Diagnosing a broken toe involves recognizing symptoms such as intense pain, swelling, bruising, and difficulty walking. Types of toe fractures include stress fractures, where small cracks form from repetitive stress, and traumatic fractures, resulting from a direct blow or impact. A doctor will perform a physical examination and may order X-rays to confirm the diagnosis and determine the fracture type. Relief options for a broken toe include rest and elevation to reduce swelling and pain. Depending on the type of fracture, buddy-taping the injured toe to an adjacent toe may provide support and alignment during healing. Wearing stiff-soled shoes can protect the toe and ease walking. In severe cases, a cast or surgery may be necessary to ensure proper healing. If you have fractured your toe, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can guide you toward a comprehensive treatment plan. 

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 Biebel & DeCotiis Podiatry Associates. 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 one of our offices located in Holmdel and Middletown, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Cycling, while beneficial for health, can lead to common foot injuries if not approached with care. One frequent issue is known as hot foot, which is a burning sensation caused by nerve compression from wearing tight shoes or from excessive pressure on the pedals. Plantar fasciitis can develop from overuse, resulting in heel pain due to inflammation of the tissue connecting the heel to the toes. Achilles tendonitis, characterized by pain at the back of the ankle, can occur from improper cycling posture or overtraining. Additionally, metatarsalgia, or pain in the ball of the foot, often arises from repetitive stress and wearing poor footwear. Ensuring proper bike fit, wearing well-fitted cycling shoes with adequate support, and gradually increasing training intensity can help prevent these injuries. If you have suffered a foot injury while cycling, it is suggested that you visit a podiatrist who can treat any foot condition, and offer you valuable information that can prevent future foot pain.

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 one of our podiatrists from Biebel & DeCotiis Podiatry Associates. Our doctors 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 one of our offices located in Holmdel and Middletown, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Foot orthotics offer significant benefits, including improved alignment, pain relief, and enhanced mobility. They are custom-made shoe inserts designed to support the feet and correct biomechanical issues. The process begins with a thorough assessment by a podiatrist, who examines the patient's feet and gait. Advanced technologies, such as 3D scanning or plaster casting, are used to create a precise mold of the feet. From this mold, orthotics are crafted from materials like EVA foam, plastic, or carbon fiber to provide optimal support and comfort. People with flat feet, plantar fasciitis, arthritis, and sports injuries can benefit from wearing orthotics. The inserts also can help to improve posture and prevent further complications, making them valuable for athletes, elderly individuals, and anyone experiencing foot discomfort. If you are seeking information about whether foot orthotics can benefit you, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for an exam.

If you are experiencing discomfort in your feet and would like to try custom orthotics, contact one of our podiatrists from Biebel & DeCotiis Podiatry Associates. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Are Custom Orthotics?

Custom orthotics are inserts you can place into your shoes to help with a variety of foot problems such as flat feet or foot pain. Orthotics provide relief and comfort for minor foot and heel pain. 

Over-the-Counter Inserts

Shoe inserts come in a wide variety and are used to treat foot pain, heel pain, and minor problems. For example, arch supports can be inserted into your shoes to help correct overarched or flat feet, while gel insoles are often used because they provide comfort and relief from foot and heel pain by alleviating pressure.

Prescription Orthotics

If over-the-counter inserts don’t work for you or if you have a more severe foot concern, it is possible to have your podiatrist prescribe custom orthotics. These high-quality, custom inserts are designed to treat problems such as abnormal motion, plantar fasciitis, and severe forms of heel pain. They can even be used to help patients suffering from diabetes by treating foot ulcers and painful calluses and are usually molded to your feet individually, which allows them to provide full support and comfort.

If you're experiencing minor to severe foot or heel pain, it’s recommended to speak with your podiatrist about the possibility of using custom orthotics or shoe inserts. A podiatrist can determine which type of custom orthotic or shoe insert is right for you and help you take the first steps toward being pain-free.

If you have any questions please contact one of our offices located in Holmdel and Middletown, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

A tailor's bunion, also known as a bunionette, is a bony protrusion on the outside of the foot near the base of the little toe. This condition occurs due to the misalignment of the fifth metatarsal bone, often caused by inherited structural abnormalities, wearing tight or ill-fitting shoes, or repetitive stress on the foot. Unlike the more well-known bunion, which affects the inside of the foot at the base of the big toe, a tailor's bunion affects the outer side of the foot. Both conditions can cause pain, swelling, and redness, but a tailor's bunion specifically impacts the small toe area. To manage a tailor's bunion, wear properly fitting shoes with a wide toe box, use padding to reduce pressure, and consider orthotic inserts for better foot alignment. Non-surgical treatments, such as anti-inflammatory medications can alleviate symptoms. In severe cases, surgery may be required to correct the deformity. Proper diagnosis is essential, as tailor's bunions can be confused with other issues like hammertoes or arthritis. For an accurate diagnosis and effective treatment, it is suggested that you visit a podiatrist.

If you are suffering from bunions, contact one of our podiatrists of Biebel & DeCotiis Podiatry Associates. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is a Bunion?

A bunion is formed of swollen tissue or an enlargement of boney growth, usually located at the base joint of the toe that connects to the foot. The swelling occurs due to the bones in the big toe shifting inward, which impacts the other toes of the foot. This causes the area around the base of the big toe to become inflamed and painful.

Why Do Bunions Form?

Genetics – Susceptibility to bunions are often hereditary

Stress on the feet – Poorly fitted and uncomfortable footwear that places stress on feet, such as heels, can worsen existing bunions

How Are Bunions Diagnosed?

Doctors often perform two tests – blood tests and x-rays – when trying to diagnose bunions, especially in the early stages of development. Blood tests help determine if the foot pain is being caused by something else, such as arthritis, while x-rays provide a clear picture of your bone structure to your doctor.

How Are Bunions Treated?

• Refrain from wearing heels or similar shoes that cause discomfort
• Select wider shoes that can provide more comfort and reduce pain
• Anti-inflammatory and pain management drugs
• Orthotics or foot inserts
• Surgery

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