syndrome, your podiatrist will usually check if pain is felt while pressing firmly on the cuboid bone of your foot.

Treatment

Just as the range of causes varies widely, so do treatments. Some more common treatments are ice therapy, rest, exercise, taping, and orthotics.

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.

Bone spurs are bony growths that form along the edges of foot bones, often in areas where joints and ligaments meet. Heel spurs are a common type of bone spur, often causing pain and discomfort. They typically develop due to repetitive stress, aging, or conditions like arthritis, plantar fasciitis, or obesity. Over time, heel spurs can cause discomfort, particularly when they irritate nearby tissues. Common symptoms of heel spurs include pain, swelling, and inflammation, particularly when walking or standing for long periods. In some cases, certain types of bone spurs may not cause any symptoms and may only be discovered during an X-ray for another condition. Treatment for heel spurs may involve conservative measures like rest, anti-inflammatory medications, and custom orthotics to relieve pressure. In severe cases, targeted exercises or surgery may be necessary to remove the spur and restore function. A podiatrist can evaluate your condition, recommend appropriate treatments, and help manage pain. If you are experiencing foot pain or suspect a heel spur, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and care plan.

Heel spurs can be incredibly painful and sometimes may make you unable to participate in physical activities. To get medical care for your heel spurs, contact Michael Bess, DPM from Florida. Our podiatrist will do everything possible to treat your condition.

Heels Spurs

Heel spurs are formed by calcium deposits on the back of the foot where the heel is. This can also be caused by small fragments of bone breaking off one section of the foot, attaching onto the back of the foot. Heel spurs can also be bone growth on the back of the foot and may grow in the direction of the arch of the foot.

Older individuals usually suffer from heel spurs and pain sometimes intensifies with age. One of the main condition's spurs are related to is plantar fasciitis.

Pain

The pain associated with spurs is often because of weight placed on the feet. When someone is walking, their entire weight is concentrated on the feet. Bone spurs then have the tendency to affect other bones and tissues around the foot. As the pain continues, the feet will become tender and sensitive over time.

Treatments

There are many ways to treat heel spurs. If one is suffering from heel spurs in conjunction with pain, there are several methods for healing. Medication, surgery, and herbal care are some options.

If you have any questions feel free to contact our office located in West Palm Beach, FL . We offer the latest in diagnostic and treatment technology to meet your needs.