August 2025

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 podiatrists from Central Ohio Comprehensive Foot Care. 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 one of our offices located in Delaware and Westerville, OH . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Gout is a form of inflammatory arthritis that typically affects the feet, especially the big toe joint. It occurs when uric acid builds up in the blood and forms sharp crystals in the joints, often causing sudden, severe pain, swelling, and warmth. This buildup may result from the kidneys not eliminating enough uric acid or from consuming foods that are high in purines, such as red meat, organ meats, certain seafood, and alcohol. Risk factors for gout include being overweight, having a family history of gout, or living with kidney disease, diabetes, or heart disease. Gout tends to appear more often in men over 40, and in women after menopause. A podiatrist can assist by diagnosing gout through imaging or joint fluid analysis and offering foot-specific treatment strategies. If you are experiencing symptoms of gout, it is suggested that you promptly schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam and effective management tips.

Gout is a painful condition that can be treated. If you are seeking treatment, contact one of our podiatrists from Central Ohio Comprehensive Foot Care. Our doctors 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 one of our offices located in Delaware and Westerville, OH . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Sesamoiditis is an inflammation of the small sesamoid bones located beneath the big toe joint, which help with weight-bearing and movement. This condition is often caused by repetitive pressure, high-impact activities, or wearing thin-soled or high-heeled shoes. Risk factors include participation in sports, such as running, basketball, or dance, having high arches, or engaging in activities that place continuous stress on the forefoot. Symptoms include pain beneath the big toe joint, swelling, bruising, and discomfort when walking or bending the toe. A podiatrist can provide a thorough evaluation, recommend rest, footwear modifications, custom orthotics, and other treatments for relief. If you are experiencing persistent forefoot pain, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment solutions.

Sesamoiditis is an unpleasant foot condition characterized by pain in the balls of the feet. If you think you’re struggling with sesamoiditis, contact one of our podiatrists of Central Ohio Comprehensive Foot Care. Our doctors will treat your condition thoroughly and effectively.

Sesamoiditis

Sesamoiditis is a condition of the foot that affects the ball of the foot. It is more common in younger people than it is in older people. It can also occur with people who have begun a new exercise program, since their bodies are adjusting to the new physical regimen. Pain may also be caused by the inflammation of tendons surrounding the bones. It is important to seek treatment in its early stages because if you ignore the pain, this condition can lead to more serious problems such as severe irritation and bone fractures.

Causes of Sesamoiditis

• Sudden increase in activity
• Increase in physically strenuous movement without a proper warm up or build up
• Foot structure: those who have smaller, bonier feet or those with a high arch may be more susceptible

Treatment for sesamoiditis is non-invasive and simple. Doctors may recommend a strict rest period where the patient forgoes most physical activity. This will help give the patient time to heal their feet through limited activity. For serious cases, it is best to speak with your doctor to determine a treatment option that will help your specific needs.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Delaware and Westerville, OH . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Pain in the big toe can change the way a person walks, especially when caused by a stiff joint at the base of the toe, a condition known as hallux rigidus. This problem develops when the big toe joint wears down over time, making it harder and more painful when it bends. Since this joint helps push the foot off the ground with each step, limited movement often forces people to shift weight to the outside of the foot or avoid rolling through the toes. This change in walking pattern, or gait, can strain other parts of the foot, including the smaller toes, the arch, and the ankle. Over time, this may lead to pain, muscle soreness, or even problems with balance. Some people also notice swelling or a bump on top of the toe joint. A podiatrist can check how the big toe joint moves, look for signs of wear, and offer treatment. Options include medication, shoe support, or surgery, if the joint is badly damaged. If you are experiencing pain in the big toe when you take a step, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam, diagnosis, and appropriate treatment.

Toe pain can disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, contact one of our podiatrists of Central Ohio Comprehensive Foot Care. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Causes Toe Pain?

Most severe toe pain is caused due to a sports injury, trauma from dropping something heavy on the toe, or bumping into something rigid. Other problems can develop over time for various reasons.

Toe pain can be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

• Trauma
• Sports injury
• Wearing shoes that are too tight
• Arthritis
• Gout
• Corns and calluses
• Hammertoe
• Bunions
• Blisters
• Ingrown toenails
• Sprains
• Fractures (broken bones)
• Dislocations

When to See a Podiatrist

• Severe pain
• Persistent pain that lasts more than a week
• Signs of infection
• Continued swelling
• Pain that prevents walking

Diagnosis

In many cases the cause of toe pain is obvious, but in others, a podiatrist may want to use more advanced methods to determine the problem. These 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

Treatments for toe pain and injuries vary and may include shoe inserts, padding, taping, medicines, injections, and in some cases, surgery. If you believe that you have broken a toe, please see a podiatrist as soon as possible.

If you have any questions please contact one of our offices located in Delaware and Westerville, OH . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.