Foot fractures can be painful and debilitating, with some more complex than others. Three common types include calcaneal fractures, Chopart fracture-dislocations, and metatarsal fractures. Calcaneal fractures, or heel bone fractures, usually result from high-impact injuries like falls or car accidents. They cause severe heel pain, swelling, and difficulty bearing weight. These fractures often require extensive recovery time and, in severe cases, surgery. Chopart fracture-dislocations affect the midfoot joint, often from high-energy trauma like twisting injuries or falls. This type of injury can be difficult to diagnose, leading to long-term instability if untreated. Symptoms include swelling, bruising, and difficulty walking. Metatarsal fractures involve the long bones in the foot and commonly occur from direct impact, overuse, or stress. Pain, swelling, and tenderness are typical signs. For proper healing and long-term mobility for any type of foot fracture, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for a diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

A broken foot requires immediate medical attention and treatment. If you need your feet checked, contact one of our podiatrists from Redwood Podiatry Group. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Broken Foot Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

A broken foot is caused by one of the bones in the foot typically breaking when bended, crushed, or stretched beyond its natural capabilities. Usually the location of the fracture indicates how the break occurred, whether it was through an object, fall, or any other type of injury. 

Common Symptoms of Broken Feet:

• Bruising
• Pain
• Redness
• Swelling
• Blue in color
• Numbness
• Cold
• Misshapen
• Cuts
• Deformities

Those that suspect they have a broken foot shoot seek urgent medical attention where a medical professional could diagnose the severity.

Treatment for broken bones varies depending on the cause, severity and location. Some will require the use of splints, casts or crutches while others could even involve surgery to repair the broken bones. Personal care includes the use of ice and keeping the foot stabilized and elevated.

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

As people age, foot care becomes increasingly important to maintain mobility and prevent discomfort. Seniors should check their feet daily for any signs of cuts, blisters, redness, or swelling. Keeping toenails trimmed and straight can prevent ingrown nails, which can be painful and lead to infection. Wearing comfortable, supportive shoes is crucial to avoid foot strain and prevent issues like bunions or arthritis pain. Common foot problems in seniors include neuropathy, which causes numbness or tingling, and poor circulation, leading to cold or discolored feet. Symptoms like persistent pain, swelling, or difficulty walking should not be ignored. A podiatrist can help diagnose and treat these issues, offering tailored solutions like custom orthotics, proper footwear recommendations, and medical treatments for conditions like fungal infections or corns. If you are experiencing foot pain or discomfort, it is time to consult a podiatrist. It is suggested that you schedule an appointment for expert care and advice.

Proper foot care is something many older adults forget to consider. If you have any concerns about your feet and ankles, contact one of our podiatrists from Redwood Podiatry Group. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

The Elderly and Their Feet

As we age we start to notice many changes in our body, but the elder population may not notice them right away. Medical conditions may prevent the elderly to take notice of their foot health right away. Poor vision is a lead contributor to not taking action for the elderly.

Common Conditions 

• Neuropathy – can reduce feeling in the feet and can hide many life-threatening medical conditions.
• Reduced flexibility – prevents the ability of proper toenail trimming, and foot cleaning. If left untreated, it may lead to further medical issues.
• Foot sores – amongst the older population can be serious before they are discovered. Some of the problematic conditions they may face are:
• Gouging toenails affecting nearby toe
• Shoes that don’t fit properly
• Pressure sores
• Loss of circulation in legs & feet
• Edema & swelling of feet and ankles

Susceptible Infections

Diabetes and poor circulation can cause general loss of sensitivity over the years, turning a simple cut into a serious issue.

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

Hammertoe is a deformity that affects the toes, causing them to bend downward at the middle joint, resembling a hammer. It typically occurs in the second, third, or fourth toes and can be caused by a variety of factors. One of the primary causes is wearing tight or ill-fitting shoes that force the toes into unnatural positions. Other contributing factors include muscle imbalances, injury, and certain medical conditions like arthritis. There are two main types of hammertoe, flexible and rigid. In flexible hammertoe, the toe can still be moved, whereas in rigid hammertoe, the joint becomes fixed in a bent position. The symptoms of hammertoe include pain or discomfort when wearing shoes, visible bending of the toe, calluses or corns on the top of the toe, and difficulty walking. If you have developed a hammertoe, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can offer effective relief options, helping you to manage this condition.

Hammertoe

Hammertoes can be a painful condition to live with. For more information, contact one of our podiatrists from Redwood Podiatry Group. Our doctors will answer any of your foot- and ankle-related questions.

Hammertoe is a foot deformity that affects the joints of the second, third, fourth, or fifth toes of your feet. It is a painful foot condition in which these toes curl and arch up, which can often lead to pain when wearing footwear.

Symptoms

• Pain in the affected toes
• Development of corns or calluses due to friction
• Inflammation
• Redness
• Contracture of the toes

Causes

Genetics – People who are genetically predisposed to hammertoe are often more susceptible

Arthritis – Because arthritis affects the joints in your toes, further deformities stemming from arthritis can occur

Trauma – Direct trauma to the toes could potentially lead to hammertoe

Ill-fitting shoes – Undue pressure on the front of the toes from ill-fitting shoes can potentially lead to the development of hammertoe

Treatment

Orthotics – Custom made inserts can be used to help relieve pressure placed on the toes and therefore relieve some of the pain associated with it

Medications – Oral medications such as anti-inflammatories or NSAIDs could be used to treat the pain and inflammation hammertoes causes. Injections of corticosteroids are also sometimes used

Surgery – In more severe cases where the hammertoes have become more rigid, foot surgery is a potential option

If you have any questions please contact our offices located in Eureka and Arcata, CA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.