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A traumatic hallux fracture is a break in the big toe caused by injuries such as a heavy object falling on the foot, a forceful stub, a fall, or a sports accident. Because the big toe helps with balance and forward movement, this injury can make walking quite uncomfortable. Symptoms often include swelling, bruising, throbbing pain, stiffness, and difficulty pushing off the foot. Some injuries also cause visible deformity or marked tenderness. Evaluation helps determine whether the break is stable, displaced, or extends into the joint. Stable fractures generally remain in proper position and may heal with protection and reduced activity. Displaced fractures occur when the bone fragments have shifted out of alignment. Breaks that extend into the joint can affect movement and may need closer management to help preserve function. Treatment may include immobilization, protective footwear, activity modification, and follow-up imaging. If you have a painful big toe injury, it is suggested that you visit a podiatrist for appropriate treatment solutions.

A broken toe can be very painful and lead to complications if not properly fixed. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Preston Ringo, DPM from Mid Coast Foot & Ankle. Our doctor 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 Damariscotta, ME . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Cuboid syndrome is a condition that affects the cuboid bone, which is located on the outer side of the foot. This small but important bone plays a key role in stabilizing the foot and supporting proper movement during walking and running. It acts as a connector between the midfoot and the outer column of the foot, helping to maintain balance and absorb force. When the cuboid becomes misaligned or irritated, it can lead to pain and reduced mobility.

Symptoms of cuboid syndrome often include sharp or aching pain along the outer edge of the foot. Individuals may notice discomfort when bearing weight, walking, or pushing off during activity. Swelling, tenderness, and weakness in the foot may also occur. Risk factors include repetitive strain, ankle sprains, wearing improper footwear, and activities that involve sudden directional changes. Athletes and individuals with flat feet or unstable gait patterns may be more prone to this condition.

The causes of cuboid syndrome are typically linked to mechanical stress or injury. A sudden inversion ankle injury can shift the cuboid out of its normal position. Overuse from high impact activities such as running or jumping can also contribute to irritation. Wearing unsupportive shoes may increase strain on the lateral foot and worsen symptoms. Understanding these contributing factors is important for both prevention and effective management.

The key takeaway is that cuboid syndrome can significantly impact daily movement if left untreated. Early recognition of symptoms and proper care can help restore function and relieve pain. Wearing supportive footwear and modifying activity play an important role in recovery. If you have pain in the outside of your foot, 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 Preston Ringo, DPM from Mid Coast Foot & Ankle. Our doctor 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 office located in Damariscotta, ME . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Plantar warts are rough skin growths that develop on the bottom of the foot. They are caused by the human papillomavirus, also called HPV. This virus enters through small openings in the skin and affects its outer layer. Plantar warts usually form on weight-bearing areas, causing pressure that pushes them inward instead of outward. As a result, they can become painful while walking or standing. Many plantar warts have tiny black dots, which are small blood vessels inside the wart. A plantar wart is often mistaken for a corn or callus because they develop beneath thickened skin. But because plantar warts interrupt the natural lines of the skin, a podiatrist can more easily identify them during a careful foot examination.

The virus that causes plantar warts spreads more easily in warm, damp places, like locker rooms, public showers, and swimming pool areas. Walking barefoot in these locations increases the chance of exposure. Small cuts or cracks in the skin also offer an entry point for the virus. Some patients have one wart, while others develop a cluster, called a mosaic wart. Because the virus is highly contagious, plantar warts sometimes spread to nearby areas of the foot. Pain can increase as body weight presses directly against the wart.

A podiatrist can diagnose plantar warts by examining the affected area and distinguishing them from other skin conditions. Care includes advanced freezing techniques, carefully removing thickened tissue, or other office-based treatments. The type of treatment is chosen based on the size and location of the wart. Surgery may be the best choice for stubborn plantar warts that do not respond to other treatment methods. Early care can reduce discomfort, limit spreading, and improve comfort. If you have symptoms of a plantar wart, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for effective relief and treatment solutions.

Plantar warts can be very uncomfortable. If you need your feet checked, contact Preston Ringo, DPM from Mid Coast Foot & Ankle. Our doctor will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.

About Plantar Warts

Plantar warts are the result of HPV, or human papillomavirus, getting into open wounds on the feet. They are mostly found on the heels or balls of the feet.

