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A broken pinky toe typically occurs due to trauma or injury, such as stubbing the toe on furniture, dropping something heavy on the foot, or participating in high-impact sports. The force from these events can cause the bone to crack or break. Symptoms of a broken pinky toe include pain, swelling, bruising, and difficulty moving the toe. In some cases, the toe may appear misaligned. Treatment for a broken pinky toe usually involves rest and elevation to reduce swelling. A buddy taping method, where the injured toe is taped to the adjacent toe for stability, may be used. In more severe cases, where the toe is significantly displaced, a podiatrist may need to realign the bones or, in rare cases, use a cast. If you have fractured your pinky toe, it is suggested that you contract a podiatrist who can offer you effective treatment remedies.

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 Deborah Holte, DPM from Northeast Missouri Foot Clinic. 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 Kirksville, MO . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Bruised heels, often resulting from repeated impact or sudden injury, cause significant discomfort and can hinder daily activities. This pain typically stems from overuse, such as prolonged standing, running, or wearing unsupportive footwear on hard surfaces. Activities that place high pressure on the heel’s fat pad, such as jumping or high-impact sports, can also lead to bruising. In some cases, a direct injury, such as landing awkwardly, may cause trauma to the heel’s soft tissues. For treatment, rest and reducing weight-bearing activities are essential to allow healing. A podiatrist can assess the severity of the bruise, recommend supportive orthotics, and provide guidance on footwear. If you have a bruised heel, it is suggested that you visit this type of doctor for appropriate care.

Many people suffer from bouts of heel pain. For more information, contact Deborah Holte, DPM of Northeast Missouri Foot Clinic. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Causes of Heel Pain

Heel pain is often associated with plantar fasciitis. The plantar fascia is a band of tissues that extends along the bottom of the foot. A rip or tear in this ligament can cause inflammation of the tissue.

Achilles tendonitis is another cause of heel pain. Inflammation of the Achilles tendon will cause pain from fractures and muscle tearing. Lack of flexibility is also another symptom.

Heel spurs are another cause of pain. When the tissues of the plantar fascia undergo a great deal of stress, it can lead to ligament separation from the heel bone, causing heel spurs.

Why Might Heel Pain Occur?

• Wearing ill-fitting shoes                  
• Wearing non-supportive shoes
• Weight change           
• Excessive running

Treatments

Heel pain should be treated as soon as possible for immediate results. Keeping your feet in a stress-free environment will help. If you suffer from Achilles tendonitis or plantar fasciitis, applying ice will reduce the swelling. Stretching before an exercise like running will help the muscles. Using all these tips will help make heel pain a condition of the past.

If you have any questions please contact our office located in Kirksville, MO . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Plantar fibromatosis, also known as Ledderhose disease, is a condition characterized by the growth of benign nodules or lumps in the connective tissue of the foot. These nodules form along the plantar fascia, the thick band of tissue that supports the arch of the foot. The primary symptoms of plantar fibromatosis include pain, discomfort, and the visible appearance of lumps on the bottom of the foot. In some cases, the lumps may become large enough to limit movement or cause difficulty walking. The exact cause of the condition is not fully understood, although genetics may play a role, as it tends to run in families. Other factors such as trauma or repeated injury to the foot may also contribute. If you have developed nodules on the sole of your foot, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can offer a proper diagnosis and effective relief tips.

A plantar fibroma may disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, contact Deborah Holte, DPM of Northeast Missouri Foot Clinic. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Plantar Fibroma

A plantar fibroma is a fibrous knot in the arch of the foot. It is embedded in the plantar fascia which is a band of tissue that extends from the heel to the toes along the bottom of the foot. There can be multiple plantar fibromas in the feet at the same time. There are no known causes for this condition. If you have a plantar fibroma, there will be a bump in the arch of your foot that cannot be missed. Any associated pain is most often due to a shoe rubbing against the nodule. Non-surgical options, such as steroid injections, physical therapy, and orthotics should be tried first. Surgery is a last resort and is the only thing that will remove a plantar fibroma entirely. Consult with a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and to determine the treatment regimen that is right for you.

What Causes a Plantar Fibroma?

While there are no specific causes identified, a plantar fibroma can possibly come from genetic predisposition or the formation of scar tissue that forms from healing the tears in the plantar fascia.

What Are the Symptoms of a Plantar Fibroma?

There will be a noticeable lump in the arch of the foot that may or may not cause pain. If pain is felt, it is typically because a shoe is rubbing up against the lump or when walking or standing barefoot.

Treatment and Prevention

A plantar fibroma will not disappear without treatment, but it can get smaller and be a non-issue. If pain persists, a podiatrist examines the foot and when the arch of the foot is pressed, pain can be felt down to the toes. An MRI or biopsy might be performed to help diagnose or evaluate the plantar fibroma. The following non-surgical options are generally enough to reduce the size and pain of these nodules:

• Steroid injections
• Orthotics
• Physical therapy to help apply anti-inflammatory creams on the bump 

Surgery is considered if the mass increases in size and the patient continues to feel pain after non-surgical methods are tried.

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