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A broken pinky toe typically occurs due to trauma or injury, such as stubbing the toe on furniture, dropping something heavy on the foot, or participating in high-impact sports. The force from these events can cause the bone to crack or break. Symptoms of a broken pinky toe include pain, swelling, bruising, and difficulty moving the toe. In some cases, the toe may appear misaligned. Treatment for a broken pinky toe usually involves rest and elevation to reduce swelling. A buddy taping method, where the injured toe is taped to the adjacent toe for stability, may be used. In more severe cases, where the toe is significantly displaced, a podiatrist may need to realign the bones or, in rare cases, use a cast. If you have fractured your pinky toe, it is suggested that you contract a podiatrist who can offer you effective treatment remedies.

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 Piedmont Podiatry 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 one of our offices located in Greenville, and Easley, SC . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Ankle arthritis is a condition where the joints in the ankle become inflamed, causing pain, stiffness, and limited mobility. It occurs when the cartilage that cushions the bones in the ankle wears down over time, leading to direct contact between the bones. The most common causes of ankle arthritis include previous injuries, such as sprains or fractures, which can damage the joint and increase the risk of arthritis. Other contributing factors include age, genetics, and inflammatory conditions like rheumatoid arthritis. Symptoms of ankle arthritis typically include pain, especially after activity, swelling, and a decrease in range of motion. People with this condition may also experience difficulty walking, instability, and a feeling of weakness in the ankle. Managing ankle arthritis often involves a combination of medication, and in severe cases, surgery to improve mobility and reduce pain. If you have ankle pain, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can accurately diagnose ankle arthritis and manage it accordingly. 

Arthritis can be a difficult condition to live with. If you are seeking treatment, contact one of our podiatrists from Piedmont Podiatry Associates. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Arthritic Foot Care  

Arthritis is a term that is commonly used to describe joint pain.  The condition itself can occur to anyone of any age, race, or gender, and there are over 100 types of it.  Nevertheless, arthritis is more commonly found in women compared to men, and it is also more prevalent in those who are overweight. The causes of arthritis vary depending on which type of arthritis you have. Osteoarthritis for example, is often caused by injury, while rheumatoid arthritis is caused by a misdirected immune system.

Symptoms

• Swelling
• Pain
• Stiffness
• Decreased Range of Motion

Arthritic symptoms range in severity, and they may come and go. Some symptoms stay the same for several years but could potentially get worse with time. Severe cases of arthritis can prevent its sufferers from performing daily activities and make walking difficult.

Risk Factors

• Occupation – Occupations requiring repetitive knee movements have been linked to osteoarthritis
• Obesity – Excess weight can contribute to osteoarthritis development
• Infection – Microbial agents can infect the joints and trigger arthritis
• Joint Injuries – Damage to joints may lead to osteoarthritis
• Age – Risk increases with age
• Gender –Most types are more common in women
• Genetics – Arthritis can be hereditary

If you suspect your arthritis is affecting your feet, it is crucial that you see a podiatrist immediately. Your doctor will be able to address your specific case and help you decide which treatment method is best for you.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Greenville, and Easley, SC . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Swollen feet and ankles are a common issue among the elderly and can result from various underlying causes. One common factor is poor circulation, which becomes more prevalent with age, leading to fluid retention in the lower extremities. Conditions such as heart failure or kidney disease can also contribute to swelling, as these organs may struggle to properly regulate fluid balance in the body. Arthritis, particularly osteoarthritis, can cause joint inflammation and fluid buildup, leading to discomfort and swelling in the feet and ankles. Medications, such as those used for high blood pressure or diabetes, may also have swelling as a side effect. Additionally, prolonged sitting or standing, especially during travel or sedentary activities, can cause the feet and ankles to swell. If you are elderly and are experiencing swollen feet, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can offer effective relief tips.  

Swollen feet can be a sign of an underlying condition. If you have any concerns, contact one of our podiatrists of Piedmont Podiatry Associates. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Swollen feet are a common ailment among pregnant women and people who stand or sit for extended periods. Aging may increase the possibility of swollen feet and patients who are obese often notice when their feet are swelling too. There may be medical reasons why swollen feet occur:

• Phlebitis - A condition that causes the veins to become inflamed and can also cause leg pain.
• Liver disease - This may lead to low blood levels of albumin which is a protein. This can cause fluid in the blood to pass into the tissues and several areas of the body can become swollen.
• Heart failure - When the heart doesn’t pump properly the blood that is normally pumped back to the heart can pool in the veins of the legs causing swollen feet.
• Kidney disease - One of the main functions of the kidneys is releasing excess fluid in the body. This type of condition can make it difficult for the kidneys to function properly, and as a result the feet may become swollen.
• Deep-vein thrombosis (DVT)- This is a serious condition where blood clots form in the veins of the legs. They can block the return of blood from the legs to the heart which may cause the feet to swell. It is important to be treated by a podiatrist if this condition is present.

Swollen feet can also be caused by bone and tendon conditions, including fractures, arthritis, and tendinitis. Additionally, there may be skin and toenail conditions and an infection may cause the feet to swell. Patients who take medicine to treat high blood pressure may be prone to getting swollen feet. 

Many patients elevate their feet to help relieve the swelling and this is generally a temporary remedy. When a podiatrist is consulted the reason behind the swelling can be uncovered and subsequently treated.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Greenville, and Easley, SC . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.