Items filtered by date: May 2023

A sprained toe is a common foot condition. It can occur for a variety of reasons, that include an injury or accident causing the toe to bend beyond its normal range. When a toe is sprained, ligaments are overstretched or damaged. The toe may be swollen and bruised, and it can be painful to move, but walking is still possible. A Grade 1 sprain is known to be a mild sprain that consists of stretching of the ligaments and perhaps some microscopic tears. A Grade 2 sprain is a partial tear with more noticeable swelling and tenderness. A Grade 3 sprain happens when the ligament is completely torn, and the pain level is significant. Since it is difficult to distinguish between a sprained toe and a fractured toe, it is suggested that if you have sustained a toe injury, a podiatrist be consulted who can properly diagnose what has happened and provide appropriate treatment.

Toe pain can disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, contact Jill Scholz, DPM of Town Square Family Foot Care. Our doctor 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 feel free to contact our office located in Coralville, IA . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Gout is a painful form of arthritis that can affect the joints in the big toe. Gout is caused by excess uric acid in the blood and can happen from the type of foods that are eaten. These foods can include shellfish, red meat, and other foods that are laden with purines. When an abundance of these types of foods is regularly eaten, the kidneys cannot absorb the purines, and the body will convert them into uric acid. This can turn into crystals that lodge in the joints of the feet. Genetics may also be a reason gout may occur, and it is helpful to learn about what type of foods to eat and to avoid. A diagnosis generally consists of having a needle inserted in the inflamed joint, which can extract a sample of the fluid. This can be successful in confirming if a gout attack has occurred. Gout may dissipate naturally, although it is beneficial to implement effective prevention methods. These can consist of following a healthy diet, drinking plenty of water daily, and losing extra weight, if applicable. If you suffer from gout, it is suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can help you to manage this condition.

Gout is a foot condition that requires certain treatment and care. If you are seeking treatment, contact Jill Scholz, DPM from Town Square Family Foot Care. Our doctor 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 office located in Coralville, IA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

It is crucial for people who are elderly to practice fall prevention techniques. The feet can easily become hurt during a fall, and this can cause difficulty in completing daily activities. The home may be the first place to observe tripping hazards. This can begin with removing worn rugs from the living environment, and improving existing lighting. Many people choose to have grab bars installed in the shower and toilet area, in addition to using a bathmat. Engaging in a routine exercise program may help to strengthen the overall body, which can be effective in preventing falls. Additionally, having regular physical and eye examinations is useful in updating medications and eyeglasses. If you would like to know more about how to prevent falling, it is suggested that you consult with a podiatrist who can provide you with helpful information. 

Preventing falls among the elderly is very important. If you are older and have fallen or fear that you are prone to falling, consult with Jill Scholz, DPM from Town Square Family Foot Care. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality advice and care.

Every 11 seconds, an elderly American is being treated in an emergency room for a fall related injury. Falls are the leading cause of head and hip injuries for those 65 and older. Due to decreases in strength, balance, senses, and lack of awareness, elderly persons are very susceptible to falling. Thankfully, there are a number of things older persons can do to prevent falls.

How to Prevent Falls

Some effective methods that older persons can do to prevent falls include:

• Enrolling in strength and balance exercise program to increase balance and strength
• Periodically having your sight and hearing checked
• Discuss any medications you have with a doctor to see if it increases the risk of falling
• Clearing the house of falling hazards and installing devices like grab bars and railings
• Utilizing a walker or cane
• Wearing shoes that provide good support and cushioning
• Talking to family members about falling and increasing awareness

Falling can be a traumatic and embarrassing experience for elderly persons; this can make them less willing to leave the house, and less willing to talk to someone about their fears of falling. Doing such things, however, will increase the likelihood of tripping or losing one’s balance. Knowing the causes of falling and how to prevent them is the best way to mitigate the risk of serious injury.  

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

If you break a bone in your foot, a podiatrist will refer to this condition as a broken or fractured foot. Walking on the fractured foot may be very painful and swelling can occur. There are many ways to go about treating a broken foot. For example, some patients who have a broken foot may be treated by wearing a cast of some sort on the foot. One of the purposes of wearing a cast around a broken foot is to reduce movement in this area and to keep the foot stabilized. It can be helpful to keep any casts dry when worn on the feet. Additionally, it might be beneficial to refrain from applying creams underneath the cast. When caring for your foot while it is in a cast, it is always best to follow instructions from a trusted medical professional, such as a podiatrist. If you have a broken foot, it is suggested that you contact a podiatrist today for more information and treatment.

A broken foot requires immediate medical attention and treatment. If you need your feet checked, contact Jill Scholz, DPM from Town Square Family Foot Care. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Broken Foot Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

A broken foot is caused by one of the bones in the foot typically breaking when bended, crushed, or stretched beyond its natural capabilities. Usually the location of the fracture indicates how the break occurred, whether it was through an object, fall, or any other type of injury. 

Common Symptoms of Broken Feet:

• Bruising
• Pain
• Redness
• Swelling
• Blue in color
• Numbness
• Cold
• Misshapen
• Cuts
• Deformities

Those that suspect they have a broken foot shoot seek urgent medical attention where a medical professional could diagnose the severity.

Treatment for broken bones varies depending on the cause, severity and location. Some will require the use of splints, casts or crutches while others could even involve surgery to repair the broken bones. Personal care includes the use of ice and keeping the foot stabilized and elevated.

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

A broken ankle occurs when the ankle bone fractures. More precisely, three different bones in the ankle joint may become fractured. They are known as the tibia, fibula, and the talus. Some patients are eager to know whether or not swelling is a common symptom associated with broken ankles and how quickly swelling might occur. The answer is that a broken ankle certainly can be accompanied by swelling. Once the ankle swells, putting weight on the affected foot may be difficult and cause pain. The swelling from a broken ankle may take days or weeks to subside. If you suspect that you have broken your ankle, it is highly recommended that you contact a podiatrist today for an appointment. This medical professional can address your concerns and offer treatment. 

Broken ankles need immediate treatment. If you are seeking treatment, contact Jill Scholz, DPM from Town Square Family Foot Care. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet. 

Broken Ankles
A broken ankle is experienced when a person fractures their tibia or fibula in the lower leg and ankle area. Both of these bones are attached at the bottom of the leg and combine to form what we know to be our ankle.

When a physician is referring to a break of the ankle, he or she is usually referring to a break in the area where the tibia and fibula are joined to create our ankle joint. Ankles are more prone to fractures because the ankle is an area that suffers a lot of pressure and stress. There are some obvious signs when a person experiences a fractured ankle, and the following symptoms may be present.

Symptoms of a Fractured Ankle

• Excessive pain when the area is touched or when any pressure is placed on the ankle
•  Swelling around the area
•  Bruising of the area
• Area appears to be deformed

If you suspect an ankle fracture, it is recommended to seek treatment as soon as possible. The sooner you have your podiatrist diagnose the fracture, the quicker you’ll be on the way towards recovery.

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