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A broken toe occurs when one or more bones in a toe crack or break. The injury can happen after dropping a heavy object on the foot or striking the toe against a hard surface. A forceful bend or twist could also cause a break. Symptoms include pain, swelling, and bruising. The toe can also become tender and difficult to move. Some broken toes look crooked or appear out of their normal position. Pain becomes more noticeable when standing or walking because body weight places pressure on the injured area. A broken big toe has a greater effect on movement because the big toe plays an important role in balance and pushing the foot forward while walking.

A podiatrist evaluates a broken toe by examining the injury and asking how it happened. An evaluation includes checking swelling, tenderness, and the position of the toe. The podiatrist also determines whether the skin or toenail was damaged during the injury. X-rays help confirm a break and show the location of the damaged bone. Treatment depends on which toe is injured and the severity of the break. A podiatrist stabilizes the toe to protect the bone while it heals. A protective shoe or other supportive device can reduce pressure on the injured area. When a broken toe is out of position, a podiatrist carefully realigns the bone when appropriate.

A broken toe affects balance and changes the way a patient walks. Shifting weight away from the injured toe can place additional stress on other areas of the foot or ankle. A podiatrist monitors healing and determines when the toe is ready for increased activity. Follow-up evaluations also identify problems with bone position, joint movement, or continued pain. Proper treatment helps protect the injured toe and support a safe return to regular activities. Care can be adjusted as swelling decreases and movement becomes more comfortable. If you have broken your toe, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for effective relief and treatment solutions.

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 the podiatrists from New England Family Foot Care. 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 office located in Milton, MA . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

The feet support the body’s full weight with every step, so excess weight can place greater pressure on bones, joints, and soft tissues. This added strain can change how the feet spread and move when walking. It can also affect balance and make activity uncomfortable. Heel pain, arch pain, and ankle pain can develop when the feet must manage greater force. Extra pressure can also contribute to corns, calluses, and bunions. Joint stiffness or swelling may make standing and movement more difficult. When discomfort limits activity, managing weight can become more challenging, creating a cycle of pain and reduced movement.

Obesity is linked to several foot conditions. Plantar fasciitis causes pain where a strong band of tissue supports the arch and connects to the heel. Added pressure can irritate this tissue and make the first steps after rest especially painful. Excess weight can also increase stress on the ankles and raise the risk of osteoarthritis, which develops as joint cartilage breaks down. Gout, a painful form of arthritis that frequently affects the big-toe joint, is also associated with obesity. People who are obese also have a higher risk of type 2 diabetes. This condition can damage nerves and reduce blood flow, allowing wounds to develop or worsen without clear warning signs.

A podiatrist can examine the feet and identify areas receiving too much pressure. Treatment includes custom orthotics to improve weight distribution and provide support. A podiatrist can recommend well-fitted shoes and provide care for corns or calluses. Treatment for heel pain can reduce strain and improve movement. Patients with diabetes can receive foot examinations to detect skin damage, reduced feeling, or circulation concerns early. Addressing foot pain can help patients stay active. If you have foot or ankle pain related to being overweight, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Obesity has become very problematic at this point in time and can have extremely negative effects on the feet. If you’re an obese individual and are concerned about your feet, contact the podiatrists from New England Family Foot Care. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Obesity and Your Feet

Since your feet are what support your entire weight when standing, any additional weight can result in pain and swelling. Being overweight is one of the main contributors to foot complications.

Problems & Complications

Extra Weight – Even putting on just a few extra pounds could create serious complications for your feet. As your weight increases, your balance and body will shift, creating new stresses on your feet. This uneven weight distribution can cause pain, even while doing the simplest tasks, such as walking.

Diabetes – People who are overweight are at serious risk of developing type-2 diabetes, which has a drastic impact on the health of your feet. As you get older, your diabetes might worsen, which could lead to loss of feeling in your feet, sores, and bruises. You could also become more prone to various infections.

Plantar fasciitis – Pressure and stress that is placed on muscles, joints, and tendons can trigger plantar fasciitis, which is an inflammation of tissue that forms along the bottom of the foot. 

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Milton, MA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Diabetic foot blisters are fluid-filled areas that develop on diabetic skin. Some result from shoe friction, while others may be diabetic bullae that appear without an obvious injury. Diabetic blisters are often painless and may occur on the feet or lower legs. Symptoms can include clear fluid, raised skin, or tenderness. Because diabetes can slow healing, even a small blister deserves careful attention.

People with longstanding diabetes may have a higher risk of developing diabetic blisters. High blood sugar levels can damage nerves and blood vessels over time. This damage can reduce sensation and affect circulation, making foot problems easier to miss. Other risk factors include diabetic neuropathy, kidney disease, or repeated friction from footwear. Wearing poorly fitting shoes can also create pressure that leads to ordinary blisters. Regular foot checks are important when sensation is reduced.

