Walking with a broken big toe can be incredibly painful and may hinder your daily activities. Despite the discomfort, many people continue to walk with a broken toe, which can lead to complications like improper healing or worsening the injury. While it is tempting to tough it out, seeking professional medical care is important. A podiatrist can assess the severity of the break, determine whether the bone is aligned, and suggest appropriate treatment. Depending on the injury, this may include buddy taping the toe to an adjacent one, using a splint, or even recommending a specialized shoe to reduce pressure. This may also help to protect the toe and allow proper healing. Ignoring a broken big toe can lead to chronic pain, deformities, or arthritis in the joint. Your podiatrist can provide guidance on when it is safe to resume normal activities to avoid re-injury. If you have a broken big toe, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam and treatment.

A broken toe can be very painful and lead to complications if not properly fixed. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Katie Besselman, DPM from Advanced Podiatry. 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 our office located in Saint Peters, MO . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Athlete's foot, is a fungal infection that affects the skin on the feet, particularly between the toes. In children, it often occurs due to warm, moist environments like locker rooms, public pools, or wearing tight, sweaty shoes, which are ideal for fungal growth. Kids who are active or wear shoes that trap moisture are more susceptible. Symptoms can include itching, redness, peeling skin, and sometimes a burning sensation. To prevent athlete's foot, ensure that children wear breathable shoes and moisture-wicking socks, and encourage them to keep their feet clean and dry. Regularly changing socks and avoiding walking barefoot in public places can also help reduce the risk. If mild treatments do not improve symptoms within a few weeks, or if the infection spreads, it is strongly suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who can prescribe medication for relief.

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 Katie Besselman, DPM from Advanced Podiatry. Our doctor 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 office located in Saint Peters, MO . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

As people age, their feet undergo significant changes that can impact overall comfort and mobility. One common issue is the thinning of the fat pad on the soles, which can lead to increased discomfort and pain while walking. Additionally, the elasticity in the skin decreases, making it more prone to dryness and cracking. Toenails may also become more brittle and prone to fungal infections. Joint and muscle strength can diminish, contributing to problems like flat feet or increased risk of falls. To manage these issues, it's important to maintain a regular foot care routine. Included are moisturizing to prevent dryness, wearing supportive and well-fitting shoes, and incorporating exercises to strengthen foot muscles. As you get older, regular foot inspections are encouraged to help catch problems early. If you notice persistent foot or heel pain, it is suggested you make an appointment with a podiatrist who can provide tailored treatment to keep your feet healthy and pain-free.

Proper foot care is something many older adults forget to consider. If you have any concerns about your feet and ankles, contact Katie Besselman, DPM from Advanced Podiatry. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

The Elderly and Their Feet

As we age we start to notice many changes in our body, but the elder population may not notice them right away. Medical conditions may prevent the elderly to take notice of their foot health right away. Poor vision is a lead contributor to not taking action for the elderly.

Common Conditions 

• Neuropathy – can reduce feeling in the feet and can hide many life-threatening medical conditions.
• Reduced flexibility – prevents the ability of proper toenail trimming, and foot cleaning. If left untreated, it may lead to further medical issues.
• Foot sores – amongst the older population can be serious before they are discovered. Some of the problematic conditions they may face are:
• Gouging toenails affecting nearby toe
• Shoes that don’t fit properly
• Pressure sores
• Loss of circulation in legs & feet
• Edema & swelling of feet and ankles

Susceptible Infections

Diabetes and poor circulation can cause general loss of sensitivity over the years, turning a simple cut into a serious issue.

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

Foot pain is a common issue among young athletes playing various sports due to the high physical demands placed on their developing feet. These injuries can be acute or chronic. Top among the causes of acute foot pain are fractures and sprains, which cause immediate discomfort and loss of function. Chronic foot pain may be the result of stress fractures and tendonitis, which develop gradually and can worsen over time. Managing a child athlete’s foot pain effectively is vital for maintaining their performance and health. The first way to help is to stop the activity that is causing the pain. However, if pain persists or worsens beyond a few days, a podiatrist can diagnose and treat foot injuries, using X-rays and other imaging tests to pinpoint the problem. If your active child is experiencing foot pain, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam, diagnosis, and treatment.

The health of a child’s feet is vital to their overall well-being. If you have any questions regarding foot health, contact Katie Besselman, DPM of Advanced Podiatry. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Tips for Keeping Children's Feet Healthy

• Make sure their shoes fit properly
• Look for any signs of in-toeing or out-toeing
• Check to see if they have Clubfoot (condition that affects your child’s foot and ankle, twisting the heel and toes inward) which is one of the most common nonmajor birth defects.
• Lightly cover your baby’s feet (Tight covers may keep your baby from moving their feet freely, and could prevent normal development)
• Allow your toddler to go shoeless (Shoes can be restricting for a young child’s foot)
• Cut toenails straight across to avoid ingrown toenails
• Keep your child’s foot clean and dry
• Cover cuts and scrapes. Wash any scratches with soap and water and cover them with a bandage until they’ve healed.

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