A broken toe occurs when one of the bones in the toe is fractured due to excessive force or impact. This type of injury is common and can range from a small crack to a complete break. The most frequent cause of a broken toe is trauma, such as stubbing the toe against a hard object or dropping something heavy on it. Athletes and active individuals are more prone to this injury due to the physical demands of sports and activities that involve running or jumping. Other causes include accidents, falls, or even repetitive stress over time. Symptoms of a broken toe include severe pain, swelling, bruising, and difficulty moving the toe. In some cases, the toe may appear misaligned or deformed. Proper diagnosis through an X-ray is important to determine the severity of the fracture and ensure appropriate treatment. If you have broken your toe, it is suggested that you visit a podiatrist as quickly as possible who can begin the correct treatment for proper healing.

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 one of our podiatrists from Foot Doctors of Utica. Our doctors 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 Herkimer, and New Hartford, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Hammertoe is a condition where one or more toes become bent at the middle joint, resembling a hammer-like shape. It typically affects the second, third, or fourth toes. The condition develops when the muscles and tendons in the toe become imbalanced, often due to wearing tight, ill-fitting shoes, genetics, or certain foot abnormalities. The primary symptoms of hammertoe include pain or discomfort, especially when walking or wearing shoes, along with visible deformity in the toe. Calluses or corns may also develop due to abnormal pressure points. Treatment for hammertoe depends on its severity. Early stages may be managed with non-surgical options like switching to proper footwear, using toe pads, or performing stretching and strengthening exercises. In more severe cases, a podiatrist may recommend surgery to correct the deformity. This type of doctor can provide a thorough evaluation and offer a tailored treatment plan to relieve pain and prevent further deformity. If you have this condition, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist.

Hammertoe

Hammertoes can be a painful condition to live with. For more information, contact one of our podiatrists from Foot Doctors of Utica. Our doctors 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 offices located in Herkimer, and New Hartford, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

When selecting shoes for brisk walking, comfort and support are key. It is best to shop for shoes later in the day when your feet are naturally slightly swollen, ensuring the shoes will fit comfortably throughout your walk. Look for shoes with a low heel to provide better balance and reduce pressure on your feet and joints. Ample wiggle room in the toe box is essential to prevent discomfort or blisters during your walk. Stability is important, so choose shoes with a firm sole to maintain a steady stride and prevent foot fatigue. Adequate cushioning is necessary to absorb impact and protect your feet from repetitive stress. Finally, make sure the shoes are the correct length, with enough space in the toe area to avoid cramping. If you have foot pain from wearing the wrong shoes, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can offer relief tips and guide you on shoes that are right for you.

If you are a runner, wearing the right running shoe is essential. For more information, contact one of our podiatrists from Foot Doctors of Utica. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Choosing the Right Running Shoe for Your Foot Type

To increase performance and avoid the risk of injury, it is important to choose the right running shoe based on your foot type. The general design of running shoes revolves around pronation, which is how the ankle rolls from outside to inside when the foot strikes the ground.

• Neutral runners are able to choose from a wide variety of shoes, including minimalist shoes or even going barefoot.
• Runners who overpronate, or experience an over-abundance of ankle rolling, should choose shoes that provide extra motion control and stability.
• Runners who underpronate, or supinate, have feet that have high arches and lack flexibility, preventing shock absorption. They require shoes with more flexibility and cushion.

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