Losing a toenail can result from direct injury, infection, or chronic pressure on the toes. Trauma such as stubbing the toe, dropping something heavy on it, or wearing shoes that lack adequate support can damage the nail bed and cause the nail to loosen or detach. Fungal infections can also weaken the nail plate, leading to discoloration, thickening, and eventual separation from the nail bed. Repeated friction from running or wearing tight shoes increases the risk of toenail loss. In some cases, medical conditions that affect circulation or skin cell growth, like psoriasis, can disrupt healthy nail attachment. When a toenail detaches, it exposes delicate tissue underneath, raising the risk of infection or painful inflammation. A podiatrist can evaluate the underlying cause, prevent complications, and recommend treatment to protect the new nail as it grows back. If your toenail has broken or become detached, it is suggested that you promptly schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and appropriate treatment options.

Toe pain can disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, contact one of our podiatrists of Palm Beach Foot & Ankle. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Causes Toe Pain?

Most severe toe pain is caused due to a sports injury, trauma from dropping something heavy on the toe, or bumping into something rigid. Other problems can develop over time for various reasons.

Toe pain can be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

• Trauma
• Sports injury
• Wearing shoes that are too tight
• Arthritis
• Gout
• Corns and calluses
• Hammertoe
• Bunions
• Blisters
• Ingrown toenails
• Sprains
• Fractures (broken bones)
• Dislocations

When to See a Podiatrist

• Severe pain
• Persistent pain that lasts more than a week
• Signs of infection
• Continued swelling
• Pain that prevents walking

Diagnosis

In many cases the cause of toe pain is obvious, but in others, a podiatrist may want to use more advanced methods to determine the problem. These 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

Treatments for toe pain and injuries vary and may include shoe inserts, padding, taping, medicines, injections, and in some cases, surgery. If you believe that you have broken a toe, please see a podiatrist as soon as possible.

If you have any questions please contact our offices located in Boynton Beach, Palm Beach Gardens, and West Palm Beach, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Metatarsal stress fractures occur when one or more of the long bones in the foot develop cracks from repetitive force, rather than a single injury. These hairline fractures can affect the head, shaft, or base of the metatarsal, and are especially seen in runners, basketball players, ballet dancers, and soccer players. Runners often develop stress fractures in the first and second metatarsals due to the repetitive bending forces placed on the forefoot. Basketball players are prone to avulsion-type fractures of the fifth metatarsal from sudden forces during jumping or rapid direction changes. Ballet dancers put intense compressive forces on the second and third metatarsals when dancing en pointe, which stresses the Lisfranc joints. Additionally, soccer players frequently experience torsional stress fractures of the fifth metatarsal, often referred to as Jones fractures. A podiatrist can evaluate foot structure, provide advanced imaging, and recommend treatment or surgery, if necessary. If you have metatarsal foot pain, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam and appropriate treatment.

Activities where too much pressure is put on the feet can cause stress fractures. To learn more, contact one of our podiatrists from Palm Beach Foot & Ankle. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep your pain free and on your feet.

Dealing with Stress Fractures of the Foot and Ankle

Stress fractures occur in the foot and ankle when muscles in these areas weaken from too much or too little use.  The feet and ankles then lose support when walking or running from the impact of the ground. Since there is no protection, the bones receive the full impact of each step. Stress on the feet can cause cracks to form in the bones, thus creating stress fractures.

What Are Stress Fractures?

Stress fractures occur frequently in individuals whose daily activities cause great impact on the feet and ankles. Stress factors are most common among:

• Runners                                
• People affected with Osteoporosis
• Tennis or basketball players
• Gymnasts
• High impact workouts

Symptoms

Pain from the fractures occur in the area of the fractures and can be constant or intermittent. It will often cause sharp or dull pain with swelling and tenderness. Engaging in any kind of activity which involves high impact will aggravate pain.

If you have any questions please contact our offices located in Boynton Beach, Palm Beach Gardens, and West Palm Beach, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

A broken toe can cause significant pain and difficulty walking. Symptoms include swelling, bruising, and tenderness at the site of the break, along with difficulty in moving the toe or bearing weight. In some cases, the toe may appear crooked or out of alignment. The most common causes of a broken toe are direct trauma, such as stubbing the toe, dropping a heavy object on it, or sports-related injuries. High-impact activities and wearing improper footwear can also increase the risk. A podiatrist can diagnose a broken toe through a physical exam and X-rays. Treatment typically involves buddy taping the broken toe to a neighboring toe for support. In more severe cases, a splint or surgery may be needed to realign the bones and ensure proper healing. If you have broken your toe, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for appropriate 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 one of our podiatrists from Palm Beach Foot & Ankle. 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 Boynton Beach, Palm Beach Gardens, and West Palm Beach, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Roller skating demands stability, control, and quick footwork, which can place strain on the feet and ankles. Poorly fitted skating boots are a common source of discomfort, causing blisters, pressure points, and nerve irritation. Tight boots may lead to lace bite or a pinched nerve on the top of the foot, while loose boots can result in instability, cramping, and fatigue from overcompensating. Over time, these issues may contribute to more serious conditions such as plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendinitis, or metatarsal stress fractures. Malleolar bursitis may occur when pressure builds around the bony ankle area, and poor technique or muscle imbalances can worsen strain during turns and landings. A podiatrist can examine painful areas, assess footwear fit, recommend padding or custom orthotics, and offer guidance to reduce injury risk and improve comfort on skates. If you suffer from foot or ankle pain after roller skating, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam and appropriate treatment options.

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 one of our podiatrists from Palm Beach Foot & Ankle. Our doctors 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 contact our offices located in Boynton Beach, Palm Beach Gardens, and West Palm Beach, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.