April 20, 2023
Since women are more likely to experience foot pain and conditions, a significant focus of women's health should always be foot health. According to Foot Health Facts, narrow footwear that cramps the forefoot and squeezes the toes is the primary reason women are prime targets for foot health issues. Furthermore, common foot problems in women can arise after years of wearing shoes with little arch support and unstable heels. Today's article will discuss the most common foot problems women struggle with and prevention and treatment options.
Common Foot Problems in Women
Bunions
Plantar fasciitis
Arthritis
Hammertoes
Plantar Fasciitis
Medical News Today notes women risk developing plantar fasciitis more than men. This may be due to post-pregnancy foot changes and the effects of wearing unsupportive footwear for years; both can lead to plantar fascia strain and subsequent stabbing heel pain. The best way for women to prevent and treat this painful condition is to only wear high heels on special occasions and choose comfortable heels with cushioning and a stable heel. For daily activities, opt for shoes with sufficient arch and heel support (most important) and thick soles and cushioning. But it's also important to find shoes with that create a healthy environment for your feet (i.e.: enough room in the toe box, breathability, etc.) to prevent other conditions.
Maintaining a healthy weight can also prevent too much pressure on the plantar fascia. To help, women can stretch their feet and perform daily exercises that work the plantar fascia and calf muscles (see an example below!). And lastly, orthotics with arch support can distribute the pressure on your feet more evenly.
https://www.pinterest.ca/pin/782007922800908317/
Bunions
Again, low-quality shoes are the main culprit behind women developing bunions, but genetics may also play a role. Bunions may also be at their worst during menopause or pregnancy.
Some women may require intervention from a surgeon to eliminate severe bunions. But many can try non-invasive methods like bunion pads, inserts and orthotics, and frequent rest periods with compression and ice packs. The most worthwhile preventative measure is changing your shoes and giving your feet the support and room they deserve. Ensure all shoes have enough room in the toe box (cramped toes are a major risk factor for bunions) and are not too narrow.
Arthritis
Research suggests post-menopausal women suffer more from osteoarthritis than men because of estrogen fluctuations. There may be a connection between pre-menopausal estrogen levels and joint and cartilage health.
Targeted exercises are one of the best ways to prevent and treat most types of arthritis (not just osteoarthritis!). Moreover, Feet First Clinic's beginner's guide to exercises for arthritis Part 1 and Part 2 outline beneficial exercises, the steps involved and why they're so useful. These routines also consider that arthritis can be very limiting and ensures all movements are manageable. Other forms of treatment include braces or canes (in severe cases), anti-inflammatory pain relievers, orthotics that support the ankle and the foot (also good for prevention), physiotherapy and orthopedic footwear.
Hammertoes
Like bunions, hammertoes affect women because they are more likely to wear excessively tight and unsupportive shoes, causing the toes' middle joints to bend more and more over time.
To avoid and manage pre-existing hammertoes, ensure your shoes have at least half an inch of room between the toes and the end of the shoe. Additionally, women should avoid high heels on most days and only wear them if the heel is a "reasonable" height. It may also be wise to buy shoes with stretchy fabrics and avoid excessive fabric layers. They can force your toes into uncomfortable positions and make it difficult to accommodate pre-existing hammertoes. Inserts and pads can also be helpful for women by positioning the toes and feet more favourably. Furthermore, a chiropodist can use a splint or some tape to fix your toe in the proper, straight position.
Several medical devices can help with toe conditions
April 15, 2023
Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common foot conditions out there, and it can also lead to another lesser-known condition --- heel spurs. Many foot conditions develop from poor lifestyle habits and neglecting proper footwear, foot hygiene, etc. That said, some conditions co-exist and present themselves after another condition is already present. This is the relationship that heel spurs have with plantar fasciitis; the former results from the latter.
This is good news in the sense that you can educate yourself on exactly what to do to prevent heel spur formation. This includes strengthening exercises and stretches you can perform at home to manage your plantar fasciitis. Additionally, you can benefit from a wide array of services from a Toronto foot specialist, including orthotic fittings and footwear recommendations. Feet First Clinic is here to give you some crucial info on heel spurs! If you have plantar fasciitis, you'll want to learn about how to prevent heel spur formation and how you can treat this condition if it does occur.
What is a Heel Spur?
A heel spur is a type of bone spur. More specifically, a spur is a smooth, bony growth made from calcium deposits that can take months to accumulate. According to Web MD, heel spurs form on the underside of the heel bone.
