Types of Avulsion Fractures in the Foot

An avulsion fracture occurs when a small piece of bone is pulled away by a tendon or ligament after a sudden force or twisting motion. In the foot, these injuries can affect several areas. The most frequent type involves the fifth metatarsal, located on the outer edge of the foot, often resulting from rolling the ankle outward. The calcaneus, or heel bone, can also experience an avulsion fracture at the back where the Achilles tendon attaches. Less common sites include the cuboid, navicular, and talus bones, where strong tendons can pull off small bone fragments during intense movements. Symptoms of avulsion fractures include swelling, bruising, and pain that worsens with walking or bearing weight. A podiatrist can diagnose the specific fracture location using imaging and determine whether immobilization or surgery is necessary to restore alignment and prevent chronic pain. If you have unexplained foot pain, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and suggested treatment.

A broken foot requires immediate medical attention and treatment. If you need your feet checked, contact Kentston Cripe, DPM from Roseville Foot & Ankle. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Broken Foot Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

A broken foot is caused by one of the bones in the foot typically breaking when bended, crushed, or stretched beyond its natural capabilities. Usually the location of the fracture indicates how the break occurred, whether it was through an object, fall, or any other type of injury. 

Common Symptoms of Broken Feet:

  • Bruising
  • Pain
  • Redness
  • Swelling
  • Blue in color
  • Numbness
  • Cold
  • Misshapen
  • Cuts
  • Deformities

Those that suspect they have a broken foot shoot seek urgent medical attention where a medical professional could diagnose the severity.

Treatment for broken bones varies depending on the cause, severity and location. Some will require the use of splints, casts or crutches while others could even involve surgery to repair the broken bones. Personal care includes the use of ice and keeping the foot stabilized and elevated.

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

Read more about Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment for a Broken Foot

Symptoms and Treatment of Bunions

A bunion develops when the big toe gradually shifts toward the smaller toes, causing a noticeable bump on the side of the foot and irritation around the big toe joint. This change, known medically as hallux valgus, often leads to soreness in the toes, redness around the joint, and areas of thickened skin under the ball of the foot. Some people experience numbness if nearby nerves become irritated, and stiffness in the big toe can make walking uncomfortable. Shoes that lack adequate support or have narrow designs often increase pressure on the joint. A podiatrist can evaluate the alignment of the toes, check joint movement, and recommend a treatment plan. Supportive footwear with a wide toe box, custom orthotics, and padding can ease pressure on the joint, while surgery corrects the underlying misalignment when pain is severe. If you have a painful bunion, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and treatment.

If you are suffering from bunion pain, contact Kentston Cripe, DPM of Roseville Foot & Ankle. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is a Bunion?

Bunions are painful bony bumps that usually develop on the inside of the foot at the joint of the big toe. As the deformity increases over time, it may become painful to walk and wear shoes. Women are more likely to exacerbate existing bunions since they often wear tight, narrow shoes that shift their toes together. Bunion pain can be relieved by wearing wider shoes with enough room for the toes.

Causes

  • Genetics – some people inherit feet that are more prone to bunion development
  • Inflammatory Conditions - rheumatoid arthritis and polio may cause bunion development

Symptoms

  • Redness and inflammation
  • Pain and tenderness
  • Callus or corns on the bump
  • Restricted motion in the big toe

In order to diagnose your bunion, your podiatrist may ask about your medical history, symptoms, and general health. Your doctor might also order an x-ray to take a closer look at your feet. Nonsurgical treatment options include orthotics, padding, icing, changes in footwear, and medication. If nonsurgical treatments don’t alleviate your bunion pain, surgery may be necessary.

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

Read more about What Are Bunions?

Get Professional Care for a Broken Foot or Ankle

Constant care and regular evaluation are important for a foot or ankle fracture. If left untreated, foot or ankle fractures can worsen over time and create more serious problems.

Don't wait to be examined if you believe you've experienced a foot or ankle fracture.

Causes of Pain in the Ball of the Foot

Pain in the ball of the foot, also known as metatarsalgia, occurs when the tissues in this area become irritated or strained. This discomfort can develop from a sprain, Morton’s neuroma, bursitis, arthritis, or a bunion that changes pressure on the front of the foot. People may feel aching, burning, or sharp sensations that worsen when walking or standing. These issues often result from improper footwear, high impact activity, or changes in foot structure. A podiatrist can identify the exact cause, reduce inflammation, improve foot alignment, and recommend supportive footwear or custom inserts to ease pressure. If you have ongoing pain in the ball of your foot, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can determine the cause and offer effective relief and treatment solutions.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with Kentston Cripe, DPM from Roseville Foot & Ankle. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Causes

Foot pain is a very broad condition that could be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

  • Bunions
  • Hammertoes
  • Plantar Fasciitis
  • Bone Spurs
  • Corns
  • Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
  • Ingrown Toenails
  • Arthritis (such as Gout, Rheumatoid, and Osteoarthritis)
  • Flat Feet
  • Injury (from stress fractures, broken toe, foot, ankle, Achilles tendon ruptures, and sprains)
  • And more

Diagnosis

To figure out the cause of foot pain, podiatrists utilize several different methods. This 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

Treatment depends upon the cause of the foot pain. Whether it is resting, staying off the foot, or having surgery; podiatrists have a number of treatment options available for foot pain.

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

Read more about Foot Pain

Exercises That Can Help Flat Feet

Flat feet occur when the arches of the feet collapse, causing the entire sole to touch the ground. This condition can lead to pain in the feet, ankles, and even the lower legs. Strengthening and stretching exercises are important for helping people with flat feet because they improve the function of the muscles that support the arch. Weak or imbalanced muscles, such as the posterior tibial muscle, can increase stress on the arch and contribute to plantar fasciitis, a painful inflammation of the band of tissue that connects the heel to the toes. Exercises designed to build strength in the foot and ankle help improve alignment, stability, and flexibility, allowing the feet to absorb impact more efficiently. A podiatrist can evaluate foot structure, recommend specific exercises, and suggest supportive footwear or custom orthotics to help manage pain. If you often have foot pain linked to flat feet, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam and effective relief tips.

Flatfoot is a condition many people suffer from. If you have flat feet, contact Kentston Cripe, DPM from Roseville Foot & Ankle. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Are Flat Feet?

Flatfoot is a condition in which the arch of the foot is depressed and the sole of the foot is almost completely in contact with the ground. About 20-30% of the population generally has flat feet because their arches never formed during growth.

Conditions & Problems:

Having flat feet makes it difficult to run or walk because of the stress placed on the ankles.

Alignment – The general alignment of your legs can be disrupted, because the ankles move inward which can cause major discomfort.

Knees – If you have complications with your knees, flat feet can be a contributor to arthritis in that area.  

Symptoms

  • Pain around the heel or arch area
  • Trouble standing on the tip toe
  • Swelling around the inside of the ankle
  • Flat look to one or both feet
  • Having your shoes feel uneven when worn

Treatment

If you are experiencing pain and stress on the foot you may weaken the posterior tibial tendon, which runs around the inside of the ankle. 

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

Read more about What is Flexible Flat Foot?

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