There are 26 bones in the foot and recognizing the symptoms of a broken bone is important for ensuring the overall health of your feet. A broken foot can be as simple as a small hairline fracture (such as a stress fracture), or it can be a severe break that tears or pierces the skin. The most common symptoms of a broken foot are pain, swelling, and bruising. Other common signs include a snapping or grinding sensation at the time of injury, difficulty or pain when moving the affected foot, inability to bear weight on the foot, tenderness from touching the injury, and difficulty walking. Telling the difference between a broken foot and a sprained foot can be difficult. That is why anyone who believes that they may have a broken foot should consult with a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis. A podiatrist will also be able to help provide the best treatment options for the broken bone.  

A broken foot requires immediate medical attention and treatment. If you need your feet checked, contact one of the chiropodists from The Footcare Centre. Our chiropodists can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Broken Foot Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

A broken foot is caused by one of the bones in the foot typically breaking when bended, crushed, or stretched beyond its natural capabilities. Usually the location of the fracture indicates how the break occurred, whether it was through an object, fall, or any other type of injury. 

Common Symptoms of Broken Feet:

• Bruising
• Pain
• Redness
• Swelling
• Blue in color
• Numbness
• Cold
• Misshapen
• Cuts
• Deformities

Those that suspect they have a broken foot shoot seek urgent medical attention where a medical professional could diagnose the severity.

Treatment for broken bones varies depending on the cause, severity and location. Some will require the use of splints, casts or crutches while others could even involve surgery to repair the broken bones. Personal care includes the use of ice and keeping the foot stabilized and elevated.

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

A change in the alignment of the bones in the foot may result in a bunion. Bunions appear as a bony protrusion that forms on the side of the big toe, and they can cause difficulty in walking. People who wear shoes that do not have adequate room for the toes to move freely in may see the beginning signs of a bunion developing. Additionally, bunions may happen from genetic reasons or from a foot abnormality at birth. The majority of bunions do not cause pain, despite the fact that they can gradually become larger. Research has indicated arthritis may cause the bunion and surrounding areas to become uncomfortable. Mild relief may be found when bunion pads are worn, and this can be effective if the bunion is small. Larger bunions may require surgery for permanent removal, and it is strongly suggested that you consult with a podiatrist who can determine if this is right for you.

If you are suffering from bunions, contact one of the chiropodists of The Footcare Centre. Our chiropodists can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is a Bunion?

A bunion is formed of swollen tissue or an enlargement of boney growth, usually located at the base joint of the toe that connects to the foot. The swelling occurs due to the bones in the big toe shifting inward, which impacts the other toes of the foot. This causes the area around the base of the big toe to become inflamed and painful.

Why Do Bunions Form?

Genetics – Susceptibility to bunions are often hereditary

Stress on the feet – Poorly fitted and uncomfortable footwear that places stress on feet, such as heels, can worsen existing bunions

How Are Bunions Diagnosed?

Podiatrists often perform two tests – blood tests and x-rays – when trying to diagnose bunions, especially in the early stages of development. Blood tests help determine if the foot pain is being caused by something else, such as arthritis, while x-rays provide a clear picture of your bone structure to your provider.

How Are Bunions Treated?

• Refrain from wearing heels or similar shoes that cause discomfort
• Select wider shoes that can provide more comfort and reduce pain
• Anti-inflammatory and pain management drugs
• Orthotics or foot inserts
• Surgery

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

Ingrown toenails are a common and sometimes painful condition in which the edges of a nail grow into the surrounding skin instead of over it. This leads to tenderness, swelling, redness, and pain. In some cases, the area can even become infected. One of the main causes of ingrown toenails is trimming the toenails incorrectly. When you trim your toenails, you should use a nail clipper rather than scissors. Trim the nails straight across and not too short. Though it may be tempting for aesthetic reasons, do not round the edges of your toenails with clippers, scissors, or a nail file. Rounded edges make ingrown nails more likely. To complement your properly trimmed toenails, wear comfortable shoes with a wide toe box. Tight, narrow, or pointy-toed shoes can squish the toes together and push the nails into the surrounding skin. To learn more about how to prevent ingrown toenails, please speak with a podiatrist. 

Ingrown toenails can become painful if they are not treated properly. For more information about ingrown toenails, contact one of the chiropodists of The Footcare Centre. Our chiropodists can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Ingrown Toenails

Ingrown toenails occur when a toenail grows sideways into the bed of the nail, causing pain, swelling, and possibly infection.

Causes

• Bacterial infections
• Improper nail cutting such as cutting it too short or not straight across
• Trauma to the toe, such as stubbing, which causes the nail to grow back irregularly
• Ill-fitting shoes that bunch the toes too close together
• Genetic predisposition

Prevention

Wearing proper fitting shoes and using proper cutting techniques will also help decrease your risk of developing ingrown toenails.

Treatment

Ingrown toenails are a very treatable foot condition. In minor cases, soaking the affected area in salt or antibacterial soaps will not only help with the ingrown nail itself, but also help prevent any infections from occurring. In more severe cases, surgery is an option. In either case, speaking to your podiatrist about this condition will help you get a better understanding of specific treatment options that are right for you.

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