Houston (832) 673-0500
Sugar Land (281) 313-6300
Houston (832) 673-0500
Sugar Land (281) 313-6300
A broken toe might seem like a minor injury, but it can lead to significant complications if not properly treated. Untreated fractures can result in persistent pain, deformities, reduced mobility, and long-term difficulties in walking. Fractures that affect the big toe can lead to deformities and a restricted range of motion. Toe fractures that involve joint cartilage can cause traumatic osteoarthritis and further joint deformities. Surgery, although sometimes necessary, carries risks such as nerve damage and infection. Seeing a podiatrist promptly after a toe injury ensures that the fracture is correctly diagnosed and appropriately managed. A podiatrist can provide such treatment as casting or buddy taping, to keep the injured toe straight and immobilized while healing. Treatment for a broken toe typically involves a cast or tape to keep the toe straight and promote healing. Depending on the toe and the severity of the injury, it may take up to eight weeks for the fracture to heal. If you have broken a toe, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam, diagnosis, and treatment options.
A broken toe can be very painful and lead to complications if not properly fixed. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Dr. Sybil J. Fisher from Texas. 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
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 one of our offices located in Houston and Sugar Land, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
The forefoot is composed of five metatarsal bones and fourteen phalanges. Each toe has three phalanges except for the big toe which only has two. Our toes play an essential role to the walking process, which is why a broken toe could seriously disrupt one’s ability to move around. Toe fractures are common and can be very painful. Fortunately, these injuries rarely require surgery and usually heal with rest and a change in activity.
Broken toes typically result from a traumatic event such as falling, stubbing the toe, or dropping something on the toe. Traumatic toe fractures may be categorized as either minor or severe fractures. At times, one may hear a “pop” or “crack” sound when the bone breaks. Common symptoms of a traumatic toe fracture include pain, throbbing, bruising, swelling, and redness.
Another type of toe fractures is a stress fracture. These injuries usually appear in the form of small hairline breaks on the bone. Stress fractures develop after repetitive activity instead of a single injury. Stress fractures occur when the muscles in the bone become too weak to absorb impact. Consequently, the toe bone becomes vulnerable to any pressure and impact it endures. Symptoms for a stress fracture in the toe include swelling without bruising, tenderness to the touch, pain that goes away with rest, and pain after walking or running.
If you suspect that you have a broken toe, you should make an appointment with your podiatrist. He or she will likely diagnose you by performing a physical exam and an X-ray. Treatment for a broken toe may include the R.I.C.E. method, buddy taping, surgery, or antibiotics. The R.I.C.E. method (Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation) is a common treatment method for many injuries because it decreases pain. Buddy tapping involves wrapping the injured toe next to an adjacent toe to keep it supported and protected. These two methods have proven to be effective in the healing process for toe fractures. The estimated healing time for a broken toe is approximately four to six weeks. If the injury becomes infected or requires surgery, the estimated healing time may take eight weeks or more.
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Ankle fractures occur when one or more of the bones in the ankle, typically the tibia, fibula, or talus, break due to trauma or excessive stress. Common causes ican nclude sports injuries, falls, or accidents, where a sudden impact or twisting motion can lead to a fracture. Ankle fractures can range from minor hairline cracks to severe breaks that disrupt joint alignment. Symptoms of an ankle can fracture include severe pain, swelling, and difficulty in bearing weight. Immediate treatment involves immobilizing the ankle and seeking medical attention for a proper diagnosis through X-rays. Initial remedies for an ankle fracture include rest and elevation to manage swelling and pain. If you suspect an ankle fracture, it is strongly suggested that you contact a podiatrist for an appointment. They may recommend a cast or splint to immobilize the ankle, and in some cases, surgery may be required to realign the bones.
Broken ankles need immediate treatment. If you are seeking treatment, contact Dr. Sybil J. Fisher from Texas. 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
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 one of our offices located in Houston and Sugar Land, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
The ankle is a hinged synovial joint made up of three bones: the tibia (shin bone), the fibula (outer ankle bone), and the talus (between the heel and leg). These three bones are bound, supported, and stabilized by strong, fibrous bands of tissue called ligaments.
A break in an ankle bone can be either traumatic or stress related. This injury may be referred to as a break or fracture. A traumatic fracture can result from tripping, twisting or rolling the ankle, falling, or by blunt impact to the ankle. These traumatic ankle breaks usually occur during sporting activities or accidents. Stress fractures, however, occur over time and are the result of repetitive stress to the ankle. These fractures sometimes occur when a new activity that engages the ankle is introduced, or when the level of activity is abruptly increased or intensified.
