November 2022

A broken pinky toe is a fracture of the smallest toe on the foot. This can happen from direct impact by either dropping something on the toe or stubbing it against a hard object. The fracture of this toe usually occurs at its base. When one has broken their baby toe, swelling often occurs. There may be a snapping or grinding noise when the toe breaks, the toe may appear crooked, there might be bruising, and it will likely hurt. If there is an open wound when the toe breaks, one should seek immediate medical attention. Rest and taping the broken toe to the toe next to it may be all that is necessary. However, if these simple treatments do not relieve the symptoms, or they seem to be getting worse, it is suggested to consult with a podiatrist who can examine the toe and recommend further treatment as appropriate.

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 the practitioners from Foot Care Institute. Our practitioners 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 Windsor, ON . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Handball has evolved into a sport with increased speed, intensity, and force, which leads to more injuries. The most common foot injuries resulting from playing handball include sprained ankles and heel pain. When jumping and landing wrong on the foot while playing handball, one can easily get a sprained ankle. The foot can fold inward, which can lead to a rupture or tear of the ligament on the outside of the foot. Among other things, this can happen if a previous ankle sprain has not adequately healed, there is reduced coordination and balance in the ankle, or one is training on uneven surfaces. If one has sprained their ankle, they are likely to feel pain and experience swelling, especially on the outside of the ankle, and have reduced mobility. Similarly, heel pain can occur from overstraining the heel area. This can happen if there is insufficient rest and recovery after playing handball or one is over-exerting themselves, particularly for their age. One might feel pain during and after playing handball when pressure is put on the heel after a period of rest, and sensitivity is around the heel bone. If you play handball and experience foot or ankle pain, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist who can diagnose the problem and provide treatment options.

Ankle and foot injuries are common among athletes and in many sports. They can be caused by several problems and may be potentially serious. If you are feeling pain or think you were injured in a sporting event or when exercising, consult with the practitioners from Foot Care Institute. Our practitioners will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Common Injuries

The most common injuries that occur in sporting activities include:

• Achilles Tendonitis
• Achilles Tendon Rupture
• Ankle Sprains
• Broken Foot
• Plantar Fasciitis
• Stress Fractures
• Turf Toe

Symptoms

Symptoms vary depending upon the injury and in some cases, there may be no symptoms at all. However, in most cases, some form of symptom is experienced. Pain, aching, burning, bruising, tenderness, tightness or stiffness, sensation loss, difficulty moving, and swelling are the most common symptoms.

Treatment

Just as symptoms vary depending upon the injury, so do treatment options. A common treatment method is known as the RICE method. This method involves rest, applying ice, compression and elevating the afflicted foot or ankle. If the injury appears to be more serious, surgery might be required, such as arthroscopic or reconstructive surgery. Lastly, rehabilitation or therapy might be needed to gain full functionality in the afflicted area. Any discomfort experienced by an athlete must be evaluated by a licensed, reputable medical professional.  

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

Many people who have toenail fungus are self-conscious about their feet. It is an unsightly foot condition and can cause patients to avoid wearing shoes that have an open toe. The medical term for this ailment is onychomycosis, and it is a fungal infection of the toenail. There are symptoms that gradually develop and can become quite obvious. These can include yellowed and thickened toenails, and in severe cases, the nail may fall off. The big toe is generally the first toe to be affected, and may spread to the other toes if treatment is not received. The fungus that causes this condition lives in warm environments and can enter the body through small cuts in the skin on the feet. People who have diabetes, a weakened immune system, or poor blood circulation may be prone to getting toenail fungus, and it is important to seek prompt medical attention when the first symptoms appear on the nail. If you are afflicted with this condition, it is suggested that you seek the counsel of a podiatrist who can prescribe the necessary medication for the removal of this fungus.

For more information about treatment, contact the practitioners of Foot Care Institute. Our practitioners can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Toenail Fungus Treatment

Toenail fungus is a condition that affects many people and can be especially hard to get rid of. Fortunately, there are several methods to go about treating and avoiding it.

Antifungals & Deterrence

Oral antifungal medicine has been shown to be effective in many cases. It is important to consult with a podiatrist to determine the proper regiment for you, or potentially explore other options.

