A broken toe occurs when one of the small bones in the toe fractures due to trauma or pressure. Common causes include stubbing the toe against a hard surface, dropping a heavy object on the foot, or sports related injuries. Symptoms often involve sharp pain, swelling, bruising, tenderness, and difficulty walking or bearing weight. Left untreated, a broken toe can lead to long-term deformity or chronic pain. A podiatrist can assess the severity of the injury, recommend proper immobilization, provide pain management strategies, and guide rehabilitation to ensure proper healing. If you have symptoms of a broken toe, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist to ensure safe 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 Michele Kraft, DPM from Toes on the Go. 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 Carmel, CA . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

A burning sensation in the toes can feel alarming, especially when it lingers or worsens with activity. This symptom often points to nerve involvement, such as peripheral neuropathy, where the nerves become damaged and misfire signals of pain or heat. Diabetes is a common cause, but poor circulation, vitamin deficiencies, and certain medications may also contribute. Sometimes, footwear that is too tight or repetitive stress can trigger the feeling as well. Diagnosis begins with a careful medical history and exam to determine whether the source is nerve-related, circulatory, or mechanical. Additional tests may be needed to confirm the underlying cause. Treatment depends on the diagnosis and may include wearing better footwear, custom orthotics, targeted exercise, or medication to calm nerve irritation. Because burning toes may signal an underlying condition that requires attention, if you have this sensation, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for appropriate care.

Toe pain can disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, contact Michele Kraft, DPM of Toes on the Go. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Causes Toe Pain?

Most severe toe pain is caused due to a sports injury, trauma from dropping something heavy on the toe, or bumping into something rigid. Other problems can develop over time for various reasons.

Toe pain can be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

• Trauma
• Sports injury
• Wearing shoes that are too tight
• Arthritis
• Gout
• Corns and calluses
• Hammertoe
• Bunions
• Blisters
• Ingrown toenails
• Sprains
• Fractures (broken bones)
• Dislocations

When to See a Podiatrist

• Severe pain
• Persistent pain that lasts more than a week
• Signs of infection
• Continued swelling
• Pain that prevents walking

Diagnosis

In many cases the cause of toe pain is obvious, but in others, a podiatrist may want to use more advanced methods to determine the problem. These can range from simple visual inspections and sensation tests to X-rays and MRI scans. Prior medical history, family medical history, and any recent physical traumatic events will all be taken into consideration for a proper diagnosis.

Treatment

Treatments for toe pain and injuries vary and may include shoe inserts, padding, taping, medicines, injections, and in some cases, surgery. If you believe that you have broken a toe, please see a podiatrist as soon as possible.

If you have any questions please contact our office located in Carmel, CA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Gout is a form of inflammatory arthritis that often affects the big toe and can cause sudden, intense pain, swelling, and warmth in the joint. It may feel like a sharp, burning pain that worsens with movement or even light pressure, such as from a bedsheet. Gout is caused by a buildup of uric acid crystals in the joints. It can occur due to factors such as genetics, a diet high in purines, obesity, or underlying health conditions. Visually, the affected joint may appear shiny, swollen, and discolored. A podiatrist can help diagnose gout by evaluating symptoms, ordering blood tests, and performing joint fluid analysis if needed. Treatment may include anti-inflammatory medications, dietary recommendations, lifestyle changes, and in some cases, long-term medication to manage uric acid levels. Since repeated attacks can lead to joint damage, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for proper diagnosis and a personalized treatment plan.

Gout is a foot condition that requires certain treatment and care. If you are seeking treatment, contact Michele Kraft, DPM from Toes on the Go. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Is Gout?

Gout is a type of arthritis caused by a buildup of uric acid in the bloodstream. It often develops in the foot, especially the big toe area, although it can manifest in other parts of the body as well. Gout can make walking and standing very painful and is especially common in diabetics and the obese.

People typically get gout because of a poor diet. Genetic predisposition is also a factor. The children of parents who have had gout frequently have a chance of developing it themselves.

Gout can easily be identified by redness and inflammation of the big toe and the surrounding areas of the foot. Other symptoms include extreme fatigue, joint pain, and running high fevers. Sometimes corticosteroid drugs can be prescribed to treat gout, but the best way to combat this disease is to get more exercise and eat a better diet.

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

Sever’s disease is a common source of heel pain in growing children, particularly those who are active in sports. It occurs when the growth plate in the heel becomes inflamed, often due to repetitive stress or overuse. Symptoms include tenderness, swelling, and pain in the back of the heel that worsens during physical activity. Risk factors include rapid growth, high levels of athletic activity, tight calf muscles, and wearing improper footwear. A podiatrist can evaluate the condition, recommend stretching and strengthening exercises, provide supportive footwear or orthotics, and offer strategies to reduce stress on the heel. If your active child has heel pain, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can provide effective relief and management tips.

Sever's disease often occurs in children and teens. If your child is experiencing foot or ankle pain, see Michele Kraft, DPM from Toes on the Go. Our doctor 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 Carmel, CA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.