A broken fifth metatarsal affects the bone along the outer edge of the foot. This bone connects the smallest toe to the middle of the foot. A break can follow a sudden twist, landing, or fall. Repeated stress from running or jumping can also cause a small crack. Symptoms include pain, swelling, and bruising near the outside of the foot. Patients may struggle to put weight on the injured foot. Because a sprain can feel similar, an accurate diagnosis is important.

Several types of fractures can affect the fifth metatarsal, and the location of the break influences treatment and healing. A break near the base of the bone can occur when a tendon or ligament pulls off a small piece of bone. This is called an avulsion fracture. A Jones fracture occurs slightly farther along the bone, in an area with limited blood flow. For this reason, a Jones fracture can be slower to heal. A stress fracture usually starts as a tiny crack caused by repeated force. A podiatrist examines the foot, asks how the injury happened, and checks where it hurts. X-rays usually show the break. Additional imaging tests can help when an early stress fracture does not appear clearly.

Treatment aims to hold the bone steady and protect it while it heals. Your podiatrist may prescribe a boot, cast, or crutches based on the type of break. The doctor will also explain how much weight you can place on the foot and when activity can safely increase. Follow-up X-rays help show whether the bone is joining correctly. Surgery may be needed when the bone pieces have shifted, the fracture is not healing, or the patient is extremely active. A podiatrist can also guide the safe return to work, exercise, and sports. If you have injured the outside of your foot, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

A broken foot requires immediate medical attention and treatment. If you need your feet checked, contact one of our podiatrists from Bangor Podiatry. Our doctors 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 offices located in Bangor, Gilbert, and Bethlehem, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Cracked heels develop when the skin around the heel becomes dry, thickened, and less flexible. As pressure is placed on the heel while standing or walking, the skin may split and form small cracks. These openings are also known as heel fissures. Cracked heels can affect anyone, but certain factors may increase the risk. Spending long periods standing, wearing footwear that does not support the heel, and having very dry skin can contribute to the problem. At first, heel cracks may be mainly a cosmetic concern. As they deepen, however, they can become painful and interfere with comfortable walking.

The skin around a cracked heel may appear hard, rough, or thick. Some people develop deeper fissures that cause pain when weight is placed on the foot. More serious cracks may bleed or create an opening where bacteria can enter the skin. This can increase the risk of infection. Certain medical conditions may also make cracked heels more likely or increase the chance of complications. People with diabetes or poor circulation should have foot changes professionally evaluated, because wounds may require specialized attention. Persistent heel pain, bleeding, or signs of infection should be examined to determine the severity of the problem and identify contributing factors.

A podiatrist can evaluate cracked heels and determine why the skin continues to split. During an examination, the podiatrist can assess the damaged skin and check for signs of infection or other foot problems. Professional treatment may include carefully reducing areas of thickened skin and providing care for deeper heel fissures. A podiatrist can also assess foot structure and pressure patterns that may contribute to recurring cracks. Treatment is based on the condition of the skin and the patient’s overall foot health. If painful, deep, or recurring cracked heels are affecting your comfort or ability to walk, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for an evaluation and appropriate treatment options.

If the skin on your feet starts to crack, you may want to see a podiatrist to find treatment. If you have any concerns, contact one of our podiatrists from Bangor Podiatry. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Cracked Heels

It is important to moisturize your cracked heels in order to prevent pain, bleeding, and infection. The reason cracked heels form is because the skin on the foot is too dry to support the immense pressure placed on them. When the foot expands, the dry skin on the foot begins to split.

Ways to Help Heal Them

• Invest in a good foot cream
• Try Using Petroleum Jelly
• Ease up on Soaps
• Drink Plenty of Water

Ways to Prevent Cracked Heels

• Moisturize After Showering
• Skip a Shower
• Keep Shower Water Lukewarm
• Don’t Scrub Your Feet

If you are unsure how to proceed in treating cracked heels, seek guidance from a podiatrist. Your doctor will help you with any questions or information you may need. 

