A broken toe can cause enough pain to make walking and standing difficult. Breaks can happen after a hard stub, fall, or heavy object lands on the foot. Some fractures develop from repeated stress on the bone instead of one sudden injury. Pain and difficulty walking are key symptoms. A traumatic break can also cause throbbing, swelling, and bruising. Some patients hear a pop or crack when the injury occurs. However, being able to walk does not mean the toe is not broken.

Toe fractures range from small stress fractures to more serious breaks. A stress fracture is a tiny crack caused by repeated pressure on the bone. It can cause soreness after walking or running and tenderness when the area is touched. A displaced fracture occurs when the broken bone moves out of its normal position. The toe can look crooked, and severe injuries can break the skin. Broken toes and sprained toes can feel similar, so an accurate diagnosis matters. Most broken toes take about six to eight weeks to heal, although recovery varies by injury.

A podiatrist can examine an injured toe and determine whether symptoms point to a fracture. The evaluation can assess swelling, tenderness, and toe alignment. An X-ray can help confirm the break and show whether the bone has moved. Treatment depends on which toe is injured and how severe the fracture is. Options can include buddy taping, a rigid-sole shoe, or a walking boot. More serious fractures can require the bone to be repositioned or surgery to restore alignment. Proper treatment can lower the risk of lasting pain, reduced movement, or problems while walking. If you have broken your toe, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

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 David Mehl, DPM from New York. 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 offices located in Forest Hills, and Brooklyn, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Plantar fasciitis causes pain when the thick band of tissue along the bottom of the foot becomes irritated. This band, called the plantar fascia, supports the arch and helps the foot handle pressure. Pain is usually strongest near the heel and can feel sharp with the first steps after rest. Gentle foot exercises can loosen tight tissue, improve flexibility, and strengthen muscles that support the feet. Exercise should not cause increasing pain. Patients should stop an exercise that worsens symptoms and ask a podiatrist for guidance.

Several gentle stretches can improve flexibility in the plantar fascia and nearby muscles. Seated stretches that draw the toes toward the shin help loosen the tissue along the sole. Standing stretches can target the bottom of the foot while keeping the heel firmly on the floor. Calf stretches also reduce tightness that can place added strain on the plantar fascia. Each movement should be slow and controlled, without bouncing or forcing the foot into an uncomfortable position. A podiatrist can recommend suitable stretches and explain how frequently they should be performed.

Strengthening exercises help the foot manage stress more effectively. For heel raises, stand near a stable surface and slowly rise onto the toes. Pause, then lower the heels in a controlled motion. Start with a few repetitions and increase them gradually as comfort allows. A podiatrist can examine foot structure, walking patterns, and the location of pain. The podiatrist can also determine whether the exercises are appropriate and show the patient how to perform them safely. Treatment can include custom orthotics, supportive taping, or recommendations for shoes that provide proper support. These measures can reduce pressure on the plantar fascia while exercise improves strength and movement. If you have symptoms of plantar fasciitis, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Exercising your feet regularly with the proper foot wear is a great way to prevent injuries and build strength. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact David Mehl, DPM from New York. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Exercise for Your Feet

Exercise for your feet can help you gain strength, mobility and flexibility in your feet. They say that strengthening your feet can be just as rewarding as strengthening another part of the body. Your feet are very important, and we often forget about them in our daily tasks. But it is because of our feet that are we able to get going and do what we need to. For those of us fortunate enough to not have any foot problems, it is an important gesture to take care of them to ensure good health in the long run.

Some foot health exercises can include ankle pumps, tip-toeing, toe rises, lifting off the floor doing reps and sets, and flexing the toes. It is best to speak with Our doctor to determine an appropriate regimen for your needs. Everyone’s needs and bodies are different, and the activities required to maintain strength in the feet vary from individual to individual. 

Once you get into a routine of doing regular exercise, you may notice a difference in your feet and how strong they may become.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Forest Hills, and Brooklyn, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Pain in the ball of the foot develops when the area behind the toes bears too much pressure. Symptoms include burning, aching, or sharp pain. Tingling or numbness in the toes may also occur. The feeling that a small stone is trapped beneath the foot is common. Discomfort can build gradually and make standing, walking, or exercising difficult. Although the pain occurs in one area, several problems can cause it. A proper diagnosis is important because treatment should address the source of the pressure rather than the discomfort alone.