Commonly, heel spurs are a complication that can present in those who have plantar fasciitis. The latter is a condition that arises when the plantar fascia ligament becomes inflamed. This ligament connects your heel bone to your toes. People with spurs may notice heel pain, but it is usually a symptom of plantar fasciitis and generally not from the spur itself. That said, sometimes heel spurs do come with symptoms.
Heel Spur Symptoms
This plantar fasciitis complication is usually pain-free and asymptomatic. As a general rule, any noticeable heel pain is likely from plantar fasciitis and not from spurs. That said, in some cases, the following symptoms may be present as a result of heel spur formation:
Intermittent or chronic heel pain. It may begin as a "sharp jab" and progress into a dull ache. This pain may flare up after exercise that places pressure on the heel (walking, running, etc.).
Mobility problems.
Heel swelling.
Foot callus formation on the bottom of the heel. Your body is responding to the protrusion and attempting to provide extra protection and padding.
How Do Heel Spurs Develop?
If you're one of many people with plantar fasciitis, disregarding simple treatment methods for your inflamed plantar fascia can lead to heel spurs. Athletes with unchecked plantar fasciitis who spend time running and jumping are especially at risk; however, all plantar fasciitis patients are vulnerable.
Heel spurs develop when the ligaments and muscles in the feet experience consistent strain. You can also develop heel spurs after repeated vigorous activity eventually tears the membrane on the heel bone. As a general rule, heel spurs take months to build. This means you have plenty of time to manage your plantar fasciitis and avoid this foot condition.
I Have Plantar Fasciitis. How Can I Prevent Heel Spurs?
If you follow some simple treatment routines for plantar fasciitis, you can significantly reduce your chances of experiencing heel spurs. Not only that, but there are plenty of things you can do from home to manage plantar fasciitis. One of the best treatment options is routine foot stretches and strengthening exercises.
It's best to do these stretches and exercises at least twice per day, preferably before and after physical activity. Alternatively, you may notice your plantar fasciitis pain flares up in the mornings. If this sounds like you, you can do your first round of exercises when you wake up. These exercises and stretches help loosen your muscles and allow you to cope with heel pain. Below you will find some excellent exercises that help those with plantar fasciitis manage and control pain flare-ups. Click on the links for easy-to-follow demonstrations!
Plantar Fasciitis Exercises
Toe flex and raise
Towel stretch
Golf ball stretch
Rolling a tennis ball or frozen water bottle under the foot helps strengthen your muscles and soothes inflammation.
Plantar Fasciitis and Heel Spurs: Other Treatment Options
In some cases, heel spurs may catch up with you before you can prevent them. If this sounds like you, don't worry. In the unlikely case that they come with symptoms, there are plenty of treatment options available. Most treatment options for heel spurs are the same methods used to treat plantar fasciitis. So, it's always wise to try and prevent spurs before they have a chance to start forming. Here are some beneficial treatment options:
The stretches and exercises linked above.
Splinting, bracing and taping: A chiropodist can give you a splint or boot cast. This helps the inflamed plantar fascia heal by preventing it from tightening during rest periods. Chiropodists can also use therapeutic tape to hold the plantar fascia in place and reduce excess strain.
Custom orthotics provide cushioning and heel support, thus helping people cope with day-to-day heel pain. Everyday use of custom orthotics can also help refine your biomechanical movement and gait(the way you walk). This sets you up for success and prevents heel spurs from developing again.
A footwear overhaul: replace all ill-fitting footwear with shoes that provide heel support, including orthopaedic shoes. Chiropodists can offer footwear advice, and Feet First Clinic staff can provide shoe fittings.
Superfeet insoles are high-quality over-the-counter insoles that easily fit into your shoes. They can help you manage heel pain and provide other benefits, like long-lasting cushioning.
Do You Need a Foot Clinic? Contact Feet First Toronto!
Plantar fasciitis and heel spurs can be challenging to manage on your own. That's why our trusted chiropodists are available six days a week to give you the treatment and education you deserve. Our Bloor West foot clinic is equipped with knowledgeable staff and the guidance you need to get you feeling as happy and healthy as possible. Also, be sure to consult our product catalogue for more information on what's in store in our one-stop shop!
February 9, 2023
Toe pain can be mysterious. There are numerous causes, and sometimes you can live your life assuming you know why it's there, only to be completely wrong! Case in point: a lesser-known toe condition called capsulitis.
