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Common Causes and Care for a Broken Pinky Toe

A broken pinky toe is a frequent injury because this small outer toe is especially vulnerable to being stubbed against furniture or crushed during daily activities. Its position on the edge of the foot leaves it less protected from direct impact. Common symptoms include sharp pain, swelling, bruising, tenderness, and difficulty bearing weight. In some mild cases, taping the injured toe to the adjacent toe may provide support, but proper evaluation is important to confirm alignment and rule out complications. Risk factors include participation in sports, walking barefoot, environmental problems, like poor lighting, and reduced bone strength. A podiatrist can diagnose the fracture, recommend appropriate treatment, and guide healing. If you have injured or broken your pinky toe, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can effectively treat this condition.

A broken toe can be very painful and lead to complications if not properly fixed. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact one of our podiatrists from Family Foot and Ankle Care of Moriches. Our doctors 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

  • Throbbing pain
  • Swelling
  • Bruising on the skin and toenail
  • The inability to move the toe
  • Toe appears crooked or disfigured
  • Tingling or numbness in the 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 our offices located in Moriches and Shirley, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

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The Strength of a Dancer’s Ankle

A dancer's ankle is a remarkable structure that provides strength, flexibility, and control while supporting the entire body on tip toes. During movements such as en pointe and plie, the ankle, forefoot, and midfoot must work together with exceptional coordination and stability. Dancers require extra range of motion in the forefoot and midfoot to achieve proper alignment and graceful extension. At peak activity, up to three times body weight can pass through the feet, placing significant stress on bones, ligaments, and tendons. Without proper conditioning and alignment, overuse injuries may develop. A podiatrist can assess biomechanics, recommend supportive care, and guide injury prevention strategies. If you have injured your foot or ankle while dancing, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can offer effective relief and treatment solutions.

If you have any concerns about your feet, contact one of our podiatrists from Family Foot and Ankle Care of Moriches. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Biomechanics in Podiatry

Podiatric biomechanics is a particular sector of specialty podiatry with licensed practitioners who are trained to diagnose and treat conditions affecting the foot, ankle and lower leg. Biomechanics deals with the forces that act against the body, causing an interference with the biological structures. It focuses on the movement of the ankle, the foot and the forces that interact with them.

A History of Biomechanics

  • Biomechanics dates back to the BC era in Egypt where evidence of professional foot care has been recorded.
  • In 1974, biomechanics gained a higher profile from the studies of Merton Root, who claimed that by changing or controlling the forces between the ankle and the foot, corrections or conditions could be implemented to gain strength and coordination in the area.

Modern technological improvements are based on past theories and therapeutic processes that provide a better understanding of podiatric concepts for biomechanics. Computers can provide accurate information about the forces and patterns of the feet and lower legs.

Understanding biomechanics of the feet can help improve and eliminate pain, stopping further stress to the foot.

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

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Peripheral Neuropathy and Fall Risk in the Elderly

Peripheral neuropathy affects the nerves that carry sensation from the feet and legs to the brain. In older adults, this condition often reduces the ability to feel the ground, notice uneven surfaces, or sense pressure changes. When balance feedback is dulled, walking becomes less stable, and the risk of falls rises. Falls in the elderly can lead to fractures, loss of independence, and long recovery periods. Neuropathy may be caused by diabetes, vitamin deficiencies, circulation problems, or certain medications. Symptoms can include numbness, tingling, burning pain, or weakness that worsens over time. Wearing supportive footwear, balance training, and early treatment may help lower fall risk. When numbness, frequent stumbles, or unexplained foot changes appear, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Neuropathy

Neuropathy can be a potentially serious condition, especially if it is left undiagnosed. If you have any concerns that you may be experiencing nerve loss in your feet, consult with one of our podiatrists from Family Foot and Ankle Care of Moriches. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment for neuropathy.

What Is Neuropathy?

Neuropathy is a condition that leads to damage to the nerves in the body. Peripheral neuropathy, or neuropathy that affects your peripheral nervous system, usually occurs in the feet. Neuropathy can be triggered by a number of different causes. Such causes include diabetes, infections, cancers, disorders, and toxic substances.

Symptoms of Neuropathy Include:

  • Numbness
  • Sensation loss
  • Prickling and tingling sensations
  • Throbbing, freezing, burning pains
  • Muscle weakness

Those with diabetes are at serious risk due to being unable to feel an ulcer on their feet. Diabetics usually also suffer from poor blood circulation. This can lead to the wound not healing, infections occurring, and the limb may have to be amputated.

Treatment

To treat neuropathy in the foot, podiatrists will first diagnose the cause of the neuropathy. Figuring out the underlying cause of the neuropathy will allow the podiatrist to prescribe the best treatment, whether it be caused by diabetes, toxic substance exposure, infection, etc. If the nerve has not died, then it’s possible that sensation may be able to return to the foot.

Pain medication may be issued for pain. Electrical nerve stimulation can be used to stimulate nerves. If the neuropathy is caused from pressure on the nerves, then surgery may be necessary.

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

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Diabetes Foot Health and Preventive Care

Diabetes is a chronic condition that affects how the body uses blood sugar and can develop due to genetic factors, lifestyle influences, or insulin resistance. Common symptoms include increased thirst, fatigue, slow healing, and changes in sensation. Diabetes can significantly affect the feet by reducing circulation and nerve function, which increases the risk of injury, infection, and ulcers. Proper foot care is essential, and includes checking feet daily, washing and drying them carefully, in addition to trimming the toenails straight across, and wearing shoes and socks while outdoors for protection. Early attention helps prevent complications. A podiatrist can monitor foot health, treat problems early, and provide guidance on proper footwear and care. If you have diabetes, it is strongly suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can help you to manage this serious 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 one of our podiatrists from Family Foot and Ankle Care of Moriches. Our doctors 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

  • Routinely inspect your feet for bruises or sores.
  • Wear socks that fit your feet comfortably.
  • Wear comfortable shoes that provide adequate support.

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 our offices located in Moriches and Shirley, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

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Do Your Child's Feet Hurt?

Have your child's feet been examined lately? Healthy feet are happy feet. If your child is complaining of foot pain, it may be a sign of underlying problems.

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