A podiatrist will examine the blister and skin to determine its likely cause. The evaluation may include circulation and sensation testing. The skin is checked for changes or infection. If the blister is intact, the podiatrist may recommend protecting it rather than opening it. If drainage is necessary, it can be performed by a podiatrist. Treatment may include protective dressings, footwear changes, and monitoring in a safe and sterile environment with proper wound care. If an infection is present, medical treatment may be needed. Blood sugar management also supports normal wound healing.

Popping a blister yourself is not recommended as it increases risk of infection. Keep the area clean and protected, and check your feet for changes. Contact a podiatrist if you notice increasing redness, drainage, or worsening pain. A podiatrist can help protect the skin and reduce the risk of complications. If you have diabetes and have developed foot blisters, it is suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can help you to manage this serious condition.

Blisters are prone to making everyday activities extremely uncomfortable. If your feet are hurting, contact the podiatrists of New England Family Foot Care. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Foot Blisters

Foot blisters develop as a result of constantly wearing tight or ill-fitting footwear. This happens due to the constant rubbing from the shoe, which can often lead to pain.

What Are Foot Blisters?

A foot blister is a small fluid-filled pocket that forms on the upper-most layer of the skin. Blisters are filled with clear fluid and can lead to blood drainage or pus if the area becomes infected.

How Do Blisters Form?

Blisters on the feet are often the result of constant friction of skin and material, usually by shoe rubbing. Walking in sandals, boots, or shoes that don’t fit properly for long periods of time can result in a blister. Having consistent foot moisture and humidity can easily lead to blister formation.

Prevention & Treatment

It is important to properly care for the affected area in order to prevent infection and ease the pain. Do not lance the blister and use a Band-Aid to provide pain relief. Also, be sure to keep your feet dry and wear proper fitting shoes. If you see blood or pus in a blister, seek assistance from a podiatrist.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Milton, MA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Hammertoe develops when one of the smaller toes bends abnormally at its middle joint instead of lying flat. The condition most frequently affects the second, third, or fourth toe. An imbalance in the muscles and tendons that control the toe can contribute to this bent position. Foot structure and certain types of shoes can also place added pressure on the toes. Symptoms include pain, stiffness, and difficulty moving the affected toe. Corns can develop where the bent toe rubs against the inside of a shoe. Calluses can also form where increased pressure occurs. At first, the toe may remain flexible, but it can become harder to straighten as the condition progresses. Hammertoe can make standing, walking, and wearing shoes uncomfortable.

A podiatrist evaluates hammertoe by examining the position and movement of the affected toe. An examination includes checking toe flexibility, areas of tenderness, and changes in the skin caused by pressure. The podiatrist also evaluates the overall structure of the foot and how pressure is distributed while standing or walking. Treatment focuses on reducing pressure and improving comfort. Custom orthotics help support the foot and improve pressure distribution. A podiatrist can also recommend shoes with enough room in the toe area to reduce rubbing against the bent toe. Targeted treatment also addresses corns or calluses that develop from repeated pressure.

Hammertoe can affect balance and change how the foot functions during everyday activities. Patients may shift their weight to avoid pressure on the painful toe, which can place added stress on other areas of the foot. A podiatrist can identify these changes and develop a treatment plan based on the severity and flexibility of the hammertoe. Care focuses on reducing painful pressure and supporting better foot function. Treatment may be adjusted according to the patient's symptoms and response to care. Early evaluation helps address discomfort before the toe becomes more rigid and difficult to move. If you have symptoms of hammertoe, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for diagnosis and treatment.

Hammertoes can be a painful condition to live with. For more information, contact the podiatrists of New England Family Foot Care. Our doctors will answer any of your foot- and ankle-related questions.

Hammertoe

Hammertoe is a foot deformity that occurs due to an imbalance in the muscles, tendons, or ligaments that normally hold the toe straight. It can be caused by the type of shoes you wear, your foot structure, trauma, and certain disease processes.

Symptoms

• Painful and/or difficult toe movement
• Swelling
• Joint stiffness
• Calluses/Corns
• Physical deformity

Risk Factors

• Age – The risk of hammertoe increases with age
• Sex – Women are more likely to have hammertoe compared to men
• Toe Length – You are more likely to develop hammertoe if your second toe is longer than your big toe
• Certain Diseases – Arthritis and diabetes may make you more likely to develop hammertoe

Treatment

If you have hammertoe, you should change into a more comfortable shoe that provides enough room for your toes. Exercises such as picking up marbles may strengthen and stretch your toe muscles. Nevertheless, it is important to seek assistance from a podiatrist in order to determine the severity of your hammertoe and see which treatment option will work best for you.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Milton, MA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.