The majority of broken toes are not serious, despite how uncomfortable they can be. The healing time is approximately six weeks, and daily activities may have to be temporarily altered. A broken toe can happen from stubbing it into a piece of furniture, or from dropping a heavy object on it. If the fracture is severe, a bone may protrude, and the affected area may become infected and bleed. Common symptoms that are often seen with this type of injury can include immediate swelling and bruising, and it can be difficult to walk. An effective treatment process is referred to as the buddy-taping method. This can be done by taping the broken toe to the toe next to it, which provides the necessary stability as the healing process begins. It can be beneficial to place a small piece of cotton or gauze between the toes, which may help to prevent irritated skin. If you have broken your toe, it is suggested that you confer with a podiatrist who can diagnose it and offer correction 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 Chukwuma Ukata, DPM from Advanced Carolina Foot and Ankle Center. 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 Garner, NC . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

The ankle is an essential part of the human foot because it can act as a shock absorber and help facilitate motion. However, the ankle can also be subject to a significant amount of pain, which can cause discomfort to patients. One reason why the ankle might be subject to pain is due to something called an avulsion fracture. An avulsion fracture is a condition that can occur when, at the ligamentous or tendinous attachment, a piece of a bone is drawn away. Avulsion fractures at the ankle can be caused by a traumatic traction, when the tendon can bear more load than the bone. If you are someone that has recently endured an avulsion fracture, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist immediately. 

Ankle pain can be caused by a number of problems and may be potentially serious. If you have ankle pain, consult with Chukwuma Ukata, DPM from Advanced Carolina Foot and Ankle Center. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Ankle pain is any condition that causes pain in the ankle. Due to the fact that the ankle consists of tendons, muscles, bones, and ligaments, ankle pain can come from a number of different conditions.

Causes

The most common causes of ankle pain include:

• Types of arthritis (rheumatoid, osteoarthritis, and gout)
• Ankle sprains
• Broken ankles
• Achilles tendinitis
• Achilles tendon rupture
• Stress fractures
• Bursitis
• Tarsal tunnel syndrome
• Plantar fasciitis

Symptoms

Symptoms of ankle injury vary based upon the condition. Pain may include general pain and discomfort, swelling, aching, redness, bruising, burning or stabbing sensations, and/or loss of sensation.

Diagnosis

Due to the wide variety of potential causes of ankle pain, podiatrists will utilize a number of different methods to properly diagnose ankle pain. This can include asking for personal and family medical histories and of any recent injuries. Further diagnosis may include sensation tests, a physical examination, and potentially x-rays or other imaging tests.

Treatment

Just as the range of causes varies widely, so do treatments. Some more common treatments are rest, ice packs, keeping pressure off the foot, orthotics and braces, medication for inflammation and pain, and surgery.

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

When shopping for running shoes, it can be quite easy for an individual to become overwhelmed by all of the different styles and potential options. It can therefore be helpful for an individual to be familiar with and well-versed in the different technical terms for elements of a running shoe. One important part of a running shoe is known as the tongue of the shoe. This part of the shoe serves several important functions. For example, the tongue essentially protects the upper part of the foot from the laces. The tongue typically runs to the toe area. There are two different types of tongues in running shoes. First, gusseted tongues connect to both sides of the foot. By contrast, a burrito tongue only connects to one side of the foot. If you are someone that is looking to purchase a good pair of running shoes, it is highly recommended that you contact a podiatrist who can help you meet all of your running shoe needs.

If you are a runner, wearing the right running shoe is essential. For more information, contact Chukwuma Ukata, DPM from Advanced Carolina Foot and Ankle Center. Our doctor 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 office located in Garner, NC . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

The bones in the toes can be easier to fracture than other bones. They are small in size and can be stubbed or jammed against a piece of furniture, often causing pain and discomfort. Additional forms of toe pain can include bunions, ingrown toenails, or the toe may become sprained from an injury. If the toe is thought to be broken or sprained, an X-ray is often performed, which is successful in determining which type of injury it may be. Prompt medical attention is generally sought for an ingrown toenail, and relief may come from partially or completely removing the nail. A bunion is a bony area that develops on the side of the big toe. It may feel better when larger shoes are worn, and a protective pad is worn over it. In severe cases, the bunion may cause the other toes to shift toward each other, and surgery may be a necessary treatment method for permanent removal. If you have toe pain for any reason, it is suggested that you seek the counsel of a podiatrist who can determine what the cause is, and treat it accordingly. 

Toe pain can disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, contact Chukwuma Ukata, DPM of Advanced Carolina Foot and Ankle Center. 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 feel free to contact our office located in Garner, NC . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Taking care of your toddler’s feet and helping them maintain proper foot health is one of the most important things that a parent can do. Caring for your toddler’s feet ensures that they can support your child as the child grows older. One important foot affliction to be on the lookout for in your child is known as athlete’s foot. Athlete’s foot is a fungal infection that can cause a red rash on the feet. Athlete’s foot is often spread between children in damp, warm, public places where children may walk around barefoot. For example, you might encourage your children not to walk around barefoot in their school’s gymnasium. Often, a case of athlete’s foot may be spread on the sides of public pools. Children will demonstrate blisters and red skin when they are affected by athlete’s foot. If you care about maintaining the health of your children, start by protecting against athlete’s foot. See a podiatrist for more information.