Capsulitis is an overuse injury that mainly targets the second toe and the surrounding area. Today we'll thoroughly dive into the topic by addressing the following:
What is capsulitis?
Symptoms of capsulitis
Causes of capsulitis
Treatment and prevention
Complications
What is Capsulitis?
Capsulitis, also known as frozen toe, hallux rigidus or turf toe, is a foot condition characterized by joint inflammation in the area where the base of the toe meets the ball of the foot. The specific area affected is called a "capsule" and is technically a dense ligament structure found at the base of the joint. According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, capsulitis in the feet usually targets the second toe. However, it can sometimes affect the big toe and the third and fourth toes. Another technical term for capsulitis in the toe is metatarsophalangeal synovitis (MTP joint pain).
Healthline also notes that capsulitis is often confused with Morton's Neuroma since pain radiates toward the ball of the foot in both conditions. However, Morton's Neuroma results from compressed nerves and capsulitis from inflammation. A chiropodist can help you tell the difference between the two conditions.
Symptoms of Capsulitis
Capsulitis often worsens as time progresses. This means that symptoms can vary depending on the stages of development. It's important to be in tune with your foot health and seek help if you notice the following:
Pain in the ball of the foot.
A persistent feeling that something is "bunched up" in your shoe or the feeling that you're walking on a pebble or marble.
Swelling in the base of the affected toe.
Discomfort while wearing shoes.
Pain that worsens when you're barefoot.
Crossover toe: as degradation of the ligament progresses, the joint in the second toe can fail to stabilize (stay in the right position). This can cause your second toe to move towards the big toe and lay on top of it.
What are Some Causes of Capsulitis?
Capsulitis is technically an overuse injury that targets the ball of the foot. And as with many foot conditions, one issue can often be a risk factor in developing another.
The following may lead to capsulitis development:
There is a connection between severe bunions and capsulitis. Other prominent foot deformities like hammertoes can also be a risk factor. Both conditions can lead to too much pressure on the ball of the foot and subsequent inflammation.
Abnormal foot mechanics can put you at risk. It's important to note that this is not the same as a severe foot deformity. It simply means any mild structural factors that lead to excessive weight-bearing pressure in the ball of the foot underneath the toe.
If your second toe is longer than your big toe, you may experience capsulitis.
An unstable foot arch, like high arches and flat feet, can contribute to capsulitis.
Excessive bending of the toes. This can happen if you wear poorly designed shoes or high heels.
Capsulitis Treatment and Prevention
It's relatively easy to tackle early-stage toe capsulitis. You can purchase many items from a pharmacy, general store or foot clinic that can relieve the pain. A chiropodist can also use their unique expertise to ensure the condition improves.
Here are some effective treatment methods:
Ice or heat packs. Compression can help reduce swelling, and applying heat or ice (while resting with your foot elevated) can help with pain management.
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen.
Supportive footwear with proper arch support and strong soles. Rocker bottom-sole shoes can be especially helpful as they offset pressure away from the ball of your foot.
Custom orthotics can lessen excessive pressure on the weight-bearing foot areas.
Toe taping can align the second toe and prevent crossover toe.
Complications
Unfortunately, if crossover toe is present, it usually means that the second toe will never revert to its natural position without intervention. If this is the case, you may need surgery from a foot and ankle surgeon.
November 10, 2022
Your plantar plate plays a critical part in the anatomy and makeup of our feet. The plantar connects your feet with the joints in your toes.
Given the constant wear and tear of your feet, the joints and muscles can often become overworked or strained. The plantar plate is particularly susceptible to injury because of its location on the foot. This also makes it especially vulnerable to several other foot conditions. For example, having bunions or a hammer toe may increase the risk of a plantar plate tear.
But worry not. In this article, learn more about the plantar plate as a body part, plantar plate tear symptoms, causes, and treatment methods for the foot condition.
First, let's explore the physiology of the plantar plate itself.
What's your plantar plate?
The plantar plate is rigid fibrocartilage (a dense, whitish tissue with a distinct fibrous texture) which connects the phalanges to the metatarsal head. In other words, the plantar plate joins the toes (phalanx bones) with the forefoot (metatarsal bones). As the mediator, the plantar plate stabilizes the toes and prevents them from shifting side-to-side or overextending.
Next, let's look at the why of plantar plate tears.
