A broken toe can turn a simple step into a painful challenge. A fracture occurs when one of the small bones in a toe cracks or breaks. The injury frequently happens after a toe is stubbed against a hard object or something heavy falls on the foot. Pain, swelling, and bruising can develop soon after the injury. Walking can become difficult because the toes help support balance and movement. A broken toe can also look crooked when the bone has shifted from its normal position.

Some toe fractures need closer attention because the location and severity can affect healing. An injury to the big toe can cause greater problems with walking because this toe plays an important role in balance and pushing off the ground. A wound near the fracture can increase the risk of infection. Blood can also collect beneath the toenail after an object strikes the toe. Without proper treatment, a badly positioned fracture can heal incorrectly. This could lead to lasting pain, changes in toe shape, or problems with movement.

A podiatrist can examine the injured toe to determine whether a fracture has occured and how serious it is. The evaluation can include checking swelling, tenderness, and toe position. X-rays can help show the location of the break and whether the bone has moved out of place. Treatment can include stabilizing the toe, using a protective shoe, or placing the foot in a cast. A podiatrist can also realign a displaced bone, while severe fractures can require surgery. Proper treatment helps protect the toe while the bone heals and can reduce the risk of future problems. If you have broken your toe, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for effective relief and treatment solutions. 

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 Lexington Foot and Ankle Center, PSC. 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 Harrodsburg, Frankfort, Georgetown, and Lexington, KY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

A sudden shooting pain in the foot can stop you in your tracks. It may strike the heel, ball of the foot, or toes. Some patients describe the feeling as sharp, burning, or electric. The pain might appear with the first steps of the day, while walking, or even when the foot is at rest. Where the pain begins and what triggers it can help identify the cause. Numbness, swelling, or weakness are also important signs. Shooting pain that returns or becomes stronger indicates the need to see a podiatrist.

Several problems can cause this type of pain. Plantar fasciitis irritates the band of tissue that supports the arch and can send pain from the heel forward. A pinched or damaged nerve can create electric pain, tingling, and numbness. Morton's neuroma is thickened tissue surrounding a nerve near the toes, and it can cause burning pain in the ball of the foot. Other causes of shooting foot pain include a stress fracture, tendon irritation, or gout. Because diabetes can damage nerves in the feet, patients with this condition should report new pain quickly.

A podiatrist can find the source of shooting pain through a foot exam and a review of when symptoms began. The doctor may check the foot's movement, strength, and sensitive areas. X-rays or imaging can reveal a fracture or changes within the joints. Nerve testing can help when numbness, tingling, or burning occurs. Depending on the cause, treatment options include custom orthotics, supportive shoe guidance, or medication. In some cases, a brace or walking boot may be needed for protection or stability. Severe nerve pressure, a fracture, or joint damage may require surgery. Early care can prevent a treatable problem from becoming harder to manage. If you are experiencing shooting pain in the foot, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with one of our podiatrists from Lexington Foot and Ankle Center, PSC. 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 Harrodsburg, Frankfort, Georgetown, and Lexington, KY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Athlete's foot is a fungal skin infection that affects the feet and spreads in damp, high traffic environments. It develops when fungi grow on the surface of the skin, especially in areas that remain warm and moist for long periods of time. Athlete's foot is extremely contagious and can spread through shared footwear, locker rooms, and public showers. Individuals with a weakened immune system or diabetes may be at a higher risk, as their bodies may have more difficulty fighting off infections.

The symptoms of athlete's foot depend on the specific type of infection. Many people experience itching, burning, and irritation that can worsen after removing shoes. Interdigital athlete's foot causes skin breakdown between the toes, often appearing white, soggy, or cracked. Plantar athlete's foot affects the bottom of the foot and causes dry, scaly skin that may extend along the sides of the foot. Additionally, acute vesicular athlete's foot is characterized by sudden blister formation, with itchy or painful fluid-filled lesions that can cause significant discomfort.