Applying foot powder on the feet and shoes helps keep the feet free of moisture and sweat.

Sandals or open toed shoes – Wearing these will allow air movement and help keep feet dry. They also expose your feet to light, which fungus cannot tolerate. Socks with moisture wicking material also help as well.

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

People who have foot pain at the end of the work day often realize it can be from the shoes they wear or from an inadequate work environment. There are some professions that require their employees to wear high heels, and this can have a negative impact on the feet and other areas of the body. If these types of shoes are mandatory to wear, it is beneficial to stretch the calves and toes as often as possible. Additionally, the feet can feel better when shoes that have a lower heel are worn while not working, which can give the feet and body a chance to rest. Research has shown that wearing incorrect footwear during the workday can lead to falling, and the sole of the foot may become cut or punctured. Shoes that are made of synthetic materials can cause the feet to sweat excessively, which may lead to developing a fungal infection. Many people find it helpful to keep a spare pair of shoes at work, and these can be changed when the feet begin to ache. If you would like more information about what type of shoes to wear at work that can prevent foot pain, please speak with a podiatrist. 

While working on the feet, it is important to take the proper care of them. For more information about working on your feet, contact the practitioners from Foot Care Institute. Our practitioners will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Working on Your Feet

Standing on your feet for long periods of time can cause stress and pain in your feet. Your whole body may experience change in terms of posture, back pain, bunions, callouses and or plantar warts. There are ways to avoid these conditions with proper foot care, smart choices and correct posture.

Positive Changes

Negative heeled shoe – Choosing this shoe type places the heel slightly lower than the ball of the foot. These are great for overall foot health. Find shoes that fit you correctly.

Go barefoot – Our feet were not designed to be enclosed for all hours of the day. Try to periodically expose your feet to air.

Eliminate Pain

Foot Exercises – Performing simple exercises, incorporating yoga and doing stretches are beneficial. This will allow increased blood flow to the area and muscles of the foot.

Achilles tendon – Stretching the foot out flat on the floor will relax the calf muscles and tendon. These exercises can be performed almost anywhere. Make sure you add these exercises to your daily regimen. 

With a little bit of this information and knowing more about foot health, you will notice changes. Foot stretches and proper footwear will help with pain and prevent further issues.

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

A hammertoe is a type of toe deformity that affects the smaller toes, causing the joint to form a peak in the middle instead of lying flat. This peak then rubs against the inside of a shoe, causing pressure that results in pain. The longer you wait to address the issue of a hammertoe, the worse it gets and the more difficult it is to correct. In the early stages, the toe joint may still be flexible. Non-surgical treatment, such as wearing a protective pad or changing the type of shoes worn, can often keep the pain at bay. However, as the hammertoe progresses, the joint becomes more rigid and may require surgery to correct it. Hammertoe is usually caused by an imbalance in the muscle and tendon that leads to the bending of the toe. A hammertoe can be made worse by wearing shoes that do not fit properly or that force the toes into a cramped position. Sometimes a hammertoe is hereditary or caused by trauma. For more information about how to get relief from a hammertoe, please consult a podiatrist.

Hammertoes can be a painful condition to live with. For more information, contact the practitioners of Foot Care Institute. Our practitioners will answer any of your foot- and ankle-related questions.

Hammertoe

Hammertoe is a foot deformity that occurs due to an imbalance in the muscles, tendons, or ligaments that normally hold the toe straight. It can be caused by the type of shoes you wear, your foot structure, trauma, and certain disease processes.

Symptoms

• Painful and/or difficult toe movement
• Swelling
• Joint stiffness
• Calluses/Corns
• Physical deformity

Risk Factors

• Age – The risk of hammertoe increases with age
• Sex – Women are more likely to have hammertoe compared to men
• Toe Length – You are more likely to develop hammertoe if your second toe is longer than your big toe
• Certain Diseases – Arthritis and diabetes may make you more likely to develop hammertoe

Treatment

If you have hammertoe, you should change into a more comfortable shoe that provides enough room for your toes. Exercises such as picking up marbles may strengthen and stretch your toe muscles. Nevertheless, it is important to seek assistance from a podiatrist in order to determine the severity of your hammertoe and see which treatment option will work best for you.

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