Plantar plate tear: Causes
Overloading the metatarsophalangeal (MPJ) joint is the most common cause of plantar plate issues. Overloading the MPJ leads to strains and tears. The result? Pain and instability of the plantar plate.
In most cases, plantar plate damage occurs incrementally over time. However, you can acutely injure the plantar plate.
See below for a comprehensive list of plantar plate tear causes:
Bunions: Bunions - a deformity affecting the joint that connects the big toe to the foot - put pressure on the plantar plate by forcing the big toe to push against the 2nd toe.
Biomechanical abnormalities (metatarsal length): If your 2nd metatarsal is longer than your 1st (which it often is), you're at a greater risk of a plantar plate tear at that site. You're at a greater risk of this tear at the site because your 2nd metatarsal bears more weight than the "big" toe (1st metatarsal) when it's longer.
Biomechanical abnormalities (overpronation): When you overpronate, your foot bears much impact when running or walking. Typically, flat feet are a leading contributor to overpronation.
Cortisone injection: Cortisone shots can have the side effect of thinning and weakening the plantar plate ligament.
Specific activities/sports: Sports or movements that put excessive pressure on the toes and ball of the foot increase your chances of developing a plantar plate tear. Be cautious when dancing, running, jumping, or climbing stairs, especially if the balls of the foot are regularly sore or sensitive.
Hammertoes: A hammertoe deformity occurs when the toe's middle joint bends abnormally a toe deformity in which the middle joint in the toe bends abnormally.
In the next section, you'll learn how to recognize plantar plate tears.
Symptoms
Wonder what are the signs of a plantar plate tear? Well, look out for these symptoms commonly associated with plantar plate tears:
Toe alignment changes: The toe changing position, which occurs gradually as the tear increases, usually to the side or upwards
Pain: Discomfort usually stems from the ball of the foot, either as severe pain or a dull ache. If you find you're walking with very little cushioning under your toes, it may be because of a plantar plate tear.
Swelling: You may notice swelling underneath the ball of the foot extending between the start and end of one of the multiple toes.
Plantar plate tear: Diagnosis
You have a few options in terms of diagnosis:
Treat the pain yourself if it's not severe and the discomfort has just begun
X-rays
MRIs
Finally, in the last section, you'll learn more about how to treat plantar plate tears.
Plantar plate tear: Treatment
Pinpointing a plantar plate tear as the source of discomfort can be challenging. The foot is a complex network of muscles, tendons, and bones that are so intertwined that isolating the condition can be difficult. However, it's not a hopeless task.
Several DIY treatment methods exist for mild symptoms, as well as options for severe cases of plantar plate tears.
Visit a chiropodist
Our team of dedicated licensed chiropodists is committed to providing quality care and services for all your foot and ankle needs. They can diagnose, treat and help manage various foot conditions, from callus removal to ingrown toenails to bunions.
RICE (Rest, Icing, Compression, and Elevation)
The RICE method is a universal treatment for many foot conditions, including plantar plate tears. The RICE method, when combined, helps relieve pain, reduces inflammation, keeps swelling at bay, and allows for ample recovery for your muscles, tendons, and in this case, for your plantar plate.
Taping
Taping, the wrapping of a joint for added stability, can help hold your toes in position. Stabilizing the joint with tape can help correct any worsening abnormalities associated with plantar plate tears. It also prevents your toes from moving too far side-to-side, which can help encourage plantar healing and to avoid re-aggravation. A chiropodist can perform splinting, bracing, or taping for you.
Orthotics
Orthotics are a treatment method for the underlying causes of plantar plate tears. Custom foot orthotics are effective for bunions, hammertoes, and flat feet. You can also use shoe inserts with hardened plastic under particular toes for extra support.
NSAIDs
Anti-inflammatories like ibuprofen or Advil can combat pain associated with plantar plate tears.
Surgery
Surgery is a last resort option for plantar tears. There are two standard surgical procedures for plantar tears. The hat-trick procedure helps realign the metatarsal bone, while other surgeries are available for associated conditions like hammertoes, bunions, or other ancillary operations to balance the toe.
October 17, 2022
Everybody has foot pain from time to time, right? Surely it must be normal to experience foot pain that comes and goes at the end of a long day or while walking?
Quite the contrary --- your feet should not hurt at all, and it's a common misconception that foot pain is "normal." If you were free from foot conditions, you wouldn't be experiencing nagging pain that subsides only to flare up later.
