Patients who have endured a broken toe often notice daily activities can be difficult to accomplish. Many people fracture their toe from trauma, such as dropping something heavy on it, or by stubbing it against a piece of furniture. The symptoms often experienced with this type of injury include severe pain and discomfort, swelling, and the affected area may appear to be bruised. Minor fractures can be treated effectively by using the buddy taping method. This consists of taping the broken toe to the toe next to it, and this is often helpful in providing the necessary support as the healing process begins. It is beneficial to rest and elevate the affected foot, and this may help to diminish any existing swelling. If you have broken your toe, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist, who can perform a proper diagnosis and begin the best course of treatment.

A broken toe can be very painful and lead to complications if not properly fixed. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Paula F. Angelini, DPM from Board Certified Foot Care. 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 offices located in Attleboro, Foxborough, Southborough, and Sudbury, MA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Fungal infections are a frequent problem for people with active lifestyles, and one of the most well-known is commonly called athlete’s foot. This condition often develops in warm, damp spaces such as gym locker rooms, community showers, or inside shoes that trap moisture. The infection usually begins between the toes and may cause itching, burning, redness, or peeling skin. In some cases, the problem can spread to the toenails, creating thickened or brittle nails that are harder to treat. Preventive steps include wearing breathable socks, rotating shoes to let them dry fully, and never walking barefoot in public facilities. Mild antifungal creams often bring relief, but stubborn or recurrent cases may require prescription medication. If you notice ongoing irritation or scaling on your feet that does not improve, it is suggested that you seek care from a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and appropriate treatment, which may include prescribed medication.

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 Paula F. Angelini, DPM from Board Certified Foot Care.  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 offices located in Attleboro, Foxborough, Southborough, and Sudbury, MA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Peripheral artery disease, or PAD, is a condition in which the arteries that supply blood to the limbs become narrowed or blocked, reducing circulation. Causes include atherosclerosis, smoking, diabetes, high blood pressure, and elevated cholesterol. PAD often affects the feet, leading to slow healing, cold or discolored skin, and increased risk of infections or ulcers. Symptoms may include leg pain, cramping, numbness, or tingling, particularly during activity. Risk factors include age, sedentary lifestyle, and cardiovascular disease. A podiatrist can monitor foot health, provide treatments to improve circulation, and prevent complications. If you have symptoms of PAD, it is strongly suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can help you manage this condition.

Peripheral artery disease can pose a serious risk to your health. It can increase the risk of stroke and heart attack. If you have symptoms of peripheral artery disease, consult with Paula F. Angelini, DPM from Board Certified Foot Care. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is when arteries are constricted due to plaque (fatty deposits) build-up. This results in less blood flow to the legs and other extremities. The main cause of PAD is atherosclerosis, in which plaque builds up in the arteries.

Symptoms

Symptoms of PAD include:

• Claudication (leg pain from walking)
• Numbness in legs
• Decrease in growth of leg hair and toenails
• Paleness of the skin
• Erectile dysfunction
• Sores and wounds on legs and feet that won’t heal
• Coldness in one leg

It is important to note that a majority of individuals never show any symptoms of PAD.

Diagnosis

While PAD occurs in the legs and arteries, Podiatrists can diagnose PAD. Podiatrists utilize a test called an ankle-brachial index (ABI). An ABI test compares blood pressure in your arm to you ankle to see if any abnormality occurs. Ultrasound and imaging devices may also be used.

Treatment

Fortunately, lifestyle changes such as maintaining a healthy diet, exercising, managing cholesterol and blood sugar levels, and quitting smoking, can all treat PAD. Medications that prevent clots from occurring can be prescribed. Finally, in some cases, surgery may be recommended.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Attleboro, Foxborough, Southborough, and Sudbury, MA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

The medical condition that is known as plantar fasciitis can often cause severe pain and discomfort. It affects the heel and arch of the foot, and it may be difficult to walk. The plantar fascia is identified as a portion of tissue that is found on the bottom of the foot, and connects the heel to the toes. Research has indicated there are specific stretches that can be performed which may help to strengthen the plantar fascia. These can consist of sitting on the floor and placing a towel around the bottom of the foot while gently pulling the feet close towards the body. Stretching the calf muscles may help to relieve pain that can originate from plantar fasciitis. This is accomplished by standing on a step, and raising and lowering one heel at a time. If you would like additional information about how stretches may help plantar fasciitis, please consult with a podiatrist.

Plantar fasciitis is a common foot condition that is often caused by a strain injury. If you are experiencing heel pain or symptoms of plantar fasciitis, contact Paula F. Angelini, DPM from Board Certified Foot Care. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common causes of heel pain. The plantar fascia is a ligament that connects your heel to the front of your foot. When this ligament becomes inflamed, plantar fasciitis is the result. If you have plantar fasciitis you will have a stabbing pain that usually occurs with your first steps in the morning. As the day progresses and you walk around more, this pain will start to disappear, but it will return after long periods of standing or sitting.

What Causes Plantar Fasciitis?

• Excessive running
• Having high arches in your feet
• Other foot issues such as flat feet
• Pregnancy (due to the sudden weight gain)
• Being on your feet very often

There are some risk factors that may make you more likely to develop plantar fasciitis compared to others. The condition most commonly affects adults between the ages of 40 and 60. It also tends to affect people who are obese because the extra pounds result in extra stress being placed on the plantar fascia.

Prevention

• Take good care of your feet – Wear shoes that have good arch support and heel cushioning.
• Maintain a healthy weight
• If you are a runner, alternate running with other sports that won’t cause heel pain

There are a variety of treatment options available for plantar fasciitis along with the pain that accompanies it. Additionally, physical therapy is a very important component in the treatment process. It is important that you meet with your podiatrist to determine which treatment option is best for you.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Attleboro, Foxborough, Southborough, and Sudbury, MA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.