Possible causes include high-impact sports, excess body weight, and wearing shoes with a narrow toe box. High heels can shift body weight forward and place added stress on the forefoot. Arthritis, diabetes, or changes in foot shape can also contribute to pain. A bunion or hammertoe can alter how weight moves across the foot. Calluses, an irritated nerve, or a stress fracture may produce similar symptoms. Sudden severe pain, swelling, or an inability to bear weight requires prompt medical attention. Patients should also seek care when pain begins without an obvious injury or continues to limit normal activities.

A podiatrist can examine the foot, study how the patient walks, and locate areas of increased pressure. X-rays or other imaging can help identify bone injuries, joint changes, or soft-tissue problems. Based on the findings, treatment options include custom orthotics to improve weight distribution. A podiatrist can also recommend shoes with proper cushioning, support, and enough room for the toes. Padding or off-loading devices can reduce pressure on the painful area. In some cases, an injection can reduce inflammation and provide relief. Regular follow-up visits allow the podiatrist to check progress and adjust the treatment plan, as needed. If you have pain in the ball of the foot, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with David Mehl, DPM from New York. 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 offices located in Forest Hills, and Brooklyn, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Achilles tendon bursitis develops when a bursa becomes irritated near the back of the heel where the tendon attaches. The bursa, a small sac of fluid, helps reduce friction between the tendon and nearby tissues. When it becomes inflamed, pain and swelling can make walking and wearing shoes uncomfortable. Posterior Achilles tendon bursitis affects young women more frequently than other groups. One important risk factor is wearing high-heeled shoes. Another is a Haglund deformity, which is a bony bump on the back of the heel bone. Repeated rubbing between this bony area and the back of a shoe can irritate the bursa and lead to ongoing inflammation. Symptoms include redness, warmth, and tenderness near the back of the heel. 

A podiatrist diagnoses Achilles tendon bursitis by discussing symptoms and examining the back of the heel. The location of the pain and the presence of the tender lump help confirm the diagnosis. Imaging tests also help identify a Haglund deformity or rule out other causes of heel pain. Conditions affecting the Achilles tendon can cause similar discomfort, but they usually do not produce the soft lump that develops with bursitis. An accurate diagnosis is important because treatment depends on identifying the exact source of the pain.

Treatment focuses on reducing irritation surrounding the inflamed bursa and preventing further pressure against the heel. A podiatrist recommends shoes that fit properly and have lower heels. Custom orthotics can improve foot stability and reduce stress on the back of the heel while walking. Protective padding also helps reduce rubbing between the shoe and the irritated area. When symptoms continue despite conservative care, surgery to remove the bony prominence or inflamed tissue can be recommended. If you have Achilles tendon pain, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Achilles tendon injuries need immediate attention to avoid future complications. If you have any concerns, contact David Mehl, DPM of New York. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is the Achilles Tendon?

The Achilles tendon is a tendon that connects the lower leg muscles and calf to the heel of the foot. It is the strongest tendon in the human body and is essential for making movement possible. Because this tendon is such an integral part of the body, any injuries to it can create immense difficulties and should immediately be presented to a doctor.

What Are the Symptoms of an Achilles Tendon Injury?

There are various types of injuries that can affect the Achilles tendon. The two most common injuries are Achilles tendinitis and ruptures of the tendon.

Achilles Tendinitis Symptoms

• Inflammation
• Dull to severe pain
• Increased blood flow to the tendon
• Thickening of the tendon

Rupture Symptoms

• Extreme pain and swelling in the foot
• Total immobility

Treatment and Prevention

Achilles tendon injuries are diagnosed by a thorough physical evaluation, which can include an MRI. Treatment involves rest, physical therapy, and in some cases, surgery. However, various preventative measures can be taken to avoid these injuries, such as:

• Thorough stretching of the tendon before and after exercise
• Strengthening exercises like calf raises, squats, leg curls, leg extensions, leg raises, lunges, and leg presses

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Forest Hills, and Brooklyn, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.