A broken toe may seem minor, but fractures of the toe bones can make running, jumping, and even walking painful. Athletes often feel swelling, bruising, and discomfort when pushing off the ground. Because the toes help with balance and movement, proper healing is important before returning to sports. Treatment depends on how severe the break is. Many toe fractures can heal with rest, taping the injured toe to a neighboring one, and wearing a stiff-soled shoe to protect it. Limiting activity for several weeks allows the bone to recover. Elevation can also help reduce pain and swelling. Surgery may be needed if the bone is out of place, involves the joint, or does not heal correctly. In these cases, small pins or screws may be used to hold the bone in position. A safe return to sports should be gradual and guided by a podiatrist. If you have a toe injury, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist.

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 Mt Rose Foot & Ankle Specialists. 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 office located in Reno, NV . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

When the ankle suddenly feels weak or rolls unexpectedly, it is often a sign of instability in the joint. One of the main causes of ankle instability is previous injuries, especially repeated sprains that stretch or tear the ligaments that hold the bones together. These ligaments can become loose, making the ankle more likely to roll or collapse. Muscle weakness and reduced balance can also play a role, as the body may not react quickly enough to keep the joint in place. Some patients feel sudden pain that makes the ankle give out, even when the joint is not fully loose. A podiatrist can evaluate the ankle, assess how it moves, and use imaging to identify damage or alignment issues. Treatment options include bracing, custom orthotics, or surgery to restore strength and stability. If you are experiencing ankle weakness, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and treatment.

Ankle pain can be caused by a number of problems and may be potentially serious. If you have ankle pain, consult with one of our podiatrists from Mt Rose Foot & Ankle Specialists. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Ankle pain is any condition that causes pain in the ankle. Due to the fact that the ankle consists of tendons, muscles, bones, and ligaments, ankle pain can come from a number of different conditions.

Causes

The most common causes of ankle pain include:

• Types of arthritis (rheumatoid, osteoarthritis, and gout)
• Ankle sprains
• Broken ankles
• Achilles tendonitis
• Achilles tendon rupture
• Stress fractures
• Bursitis
• Tarsal tunnel syndrome
• Plantar fasciitis

Symptoms

Symptoms of ankle injury vary based upon the condition. Pain may include general pain and discomfort, swelling, aching, redness, bruising, burning or stabbing sensations, and/or loss of sensation.

Diagnosis

Due to the wide variety of potential causes of ankle pain, podiatrists will utilize a number of different methods to properly diagnose ankle pain. This can include asking for personal and family medical histories and of any recent injuries. Further diagnosis may include sensation tests, a physical examination, and potentially x-rays or other imaging tests.

Treatment

Just as the range of causes varies widely, so do treatments. Some more common treatments are rest, ice packs, keeping pressure off the foot, orthotics and braces, medication for inflammation and pain, and surgery.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Reno, NV . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Severe circulation problems in a lower extremity and open sores with infection can place a limb at serious risk. This is especially true for people with diabetes, where nerve damage and reduced blood flow can delay healing and mask early warning signs. In many cases, loss of part of the leg can be prevented when care begins early and is well-coordinated. These conditions are rarely simple. Pressure, bacteria, and poor tissue health often combine, making recovery more difficult. Successful care often involves a group of providers working together, including specialists in circulation, wound care, and foot health. Each focuses on restoring blood flow, reducing pressure, and supporting healing. Regular monitoring and patient involvement also play an important role. If you have diabetes and notice a slow-healing sore or signs of infection, it is suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist for appropriate treatment and help in managing this serious condition. 

Diabetic Limb Salvage

Diabetic limb salvage can be an effective way in preventing the need for limb amputation. If you have a foot ulcer and diabetes, consult with one of our podiatrists from Mt Rose Foot & Ankle Specialists. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

What Is Diabetic Limb Salvage?

Diabetic limb salvage is the attempt of saving a limb, such as the foot, that has an infected ulcer, from amputation. Podiatrists also try to make sure that there is enough function in the foot after the salvage that it is still usable. Those with diabetes experience poor blood circulation, which prevents proper healing of an ulcer. If the ulcer is left uncheck, it could become infected, which could result in the need for amputation.

Diabetes is the number one cause of non-traumatic amputations in the United States. Amputation has been found to lead to higher mortality rates. This translates into higher healthcare costs, and a reduced quality of life and mobility for amputees. Podiatrists have attempted to increase the prevalence of limb salvage in an attempt to solve these issues.

Diagnosis and Treatment

Limb salvage teams have grown in recent years that utilize a number of different treatments to save the infected limb. This includes podiatrists that specialize in wound care, rehabilitation, orthotics, and surgery. Through a combination of these methods, limb salvage has been found to be an effective treatment for infected limbs, and as an alternative to amputation. Podiatrists will first evaluate the potential for limb salvage and determine if the limb can be saved or must be amputated. 

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

Pain on the bottom of the foot can come from plantar fasciitis or plantar warts, and the source is not always obvious at first. Plantar fasciitis typically causes a deep, aching, or sharp pain near the heel, especially with the first steps in the morning or after rest. The area may feel tight and sore, but usually does not show visible skin changes. In contrast, plantar warts are caused by a viral infection and often appear as small, rough growths with a thickened surface. They may have tiny black dots and can cause pain when direct pressure is applied while standing or walking. A podiatrist can distinguish between these conditions through a clinical exam and recommend appropriate care. Treatment options include supportive footwear, custom orthotics, and targeted exercises for plantar fasciitis, and specialized removal or topical therapy for warts. If you have pain in the bottom of your foot, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with one of our podiatrists from Mt Rose Foot & Ankle Specialists. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Causes

Foot pain is a very broad condition that could be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

• Bunions
• Hammertoes
• Plantar Fasciitis
• Bone Spurs
• Corns
• Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
• Ingrown Toenails
• Arthritis (such as Gout, Rheumatoid, and Osteoarthritis)
• Flat Feet
• Injury (from stress fractures, broken toe, foot, ankle, Achilles tendon ruptures, and sprains)
• And more

Diagnosis

To figure out the cause of foot pain, podiatrists utilize several different methods. This can range from simple visual inspections and sensation tests to X-rays and MRI scans. Prior medical history, family medical history, and any recent physical traumatic events will all be taken into consideration for a proper diagnosis.

Treatment

Treatment depends upon the cause of the foot pain. Whether it is resting, staying off the foot, or having surgery; podiatrists have a number of treatment options available for foot pain.

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