Items filtered by date: June 2025

A broken toe occurs when one of the bones in the toe cracks due to trauma or repeated stress. Common causes include stubbing the toe, dropping a heavy object on the foot, or overuse in activities like running. Symptoms include swelling, bruising, pain, difficulty walking, or visible deformity. Risk factors include poor footwear, reduced bone density, and high-impact activities. A podiatrist can confirm the diagnosis through a physical exam and imaging, then recommend appropriate care such as splinting, immobilization, or, in some cases, surgery. If you suspect a broken toe, it is suggested that you make an immediate appointment with a podiatrist to receive expert treatment and prevent long-term complications.

A broken toe can be very painful and lead to complications if not properly fixed. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact James Tyler Vestile, DPM from Foot and Ankle Centers of Indiana. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What to Know About a Broken Toe

Although most people try to avoid foot trauma such as banging, stubbing, or dropping heavy objects on their feet, the unfortunate fact is that it is a common occurrence. Given the fact that toes are positioned in front of the feet, they typically sustain the brunt of such trauma. When trauma occurs to a toe, the result can be a painful break (fracture).

Symptoms of a Broken Toe

• Throbbing pain
• Swelling
• Bruising on the skin and toenail
• The inability to move the toe
• Toe appears crooked or disfigured
• Tingling or numbness in the toe

Generally, it is best to stay off of the injured toe with the affected foot elevated.

Severe toe fractures may be treated with a splint, cast, and in some cases, minor surgery. Due to its position and the pressure it endures with daily activity, future complications can occur if the big toe is not properly treated.

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

An ankle sprain occurs when the ligaments that support the ankle are stretched or torn, usually from a sudden twist or fall. Sprains are categorized into grades based on severity, ranging from mild stretching to complete tears. Symptoms include pain, swelling, bruising, and limited movement. Aftercare involves rest, compression, elevation, and gradual return to activity. A podiatrist plays a key role in recovery by assessing the injury, providing treatment to reduce inflammation, and guiding rehabilitation exercises to restore strength and stability.  If you have suffered an ankle sprain, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist to ensure proper healing and support for long-term foot and ankle health.

Ankle pain can have many different causes and the pain may potentially be serious. If you have ankle pain, consult with James Tyler Vestile, DPM from Foot and Ankle Centers of Indiana. Our doctor 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 tendinitis
• Achilles tendon rupture
• Stress fractures
• 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 office located in Tipton, IN . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Bone stress injuries happen when a bone is repeatedly loaded with weight without enough time to rest and recover. In active children and teenagers, this often occurs during sports that involve running, jumping, or high-impact movement. Unlike a sudden break, a stress injury builds slowly as the bone becomes weakened from overuse. Early signs may include a deep, aching pain that gets worse with activity and improves with rest. These injuries are most common in the feet, shins, and ankles. Because growing bones are still developing, they are more at risk for this type of damage. Ignoring the early signs can lead to more serious injury and longer recovery time. Rest, activity changes, and supportive footwear are often part of treatment. If a child has lasting pain in the foot or lower leg without a clear injury, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for evaluation and appropriate care.

Stress fractures occur when there is a tiny crack within a bone. To learn more, contact James Tyler Vestile, DPM from Foot and Ankle Centers of Indiana. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain free and on your feet.

How Are They Caused?

Stress fractures are the result of repetitive force being placed on the bone. Since the lower leg and feet often carry most of the body’s weight, stress fractures are likely to occur in these areas. If you rush into a new exercise, you are more likely to develop a stress fracture since you are starting too much, too soon.  Pain resulting from stress fractures may go unnoticed at first, however it may start to worsen over time.

Risk Factors

• Gender – They are more commonly found in women compared to men.
• Foot Problems – People with unusual arches in their feet are more likely to develop stress fractures.
• Certain Sports – Dancers, gymnasts, tennis players, runners, and basketball players are more likely to develop stress fractures.
• Lack of Nutrients – A lack of vitamin D and calcium may weaken the bones and make you more prone to stress fractures
• Weak Bones – Osteoporosis can weaken the bones therefore resulting in stress fractures

Stress fractures do not always heal properly, so it is important that you seek help from a podiatrist if you suspect you may have one. Ignoring your stress fracture may cause it to worsen, and you may develop chronic pain as well as additional fractures.

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

Gout is a form of inflammatory arthritis caused by a buildup of uric acid crystals in the joints, most commonly in the big toe. It often develops suddenly, with intense pain, redness, swelling, and warmth in the affected area. Gout attacks can last from a few days to a couple of weeks, with symptoms often peaking within 24 hours. Triggers include a diet high in purines, especially red meat, seafood, and alcohol. Other causes are dehydration, obesity, and certain medical conditions. The pain can be sharp, throbbing, and severe enough to make even light pressure, like a bedsheet, feel unbearable. A podiatrist can diagnose gout with an exam, joint fluid analysis, or imaging. Treatment may involve anti-inflammatory medication, corticosteroid injections, dietary guidance, and long-term uric acid management. Preventive care is key to reducing the frequency and severity of future flare-ups. If you have developed gout, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who can help you to manage this painful condition.

Gout is a painful condition that can be treated. If you are seeking treatment, contact James Tyler Vestile, DPM from Foot and Ankle Centers of Indiana. Our doctor 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 Tipton, IN . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.