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A broken toe occurs when one of the small bones in a toe cracks or breaks. Injuries frequently happen after striking furniture, dropping a heavy object, or twisting the foot. Some fractures develop from repeated stress rather than one sudden accident. Symptoms include pain, swelling, and bruising. The injured toe may appear crooked or feel tender when touched. Walking and wearing shoes sometimes become uncomfortable. A broken big toe deserves particular attention because it supports balance and helps the foot push forward. Not every painful toe is broken, so an examination helps distinguish a fracture from a sprain. Early diagnosis helps identify injuries that need additional protection.

A podiatrist begins by asking how the injury happened and examining the affected toe. The examination includes checking alignment, tenderness, and skin condition. X-rays help confirm a fracture and show whether the bone has moved out of position. Treatment depends on the location and severity of the break. For certain stable fractures, the podiatrist secures the injured toe to its neighbor with protective padding. A stiff-soled medical shoe or walking boot limits painful movement while the bone heals. More serious injuries may require careful realignment and closer monitoring. The podiatrist also checks circulation and feeling in the toe. Open wounds, severe deformity, or loss of feeling require prompt attention. Follow-up visits help confirm that healing is progressing properly.

Broken toes sometimes change the way patients walk. Favoring the injured foot places extra pressure on nearby joints and muscles. A podiatrist assesses these changes and explains what to expect throughout recovery. Healing takes several weeks, although the timeline depends on the fracture. Follow-up examinations track swelling, alignment, and walking comfort. The podiatrist reviews when normal activities are appropriate and whether additional support remains necessary. Persistent pain deserves reassessment because some fractures heal more slowly than expected. Proper treatment aims to protect the injured bone and restore comfortable movement. Patients also receive guidance about the expected healing process and signs that deserve an examination. 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 Dr. Alan J. Spector from Shore 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 office located in Point Pleasant, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Cuboid syndrome causes pain along the outside of the foot, near a bone called the cuboid. This bone sits in the middle of the foot and connects with the heel bone. Bands of tissue help hold these bones in position. When those bands stretch or become injured, the cuboid can shift and cause discomfort. An ankle sprain can trigger this problem. Repeated impact from running or dancing can also place stress on the area. Athletes who make quick side-to-side movements may be vulnerable.

Pain from cuboid syndrome can begin suddenly or build gradually. Some patients notice a popping feeling when the injury occurs. Symptoms include tenderness, weakness, and discomfort along the outer foot. Swelling or bruising can appear near the middle of the foot. Pain sometimes seems to spread toward the outside of the ankle. Walking can become difficult, and patients may limp to avoid pressure on the sore area. Because other foot injuries can cause similar pain, identifying the source is important. A podiatrist can check whether a sprain or another injury is also present.

A podiatrist can examine the foot, ask how the pain started, and check the movement of nearby joints. Imaging tests may help rule out a fracture, although cuboid syndrome usually does not appear on X-rays. Treatment can include joint movement guided by the podiatrist to improve alignment. Supportive shoes and cushioned inserts can help reduce stress on the affected area. A podiatrist may also recommend a supervised strengthening plan and assess when it is safe to resume activities. Recovery can be quicker when no other injury is involved, while an accompanying ankle sprain may require more time. If you have symptoms of cuboid syndrome, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Cuboid syndrome, also known as cuboid subluxation, occurs when the joints and ligaments near the cuboid bone in the foot become torn. If you have cuboid syndrome, consult with Dr. Alan J. Spector from Shore Podiatry. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Cuboid syndrome is a common cause of lateral foot pain, which is pain on the outside of the foot. The condition may happen suddenly due to an ankle sprain, or it may develop slowly overtime from repetitive tension through the bone and surrounding structures.

Causes

The most common causes of cuboid syndrome include:

• Injury – The most common cause of this ailment is an ankle sprain.
• Repetitive Strain – Tension placed through the peroneus longus muscle from repetitive activities such as jumping and running may cause excessive traction on the bone causing it to sublux.
• Altered Foot Biomechanics – Most people suffering from cuboid subluxation have flat feet.

Symptoms

A common symptom of cuboid syndrome is pain along the outside of the foot which can be felt in the ankle and toes. This pain may create walking difficulties and may cause those with the condition to walk with a limp.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of cuboid syndrome is often difficult, and it is often misdiagnosed. X-rays, MRIs and CT scans often fail to properly show the cuboid subluxation. Although there isn’t a specific test used to diagnose cuboid syndrome, your podiatrist will usually check if pain is felt while pressing firmly on the cuboid bone of your foot.

Treatment

Just as the range of causes varies widely, so do treatments. Some more common treatments are ice therapy, rest, exercise, taping, and orthotics.

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

A broken ankle can affect one or more bones in a child’s ankle. It can happen after a fall, a sports collision, or an awkward landing. Symptoms include sudden pain, swelling, and bruising. A child may struggle to stand or put weight on the foot. Because children’s bones are still developing, a fracture can involve a growth plate. This softer area near a bone’s end helps it grow. Growth-plate injuries need prompt attention because they can affect how the bone develops.

