A fracture of the 5th metatarsal, the long bone on the outside of the foot that connects to the little toe, can occur in several locations and patterns. One common type is an avulsion fracture, where a tendon or ligament pulls off a small piece of bone near the base of the metatarsal. Another type is a Jones fracture, which occurs slightly farther along the base, and is known for slower healing due to limited blood flow in that region. Additionally,  a dancer’s fracture is an oblique break through the shaft of the bone, often caused by twisting or an awkward landing. These 5th metatarsal injuries typically result in pain, swelling, bruising, and difficulty walking. Proper diagnosis with imaging is important to distinguish between the types, as each can require a different treatment approach. A podiatrist can evaluate the extent of the injury and recommend immobilization or surgery, when necessary. If you believe you may have fractured a bone in your foot, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam and appropriate treatment solutions.

A broken foot requires immediate medical attention and treatment. If you need your feet checked, contact one of our doctors from Advanced Podiatry. Our doctors 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 offices located in Needham, Norwood, and Hanover, MA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Cuboid syndrome is a condition where the cuboid bone, located on the outer side of the midfoot, becomes partially dislocated or restricted in movement, leading to lateral foot pain. It is often caused by ankle sprains, repetitive stress, or overuse in athletes and active individuals. Symptoms include sharp pain along the outer foot, swelling, tenderness, and difficulty walking or bearing weight. Risk factors include wearing shoes that lack adequate support, high impact activities, or biomechanical issues, such as flat feet. A podiatrist can diagnose cuboid syndrome, provide manual manipulation, prescribe orthotics, and recommend exercises to restore alignment and relieve pain. If you are struggling with outer foot discomfort, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can accurately diagnose and treat cuboid syndrome.

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 one of our doctors from Advanced Podiatry. Our doctors 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 offices located in Needham, Norwood, and Hanover, MA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

A broken pinky toe is a fracture of the smallest toe, often caused by stubbing it against furniture, dropping a heavy object, or sports injuries. Symptoms can include sharp pain, swelling, bruising, and difficulty walking or wearing shoes. Even though the pinky toe is small, a fracture can affect balance and gait, leading to additional foot strain. A podiatrist can confirm the diagnosis with an examination and imaging, provide proper immobilization, recommend supportive footwear, and guide recovery to prevent complications. They may also address any misalignment to ensure proper healing. If you have broken your pinky toe, it is suggested that you promptly consult a podiatrist who can accurately diagnose and treat this type of toe fracture. 

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 doctors from Advanced Podiatry. 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 offices located in Needham, Norwood, and Hanover, MA . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.