January 2025

A broken pinky toe occurs when there is a fracture in the smallest toe on the foot. This type of injury is typically caused by stubbing the toe on furniture or other objects, or by sudden impacts during physical activity. Symptoms of a broken pinky toe include pain, swelling, bruising, and difficulty walking. In some cases, the toe may appear crooked or deformed. While the injury can be quite painful, it is often not severe enough to require immediate medical attention unless there is significant displacement or a wound. To find relief from a broken pinky toe, it is important to rest and elevate the foot to reduce swelling. In some instances, buddy-taping the toe to its neighboring toe can provide stability. If you have fractured your pinky toe, it is suggested that you contact a podiatrist who can offer appropriate treatment remedies.

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 Illinois . 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 Wheeling and Berwyn, IL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Rheumatoid arthritis, or RA, affecting the feet can cause significant pain, stiffness, and joint damage, making daily activities challenging. Risk factors include genetics, smoking, obesity, and an inactive lifestyle, all of which can worsen RA symptoms. While there is no cure, a healthy diet rich in anti-inflammatory foods like fruits, vegetables, and omega-3 fatty acids can help reduce flare-ups and support joint health. Regular, low-impact physical activity, such as walking, swimming, or stretching, keeps joints flexible and prevents stiffness. Wearing proper footwear and orthotics also play a vital role in minimizing discomfort and supporting foot alignment. A podiatrist can provide tailored care, including custom orthotics, footwear recommendations, and strategies for managing foot pain. If you have RA that affects your feet, it is suggested that you seek routine care from a podiatrist for help in maintaining mobility, preventing deformities, and improving your overall quality of life.

Because RA affects more than just your joints, including the joints in your feet and ankles, it is important to seek early diagnosis from your podiatrist if you feel like the pain in your feet might be caused by RA. For more information, contact one of our podiatrists of Illinois . Our doctors will assist you with all of your podiatric concerns.

What Is Rheumatoid Arthritis?

Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disorder in which the body’s own immune system attacks the membranes surrounding the joints. Inflammation of the lining and eventually the destruction of the joint’s cartilage and bone occur, causing severe pain and immobility.

Rheumatoid Arthritis of the Feet

Although RA usually attacks multiple bones and joints throughout the entire body, almost 90 percent of cases result in pain in the foot or ankle area.

Symptoms

• Swelling and pain in the feet
• Stiffness in the feet
• Pain on the ball or sole of feet
• Joint shift and deformation

Diagnosis

Quick diagnosis of RA in the feet is important so that the podiatrist can treat the area effectively. Your doctor will ask you about your medical history, occupation, and lifestyle to determine the origin of the condition. Rheumatoid Factor tests help to determine if someone is affected by the disease.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Wheeling and Berwyn, IL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Gout is a form of arthritis that causes sudden and severe pain, often affecting the joints, particularly the big toe joint. The condition occurs when excess uric acid builds up in the body, forming crystals in the joints. The most common sign of gout is intense pain, typically starting in the middle of the night, along with swelling and redness in the affected area. The joint may become warm to the touch and feel tender, making movement difficult. In some cases, gout attacks can recur, leading to joint damage over time. Elevated uric acid levels in the blood can result from factors such as diet, dehydration, obesity, or kidney problems. Excessive consumption of purine-rich foods like red meat, seafood, or alcohol can trigger or worsen gout attacks. If you have had one or more gout attacks, it is suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can offer you effective relief and management tips.

Gout is a foot condition that requires certain treatment and care. If you are seeking treatment, contact one of our podiatrists from Illinois . Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Is Gout?

Gout is a type of arthritis caused by a buildup of uric acid in the bloodstream. It often develops in the foot, especially the big toe area, although it can manifest in other parts of the body as well. Gout can make walking and standing very painful and is especially common in diabetics and the obese.

People typically get gout because of a poor diet. Genetic predisposition is also a factor. The children of parents who have had gout frequently have a chance of developing it themselves.

Gout can easily be identified by redness and inflammation of the big toe and the surrounding areas of the foot. Other symptoms include extreme fatigue, joint pain, and running high fevers. Sometimes corticosteroid drugs can be prescribed to treat gout, but the best way to combat this disease is to get more exercise and eat a better diet.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Wheeling and Berwyn, IL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Hallux valgus, more commonly known as a bunion, is a deformity that causes a bony bump to form at the base of the big toe. This bump pushes the toe inward, causing it to lean toward the other toes. As the condition progresses, it can lead to pain, swelling, redness, and difficulty finding comfortable shoes. In some cases, the big toe may shift out of alignment, which can result in additional issues like hammertoes. Bunions are often caused by an inherited foot structure, wearing tight or high-heeled shoes, and repetitive stress on the feet. Conditions like flat feet or arthritis can also contribute to the development of hallux valgus. A podiatrist can help manage bunions by offering conservative treatments such as custom orthotics, shoe modifications, and padding to alleviate pressure. In more severe cases, surgery may be recommended to correct the deformity and relieve pain. If you have this condition, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist.

If you are suffering from bunions, contact one of our podiatrists of Illinois . Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is a Bunion?

A bunion is formed of swollen tissue or an enlargement of boney growth, usually located at the base joint of the toe that connects to the foot. The swelling occurs due to the bones in the big toe shifting inward, which impacts the other toes of the foot. This causes the area around the base of the big toe to become inflamed and painful.

Why Do Bunions Form?

Genetics – Susceptibility to bunions are often hereditary

Stress on the feet – Poorly fitted and uncomfortable footwear that places stress on feet, such as heels, can worsen existing bunions

How Are Bunions Diagnosed?

Doctors often perform two tests – blood tests and x-rays – when trying to diagnose bunions, especially in the early stages of development. Blood tests help determine if the foot pain is being caused by something else, such as arthritis, while x-rays provide a clear picture of your bone structure to your doctor.

How Are Bunions Treated?

• Refrain from wearing heels or similar shoes that cause discomfort
• Select wider shoes that can provide more comfort and reduce pain
• Anti-inflammatory and pain management drugs
• Orthotics or foot inserts
• Surgery

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