A broken toe is a fracture of one of the small bones in the toe, often caused by direct trauma or excessive force. This injury may occur from stubbing the toe, dropping a heavy object on the foot, or experiencing a sports-related accident. Common symptoms include sharp pain, swelling, bruising, tenderness, and difficulty walking. In some cases, the toe may appear misaligned or feel stiff. Diagnosis is typically made through a physical examination and confirmed with an X-ray to determine the extent of the fracture. A podiatrist can provide proper treatment, stabilization, and guidance for healing. If you have sustained a toe injury, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can provide an accurate diagnosis and effective treatment solutions.

Broken toes may cause a lot of pain and should be treated as soon as possible. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact one of our podiatrists from Ankle and Foot Centers of Missouri, P.C.. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Is a Broken Toe?

A broken toe occurs when one or more of the toe bones of the foot are broken after an injury. Injuries such as stubbing your toe or dropping a heavy object on it may cause a toe fracture.

Symptoms of a Broken Toe

• Swelling
• Pain (with/without wearing shoes)
• Stiffness
• Nail Injury

Although the injured toe should be monitored daily, it is especially important to have a podiatrist look at your toe if you have severe symptoms. Some of these symptoms include worsening or new pain that is not relieved with medication, sores, redness, or open wounds near the toe.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Gladstone, MO, Albany, MO, Leavenworth, KS, Hiawatha, KS, and Liberty, MO . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Fungal toenail infections develop when microscopic fungi enter small cracks in the nail or surrounding skin and slowly multiply in the warm, moist environment inside shoes. Several distinct types affect toenails. A distal subungual infection is the most common. It begins at the tip or sides, causing yellow or white streaks and thickening beneath the nail. White superficial infection involves the surface layers, producing chalky patches that make the nail rough and crumbly. Proximal subungual infection starts near the cuticle and spreads outward. It is sometimes linked with weakened immunity or prior injury. Yeast-related infections may inflame the surrounding tissue and loosen the nail from its bed. A podiatrist confirms the diagnosis using nail samples and determines the specific organism before prescribing medical antifungal therapy, nail procedures, or advanced management for damaged nails. If you have a fungal toenail infection, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam, diagnosis, and treatment.

For more information about treatment, contact one of our podiatrists of Ankle and Foot Centers of Missouri, P.C.. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Toenail Fungus Treatment

Toenail fungus is a condition that affects many people and can be especially hard to get rid of. Fortunately, there are several methods to go about treating and avoiding it.

Antifungals & Deterrence

Oral antifungal medicine has been shown to be effective in many cases. It is important to consult with a podiatrist to determine the proper regiment for you, or potentially explore other options.

Applying foot powder on the feet and shoes helps keep the feet free of moisture and sweat.

Sandals or open toed shoes – Wearing these will allow air movement and help keep feet dry. They also expose your feet to light, which fungus cannot tolerate. Socks with moisture wicking material also help as well.

If you have any questions please contact our offices located in Gladstone, MO, Albany, MO, Leavenworth, KS, Hiawatha, KS, and Liberty, MO . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Ingrown toenails are often described as a simple trimming problem, but the real causes are usually more complex. Nail shape, toe structure, and pressure patterns all influence how a nail grows. Shoes that crowd the toes, repetitive stress from walking or sports, and even subtle changes in gait can push the nail edge into surrounding skin. Over time, the body reacts with swelling, redness, and pain that may worsen without clear infection. Home remedies sometimes mask symptoms while the nail continues to grow incorrectly beneath the surface. Chronic ingrown toenails can also alter how you walk, leading to discomfort elsewhere in the foot. Treatment focuses on correcting the nail growth pattern and relieving pressure, not just reducing pain. If toe pain, swelling, or recurring nail issues persist, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for a diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Ingrown toenails can become painful if they are not treated properly. For more information about ingrown toenails, contact one of our podiatrists of Ankle and Foot Centers of Missouri, P.C.. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Ingrown Toenails

Ingrown toenails occur when a toenail grows sideways into the bed of the nail, causing pain, swelling, and possibly infection.

Causes

• Bacterial infections
• Improper nail cutting such as cutting it too short or not straight across
• Trauma to the toe, such as stubbing, which causes the nail to grow back irregularly
• Ill-fitting shoes that bunch the toes too close together
• Genetic predisposition

Prevention

Wearing proper fitting shoes and using proper cutting techniques will also help decrease your risk of developing ingrown toenails.

Treatment

Ingrown toenails are a very treatable foot condition. In minor cases, soaking the affected area in salt or antibacterial soaps will not only help with the ingrown nail itself, but also help prevent any infections from occurring. In more severe cases, surgery is an option. In either case, speaking to your podiatrist about this condition will help you get a better understanding of specific treatment options that are right for you.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Gladstone, MO, Albany, MO, Leavenworth, KS, Hiawatha, KS, and Liberty, MO . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Thyroid acropachy is a rare condition linked to autoimmune thyroid disease, most often associated with Graves disease. It causes changes in bones and soft tissues of the hands and feet. In the feet, symptoms may include swelling, clubbing of the toes, skin thickening, and discomfort that affects walking or shoe fit. These changes result from immune system activity that triggers inflammation and abnormal bone growth. Thyroid acropachy usually appears after other thyroid-related symptoms have been present and may occur alongside eye or skin involvement. Treatment focuses on managing the underlying thyroid condition and reducing inflammation. Wearing supportive footwear, custom orthotics, and monitoring foot structure can help maintain comfort and mobility. Because symptoms can mimic other foot disorders, proper evaluation is important. If unusual swelling, toe changes, or foot discomfort occur with thyroid disease, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate care.

When dealing with systemic disease of the feet, it is extremely important to check the affected areas routinely so that any additional problems are caught quickly.  If you have any concerns about your feet and ankles contact one of our podiatrists from Ankle and Foot Centers of Missouri, P.C.. Our doctors will assist you with all of your podiatric needs.

Systemic Diseases of the Feet

Systemic diseases affect the whole body, and symptoms usually are displayed in the feet. This condition can make a patient’s ability to walk unbearable.  Systemic diseases include gout, diabetes mellitus, neurological disorders, and arthritis.

Gout – is caused by an excess of uric acid in the body. Common symptoms include pain, inflammation, and redness at the metatarsal/phalangeal joint of the base big toe. Gout can be treated by NSAIDs to relieve pain and inflammation, and other drugs that lower the acid levels in the body.

Diabetes mellitus – is an increase in the level of blood sugar that the body cannot counteract with its own insulin. Failure to produce enough insulin is a factor in Diabetes.

Diabetes of the Feet

Diabetic Neuropathy – may lead to damaged nerves and affect the feet through numbness and loss of sensation.

Peripheral Vascular Disease – can restrict the blood flow to the feet, and often times lead to amputation of the feet. 

If you have any questions please contact our offices located in Gladstone, MO, Albany, MO, Leavenworth, KS, Hiawatha, KS, and Liberty, MO . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.