Traumatic Foot Injuries Can Be Complex

Traumatic foot injuries often involve sudden force, such as a fall, twist, or direct impact. These injuries may damage soft tissues like ligaments, tendons, and muscles, in addition to affecting bones and joints. Sprains, ruptured tendons, dislocations, and severe bruising are common examples. Unlike overuse injuries that develop gradually, traumatic injuries cause immediate pain and often lead to swelling, bruising, or an inability to bear weight. Because the foot contains many small bones and delicate structures, even a single injury can affect balance and mobility. Prompt treatment helps prevent long-term complications. A podiatrist can assess the severity, recommend imaging, if needed, and guide recovery through bracing or surgery, if required. If you have experienced a sudden injury and your foot remains painful or unstable, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for a full evaluation and appropriate treatment plan.

Foot and ankle trauma is common among athletes and the elderly. If you have concerns that you may have experienced trauma to the foot and ankle, consult with Wendy L. Grossman, DPM from New Jersey. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Foot and ankle trauma cover a range of injuries all over the foot; common injuries include:

  • Broken bones
  • Muscle strains
  • Injuries to the tendons and ligaments
  • Stress fractures

Symptoms

Symptoms of foot and ankle injuries vary depending on the injury, but more common ones include:

  • Bruising
  • Inflammation/ Swelling
  • Pain

Diagnosis

To properly diagnose the exact type of injury, podiatrists will conduct a number of different tests. Some of these include sensation and visual tests, X-rays, and MRIs. Medical and family histories will also be taken into account.

Treatment

Once the injury has been diagnosed, the podiatrist can than offer the best treatment options for you. In less severe cases, rest and keeping pressure off the foot may be all that’s necessary. Orthotics, such as a specially made shoes, or immobilization devices, like splints or casts, may be deemed necessary. Finally, if the injury is severe enough, surgery may be necessary.

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

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Types of Broken Toes

Broken toes can  range from simple cracks in the bone to more severe fractures that involve joint displacement or multiple bone fragments. These injuries often result from sudden trauma, such as dropping a heavy object on the foot or forcefully striking a hard surface. Common symptoms include sharp pain, swelling, bruising, and difficulty walking, especially if pressure on the affected toe causes discomfort. A toe that appears crooked or shortened compared to its neighbors may indicate a displaced fracture or dislocation.  A podiatrist will typically perform a thorough foot exam and may use  X-rays to confirm the type and severity of the fracture. If the bone is misaligned or severely broken, surgery may be needed to restore proper toe position and prevent long-term complications. If you have broken a toe, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam and suggested treatment options.

Broken toes may cause a lot of pain and should be treated as soon as possible. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Wendy L. Grossman, DPM from New Jersey. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Is a Broken Toe?

A broken toe occurs when one or more of the toe bones of the foot are broken after an injury. Injuries such as stubbing your toe or dropping a heavy object on it may cause a toe fracture.

Symptoms of a Broken Toe

  • Swelling
  • Pain (with/without wearing shoes)
  • Stiffness
  • Nail Injury

Although the injured toe should be monitored daily, it is especially important to have a podiatrist look at your toe if you have severe symptoms. Some of these symptoms include worsening or new pain that is not relieved with medication, sores, redness, or open wounds near the toe.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Bloomfield, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

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How a Podiatrist Diagnoses Gout

Gout is a form of arthritis caused by a buildup of uric acid crystals in the joints, often affecting the big toe. It can cause sudden, intense pain, redness, warmth, and swelling, making it difficult to walk or wear shoes. To diagnose gout, a podiatrist may recommend a blood test to check uric acid levels. However, high levels do not always mean gout, so joint fluid analysis is often more accurate. This involves drawing fluid from the affected joint to look for uric acid crystals under a microscope. Imaging tests like X-rays or ultrasounds may be used to rule out other conditions or to detect crystal buildup and joint damage. Once diagnosed, treatment for gout includes anti-inflammatory medications, dietary changes, and medications to lower uric acid. If you are dealing with toe pain that you suspect may be gout, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who can help you to manage this painful condition.

Gout is a foot condition that requires certain treatment and care. If you are seeking treatment, contact Wendy L. Grossman, DPM from New Jersey. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Is Gout?

Gout is a type of arthritis caused by a buildup of uric acid in the bloodstream. It often develops in the foot, especially the big toe area, although it can manifest in other parts of the body as well. Gout can make walking and standing very painful and is especially common in diabetics and the obese.

People typically get gout because of a poor diet. Genetic predisposition is also a factor. The children of parents who have had gout frequently have a chance of developing it themselves.

Gout can easily be identified by redness and inflammation of the big toe and the surrounding areas of the foot. Other symptoms include extreme fatigue, joint pain, and running high fevers. Sometimes corticosteroid drugs can be prescribed to treat gout, but the best way to combat this disease is to get more exercise and eat a better diet.

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

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What Can Cause Pain on the Outside of the Foot

Pain along the outer edge of the foot, also known as lateral foot pain, can result from a number of conditions. It may develop suddenly after an injury or gradually over time due to overuse or poor foot mechanics. Common causes include stress fractures, peroneal tendonitis, ankle sprains, and conditions like cuboid syndrome or arthritis. People with high arches or those who wear unsupportive footwear may be more prone to discomfort in this area. Symptoms can include aching, sharp pain, swelling, or instability during movement. Treatment depends on the cause but often includes rest, footwear changes, targeted exercises, or custom orthotics to improve alignment and reduce pressure. In some cases, imaging or further testing may be needed to confirm the diagnosis. If pain on the outside of your foot is interfering with your routine or is worsening, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with Wendy L. Grossman, DPM  from New Jersey. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Causes

Foot pain is a very broad condition that could be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

  • Bunions
  • Hammertoes
  • Plantar Fasciitis
  • Bone Spurs
  • Corns
  • Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
  • Ingrown Toenails
  • Arthritis (such as Gout, Rheumatoid, and Osteoarthritis)
  • Flat Feet
  • Injury (from stress fractures, broken toe, foot, ankle, Achilles tendon ruptures, and sprains)
  • And more

Diagnosis

To figure out the cause of foot pain, podiatrists utilize several different methods. This 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

Treatment depends upon the cause of the foot pain. Whether it is resting, staying off the foot, or having surgery; podiatrists have a number of treatment options available for foot pain.

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

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Keep Your Feet Healthy So You Can Stay Active

Have your feet inspected by a professional before starting a new sport or physical activity. Taking charge of your foot health will keep you in good physical condition and can help you avoid a potential injury, such as a fracture or sprained ankle.

Prevent injuries and see a foot specialist.

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