Foot stress fractures are small cracks in the bones of the foot that develop from repetitive force or overuse, rather than a single traumatic injury. These injuries are common in athletes, runners, and others who suddenly increase their physical activity. In podiatry, stress fractures are considered overuse injuries that most often affect the metatarsal bones, although they can also occur in the heel, navicular bone, or other areas of the foot. Because these fractures develop gradually, they are sometimes mistaken for simple muscle strain or foot fatigue in the early stages.

Symptoms of a foot stress fracture typically begin with mild pain that worsens during activity and improves with rest. The pain may become more persistent and localized to a specific area of the foot. Swelling, tenderness, and sensitivity to pressure are also common signs. Some individuals notice pain when walking or standing for long periods, even without intense physical activity. In more advanced cases, the discomfort may become severe enough to limit daily movement and athletic participation. Early recognition of these symptoms is important to prevent the injury from worsening.

Risk factors for foot stress fractures include high-impact activities like running, basketball, and dance. Sudden increases in training intensity, frequency, or duration can place excessive stress on the bones of the foot. Footwear that lacks support or adequate cushioning also increases risk. Additional factors include low bone density, poor nutrition, and vitamin D deficiency. Biomechanical issues, such as flat feet or high arches, are other factors. People who have had previous stress fractures are also at higher risk of recurrence.

The primary causes of foot stress fractures involve repetitive mechanical loading on the bones without adequate recovery time. This repetitive stress leads to tiny cracks that gradually worsen if activity continues without rest or treatment. Poor training techniques, hard training surfaces, and improper biomechanics can all contribute to excessive bone stress. Without proper care, a stress fracture may progress and lead to a complete fracture. This may require longer recovery time and more restrictive treatment. If you have developed a foot stress fracture, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for an accurate diagnosis and effective relief and treatment solutions.

Stress fractures occur when there is a tiny crack within a bone. To learn more, contact one of our podiatrists from Whitestone Podiatry PC. Our doctors 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 contact our office located in Whitestone, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

A toe fracture is a break in one of the small bones of the toes, known as phalanges. These injuries are among the most common lower extremity fractures because the toes are exposed and vulnerable during daily movement. Toe fractures often occur from direct trauma, such as stubbing a toe against a hard surface or dropping a heavy object on the foot. While some fractures are minor and stable, others can involve joint disruption or displacement, which may require more advanced care. Understanding the nature of this injury is important for timely diagnosis and proper healing.

Symptoms of a toe fracture can vary depending on severity, but pain is usually immediate and sharp at the time of injury. Swelling and bruising often develop within hours, and the affected toe may appear misaligned or deformed in more serious cases. Many individuals experience difficulty bearing weight or walking comfortably. Tenderness when touching the toe and limited range of motion are also common signs. In some cases, small fractures may be mistaken for sprains, which can delay appropriate treatment and prolong recovery.

Several risk factors increase the likelihood of sustaining a toe fracture. Walking barefoot in the home or outdoors raises the chance of accidental trauma. Participating in high impact sports or activities that involve running and jumping can also increase risk. Individuals with reduced bone density, such as those with osteoporosis, may be more prone to fractures even with minor injuries. Poor balance, cluttered environments, and ill-fitting footwear further contribute to the risk of stubbing a toe or experiencing direct impact.

Treatment for toe fractures depends on the type and severity of the break. Many simple fractures can be managed with rest, elevation, and protective footwear to limit movement. Buddy taping, which involves securing the injured toe to an adjacent toe, is often used to provide stability. More complex fractures may require immobilization or surgery to restore proper alignment. Early evaluation ensures that healing occurs correctly and reduces the risk of long term complications. If you have broken your toe, it is suggested that  you consult a podiatrist for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

A broken toe can be very painful and lead to complications if not properly fixed. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact one of our podiatrists from Whitestone Podiatry PC. Our doctors 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 Whitestone, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Toenail fungus is a common infection that can cause thickening, discoloration, brittleness, crumbling, and changes in nail shape, over time. Because several nail conditions can look similar, proper diagnosis is important before treatment begins. A podiatrist may recommend topical medications for milder cases, although these often require consistent use over several months. Oral prescription treatment may be considered for more stubborn infections, particularly when deeper nail involvement is present. In some situations, trimming or thinning the nail can improve comfort and help treatments work more effectively. Severely damaged nails may require partial or complete removal in select cases. A podiatrist will also look for contributing factors such as moisture exposure, shoe fit, circulation concerns, or underlying medical conditions that increase recurrence risk. If your toenails are becoming thick, discolored, or painful, it is suggested that you visit a podiatrist to discuss appropriate treatment options.

If left untreated, toenail fungus may spread to other toenails, skin, or even fingernails. If you suspect you have toenail fungus it is important to seek treatment right away. For more information about treatment, contact one of our podiatrists of Whitestone Podiatry PC. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Symptoms

• Warped or oddly shaped nails
• Yellowish nails
• Loose/separated nail
• Buildup of bits and pieces of nail fragments under the nail
• Brittle, broken, thickened nail

Treatment

If self-care strategies and over-the-counter medications does not help your fungus, your podiatrist may give you a prescription drug instead. Even if you find relief from your toenail fungus symptoms, you may experience a repeat infection in the future.

Prevention

In order to prevent getting toenail fungus in the future, you should always make sure to wash your feet with soap and water. After washing, it is important to dry your feet thoroughly especially in between the toes. When trimming your toenails, be sure to trim straight across instead of in a rounded shape. It is crucial not to cover up discolored nails with nail polish because that will prevent your nail from being able to “breathe”.

In some cases, surgical procedure may be needed to remove the toenail fungus. Consult with your podiatrist about the best treatment options for your case of toenail fungus.  

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

Ingrown toenails, which account for about 20 percent of all foot issues, develop when the edge of a toenail grows into the surrounding skin. The affected toe may look red, swollen, and tender. In some cases, pus or an infection may develop. An ingrown toenail may feel painful or sore, especially when wearing shoes or applying pressure. Common causes include improper nail trimming, wearing tight or ill-fitting footwear, injury to the toe, or hereditary nail shape. A podiatrist can begin by examining the nail and surrounding tissue, assessing the severity of the ingrown nail, and checking for infection. Treatment may include safe removal of the ingrown portion, guidance on proper nail care, and infection management, if needed. Recommendations for protective footwear or orthotics to reduce pressure may be provided. In chronic or severe cases, minor surgery may be performed to prevent recurrence. Because early professional care reduces pain and prevents complications, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for effective relief and treatment solutions.

Ingrown toenails can become painful if they are not treated properly. For more information about ingrown toenails, contact one of our podiatrists of Whitestone Podiatry PC. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Ingrown Toenails

Ingrown toenails occur when a toenail grows sideways into the bed of the nail, causing pain, swelling, and possibly infection.

Causes

• Bacterial infections
• Improper nail cutting such as cutting it too short or not straight across
• Trauma to the toe, such as stubbing, which causes the nail to grow back irregularly
• Ill-fitting shoes that bunch the toes too close together
• Genetic predisposition

Prevention

Wearing proper fitting shoes and using proper cutting techniques will also help decrease your risk of developing ingrown toenails.

Treatment

Ingrown toenails are a very treatable foot condition. In minor cases, soaking the affected area in salt or antibacterial soaps will not only help with the ingrown nail itself, but also help prevent any infections from occurring. In more severe cases, surgery is an option. In either case, speaking to your podiatrist about this condition will help you get a better understanding of specific treatment options that are right for you.

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