Whether it's a pain in the top of the foot, heel pain, or ball of the foot pain, some common issues can interrupt your day by reappearing when you thought you were feeling better. And even though they may not be as severe as conditions that cause constant discomfort and foot pain, you'll be glad you sought treatment in the long run.
Furthermore, many foot issues get worse if you choose to ignore them. So pain that comes and goes now may stick around all day long in the future.
Let's look at what may be causing your foot pain to fade and return.
5 Reasons Why Foot Pain Comes and Goes
Plantar Fasciitis
Metatarsalgia
Morton's Neuroma
Injuries
Tendonitis
Plantar Fasciitis
Plantar fasciitis is somewhat notorious among foot conditions. It ranks as one of the top causes of heel and arch pain and targets people with varying lifestyles. Some common risk factors include vigorous activity, obesity, deconditioning, standing on hard surfaces, and the anatomy of your foot (arch shape).
The heel pain stems from the inflammation of the plantar fascia tendon. Extending from the heel to the front of your foot, this is a long and thin ligament located directly under the skin on the bottom of the foot. When the plantar fascia fails to absorb the strain and stress we put on ourselves while walking, plantar fasciitis enters the picture.
Why does the pain come and go?
Typically, plantar fasciitis flares up after a period of rest (since you aren't irritating the inflamed point of the foot while sedentary).
Stabbing heel pain worsens during the first few steps of the day. It can also feel worse if you've been standing on a hard surface for several hours. Of course, it's important to seek treatment even if the pain fades for several intervals during the day; if you don't, it can get much worse and not subside at all.
Metatarsalgia
Do you have pain in the ball of the foot that comes and goes? Metatarsalgia may be the culprit.
Like plantar fasciitis, inflammation of the metatarsal area (the area between the toes and arch) causes metatarsalgia. Not only is this condition difficult to pronounce, but it can make walking downright unbearable. The same risk factors of plantar fasciitis apply, in addition to wearing ill-fitting footwear and performing physical activity that involves running and jumping.
Why does the pain come and go?
Metatarsalgia feels worse when you flex your foot, walk, run or simply stand (especially barefoot). The foot pain will then fade during rest periods.
Again, when inflammation is the reason behind intermittent pain, it will not bother you 24/7. Metatarsalgia is no different, but if you ignore it, the condition may worsen, causing radiating pain to other parts of the foot, the hips and the lower back. This is caused by your body attempting to accommodate the pain by walking differently, which neglects the core issue and strains other body parts.
Morton's Neuroma
Sometimes nerve problems are to blame for foot pain.
Morton's Neuroma affects the ball of the foot, specifically the area between the 3rd and 4th toes. The pain is accompanied by a burning sensation and a nagging pressure, and it can also feel like you have an invisible pebble in your shoe. But it's also known to radiate to the top of the foot, causing intermittent stabbing pain.
When tissues thicken around one of the nerves in our feet, it will cause a burning, sharp pain. People who wear high heels are often at risk, as well as older women and people with foot deformities like hammertoes and bunions.
Why does the pain come and go?
Morton's Neuroma pain is generally intermittent, but when you irritate the nerves, you'll notice the pain is back in full force.
The symptoms will flare up if you continue to walk in the same tight shoes that triggered the problem in the first place. Likewise, if you spend a long day on your feet, the pain will be much more challenging than on a day of lounging and relaxation.
Injuries
A foot injury is a broad term for many scenarios, from dropping a heavy object on the top of the foot to a full-blown ankle sprain or stress fracture. Technically, many foot conditions are injuries, even plantar fasciitis. But for simplicity, let's discuss more sudden injuries instead of those that cause inflammation or degradation over time.
Why does the pain come and go?
When you first suffer from an injury, the pain will likely be acute and bother you consistently, even while resting.
But foot pain from an injury can transform into a pain that comes and goes when you start to heal. Even though most moderate injuries heal within a month, light activity will trigger pain as you slowly get back to normal. Generally, you must cease any activity if you experience sudden, sharp pain while healing from an injury.
It's also important to speak with a foot specialist and your family doctor about managing intermittent pain after an injury.
Tendonitis
Achilles tendonitis causes a dull ache directly above the heel or on the back of the leg, and extensor tendonitis causes the same feeling on the top of the foot. They both result from inflammation of their respective tendons: the Achilles tendon (the tendon that connects the back of the calf to the heel bone) and the extensor tendons (the tendons that run along the top of the foot).
Athletes are the most vulnerable, as these are repetitive strain injuries that arise after vigorous physical activity. When you bear weight on your toes and feet, you're putting these tendons to work, making them more susceptible to strain.
