Items filtered by date: March 2024

Broken toes, while often underestimated, can significantly impact daily activities and mobility. Common causes of broken toes include traumatic injuries such as stubbing or dropping heavy objects on the foot, as well as sports-related incidents and accidents. Symptoms of a broken toe typically include pain, swelling, bruising, and difficulty bearing weight on the affected foot. In severe cases, the toe may appear visibly misaligned or deformed, and there may be an audible popping or cracking sound at the time of injury. Additionally, individuals may experience numbness or tingling sensations in the affected toe. The appearance of a broken toe can vary depending on the severity of the injury, with some cases showing obvious signs of displacement or angulation, while others may have subtle swelling and discoloration. If you have fractured your toe, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can perform an accurate diagnosis, and offer the treatment method that is best for you.

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 Quad Cities Foot and Ankle 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 our offices located in Bettendorf, and DeWitt, IA and Rock Island, IL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Foot nerve pain can arise from various conditions, each with its own symptoms and contributing factors. Morton's neuroma, a common cause of foot discomfort, involves the thickening of tissue around the nerves leading to the toes, resulting in sharp, burning pain, particularly between the third and fourth toes. Baxter's neuropathy, also known as entrapment of the first branch of the lateral plantar nerve, occurs when the nerve becomes compressed, leading to tingling, numbness, or shooting pain in the heel or arch of the foot. Tarsal tunnel syndrome, akin to carpal tunnel syndrome in the wrist, involves compression of the posterior tibial nerve as it passes through the tarsal tunnel, causing pain, burning, or tingling sensations in the ankle and foot. These conditions can be triggered by various factors, including repetitive stress, wearing improper footwear, foot deformities, or underlying medical conditions. For help managing foot nerve pain, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with one of our podiatrists from Quad Cities Foot and Ankle Associates. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Causes

Foot pain is a very broad condition that could be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

• Bunions
• Hammertoes
• Plantar Fasciitis
• Bone Spurs
• Corns
• Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
• Ingrown Toenails
• Arthritis (such as Gout, Rheumatoid, and Osteoarthritis)
• Flat Feet
• Injury (from stress fractures, broken toe, foot, ankle, Achilles tendon ruptures, and sprains)
• And more

Diagnosis

To figure out the cause of foot pain, podiatrists utilize several different methods. This can range from simple visual inspections and sensation tests to X-rays and MRI scans. Prior medical history, family medical history, and any recent physical traumatic events will all be taken into consideration for a proper diagnosis.

Treatment

Treatment depends upon the cause of the foot pain. Whether it is resting, staying off the foot, or having surgery; podiatrists have a number of treatment options available for foot pain.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Bettendorf, and DeWitt, IA and Rock Island, IL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

A sprained ankle, a common injury among people of all ages, occurs when the ligaments supporting the ankle stretch or tear due to sudden twisting, rolling, or impact. The severity of a sprained ankle depends on various factors, including the extent of ligament damage and the force of the injury. Symptoms of a sprained ankle typically include pain, swelling, bruising, and difficulty bearing weight on the affected foot. The severity of the injury is often classified into three grades. Grade I involves mild stretching or microscopic tearing of ligaments, resulting in mild pain and swelling. Grade II indicates partial tearing of ligaments with moderate pain, swelling, and instability. Grade III represents complete tearing of ligaments, causing severe pain, swelling, and significant instability in the ankle joint. Proper diagnosis and treatment are vital for managing sprained ankles effectively. Treatment may include things like rest, compression, and elevation. Additionally, immobilization with a brace or splint may be recommended, and in severe cases, surgical intervention. If you have sprained your ankle, it is suggested that you visit a podiatrist who can determine what the best course of treatment is for you.

Ankle sprains are common but need immediate attention. If you need your feet checked, contact one of our podiatrists from Quad Cities Foot and Ankle Associates. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

How Does an Ankle Sprain Occur?

Ankle sprains take place when the ligaments in your ankle are torn or stretched beyond their limits. There are multiple ways that the ankle can become injured, including twisting or rolling over onto your ankle, putting undue stress on it, or causing trauma to the ankle itself.

What Are the Symptoms?

• Mild to moderate bruising
• Limited mobility
• Swelling
• Discoloration of the skin (depending on severity)

Preventing a Sprain

• Wearing appropriate shoes for the occasion
• Stretching before exercises and sports
• Knowing your limits

Treatment of a Sprain

Treatment of a sprain depends on the severity.  Many times, people are told to rest and remain off their feet completely, while others are given an air cast. If the sprain is very severe, surgery may be required.

If you have suffered an ankle sprain previously, you may want to consider additional support such as a brace and regular exercises to strengthen the ankle.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Bettendorf, and DeWitt, IA and Rock Island, IL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Corns, also known as helomas, are a common foot condition characterized by thickened, hardened areas of skin that develop in response to friction or pressure. These small, round, or conical lesions typically form on the toes, sides of the feet, or on weight-bearing areas. Corns result from repetitive rubbing or friction against footwear or adjacent toes, leading to the accumulation of dead skin cells. Wearing ill-fitting shoes, high heels, or tight socks, or having foot deformities such as hammertoes or bunions can increase the risk of corn formation. Additionally, activities that involve prolonged standing or walking contribute to increased pressure on the feet, further predisposing individuals to corns. Poor foot hygiene and inadequate moisture control may also contribute to corn development. While corns are generally harmless, they can cause discomfort, pain, and difficulty wearing shoes. If you have developed a corn on your foot, it is suggested that you visit a podiatrist who can offer you effective treatment methods.

If you have any concerns regarding your feet and ankles, contact one of our podiatrists of Quad Cities Foot and Ankle Associates. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Corns: What Are They? and How Do You Get Rid of Them?
Corns can be described as areas of the skin that have thickened to the point of becoming painful or irritating. They are often layers and layers of the skin that have become dry and rough, and are normally smaller than calluses.

Ways to Prevent Corns
There are many ways to get rid of painful corns such as wearing:

• Well-fitting socks
• Comfortable shoes that are not tight around your foot
• Shoes that offer support

Treating Corns
Treatment of corns involves removing the dead skin that has built up in the specific area of the foot. Consult with Our doctors to determine the best treatment option for your case of corns.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Bettendorf, and DeWitt, IA and Rock Island, IL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.