Why Running With a Broken Toe Is Not Recommended

A broken toe is a fracture in one of the small bones of the toe, often caused by dropping a heavy object on the foot or forcefully stubbing it. Symptoms include pain, swelling, bruising, and sometimes a clearly deformed appearance. While it may be tempting to continue normal activities, running with a broken toe is not recommended. The repeated impact places added stress on the injured bone, which can worsen pain, delay healing, and increase the risk of improper alignment. Even if discomfort seems manageable, continuing to run can prolong recovery time, which is typically about six weeks with proper care. Risk factors include sports activities and not wearing protective footwear. A podiatrist can evaluate the injury, provide stabilization, and guide safe healing. If you have broken your toe, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can offer effective treatment solutions, and guide you on an appropriate time frame to resume running.

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 Afshin Javaherian, DPM from Dr. Java Foot & Ankle Clinic. 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 office located in Los Angeles, CA . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

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How Broken Toes Occur and When to Seek Care

Broken toes occur when one or more of the small bones in the toes fracture due to trauma or excessive force. Common causes include a direct hit, such as stubbing the toe, or a hard object landing on it. Activities like dance or martial arts where shoes are not worn can also increase the risk of injury. Symptoms include pain, swelling, tenderness, difficulty walking, and discoloration where the toe may turn black and blue. Risk factors include high-impact activity, lack of wearing protective footwear, and previous injuries. A podiatrist can diagnose the fracture, provide stabilization, and guide proper healing. If you have broken your toe, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can offer appropriate treatment solutions.

Toe pain can disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, contact Afshin Javaherian, DPM of Dr. Java Foot & Ankle Clinic. 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 contact our office located in Los Angeles, CA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

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It's Time for Beautiful Feet

You don't need an excuse to have beautiful nails. Step outside without worrying about the appearance of your feet.

Foot Care Habits for Strong and Infection-Free Feet

Practicing healthy foot care habits is essential for preventing infections and maintaining overall wellness. Washing and drying feet each day helps remove bacteria and moisture that can lead to problems, while trimming toenails properly reduces the risk of injury. Checking feet for cuts and sores allows early detection of issues before they worsen. Without proper care, conditions like fungal nail infections, ringworm, and hookworm can develop. Fungal nail infections cause thickened and discolored nails, ringworm is a contagious skin infection that creates itchy circular rashes, and hookworm is a parasitic infection that can enter through the skin. Risk factors include poor hygiene and walking barefoot in contaminated areas. If you have any of the above symptoms, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can provide a proper diagnosis and treatment.

Everyday foot care is very important to prevent infection and other foot ailments. If you need your feet checked, contact Afshin Javaherian, DPM from Dr. Java Foot & Ankle Clinic. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Everyday Foot Care

Often, people take care of their bodies, face and hair more so than they do for their feet. But the feet are a very important aspect of our bodies, and one that we should pay more attention to. Without our feet, we would not be able to perform most daily tasks.

It is best to check your feet regularly to make sure there are no new bruises or cuts that you may not have noticed before. For dry feet, moisturizer can easily be a remedy and can be applied as often as necessary to the affected areas. Wearing shoes that fit well can also help you maintain good foot health, as well as making it easier to walk and do daily activities without the stress or pain of ill-fitting shoes, high heels, or even flip flops. Wearing clean socks with closed shoes is important to ensure that sweat and bacteria do not accumulate within the shoe. Clean socks help to prevent Athlete’s foot, fungi problems, bad odors, and can absorb sweat.

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

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Causes of Foot Changes During Pregnancy

Foot health often changes during pregnancy as the body adapts to support a growing baby. The center of gravity shifts due to the increased uterus and body mass, placing added pressure on the feet and altering posture. Hormonal changes, especially increased relaxin, can cause ligaments to loosen, leading the feet to become longer, flatter, and broader, over time. Swelling is also common, and may make it difficult to find comfortable and supportive shoes. These changes can contribute to discomfort and fatigue with daily activities. A podiatrist can help by evaluating foot structure, recommending proper footwear, and providing guidance to reduce strain and swelling. If your feet are uncomfortable during your pregnancy, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can offer appropriate relief tips.

Pregnant women with swollen feet can be treated with a variety of different methods that are readily available. For more information about other cures for swollen feet during pregnancy, consult with Afshin Javaherian, DPM from Dr. Java Foot & Ankle Clinic. Our doctor will attend to all of your foot and ankle needs.

What Foot Problems Can Arise During Pregnancy?

One problem that can occur is overpronation, which occurs when the arch of the foot flattens and tends to roll inward.  This can cause pain and discomfort in your heels while you’re walking or even just standing up, trying to support your baby.  

Another problem is edema, or swelling in the extremities. This often affects the feet during pregnancy but tends to occur in the later stages. 

How Can I Keep My Feet Healthy During Pregnancy?

  • Wearing orthotics can provide extra support for the feet and help distribute weight evenly
  • Minimize the amount of time spent walking barefoot
  • Wear shoes with good arch support
  • Wear shoes that allow for good circulation to the feet
  • Elevate feet if you experience swelling
  • Massage your feet
  • Get regular, light exercise, such as walking, to promote blood circulation to the feet

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

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