There are various symptoms that accompany an ankle break. The most significant symptoms are pain and swelling that occurs in the ankle and sometimes spreads up from the foot to below the knee. Bruising or discoloration may develop eventually. It will be difficult or even impossible to put weight on the affected foot, and in severe cases there may be a visible deformity or even exposed bone.
It is very important to seek immediate treatment when an ankle break occurs or is suspected to have occurred, in order to allow the bone to properly heal and to avoid future complications such as stiff joints, limited range of motion, and osteoarthritis.
To diagnose a broken ankle, your podiatrist will first ask you to explain how the injury occurred and what your symptoms are. They will perform a thorough examination, checking for damage to nerves, blood vessels, and other structures around the injury site. They will also test your range of motion. An X-ray will need to be reviewed and, in some cases, an MRI or CT scan may be necessary.
Proper treatment of a broken ankle will depend on where and how severe the break is, how stable the ankle is, and whether the bone is displaced (misaligned or separated) or non-displaced (broken yet still aligned properly).
Mild fractures (where the bone is non-displaced) may be treated by resting, icing, and elevating the ankle at first, followed by immobilization with a cast or walking boot. Pain and inflammation may be treated with acetaminophen. More severe or complicated fractures where bones or joints are displaced may require surgery.
Recovery time will also vary, and it may take 4-6 weeks or longer for a broken ankle to heal. Your podiatrist will most likely order progressive X-rays or stress tests to be taken in order to monitor the healing process.
Foot issues in older adults are often linked to frailty and decreased motor performance, significantly impacting their quality of life. Common problems include arthritis, bunions, calluses, and reduced foot flexibility, leading to pain and difficulty walking. These issues can increase the fear of falling, contributing to reduced mobility and independence. A podiatrist can perform a gait analysis and balance assessment to identify specific problems. Customized orthotics, proper footwear recommendations, and targeted exercises can improve stability and alleviate pain. If you are elderly or taking care of an older person, it is suggested that you schedule regular podiatric visits to help maintain foot health, enhance mobility, and reduce the risk of falls.
If you need your feet checked, contact Dr. Sybil J. Fisher of Texas. Our doctor will attend to all of your foot and ankle needs and provide you with quality treatment.
Geriatrics and Podiatry
When people age, some common issues that may occur are bone density loss, dry skin, poor circulation, and rough brittle nails. These issues may also affect your foot health if the necessary steps are not taken to alleviate the problems.
It is important to take care of your feet because feet that are injured or diseased can affect your overall health. Having painful feet hinders your ability to do daily activities or may decrease your willingness to do the things that you need to do.
Visiting Your Geriatrician
As we age, health problems become more likely, so it is essential to visit your doctor for check-ups to ensure that you are doing the best you can to take care of your health. It is recommended to check your feet frequently for any possible cuts, bruises, swelling, corns or any other irregularities.
Taking Care of Elderly Feet
Cracked or dry feet can be treated by applying moisturizer often. It is also important not to wear old socks because the older the sock is, the higher the possibility there will be that there is bacteria there. Wear fresh socks and make sure they fit properly.
Proper foot health means that you can have a more active lifestyle and you will not be bogged down by pain. Foot health also leads to good circulation, which is paramount for overall health.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Houston and Sugar Land, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.
Bone density loss, dry skin, poor circulation, and rough and brittle nails are some of the common problems that can occur as people age. The effect that these problems has on foot health should be of particular concern in comprehensive geriatric care.
Feet that are diseased or injured have a negative effect on overall health and safety. Painful feet limit a person’s willingness and ability to stay active. Poor foot health can also cause gait change, which can lead to falls and accidents. Even though recovery time from health problems naturally slows as we age, many foot problems can be avoided altogether with regular prophylactic care.
Feet should be thoroughly washed in warm water daily. Care must be taken to dry the feet well, making sure to dry between and under the toes. Any left-over moisture can cause problems like foot fungus. After cleaning feet carefully check for problems such as cracked skin, bruises, swelling, cuts, corns, or other irregularities.
Examine toenails for ingrown, jagged, or split nails. Long toenails should be cut straight across. Never cut toenails at an angle or down the side as this may lead to ingrown nails.