Why does the pain come and go?
Naturally, the pain will be worse when you use these tendons in any capacity or when you first start to move during the day. But tendonitis can also cause stiffness at the end of the night or first thing in the morning without movement.
Fun fact: the Achilles tendon is not only crucial for performance enhancement, but it's also the biggest and strongest tendon in the human body! So be sure to protect it from additional harm by seeking treatment.
What Can I do About Foot Pain That Comes and Goes?
First, don't let rest periods trick you into thinking your foot pain is gone. Whether it's inflammation, a pinched nerve or any other trigger for the pain, treatment is always the best option.
Furthermore, a common mistake is assuming that chiropodists are only for severe cases. But several services from a foot clinic are medically proven to provide foot pain relief for those with intermittent discomfort.
Some of the most effective treatment options include:
Custom orthotics
Footwear recommendations and fittings
Superfeet insoles
Shockwave therapy
Exercises and stretching routines
Therapeutic taping
Splints and boot casts
For action you can take at home, be sure to kick your tight shoes to the curb and enjoy some rest and relaxation, combined with a good exercise and conditioning routine!
October 6, 2022
It's no mystery when you have a stubbed toe. It usually results from a sudden hit or jam into furniture or another foreign object. Tripping over something or getting your toe stuck can also cause this painful nuisance.
The sudden pain from a stubbed toe can be both alarming and momentarily debilitating. While most stubbed toes come and go, it's important to look for signs of a more serious injury and how you can relieve it.
Stubbed Toe: What to Look Out For
Since stubbed toes are so common, most people assume that they don't cause complications or can't be serious. However, stubbed toes can range in severity. It's even possible to confuse a broken toe for a stubbed toe.
Here are some signs to pay attention to:
If your stubbed toe is turning purple: Internal bleeding under a stubbed toenail can cause bruising and blood pooling, or a subungual hematoma. Typically, a purple or blueish tint in a stubbed toe will go away. But if it doesn't go away within a few days or the colouring spreads, you may have a broken toe.
If you've stubbed your pinky toe: Your pinky toe is more vulnerable than its counterparts since its placement and small size leave it more susceptible to injury. Despite this, you should follow the same steps to healing your pinky toe as any other toes.
Stubbed toe and nail damage: Sometimes, stubbing your toe can lead to a cracked toenail. The sudden impact to the toenail may also be enough to break deep into the nail plate and cause bleeding. It may be painful and difficult to walk for a while as the broken portion of the nail regrows. It's important to pay close attention to an open, externally bleeding toenail as it is vulnerable to infection.
Stubbed toe vs. broken toe: If you notice discolouration and pain that does not subside, deformity, and stiffness, you may have broken your toe.
Swelling and difficulty walking: See a doctor or foot specialist if you notice swelling and an inability to put weight on your foot.
How to Relieve a Stubbed Toe: Stubbed Toe Treatment
To prevent stubbed toes as much as possible, wear orthopedic slippers or other footwear indoors. Going barefoot at home is second nature for many of us, but protective footwear can prevent many minor injuries.
The RICE method is one of the most effective ways to handle sudden minor injuries.
Rest: If the pain from your stubbed toe is lingering, stop physical activity and rest your foot. Many healthcare professionals suggest staying off your toe for at least 48 hours.
Ice: Applying ice to the toe can reduce pain and swelling.
Compression: Light compression also reduces pain and swelling. Try using a medical bandage or gauze.
Elevation: Raising your foot can reduce swelling, pain and throbbing. You can easily elevate your foot by stacking a few pillows on top of each other and placing your foot on top of them while laying down.
You can try nonprescription medication, like Ibuprofen to help relieve throbbing pain. Additionally, if you have a cracked toenail, you can try soaking it in an Epsom salt foot bath.
If you're concerned about the severity of your stubbed toe, you can schedule an appointment with a chiropodist. They may be able to tape your toe, so it heals faster. Furthermore, they can determine if your toe is broken during a thorough foot assessment. If your chiropodist suspects a toe fracture, they may suggest x-rays.
How Long Does a Stubbed Toe Take to Heal?
In many cases, your toe will be momentarily painful but quickly feel better.
If the impact pain is excruciating, use the RICE method. See a foot specialist or your doctor if the pain doesn't subside within several hours.
If you have a toe fracture, the average recovery time is 4-6 weeks.
