Symptoms of a broken toe typically involve immediate and severe pain at the site of the injury, which might worsen when the toe is moved or pressure is applied. Other common symptoms include swelling, bruising, and a visible deformity if the break is severe, such as the toe appearing at an abnormal angle. If the skin is broken during injury, there's also a potential for infection. Treatment for a broken toe depends on the break's severity and the fracture's nature. Treatments such as rest, elevation, and buddy taping are often sufficient for minor fractures. Sturdy and comfortable shoes are important to protect the toe during healing time. More severe cases, such as those involving a displaced bone or multiple breaks, may require a podiatrist to realign the broken bones. In rare cases, surgery may be necessary. Podiatrists may also recommend wearing a cast or a special walking boot to immobilize the toe during healing. Regular follow-ups are needed to ensure proper healing and prevent long-term complications. If you suspect a broken toe, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist promptly for evaluation and treatment. 

Broken toes may cause a lot of pain and should be treated as soon as possible. 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 Is a Broken Toe?

A broken toe occurs when one or more of the toe bones of the foot are broken after an injury. Injuries such as stubbing your toe or dropping a heavy object on it may cause a toe fracture.

Symptoms of a Broken Toe

• Swelling
• Pain (with/without wearing shoes)
• Stiffness
• Nail Injury

Although the injured toe should be monitored daily, it is especially important to have a podiatrist look at your toe if you have severe symptoms. Some of these symptoms include worsening or new pain that is not relieved with medication, sores, redness, or open wounds near the toe.

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.

When it comes to gardening, ensuring proper foot protection is essential to prevent injuries and maintain comfort throughout the day. To minimize the risk of injury, it is helpful for gardeners to invest in sturdy, closed-toe footwear with slip-resistant soles that provide traction on various surfaces. Additionally, garden boots or shoes with reinforced toes and puncture-resistant soles can offer extra protection from hazards that may be found in the garden, such as thorny areas. Wearing properly fitting footwear is vital to prevent blisters, chafing, and discomfort during long hours of working in the garden. In hot weather, breathable materials can help keep the feet cool and dry, while waterproof footwear is essential for working in wet or muddy conditions. If you have incurred a foot injury while working outdoors, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist.

While working on the feet, it is important to take the proper care of them. For more information about working on your feet, contact one of our podiatrists from Quad Cities Foot and Ankle Associates. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Working on Your Feet

Standing on your feet for long periods of time can cause stress and pain in your feet. Your whole body may experience change in terms of posture, back pain, bunions, callouses and or plantar warts. There are ways to avoid these conditions with proper foot care, smart choices and correct posture.

Positive Changes

Negative heeled shoe – Choosing this shoe type places the heel slightly lower than the ball of the foot. These are great for overall foot health. Find shoes that fit you correctly.

Go barefoot – Our feet were not designed to be enclosed for all hours of the day. Try to periodically expose your feet to air.

Eliminate Pain

Foot Exercises – Performing simple exercises, incorporating yoga and doing stretches are beneficial. This will allow increased blood flow to the area and muscles of the foot.

Achilles tendon – Stretching the foot out flat on the floor will relax the calf muscles and tendon. These exercises can be performed almost anywhere. Make sure you add these exercises to your daily regimen. 

With a little bit of this information and knowing more about foot health, you will notice changes. Foot stretches and proper footwear will help with pain and prevent further issues.

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.

Preventing running injuries is important for runners of all levels, and incorporating preventive measures into your routine can make a significant difference. Start by investing in proper running shoes that offer adequate support, cushioning, and stability for your foot type and gait. Additionally, prioritize ankle mobility through exercises such as ankle circles, calf stretches, and heel lifts to maintain flexibility and range of motion. Strengthening exercises for the feet, toes, and ankles, such as toe scrunches, calf raises, and resistance band exercises, can help improve stability and reduce the risk of strains and sprains. Incorporating dynamic warm-up routines before running sessions and static stretches afterward can also promote muscle elasticity and prevent tightness. It is beneficial to listen to your body and avoid overtraining, gradually increasing mileage and intensity to allow for proper adaptation and recovery. If you have incurred a foot or ankle injury while running, it is suggested that you visit a podiatrist who can offer effective treatment solutions, and guide you on additional running prevention methods.

All runners should take extra precaution when trying to avoid injury. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact one of our podiatrists of Quad Cities Foot and Ankle Associates. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

How to Prevent Running Injuries

There are a lot of mistakes a runner can make prior to a workout that can induce injury. A lot of athletes tend to overstretch before running, instead of saving those workouts for a post-run routine. Deep lunges and hand-to-toe hamstring pulls should be performed after a workout instead of during a warmup. Another common mistake is jumping into an intense routine before your body is physically prepared for it. You should try to ease your way into long-distance running instead of forcing yourself to rush into it.

More Tips for Preventing Injury

• Incorporate Strength Training into Workouts - This will help improve the body’s overall athleticism
• Improve and Maintain Your Flexibility – Stretching everyday will help improve overall performance
• “Warm Up” Before Running and “Cool Down” Afterward – A warm up of 5-10 minutes helps get rid of lactic acid in the muscles and prevents delayed muscle soreness
• Cross-Training is Crucial
• Wear Proper Running Shoes
• Have a Formal Gait Analysis – Poor biomechanics can easily cause injury

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.