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159 North 3rd Street
Macclenny, Florida 32063

Tuesday, 21 January 2025 00:00

A broken toe occurs when the bones in the toe fracture due to trauma, such as stubbing it forcefully or dropping a heavy object on the foot. Symptoms of a broken toe include sharp, throbbing pain, swelling, bruising, and difficulty walking or bearing weight. Severe injuries may cause the toe to appear dislocated or sit at an unnatural angle. While it can be difficult to distinguish a break from a sprain, pain localized at the fracture site and significant bruising are common signs of a break. A podiatrist can accurately diagnose the injury, often using X-rays, and provide treatment to support proper healing. This may involve stabilizing the toe through techniques like buddy taping or using specialized footwear to limit movement. In severe cases, a podiatrist may recommend surgery to realign the bones and prevent long-term complications, such as arthritis or chronic pain. If you have a broken toe, it is suggested that you promptly schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam and treatment.

A broken toe can be very painful and lead to complications if not properly fixed. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Dr. John L. Coleman from Florida. Our doctor 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 office located in Macclenny, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Read more about What to Know About a Broken Toe
Tuesday, 14 January 2025 00:00

Rheumatoid arthritis, or RA, often affects the feet, causing pain, swelling, and stiffness in the smaller joints of the toes, the ball of the foot, and sometimes the ankle. For some people, foot problems are the first signs of rheumatoid arthritis, while others may experience them later or not at all. RA can lead to changes in foot shape, making walking or wearing shoes uncomfortable. Issues like painful nodules, corns, calluses, and areas of thickened skin may develop due to pressure or friction. Some people also experience bursitis, which is swelling under the ball of the foot, causing additional pain. These problems can affect performing daily activities and reduce quality of life. A podiatrist can help by providing custom insoles, reducing pressure on affected areas, and offering treatments to improve foot comfort and function. Seeking care early can help prevent more serious complications. If you have foot pain related to rheumatoid arthritis, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam and treatment options.

Arthritis can be a difficult condition to live with. If you are seeking treatment, contact Dr. John L. Coleman from Florida. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Arthritic Foot Care  

Arthritis is a joint disorder that involves the inflammation of different joints in your body, such as those in your feet. Arthritis is often caused by a degenerative joint disease and causes mild to severe pain in all affected areas. In addition to this, swelling and stiffness in the affected joints can also be a common symptom of arthritis.

In many cases, wearing ill-fitting shoes can worsen the effects and pain of arthritis. Wearing shoes that have a lower heel and extra room can help your feet feel more comfortable. In cases of rheumatoid arthritis, the arch in your foot may become problematic. Buying shoes with proper arch support that contour to your feet can help immensely.

Alleviating Arthritic Pain

  • Exercises that stretch the foot can prevent further pain and injury and increase mobility
  • Most of the pain can be alleviated with anti-inflammatory drugs, heat, and topical medications
  • Massages can help temporarily alleviate pain.

It is best to see your doctor for the treatment that is right for your needs and symptoms. Conditions vary, and a podiatrist can help you determine the right method of care for your feet.

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

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Tuesday, 07 January 2025 00:00

Thick toenails, medically known as onychomycosis, is a fungal infection where the toenails become discolored, thickened, and brittle. The nails may appear yellow, white, or even brown, and can sometimes separate from the nail bed. This infection typically  occurs after exposure to fungi that thrive in warm, damp environments, such as sweaty shoes or communal areas like swimming pools. Poor foot hygiene, a weakened immune system, or diabetes can also increase the risk of developing onychomycosis. Symptoms include thickened, misshapen nails, crumbling edges, and a foul odor. If left untreated, the infection can worsen, leading to pain and difficulty walking. A podiatrist is trained to diagnose and treat nail fungus effectively. Treatments may include antifungal medications, topical solutions, laser therapy, or in severe cases, nail removal. Your podiatrist will assess the severity of the infection and recommend the best course of treatment. If you are dealing with this issue, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist.

If left untreated, toenail fungus may spread to other toenails, skin, or even fingernails. If you suspect you have toenail fungus it is important to seek treatment right away. For more information about treatment, contact Dr. John L. Coleman of Florida. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Symptoms

  • Warped or oddly shaped nails
  • Yellowish nails
  • Loose/separated nail
  • Buildup of bits and pieces of nail fragments under the nail
  • Brittle, broken, thickened nail

Treatment

If self-care strategies and over-the-counter medications does not help your fungus, your podiatrist may give you a prescription drug instead. Even if you find relief from your toenail fungus symptoms, you may experience a repeat infection in the future.

Prevention

In order to prevent getting toenail fungus in the future, you should always make sure to wash your feet with soap and water. After washing, it is important to dry your feet thoroughly especially in between the toes. When trimming your toenails, be sure to trim straight across instead of in a rounded shape. It is crucial not to cover up discolored nails with nail polish because that will prevent your nail from being able to “breathe”.

In some cases, surgical procedure may be needed to remove the toenail fungus. Consult with your podiatrist about the best treatment options for your case of toenail fungus.  

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

 

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Friday, 03 January 2025 00:00

Gout is a painful, inflammatory form of arthritis. Those affected will typically feel an intense stiffness in the joints of their feet, particularly in the big toe. Schedule a visit to learn about how gout can be managed and treated.

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