Several causes and risk factors contribute to athlete's foot. Walking barefoot in public areas such as pools and showers exposes the skin to fungi. Sharing shoes, socks, or towels increases the risk of transmission. Excessive sweating, tight footwear, and poor ventilation create an ideal environment for fungal growth. Medical conditions such as diabetes and immune system disorders can also make individuals more susceptible to infection and slow the healing process.

Prevention and treatment focus on maintaining proper foot hygiene and reducing moisture. Keeping the feet dry, wearing moisture-wicking socks, and choosing well ventilated shoes can help lower the risk. Antifungal medications are often effective, but recurring infections may require evaluation by a podiatrist. Professional care ensures proper identification of the infection type and effective treatment planning. If you have symptoms of athlete's foot, it is strongly suggested that you consult a podiatrist for effective treatment solutions, which may include prescribed medication. 

Athlete’s Foot

Athlete’s foot is often an uncomfortable condition to experience. Thankfully, podiatrists specialize in treating athlete’s foot and offer the best treatment options. If you have any questions about athlete’s foot, consult with one of our podiatrists from Lexington Foot and Ankle Center, PSC. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality treatment.

What Is Athlete’s Foot?

Tinea pedis, more commonly known as athlete’s foot, is a non-serious and common fungal infection of the foot. Athlete’s foot is contagious and can be contracted by touching someone who has it or infected surfaces. The most common places contaminated by it are public showers, locker rooms, and swimming pools. Once contracted, it grows on feet that are left inside moist, dark, and warm shoes and socks.

Prevention

The most effective ways to prevent athlete’s foot include:

• Thoroughly washing and drying feet
• Avoid going barefoot in locker rooms and public showers
• Using shower shoes in public showers
• Wearing socks that allow the feet to breathe
• Changing socks and shoes frequently if you sweat a lot

Symptoms

Athlete’s foot initially occurs as a rash between the toes. However, if left undiagnosed, it can spread to the sides and bottom of the feet, toenails, and if touched by hand, the hands themselves. Symptoms include:

• Redness
• Burning
• Itching
• Scaly and peeling skin

Diagnosis and Treatment

Diagnosis is quick and easy. Skin samples will be taken and either viewed under a microscope or sent to a lab for testing. Sometimes, a podiatrist can diagnose it based on simply looking at it. Once confirmed, treatment options include oral and topical antifungal medications.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Harrodsburg, Frankfort, Georgetown, and Lexington, KY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Ankle pain during sports events can affect athletes of all skill levels. It occurs when the structures that support the ankle, including muscles, tendons, ligaments, and bones, experience excessive stress or injury. Sports that involve jumping, quick movements, and sudden changes in direction place additional pressure on the ankle joint. Common causes include strains, tendinitis, and stress fractures. Understanding the definition and causes of sports-related ankle pain can help athletes recognize symptoms early and take steps to protect their feet and ankles.

Symptoms of ankle injuries may include pain, swelling, and stiffness. Bruising and difficulty putting weight on the affected foot may also occur. Some athletes may experience weakness, a reduced range of motion, or discomfort during specific movements. Strains occur when muscles or tendons are overstretched or torn, while tendinitis develops when a tendon becomes irritated from repetitive stress. Stress fractures are small cracks in the bone caused by repeated impact. These injuries can worsen if ignored and may interfere with athletic performance.

Risk factors for ankle pain include participating in high-impact sports, previous injuries, improper footwear, and inadequate conditioning. Basketball and volleyball players are at increased risk because jumping and landing place significant stress on the ankles. Running sports and activities involving repeated impact can also contribute to overuse injuries. Poor flexibility, weak supporting muscles, and sudden increases in training intensity may further increase the likelihood of developing ankle problems.

Preventing ankle pain requires proper preparation and care. Warming up before activity helps prepare muscles and joints for movement, while stretching improves flexibility and reduces strain. Wearing supportive athletic shoes and using proper techniques during jumping and landing can also reduce injury risk. Strengthening the ankle and lower-leg muscles provides additional stability. If you have ankle pain related to sports activity, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

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 Lexington Foot and Ankle Center, PSC. 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 contact our offices located in Harrodsburg, Frankfort, Georgetown, and Lexington, KY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.