A broken toe can happen when a toe is struck, crushed, or hit by a heavy object. Each toe contains small bones that can fracture after an injury. Symptoms can include pain, swelling, and stiffness. Some broken toes can also look crooked if the bone has moved out of its normal position. The big toe deserves particular attention because it plays an important role in balance and walking. An open wound near the injury can also signal a more serious fracture. A podiatrist can examine the toe, assess its position, and determine how serious the injury is. An examination can also help identify whether an X-ray or other evaluation is appropriate.

Treatment for a broken toe depends on the location and severity of the injury. A podiatrist can evaluate the toe and provide care designed to support proper healing. This can include stabilizing the toe, protecting the injured area, and monitoring its progress. Some fractures heal without surgery, while more severe injuries can require additional treatment. A crooked toe may need to be carefully realigned so the bone can heal in a proper position. Injuries involving an open wound, significant swelling, or the big toe require careful evaluation. A podiatrist can also assess how the injury affects your ability to stand, walk, and wear shoes comfortably.

Most broken toes heal with appropriate treatment, but the healing period can vary based on the injury. More serious fractures can take longer to heal and sometimes require casting or surgery. A podiatrist can monitor healing and look for signs that the toe is not recovering as expected. Symptoms like increasing pain or swelling, numbness, or a toe that becomes more crooked should receive prompt attention. Podiatric evaluation can also help reduce the risk of problems caused by an improperly aligned toe. Getting the injury assessed allows treatment to be based on the type and severity of the fracture. If you have broken your toe, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for effective relief and 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 Judson Siegel, DPM from Assabet Family Podiatry. Our doctor 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 Marlborough and Plainville, MA . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Foot and ankle pain while running is often the result of overuse injuries. These occur when repetitive stress exceeds the body’s ability to recover. The foot and ankle absorb significant impact with each step, making them vulnerable to strain and inflammation. Recognizing the definition of running related injuries can help individuals take preventive measures and maintain consistent activity levels without discomfort.

Symptoms can vary depending on the condition, but often include localized pain, swelling, and reduced mobility. Some runners experience a dull ache that intensifies with activity, while others feel sharp pain during specific movements. Risk factors include over-training, wearing worn-out shoes, and having biomechanical imbalances like flat feet or high arches. Inadequate recovery time between runs can also increase the likelihood of injury. These factors contribute to several common types of foot and ankle conditions seen in runners.

Plantar fasciitis involves inflammation of the plantar fascia and is typically felt as heel pain that is worse after periods of rest. Achilles tendinitis causes discomfort along the back of the ankle and may feel tight or sore during movement. An ankle sprain results from a sudden twist or roll of the joint, leading to pain, swelling, and instability. Additionally, a stress fracture is a small break in the bone that develops gradually and produces a persistent, localized pain that worsens with weight bearing. Each condition affects runners differently but is linked to repetitive strain and mechanical stress.

Preventing foot and ankle pain requires a balanced approach that includes wearing proper footwear, gradual increases in training, and attention to body mechanics. Stretching, strengthening, and rest are important components of injury prevention and recovery. Awareness of risk factors allows runners to make informed decisions about their training routines. If you enjoy running and have developed foot or ankle pain, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for effective treatment solutions and prevention tips.

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 Judson Siegel, DPM from Assabet Family Podiatry. Our doctor 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 Marlborough and Plainville, MA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

An ingrown toenail, medically known as onychocryptosis, develops when the edge of the nail grows into the surrounding skin. This condition most often affects the big toe and can lead to pain, inflammation, and infection if not treated. It develops when the nail plate presses into the soft tissue, causing irritation and a break in the skin barrier. This can allow bacteria to enter, increasing the risk of infection. Understanding the types and causes of ingrown toenails is important for early recognition and proper care.

There are three main types of ingrown toenails based on the location of the nail growth. The lateral type is the most common and occurs when the side edge of the nail grows into the adjacent skin. The distal type develops at the front edge of the nail, where it presses downward into the skin. The proximal type is less common and involves the base of the nail growing into the surrounding tissue near the cuticle. 

Symptoms of ingrown toenails include redness, swelling, tenderness, and pain along the affected nail edge. As the condition progresses, the area may become warm and produce drainage or pus, indicating infection. Walking and wearing shoes may become uncomfortable due to pressure on the toe. Risk factors include improper nail trimming, wearing tight or narrow footwear, and repetitive trauma from physical activity. Naturally curved nails may also be a factor. Individuals with conditions such as diabetes may face increased complications due to slower healing and reduced sensation.

The causes of ingrown toenails are often related to both mechanical pressure and personal habits. Repeated stress from walking or running may also contribute. Early care and prevention strategies can reduce the likelihood of recurrence and improve comfort. If you have an ingrown toenail, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can effectively treat this condition, which may include minor surgery.

Ingrown toenails can become painful if they are not treated properly. For more information about ingrown toenails, contact Judson Siegel, DPM of Assabet Family Podiatry. Our doctor 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 Marlborough and Plainville, MA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Foot surgery may be recommended when ongoing foot pain, deformity, or injury does not improve with appropriate medical care. Many foot conditions can be managed without surgery, but some cases require a surgical procedure to restore function or relieve persistent discomfort. Foot surgery may be considered for certain problems, such as severe bunions, hammertoes, or fractures, that have affected normal foot alignment. Depending on the condition, surgery may also improve mobility and make walking more comfortable. Every patient is different, so the decision is based on the type of problem, its severity, and how much it affects daily activities. A thorough evaluation by a podiatrist helps determine whether surgery is an appropriate treatment option.

Before recommending foot surgery, a podiatrist carefully examines the foot and reviews the patient's symptoms, medical history, and imaging studies when needed. This evaluation helps identify the underlying cause of pain and determine the most effective treatment plan. The goal of surgery is to improve foot function while reducing pain and correcting structural problems. Recovery time depends on the procedure performed and the condition being treated. Regular follow-up appointments are an important part of the healing process because they allow progress to be monitored and treatment plans to be adjusted if necessary. Careful planning before surgery also helps patients understand what to expect throughout recovery.

Podiatrists are specially trained to diagnose foot conditions and perform surgical procedures when they are medically necessary. They also provide comprehensive care before and after surgery to support healing and help patients return to normal activities safely. Professional treatment focuses on restoring mobility, improving foot function, and reducing the risk of future complications. Early evaluation is important because delaying care may allow certain foot conditions to worsen. If chronic foot pain, a deformity, or a serious foot injury is limiting your daily activities, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for an evaluation and appropriate treatment options.

Foot surgery is sometimes necessary to treat a foot ailment. To learn more, contact Judson Siegel, DPM of Assabet Family Podiatry. Our doctor will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.

When Is Surgery Necessary?

Foot and ankle surgery is generally reserved for cases in which less invasive, conservative procedures have failed to alleviate the problem. Some of the cases in which surgery may be necessary include:

• Removing foot deformities like bunions and bone spurs
• Severe arthritis that has caused bone issues
• Cosmetic reconstruction

What Types of Surgery Are There?

The type of surgery you receive will depend on the nature of the problem you have. Some of the possible surgeries include:

• Bunionectomy for painful bunions
• Surgical fusion for realignment of bones
• Neuropathy decompression surgery to treat nerve damage

Benefits of Surgery

Although surgery is usually a last resort, it can provide more complete pain relief compared to non-surgical methods and may allow you to finally resume full activity.

Surgical techniques have also become increasingly sophisticated. Techniques like endoscopic surgery allow for smaller incisions and faster recovery times.

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