April 2023

The majority of broken toes are not serious, despite how uncomfortable they can be. The healing time is approximately six weeks, and daily activities may have to be temporarily altered. A broken toe can happen from stubbing it into a piece of furniture, or from dropping a heavy object on it. If the fracture is severe, a bone may protrude, and the affected area may become infected and bleed. Common symptoms that are often seen with this type of injury can include immediate swelling and bruising, and it can be difficult to walk. An effective treatment process is referred to as the buddy-taping method. This can be done by taping the broken toe to the toe next to it, which provides the necessary stability as the healing process begins. It can be beneficial to place a small piece of cotton or gauze between the toes, which may help to prevent irritated skin. If you have broken your toe, it is suggested that you confer with a podiatrist who can diagnose it and offer correction 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 Dr. Lee R. Stein from Lake Shore Foot & Ankle, PC. 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 one of our offices located in Chicago, Highland Park, and Uptown, IL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

While skateboarding can be a fun activity, it can also be hard on the feet and cause foot pain. Among other things, reasons for this might include that shoes are too tight, flat feet that can cause arch and heel pain, or jumping, landing, or doing skateboarding tricks can cause foot or ankle fractures. Ways to prevent foot pain while skateboarding start with wearing skate shoes that are properly fitted and supportive footwear.  Wearing protective gear that pads joints, stretching and warming up muscles before beginning the activity, and improving technique are also ways to prevent foot pain. If you would like more information about protecting your feet and ankles while skateboarding, or if you have injured yourself in this activity, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for advice or 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 Dr. Lee R. Stein from Lake Shore Foot & Ankle, PC. Our doctor 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 feel free to contact one of our offices located in Chicago, Highland Park, and Uptown, IL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Many people have endured injuries that leave wounds, and this can often affect the feet. Practicing good wound care techniques is essential in having the wound heal properly. Many wounds require the dressing to be changed several times per week, and it is helpful to follow specific procedures to ensure that this is properly done. It can begin with having a bag close by in which the old dressing and gloves can be disposed of. The wound is then cleaned by washing it with lukewarm water. This is followed by applying the new dressing, and making sure it completely covers the wound. If the wound emits an odor, or if the skin surrounding it becomes red and heated, it is suggested that you consult with a podiatrist who can guide you on correct wound care treatment.

Wound care is an important part in dealing with diabetes. If you have diabetes and a foot wound or would like more information about wound care for diabetics, consult with Dr. Lee R. Stein from Lake Shore Foot & Ankle, PC. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

What Is Wound Care?

Wound care is the practice of taking proper care of a wound. This can range from the smallest to the largest of wounds. While everyone can benefit from proper wound care, it is much more important for diabetics. Diabetics often suffer from poor blood circulation which causes wounds to heal much slower than they would in a non-diabetic. 

What Is the Importance of Wound Care?

While it may not seem apparent with small ulcers on the foot, for diabetics, any size ulcer can become infected. Diabetics often also suffer from neuropathy, or nerve loss. This means they might not even feel when they have an ulcer on their foot. If the wound becomes severely infected, amputation may be necessary. Therefore, it is of the upmost importance to properly care for any and all foot wounds.

How to Care for Wounds

The best way to care for foot wounds is to prevent them. For diabetics, this means daily inspections of the feet for any signs of abnormalities or ulcers. It is also recommended to see a podiatrist several times a year for a foot inspection. If you do have an ulcer, run the wound under water to clear dirt from the wound; then apply antibiotic ointment to the wound and cover with a bandage. Bandages should be changed daily and keeping pressure off the wound is smart. It is advised to see a podiatrist, who can keep an eye on it.

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

Sever’s disease is a swelling and irritation of the growth plate in the heels of children. The growth plate refers to a layer of cartilage near the end of a bone and this is where most bone growth occurs. It can be weaker and more prone to injury than the rest of the bone. Sever’s disease can come on during puberty when growth spurts are common. Bones, muscles, and tendons grow at different rates, and if the muscles and tendons become tight, which can easily happen from sports or prolonged standing, they can pull on the growth plate in the heel. This condition often causes pain and tenderness in one or both heels. The feet may be stiff when the child first wakes up and they may limp or walk on tiptoes to deal with the pain. This is a condition that can usually be managed without chronic issues. If your child complains of heel pain or you notice that their gait is off, it is suggested that you take them to see a podiatrist who can properly diagnose the problem and provide treatment options.

Many people suffer from bouts of heel pain. For more information, contact Dr. Lee R. Stein of Lake Shore Foot & Ankle, PC. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Causes of Heel Pain

Heel pain is often associated with plantar fasciitis. The plantar fascia is a band of tissues that extends along the bottom of the foot. A rip or tear in this ligament can cause inflammation of the tissue.

Achilles tendonitis is another cause of heel pain. Inflammation of the Achilles tendon will cause pain from fractures and muscle tearing. Lack of flexibility is also another symptom.

Heel spurs are another cause of pain. When the tissues of the plantar fascia undergo a great deal of stress, it can lead to ligament separation from the heel bone, causing heel spurs.

Why Might Heel Pain Occur?

• Wearing ill-fitting shoes                  
• Wearing non-supportive shoes
• Weight change           
• Excessive running

Treatments

Heel pain should be treated as soon as possible for immediate results. Keeping your feet in a stress-free environment will help. If you suffer from Achilles tendonitis or plantar fasciitis, applying ice will reduce the swelling. Stretching before an exercise like running will help the muscles. Using all these tips will help make heel pain a condition of the past.

If you have any questions please contact one of our offices located in Chicago, Highland Park, and Uptown, IL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.