Athlete’s foot is an inconvenient condition that can be easily reduced with the proper treatment. If you have any concerns about your feet and ankles, contact Chukwuma Ukata, DPM from Advanced Carolina Foot and Ankle Center.  Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Athlete’s Foot: The Sole Story

Athlete's foot, also known as tinea pedis, can be an extremely contagious foot infection. It is commonly contracted in public changing areas and bathrooms, dormitory style living quarters, around locker rooms and public swimming pools, or anywhere your feet often come into contact with other people.

Solutions to Combat Athlete’s Foot

• Hydrate your feet by using lotion
• Exfoliate
• Buff off nails
• Use of anti-fungal products
• Examine your feet and visit your doctor if any suspicious blisters or cuts develop

Athlete’s foot can cause many irritating symptoms such as dry and flaking skin, itching, and redness. Some more severe symptoms can include bleeding and cracked skin, intense itching and burning, and even pain when walking. In the worst cases, Athlete’s foot can cause blistering as well. Speak to your podiatrist for a better understanding of the different causes of Athlete’s foot, as well as help in determining which treatment options are best for you.

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

A fracture is when a bone breaks or cracks. When it comes to the ankle, three different bones can be fractured: the tibia (the larger of the two bones in the lower leg), the fibula (the thinner of the two bones in the lower leg), and the talus (the wedge-shaped bone deep inside the ankle). The most common way an ankle can break involves a sharp twist of the ankle or a direct impact to the ankle, causing a fracture to one of the ankle bones. Athletes are at a high risk for ankle fractures. Such a fracture can be particularly dangerous if a bone pokes through the skin and is exposed to the air as the open wound allows bacteria to affect the broken bone and increases risk of infection. Symptoms of a broken ankle include pain, swelling, and bruising of the ankle joint. There will often be an inability to move the ankle normally and to bear weight on it. If you think you have fractured your ankle, see a podiatrist as soon as possible for a proper evaluation and treatment.

Broken ankles need immediate treatment. If you are seeking treatment, contact Chukwuma Ukata, DPM from Advanced Carolina Foot and Ankle Center. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet. 

Broken Ankles
A broken ankle is experienced when a person fractures their tibia or fibula in the lower leg and ankle area. Both of these bones are attached at the bottom of the leg and combine to form what we know to be our ankle.

When a physician is referring to a break of the ankle, he or she is usually referring to a break in the area where the tibia and fibula are joined to create our ankle joint. Ankles are more prone to fractures because the ankle is an area that suffers a lot of pressure and stress. There are some obvious signs when a person experiences a fractured ankle, and the following symptoms may be present.

Symptoms of a Fractured Ankle

• Excessive pain when the area is touched or when any pressure is placed on the ankle
•  Swelling around the area
•  Bruising of the area
• Area appears to be deformed

If you suspect an ankle fracture, it is recommended to seek treatment as soon as possible. The sooner you have your podiatrist diagnose the fracture, the quicker you’ll be on the way towards recovery.

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

Plantar fasciitis is a common foot affliction and source of heel pain. The condition is caused by inflammation of the plantar fascia, which is a band of tissue running along the arch of the foot. There are many ways that a podiatrist might recommend treating plantar fasciitis. For example, more conservative treatment options might include performing stretches/exercises, wearing a foot splint, wearing arch supports, or taking anti-inflammatory drugs. In other cases, effective treatment options might include shock wave therapy, which utilizes sound waves to stimulate the plantar fascia. A cortisone injection might even be attempted once to address cases of plantar fasciitis. In more severe cases, a surgical procedure might help treat a case of plantar fasciitis. If you have this foot condition, contact a podiatrist today.

Plantar fasciitis can be very painful and inconvenient. If you are experiencing heel pain or symptoms of plantar fasciitis, contact Chukwuma Ukata, DPM  from Advanced Carolina Foot and Ankle Center. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is the inflammation of the thick band of tissue that runs along the bottom of your foot, known as the plantar fascia, and causes mild to severe heel pain.

What Causes Plantar Fasciitis?

• Excessive running
• Non-supportive shoes
• Overpronation
• Repeated stretching and tearing of the plantar fascia

How Can It Be Treated?

• Conservative measures – anti-inflammatories, ice packs, stretching exercises, physical therapy, orthotic devices
• Shockwave therapy – sound waves are sent to the affected area to facilitate healing and are usually used for chronic cases of plantar fasciitis
• Surgery – usually only used as a last resort when all else fails. The plantar fascia can be surgically detached from the heel

While very treatable, plantar fasciitis is definitely not something that should be ignored. Especially in severe cases, speaking to your doctor right away is highly recommended to avoid complications and severe heel pain. Your podiatrist can work with you to provide the appropriate treatment options tailored to your condition.

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