A toe infection is an inflammatory condition that affects the tissues surrounding the toe, often resulting in pain, swelling, and redness. Common causes of toe infections are fungal and bacterial infections. Fungal infections, such as athlete's foot, thrive in warm, moist environments and can spread to the toenails, leading to discoloration and brittleness. Bacterial infections can arise from cuts, blisters, or ingrown toenails, leading to increased pain and pus formation. Diagnosing a toe infection typically involves a physical examination by a podiatrist, who may take a sample of any discharge for laboratory testing. Imaging studies might be used to assess the extent of the infection. If you are experiencing any of the above symptoms and feel you may have a toe infection, it is strongly suggested that you promptly consult a podiatrist who can effectively treat this condition.

Toe pain can disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, contact one of our podiatrists of Barry University Foot and Ankle Institute. Our doctors 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 feel free to contact our offices located in Miami, North Miami Beach, Miami Beach, and Tamarac, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Determining whether your foot is broken involves assessing several key symptoms. Pain is often the most immediate sign. A broken foot typically causes sharp, intense pain that worsens with movement. To gauge the severity, compare the injured foot to the uninjured one. Look for any visible deformities or misalignments, such as an unusual angle or protruding bone. Swelling is another common indicator, as a broken foot usually swells significantly around the injury site, sometimes accompanied by bruising. If you experience severe pain, noticeable changes in foot shape, or significant swelling, it is important to seek medical attention from a podiatrist, who can perform an X-ray or other imaging tests that can confirm a fracture and determine the appropriate treatment for recovery. If you have broken your foot, it is suggested that you confer with this type of doctor who can treat this condition.

A broken foot requires immediate medical attention and treatment. If you need your feet checked, contact one of our podiatrists from Barry University Foot and Ankle Institute. Our doctors 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 offices located in Miami, North Miami Beach, Miami Beach, and Tamarac, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Poor circulation in the legs and feet, often due to peripheral artery disease, or PAD, occurs when narrowed arteries reduce blood flow. Symptoms include coldness, numbness, tingling, cramping, or pain in the legs or feet, particularly while walking. The skin may appear pale or bluish, and slow-healing wounds or sores can develop on the lower extremities. Diagnosis involves a physical exam, checking pulses in the feet, and tests to measure blood pressure differences between the arms and legs. Ultrasound or angiography may also be used to evaluate blood flow. Treatment aims to improve circulation through lifestyle changes like exercise and managing conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure. Medications may be prescribed, and in severe cases, procedures to open or bypass blocked arteries are necessary. If you have symptoms of poor circulation in your feet, it is suggested that you visit a podiatrist who can help manage symptoms and prevent complications like foot ulcers or infections.

While poor circulation itself isn’t a condition; it is a symptom of another underlying health condition you may have. If you have any concerns with poor circulation in your feet contact one of our podiatrists of Barry University Foot and Ankle Institute. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Poor Circulation in the Feet

Peripheral artery disease (PAD) can potentially lead to poor circulation in the lower extremities. PAD is a condition that causes the blood vessels and arteries to narrow. In a linked condition called atherosclerosis, the arteries stiffen up due to a buildup of plaque in the arteries and blood vessels. These two conditions can cause a decrease in the amount of blood that flows to your extremities, therefore resulting in pain.

Symptoms

Some of the most common symptoms of poor circulation are:

• Numbness
• Tingling
• Throbbing or stinging pain in limbs
• Pain
• Muscle Cramps

Treatment for poor circulation often depends on the underlying condition that causes it. Methods for treatment may include insulin for diabetes, special exercise programs, surgery for varicose veins, or compression socks for swollen legs.

As always, see a podiatrist as he or she will assist in finding a regimen that suits you. A podiatrist can also prescribe you any needed medication. 

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Miami, North Miami Beach, Miami Beach, and Tamarac, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Wearing high heels can significantly impact the structure of your feet over time. These stylish shoes force the foot into an unnatural position, with the heel elevated and the toes pointed downward. This altered stance places excessive pressure on the forefoot, potentially leading to structural changes such as bunions, hammertoes, and increased risk of arthritis. The continuous use of high heels can shorten the Achilles tendon and weaken the calf muscles, affecting overall foot alignment and posture. Additionally, the lack of proper arch support in high heels can contribute to conditions like plantar fasciitis. If you have developed a foot condition from wearing high heels, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can help you with an effective treatment plan.

High heels have a history of causing foot and ankle problems. If you have any concerns about your feet or ankles, contact one of our podiatrists from Barry University Foot and Ankle Institute. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Effects of High Heels on the Feet

High heels are popular shoes among women because of their many styles and societal appeal.  Despite this, high heels can still cause many health problems if worn too frequently.

Which Parts of My Body Will Be Affected by High Heels?

• Ankle Joints
• Achilles Tendon – May shorten and stiffen with prolonged wear
• Balls of the Feet
• Knees – Heels cause the knees to bend constantly, creating stress on them
• Back – They decrease the spine’s ability to absorb shock, which may lead to back pain.  The vertebrae of the lower back may compress.

What Kinds of Foot Problems Can Develop from Wearing High Heels?

• Corns
• Calluses
• Hammertoe
• Bunions
• Morton’s Neuroma
• Plantar Fasciitis

How Can I Still Wear High Heels and Maintain Foot Health?

If you want to wear high heeled shoes, make sure that you are not wearing them every day, as this will help prevent long term physical problems.  Try wearing thicker heels as opposed to stilettos to distribute weight more evenly across the feet.  Always make sure you are wearing the proper shoes for the right occasion, such as sneakers for exercising.  If you walk to work, try carrying your heels with you and changing into them once you arrive at work.  Adding inserts to your heels can help cushion your feet and absorb shock. Full foot inserts or metatarsal pads are available. 

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Miami, North Miami Beach, Miami Beach, and Tamarac, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.