It is not always easy to tell a broken ankle from a sprain. Both injuries can cause pain, swelling, and difficulty walking. A podiatrist will ask how the injury happened and examine the ankle for tenderness or changes in shape. X-rays can show the location of a break and whether the bones have shifted. Other imaging tests can provide more detail when a fracture is difficult to see. Treatment depends on the child’s age, the type of break, and the position of the bones. A cast or walking boot can keep the ankle still while it heals. The podiatrist may also limit weight-bearing and monitor the bone with follow-up X-rays.

Some fractures must be gently moved back into alignment before the ankle is placed in a cast. Surgery may be needed when bones are badly displaced, the ankle is unstable, or the skin has been damaged. The podiatrist can explain the safest treatment and check healing at follow-up visits. These visits are especially important when a growth plate is involved. After the bone heals, the podiatrist can guide a gradual return to walking, school activities, and sports. Returning too soon can raise the risk of another injury. Protective bracing may be recommended when the child becomes active again. If your child has broken their ankle, it is suggested that you make an immediate appointment with a podiatrist for effective treatment solutions.

Broken ankles need immediate treatment. If you are seeking treatment, contact Dr. Alan J. Spector from Shore Podiatry. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet. 

Broken Ankles
A broken ankle is experienced when a person fractures their tibia or fibula in the lower leg and ankle area. Both of these bones are attached at the bottom of the leg and combine to form what we know to be our ankle.

When a physician is referring to a break of the ankle, he or she is usually referring to a break in the area where the tibia and fibula are joined to create our ankle joint. Ankles are more prone to fractures because the ankle is an area that suffers a lot of pressure and stress. There are some obvious signs when a person experiences a fractured ankle, and the following symptoms may be present.

Symptoms of a Fractured Ankle

• Excessive pain when the area is touched or when any pressure is placed on the ankle
• Swelling around the area
• Bruising of the area
• Area appears to be deformed

If you suspect an ankle fracture, it is recommended to seek treatment as soon as possible. The sooner you have your podiatrist diagnose the fracture, the quicker you’ll be on the way towards recovery.

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

Athlete’s foot is a fungal infection that affects the skin of the feet. It is caused by fungi called dermatophytes, which thrive in warm, damp environments. The infection can develop between the toes, along the soles, or on other areas of the foot. Common symptoms include itching, burning, and cracked skin. Some people may also develop small blisters or soreness. Although athlete’s foot is usually manageable, untreated infections can spread to the toenails or other areas of the body.

There are several ways a person may develop athlete’s foot. Walking barefoot in damp public areas can increase exposure to fungi. Wearing sweaty shoes and socks for long periods creates an environment where fungal organisms thrive. Sharing footwear, socks, or towels with someone who has a fungal infection can also increase the risk. Athletes may be particularly vulnerable because sports often involve sweating, shared facilities, and prolonged periods in enclosed shoes. Other risk factors include excessive foot sweating, minor skin damage, and keeping the feet damp after bathing or exercise.

A podiatrist can diagnose athlete’s foot by examining the affected skin and reviewing symptoms. In some cases, a small skin sample may be tested to confirm a fungal infection when the diagnosis is uncertain. The podiatrist may recommend an appropriate antifungal medication and provide guidance about footwear and foot hygiene. If the skin is cracked or severely irritated, additional care may be needed to reduce the risk of bacterial infection. Persistent infections may require further evaluation.

Preventing athlete’s foot involves keeping the feet clean and dry and changing damp socks or shoes promptly. Patients should also avoid sharing personal items that contact the feet and should use appropriate footwear in communal wet areas. Seeking treatment early can reduce discomfort and help prevent the infection from spreading. If you have symptoms of athlete’s foot, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for effective relief and treatment solutions, which may include prescribed medication. 

Athlete’s foot is an inconvenient condition that can be easily reduced with the proper treatment. If you have any concerns about your feet and ankles, contact Dr. Alan J. Spector from Shore Podiatry.  Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Athlete’s Foot: The Sole Story

Athlete's foot, also known as tinea pedis, can be an extremely contagious foot infection. It is commonly contracted in public changing areas and bathrooms, dormitory style living quarters, around locker rooms and public swimming pools, or anywhere your feet often come into contact with other people.

Solutions to Combat Athlete’s Foot

• Hydrate your feet by using lotion
• Exfoliate
• Buff off nails
• Use of anti-fungal products
• Examine your feet and visit your doctor if any suspicious blisters or cuts develop

Athlete’s foot can cause many irritating symptoms such as dry and flaking skin, itching, and redness. Some more severe symptoms can include bleeding and cracked skin, intense itching and burning, and even pain when walking. In the worst cases, Athlete’s foot can cause blistering as well. Speak to your podiatrist for a better understanding of the different causes of Athlete’s foot, as well as help in determining which treatment options are best for you.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Point Pleasant, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.