A metatarsal fracture is a break in one of the five long bones in the middle of the foot. These fractures are among the most common foot injuries, often caused by trauma, overuse, or sudden twisting motions. Athletes, dancers, and people with weakened bones from osteoporosis are at higher risk. Symptoms include pain, swelling, bruising, and difficulty walking. Some may feel a sharp pain at the time of injury, while others notice increasing discomfort over time. A podiatrist will diagnose the fracture through a physical exam and X-rays. Treatment depends on the severity. Minor fractures may heal with rest and a walking boot, while more severe breaks may require casting or surgery. If you suspect a foot fracture, it is suggested that you seek treatment from a podiatrist to ensure proper healing and avoid long-term foot issues.

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 and ankle needs.

Bruising on the ankles can occur for various reasons, with trauma being the most common cause. Injuries such as sprains, strains, or falls can result in broken blood vessels, leading to visible bruises. However, bruising may also indicate underlying medical conditions. Conditions like diabetes, blood clotting disorders, or peripheral artery disease can affect circulation, making bruising more likely. Certain medications, such as blood thinners or steroids, can also increase the risk of bruising by affecting blood clotting or weakening blood vessel walls. Aging can also play a role, as skin becomes thinner and blood vessels lose their strength over time, making bruises more likely from minor impacts. Nutritional deficiencies, particularly a lack of vitamin C, vitamin K, or bioflavonoids, can also contribute to easy bruising. If your ankles have become bruised, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can determine what the cause is, and offer appropriate treatment solutions.

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 Bangor Podiatry. 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 offices located in Bangor, Gilbert, and Bethlehem, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Plantar fibromatosis is a rare condition that affects the tissue on the bottom of the foot, causing the growth of benign nodules or lumps in the plantar fascia. These lumps are usually firm and may vary in size. The exact cause of plantar fibromatosis is not fully understood, but it may be linked to genetic factors, trauma, or certain health conditions like diabetes or liver disease. Symptoms typically include pain or discomfort in the foot, especially when walking or standing for extended periods. The lumps may gradually increase in size, leading to difficulty in movement or wearing shoes. While the condition is generally not harmful, it can cause significant discomfort. If you lump the sole of your foot, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can provide effective relief and treatment solutions.

A plantar fibroma may disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, contact one of our podiatrists of Bangor Podiatry. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Plantar Fibroma

A plantar fibroma is a fibrous knot in the arch of the foot. It is embedded in the plantar fascia which is a band of tissue that extends from the heel to the toes along the bottom of the foot. There can be multiple plantar fibromas in the feet at the same time. There are no known causes for this condition. If you have a plantar fibroma, there will be a bump in the arch of your foot that cannot be missed. Any associated pain is most often due to a shoe rubbing against the nodule. Non-surgical options, such as steroid injections, physical therapy, and orthotics should be tried first. Surgery is a last resort and is the only thing that will remove a plantar fibroma entirely. Consult with a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and to determine the treatment regimen that is right for you.

What Causes a Plantar Fibroma?

While there are no specific causes identified, a plantar fibroma can possibly come from genetic predisposition or the formation of scar tissue that forms from healing the tears in the plantar fascia.

What Are the Symptoms of a Plantar Fibroma?

There will be a noticeable lump in the arch of the foot that may or may not cause pain. If pain is felt, it is typically because a shoe is rubbing up against the lump or when walking or standing barefoot.

Treatment and Prevention

A plantar fibroma will not disappear without treatment, but it can get smaller and be a non-issue. If pain persists, a podiatrist examines the foot and when the arch of the foot is pressed, pain can be felt down to the toes. An MRI or biopsy might be performed to help diagnose or evaluate the plantar fibroma. The following non-surgical options are generally enough to reduce the size and pain of these nodules:

• Steroid injections
• Orthotics
• Physical therapy to help apply anti-inflammatory creams on the bump 

Surgery is considered if the mass increases in size and the patient continues to feel pain after non-surgical methods are tried.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Bangor, Gilbert, and Bethlehem, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Heel spurs are bony growths that develop on the underside of the heel bone due to prolonged stress, inflammation, or repetitive strain. They often form in response to plantar fasciitis, as the body deposits calcium in an attempt to repair chronic microtears in the fascia. While many heel spurs cause no symptoms, others lead to pain, especially during walking or standing. Calcaneal spurs, which form on the calcaneus, or heel bone, are one of the most common types. Risk factors include high-impact activities, obesity, flat feet, and wearing unsupportive footwear. Treatment focuses on reducing inflammation with stretching, orthotics, and supportive shoes. If you have a heel spur and it is causing pain, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for an evaluation and appropriate treatment solutions.

Heel spurs can be incredibly painful and sometimes may make you unable to participate in physical activities. To get medical care for your heel spurs, contact one of our podiatrists from Bangor Podiatry. Our doctors will do everything possible to treat your condition.

Heels Spurs

Heel spurs are formed by calcium deposits on the back of the foot where the heel is. This can also be caused by small fragments of bone breaking off one section of the foot, attaching onto the back of the foot. Heel spurs can also be bone growth on the back of the foot and may grow in the direction of the arch of the foot.

Older individuals usually suffer from heel spurs and pain sometimes intensifies with age. One of the main condition's spurs are related to is plantar fasciitis.

Pain

The pain associated with spurs is often because of weight placed on the feet. When someone is walking, their entire weight is concentrated on the feet. Bone spurs then have the tendency to affect other bones and tissues around the foot. As the pain continues, the feet will become tender and sensitive over time.

Treatments

There are many ways to treat heel spurs. If one is suffering from heel spurs in conjunction with pain, there are several methods for healing. Medication, surgery, and herbal care are some options.

If you have any questions feel free to contact our offices located in Bangor, Gilbert, and Bethlehem, PA . We offer the latest in diagnostic and treatment technology to meet your needs.

Lower limb salvage focuses on saving an at-risk leg or foot from limb loss due to severe injuries, infections, or complications from conditions like diabetes or peripheral artery disease. The goal is to restore functionality, preserve mobility, and improve quality of life while minimizing pain and complications. This task requires a multidisciplinary approach and often involves advanced techniques such as wound debridement, skin grafts, vascular procedures, and reconstructive surgery. Custom orthotics, braces, or special footwear may also be used to offload pressure and prevent further damage. Early intervention is critical, as untreated infections or poor circulation can escalate quickly. Lower limb salvage is a highly personalized process that considers each patient’s unique circumstances, focusing on long-term outcomes and independence. If you or a loved one are at risk, it is suggested that you include a podiatrist on your medical team to explore the best treatment options for preserving limb health and mobility.

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 Bangor Podiatry. 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 offices located in Bangor, Gilbert, and Bethlehem, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.