Cracked and dry feet should be treated once or twice a day with a non-greasy moisturizer. Rub the moisturizer into the skin and allow it to dry before putting on socks and shoes. Sweaty feet can be dusted with a small amount of talcum powder. Avoid putting talcum directly into shoes as this may make feet slip within the shoe and cause a serious fall.
Wear clean dry socks each day. Not only do clean socks feel better on the feet, but socks worn for longer periods may harbor disease and odor-causing bacteria. Socks should not be tight around the top as they can leave marks on the leg. Socks that are too small can bring about bruising caused by pressure against the toes.
Wear comfortable and well-fitting shoes. If possible, consult a professional footwear specialist when purchasing shoes. Do not walk around barefoot as this exposes the feet to possible injury and bacteria.
Good foot health allows a more active lifestyle, which improves blood flow. Good circulation aids in recovery from injury or illness. It is also important for maintaining overall health.
Serious health problems can manifest themselves as symptoms in the feet. The elderly should seek professional help from a podiatrist if experiencing foot problems like tingling, numbness, pain, infection, or a sore that does not heal. Taking care of these problems right away can prevent the development of severe cases.
Finding the right shoes for your child can be a real challenge, especially with their feet constantly growing and changing. To ensure a proper fit, start by checking for wiggle room at the front of the shoe. Aim for about half an inch between the tip of your child’s longest toe and the end of the shoe to allow for comfortable toe movement. Next, focus on the width by examining the widest part of the foot, making sure there’s no bulging or squeezing of the pinky toe, which indicates the shoe is too narrow. Finally, assess the heel fit by sliding your finger between the back of the shoe around your child’s heel. If you can fit more than one or two fingers, the shoe may be too wide. Properly fitting shoes are important for your child’s comfort and foot health. For more information about how to find the right shoes for your child, it is suggested you make an appointment with a podiatrist.
The health of a child’s feet is vital to their overall well-being. If you have any questions regarding foot health, contact Dr. Sybil J. Fisher of Texas. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
Tips for Keeping Children's Feet Healthy
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Houston and Sugar Land, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
Being a parent involves caring for your child in every way you can. You make sure they are eating the right food, being nice to others, and staying out of any trouble. However, it is also important that you are watchful of their health, more specifically their foot health. Maintaining good foot health in childhood is important in preventing later conditions in life from happening. As children continue to develop, their feet require different techniques of care. Here are some various ways in which you can help your child’s feet stay healthy.
A baby needs a lot of care and attention overall, but the importance of their feet should never be forgotten. Before a baby turns one, their feet change and develop greatly. It is important that during this time, a mother avoids putting tight socks on their child. She should also encourage movement of their feet so the baby can begin to feel more comfortable using them.
As a baby enters the toddler years of his or her life, they are begin to walk around. When your baby begins to take those first steps, it is crucial that they are wearing protective shoes on their feet. As a mother that is observant of your child’s feet, you may notice changes in them. This is completely normal as the feet are becoming susceptible to the activity of walking. It is normal for a toddler to be a bit unsteady or to “walk funny” at first.
When your child grows out of their toddler years, it is important that you begin to show him or her how to care for their feet on their own. Practice with your child proper hygiene in order to prevent foot fungus or infection. Since children are constantly on the move, it is crucial to be cautious of any accidents or injuries that might occur. If an injury occurs, it is advised that you take your child to be examined by a doctor immediately. Since your child is still growing, particular injuries can shift the way in which a bone or other important part of the foot is developing.
Babies and kids are always changing and growing. Your job as a parent is to make sure they stay healthy and making sure they are properly maintained. This involves proper foot care and making sure the feet stay healthy. Following this guide, your child can live a long and happy life.
Diabetes can lead to serious complications, including damage to the feet. One common sign is persistent pain, often described as sharp or tingling, which may indicate nerve damage, also known as neuropathy. Another symptom is a burning sensation, particularly in the feet, which can worsen at night. Swelling is also a concern, as it may signal poor circulation or fluid retention, both common in diabetic patients. Changes in skin color, ranging from pale to red or blue, can indicate reduced blood flow or infection. These signs should not be ignored, as diabetic foot damage can lead to ulcers, infections, and in severe cases, amputation. Regular foot inspections, maintaining healthy blood sugar levels, wearing proper footwear, and seeking immediate medical attention for any concerning symptoms are vital steps in managing and preventing diabetic foot complications. If you have diabetes, it is suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can help you to manage this condition.
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 Dr. Sybil J. Fisher from Texas. 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
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 one of our offices located in Houston and Sugar Land, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
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