A broken toe can happen when the toe is struck, bent forcefully, or hit by a heavy object. Each toe contains small bones that can break after an injury. Symptoms can include pain, swelling, and stiffness. Some people notice pain while walking or putting pressure on the foot. The toe can also look crooked if the broken bone has moved out of its normal position. Injuries to the big toe deserve particular attention because this toe plays an important role in balance and movement. An open wound near the injury can also signal a more serious break. A podiatrist can examine the toe, assess its position and movement, and determine how severe the injury is.

Treatment for a broken toe depends on the location and severity of the injury. A podiatrist can examine the toe and determine whether imaging is appropriate to evaluate the bones. If the toe is out of position, treatment can focus on restoring proper alignment so the bone can heal correctly. More serious fractures can require a splint, cast, or surgery. A podiatrist can also monitor healing and help determine when it is appropriate to return to normal activities. Most broken toes heal within several weeks, but more serious injuries can take longer to heal. Professional evaluation is especially important when there is significant swelling, an open wound, severe pain, or a crooked toe.

A broken toe can interfere with walking, work, and other daily activities. Delaying evaluation can be a concern when the toe is severely painful, visibly crooked, or has an open wound. A podiatrist can assess the injury and create a treatment plan based on the type of fracture and your symptoms. Follow-up care can help track healing and make sure the toe is progressing properly. A proper evaluation can also help protect the toe from additional stress while it heals. If you have broken your toe, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for effective relief and treatment solutions.

A broken toe can be very painful and lead to complications if not properly fixed. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Darron Barrus, DPM from Shelby Podiatry. Our doctor 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 Alabaster, AL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

The heel fat pad is a layer of fatty tissue under the heel bone. It works like a cushion, absorbing force when your heel hits the ground. Heel fat pad atrophy occurs when this layer becomes thinner, shifts out of place, or loses its springy quality. The heel then has less protection from pressure. Pain feels deep and bruise-like in the center of the heel. It can worsen when standing for long periods of time, when walking on hard floors, or when running. Unlike plantar fasciitis, which usually hurts closer to the inner edge of the heel, fat pad pain tends to stay centered beneath it.

Age-related changes can reduce the fat pad’s thickness and flexibility. High-impact activity and added body weight can place stress on this tissue. Other causes include an injury, diabetes, or arthritis. Shoes that lack proper support can make symptoms worse because they provide less cushioning. Patients may change the way they walk to avoid pain. That can place extra strain on the feet, ankles, or knees. Since heel fat pad atrophy can resemble other heel problems, an accurate diagnosis is important. A podiatrist will review the symptoms, examine the painful area, and study how you stand and walk. Imaging, like an ultrasound or X-ray, can measure the pad or rule out another cause.

Treatment focuses on reducing pressure and improving heel protection. A podiatrist can recommend heel cups, supportive shoes, or custom orthotics. Orthotics are shoe inserts that support your feet and improve how pressure is spread. The podiatrist also may use taping to hold the heel pad in a better position. The care plan will reflect specific symptoms, activity level, and foot structure. Surgery is rarely considered for this problem. If you have pain underneath the heel, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Many people suffer from bouts of heel pain. For more information, contact Darron Barrus, DPM of Shelby Podiatry. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Causes of Heel Pain

Heel pain is often associated with plantar fasciitis. The plantar fascia is a band of tissues that extends along the bottom of the foot. A rip or tear in this ligament can cause inflammation of the tissue.

Achilles tendonitis is another cause of heel pain. Inflammation of the Achilles tendon will cause pain from fractures and muscle tearing. Lack of flexibility is also another symptom.

Heel spurs are another cause of pain. When the tissues of the plantar fascia undergo a great deal of stress, it can lead to ligament separation from the heel bone, causing heel spurs.

Why Might Heel Pain Occur?

• Wearing ill-fitting shoes                
• Wearing non-supportive shoes
• Weight change           
• Excessive running

Treatments

Heel pain should be treated as soon as possible for immediate results. Keeping your feet in a stress-free environment will help. If you suffer from Achilles tendonitis or plantar fasciitis, applying ice will reduce the swelling. Stretching before an exercise like running will help the muscles. Using all these tips will help make heel pain a condition of the past.

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

A diabetic foot ulcer is an open sore or wound that develops when diabetes damages nerves and reduces blood flow in the feet, making even minor injuries harder to notice and slower to heal. These wounds often appear on pressure points such as the bottom of the foot or around the toes. Without prompt treatment, complications can become serious. Infection may spread into deeper skin, soft tissue, or bone, leading to swelling, drainage, or odor. Discoloration or increasing pain may also develop, though some people feel very little because of nerve damage. Poor circulation can delay healing and raise the risk of tissue death or limb loss in severe cases. A podiatrist can clean the wound, remove damaged tissue, and reduce pressure on the area. This healthcare professional can also monitor for infection, order imaging when needed, and coordinate advanced wound care. Early intervention matters. If you notice a foot wound that is not healing properly, it is strongly suggested that you visit a podiatrist for an evaluation and appropriate treatment.

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 Darron Barrus, DPM from Shelby Podiatry. Our doctor 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 Alabaster, AL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Sports-related foot and ankle injuries can interrupt training, limit performance, and make everyday movement uncomfortable. Running, jumping, and sudden changes in direction place repeated stress on the feet and ankles, increasing the risk of injury. Common problems include ankle sprains, stress fractures, tendon injuries, and heel pain. Tendons are strong bands of tissue that connect muscles to bones. Symptoms include pain, swelling, bruising, and stiffness. Difficulty putting weight on the affected foot or ankle is another sign. Some injuries develop suddenly after a fall or awkward landing, while others result from repeated stress that gradually damages bones or soft tissues. Early evaluation helps identify the source of pain before the injury becomes more serious.

A podiatrist carefully evaluates foot structure, ankle stability, and walking pattern to determine what is contributing to the injury. The examination also identifies areas of tenderness and movement problems that increase stress on the feet during sports and other activities. Treatment includes custom orthotics, footwear recommendations, and care tailored to the specific injury. A podiatrist can also recommend exercises that improve flexibility, strength, and balance to support recovery and help reduce the risk of future injuries. Regular evaluations help monitor healing and guide a safe return to athletic activities. Improving foot mechanics can also reduce unnecessary strain on the joints and supporting tissues while walking and running.

Ignoring a sports-related foot or ankle injury can lead to ongoing pain, reduced performance, and a greater chance of repeated injuries. Returning to sports too quickly can increase stress on healing tissues and delay recovery. Wearing shoes that provide proper support and addressing movement problems can help protect the feet and ankles during physical activity. Early podiatry care improves foot function, supports healthy movement, and helps patients return to their favorite activities with greater confidence. If you have sustained a sports-related foot and ankle injury, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for diagnosis and treatment.

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 Darron Barrus, DPM from Shelby Podiatry. Our doctor 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 contact our office located in Alabaster, AL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.