Items filtered by date: October 2025

A fractured toe may seem minor, but it can significantly affect balance, stability, and athletic performance. These injuries often occur from direct impact, stubbing the toe, or repetitive stress during sports. Recovery depends on the severity and location of the break, with healing typically taking several weeks. Rest, protective footwear, and sometimes taping or splinting allow the bone to heal properly. Rushing back to sports too soon can delay recovery or lead to re-injury. Once pain and swelling subside, gradual return to movement and strength training helps restore flexibility and coordination. Wearing supportive shoes, and, in some cases, orthotics can reduce pressure on the healing area. If you are an athlete and have a broken toe, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist before resuming full activity to ensure the toe has healed completely, and to receive guidance on safe re-entry into training and competition.

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 one of our podiatrists from Ultimate Foot Care . Our doctors 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 Smithtown, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Gout is a type of inflammatory arthritis caused by a buildup of uric acid crystals in the joints, commonly affecting the big toe, but also other parts of the foot and ankle. Symptoms include sudden, severe pain, redness, swelling, and warmth surrounding the affected joint. Attacks often occur at night and can last for several days, making walking and wearing shoes uncomfortable. Causes of gout include genetics, a diet high in purines, obesity, certain medications, and underlying health conditions like kidney disease. Visually, the affected joint may appear swollen and red, and the pain is often described as intense and throbbing. A podiatrist can diagnose gout through a physical examination, patient history, and blood tests to measure uric acid levels. Treatment includes medication to reduce inflammation and pain, lifestyle modifications, dietary changes, and, in some cases, joint drainage. To manage symptoms and prevent flare-ups, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist.

Gout is a painful condition that can be treated. If you are seeking treatment, contact one of our podiatrists from Ultimate Foot Care . Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Is Gout?

Gout is a form of arthritis that is characterized by sudden, severe attacks of pain, redness, and tenderness in the joints. The condition usually affects the joint at the base of the big toe. A gout attack can occur at any random time, such as the middle of the night while you are asleep.

Symptoms

• Intense Joint Pain - Usually around the large joint of your big toe, and it most severe within the first four to twelve hours
• Lingering Discomfort - Joint discomfort may last from a few days to a few weeks
• Inflammation and Redness -Affected joints may become swollen, tender, warm and red
• Limited Range of Motion - May experience a decrease in joint mobility

Risk Factors

• Genetics - If family members have gout, you’re more likely to have it
• Medications - Diuretic medications can raise uric acid levels
• Gender/Age - Gout is more common in men until the age of 60. It is believed that estrogen protects women until that point
• Diet - Eating red meat and shellfish increases your risk
• Alcohol - Having more than two alcoholic drinks per day increases your risk
• Obesity - Obese people are at a higher risk for gout

Prior to visiting your podiatrist to receive treatment for gout, there are a few things you should do beforehand. If you have gout you should write down your symptoms--including when they started and how often you experience them, important medical information you may have, and any questions you may have. Writing down these three things will help your podiatrist in assessing your specific situation so that he or she may provide the best route of treatment for you.

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

Ankle sprains are common in volleyball due to the quick and forceful movements involved in the sport. Actions such as spiking and blocking place significant stress on the ankle as players jump and land, sometimes on uneven surfaces or another player’s foot. Risk factors include reduced muscle strength, limited active range of motion, and poor balance or footwear that lacks support. Additionally, symptoms often include pain, swelling, bruising, and difficulty bearing weight. A podiatrist can help by diagnosing the severity of the sprain, providing bracing or orthotics, and recommending prevention strategies. If you have sustained an ankle sprain while playing volleyball, it is suggested that you promptly consult a podiatrist who can provide expert foot and ankle care.

Sports related foot and ankle injuries require proper treatment before players can go back to their regular routines. For more information, contact one of our podiatrists of Ultimate Foot Care . Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Sports Related Foot and Ankle Injuries

Foot and ankle injuries are a common occurrence when it comes to athletes of any sport. While many athletes dismiss the initial aches and pains, the truth is that ignoring potential foot and ankle injuries can lead to serious problems. As athletes continue to place pressure and strain the area further, a mild injury can turn into something as serious as a rupture and may lead to a permanent disability. There are many factors that contribute to sports related foot and ankle injuries, which include failure to warm up properly, not providing support or wearing bad footwear. Common injuries and conditions athletes face, including:

• Plantar Fasciitis
• Achilles Tendinitis
• Achilles Tendon Rupture
• Ankle Sprains

Sports related injuries are commonly treated using the RICE method. This includes rest, applying ice to the injured area, compression and elevating the ankle. More serious sprains and injuries may require surgery, which could include arthroscopic and reconstructive surgery. Rehabilitation and therapy may also be required in order to get any recovering athlete to become fully functional again. Any unusual aches and pains an athlete sustains must be evaluated by a licensed, reputable medical professional.

If you have any questions please contact our office located in Smithtown, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

The medical condition that is referred to as Sever’s disease can affect children and young adults who participate in sporting activities. There is a soft area in the heel bone known as the calcaneal growth plate, and it is surrounded by the Achilles tendon and plantar fascia. The heel plate may become inflamed as consistent body weight is placed on the foot, and this may cause your child to limp. It is beneficial to stop the activity that has caused the injury. Additionally, your child may feel relief when a heel lift is placed inside the shoe, as this may help to relieve a portion of the pressure. If your child is complaining of heel pain, consult with a podiatrist who can perform a proper diagnosis and begin effective treatment as soon as possible.

Sever's disease often occurs in children and teens. If your child is experiencing foot or ankle pain, see one of our podiatrists from Ultimate Foot Care . Our doctors can treat your child’s foot and ankle needs.

Sever’s Disease

Sever’s disease is also known as calcaneal apophysitis, which is a medical condition that causes heel pain I none or both feet. The disease is known to affect children between the ages of 8 and 14.

Sever’s disease occurs when part of the child’s heel known as the growth plate (calcaneal epiphysis) is attached to the Achilles tendon. This area can suffer injury when the muscles and tendons of the growing foot do not keep pace with bone growth. Therefore, the constant pain which one experiences at the back of the heel will make the child unable to put any weight on the heel. The child is then forced to walk on their toes.

Symptoms

Acute pain – Pain associated with Sever’s disease is usually felt in the heel when the child engages in physical activity such as walking, jumping and or running.

Highly active – Children who are very active are among the most susceptible in experiencing Sever’s disease, because of the stress and tension placed on their feet.

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