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Bangor, Gilbert, and Bethlehem, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

A ganglion cyst on the foot is a fluid-filled sac that forms below the skin. It usually develops near a joint or tendon, which is the strong tissue that connects a muscle to a bone. The cyst can feel like a small, smooth lump under the skin. Ganglion cysts can develop in different areas of the foot, but they are especially common on the top of the foot. A cyst can sometimes develop after an injury or repeated stress on the foot. While a ganglion cyst is usually not dangerous, it can cause problems when it presses on nearby tissues or rubs against a shoe.

Symptoms depend on the size and location of the cyst. Some people notice only a lump and have little or no discomfort. Others can have pain, an ache, tingling, or burning when the cyst puts pressure on a nerve, tendon, or joint. A podiatrist can examine the foot and check the lump to determine whether it is a ganglion cyst. In some cases, imaging tests can help provide a clearer view of the area. A small amount of fluid can also be removed from the cyst for examination. These steps can help rule out other causes of a lump or foot pain and guide the best treatment approach.

Treatment depends on the cyst and the symptoms it causes. A podiatrist can monitor a cyst that is not causing significant problems. A podiatrist can also drain the fluid from the cyst, although ganglion cysts can return after this treatment. When other treatments do not provide relief or the cyst continues to cause problems, it can be removed. Surgery has a lower chance of the cyst returning than drainage, but a ganglion cyst can still come back. If you have symptoms of a ganglion cyst on the foot, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for effective relief and treatment solutions.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with one of our podiatrists from Bangor Podiatry. 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 offices located in Bangor, Gilbert, and Bethlehem, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Diabetes can increase the risk of developing foot problems because high blood sugar levels may affect nerves, circulation, and the body’s ability to heal. Diabetic foot problems can include numbness, infections, and ulcers that may become serious without proper care. Nerve damage, known as diabetic neuropathy, can reduce sensation in the feet, making it harder to notice small cuts or injuries. Reduced circulation can also slow healing and increase the chance of complications. Maintaining proper foot care is an important part of managing diabetes and protecting long term foot health.

Symptoms of diabetic foot problems may include tingling, burning sensations, and changes in the appearance of the feet. Some individuals may notice sores, cuts, or areas of irritation that do not heal normally. Because nerve damage can reduce feeling, a person may not feel pain from an injury until it becomes more advanced. Regular foot checks are important for identifying concerns early and preventing minor problems from becoming more severe.

Proper diabetic foot care begins with simple daily habits. Washing the feet every day with mild soap and warm water helps remove bacteria and reduce the risk of infection. Toenails should be trimmed carefully to prevent sharp edges or ingrown toenails. Checking the feet daily for sores, cuts, or changes in skin color can help identify problems before they worsen. Wearing shoes that fit well and provide proper support can also reduce pressure and protect the feet from injury.

Several risk factors can increase the chance of diabetic foot complications, including poor blood sugar control, long term diabetes, and smoking. Poor circulation and a history of foot ulcers may also be other risk factors. Wearing shoes that are too tight or walking barefoot can increase the risk of injury. If you have diabetes and have developed foot problems, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can help you to manage this serious condition through routine visits.

Diabetic foot care is important in preventing foot ailments such as ulcers. If you are suffering from diabetes or have any other concerns about your feet, contact one of our podiatrists from Bangor Podiatry. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Diabetic Foot Care

Diabetes affects millions of people every year. The condition can damage blood vessels in many parts of the body, especially the feet. Because of this, taking care of your feet is essential if you have diabetes, and having a podiatrist help monitor your foot health is highly recommended.

The Importance of Caring for Your Feet

• Routinely inspect your feet for bruises or sores.
• Wear socks that fit your feet comfortably.
• Wear comfortable shoes that provide adequate support.

Patients with diabetes should have their doctor monitor their blood levels, as blood sugar levels play such a huge role in diabetic care. Monitoring these levels on a regular basis is highly advised.

It is always best to inform your healthcare professional of any concerns you may have regarding your feet, especially for diabetic patients. Early treatment and routine foot examinations are keys to maintaining proper health, especially because severe complications can arise if proper treatment is not applied.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Bangor, Gilbert, and Bethlehem, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.