While plantar warts are generally harmless, those experiencing excessive pain or those suffering from diabetes or a compromised immune system require immediate medical care. Plantar warts are easily diagnosed, usually through scraping off a bit of rough skin or by getting a biopsy.

Symptoms

• Lesions on the bottom of your feet, usually rough and grainy
• Hard or thick callused spots
• Wart seeds, which are small clotted blood vessels that look like little black spots
• Pain, discomfort, or tenderness of your feet when walking or standing

Treatment

• Freezing
• Electric tool removal
• Laser Treatment
• Topical Creams (prescription only)
• Over-the-counter medications

To help prevent developing plantar warts, avoid walking barefoot over abrasive surfaces that can cause cuts or wounds for HPV to get into. Avoiding direct contact with other warts, as well as not picking or rubbing existing warts, can help prevent the further spread of plantar warts. However, if you think you have developed plantar warts, speak to your podiatrist. He or she can diagnose the warts on your feet and recommend the appropriate treatment options.

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

Foot blisters are a common issue for hikers and can quickly turn an enjoyable outing into a painful experience. A blister is a fluid-filled pocket that forms between layers of skin due to repeated friction, heat, and pressure. When hiking, the forefoot and heel are especially vulnerable because they hold most of the body weight and experience constant motion within the shoe. Skin hydration level plays a critical role in blister formation, as both overly dry and overly moist skin can increase friction and reduce the skin’s ability to resist shear forces.

Symptoms of foot blisters include redness, tenderness, and the development of a raised fluid filled area. In early stages, hikers may notice hot spots, which are areas of irritation that signal an impending blister. When the forefoot and heel are exposed to repeated stress, these hot spots can progress into painful blisters that make walking difficult. Hydrated zones of the foot, where moisture levels are balanced, are better able to withstand friction. However, excessive sweating can soften the skin, making it more prone to breakdown, while dry skin can crack and increase susceptibility to injury.

Risk factors for foot blisters include ill-fitting footwear, long hiking distances, and inadequate moisture control. Socks that do not wick moisture effectively can trap sweat and create a damp environment. Uneven terrain and downhill walking increase pressure on the forefoot, while uphill climbs place more strain on the heel. Poorly conditioned skin that is not accustomed to long hikes is also more likely to develop blisters. Understanding the relationship between hydration and friction is essential for prevention.

Preventing foot blisters involves maintaining proper skin hydration, wearing well fitting shoes, and using moisture wicking socks. Applying protective padding to high-risk areas like the heel and forefoot can reduce friction. Gradually increasing hiking intensity allows the skin to adapt and become more resilient. If you have frequent foot blisters from hiking, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for effective management and prevention tips.

Blisters may appear as a single bubble or in a cluster. They can cause a lot of pain and may be filled with pus, blood, or watery serum. If your feet are hurting, contact Preston Ringo, DPM of Mid Coast Foot & Ankle. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Foot Blisters

Foot blisters are often the result of friction. This happens due to the constant rubbing from shoes, which can lead to pain.

What Are Foot Blisters?

A foot blister is a small fluid-filled pocket that forms on the upper-most layer of the skin. Blisters are filled with clear fluid and can lead to blood drainage or pus if the area becomes infected.

Symptoms

(Blister symptoms may vary depending on what is causing them)

• Bubble of skin filled with fluid
• Redness
• Moderate to severe pain
• Itching

Prevention & Treatment

In order to prevent blisters, you should be sure to wear comfortable shoes with socks that cushion your feet and absorb sweat. Breaking a blister open may increase your chances of developing an infection. However, if your blister breaks, you should wash the area with soap and water immediately and then apply a bandage to the affected area. If your blisters cause severe pain it is important that you call your podiatrist right away.

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

Bumps on the bottom of the foot should not be ignored, especially when they cause pain or make walking uncomfortable. Some bumps result from thickened skin caused by repeated pressure or friction. Others result from growths beneath the skin or changes in the soft tissue of the foot. Common causes include plantar warts, calluses, and plantar fibromas. A plantar fibroma is a firm lump that develops in the band of tissue that supports the arch. While some bumps remain small, others grow larger and become more noticeable when standing or walking. A careful examination by a podiatrist can help determine the exact cause.

The symptoms associated with foot bumps vary depending on the condition. Some bumps feel hard and rough, while others feel smooth or rubbery. Pain can occur when pressure is placed on the area. This is especially true while walking or standing for long periods of time. Plantar warts sometimes contain small black dots and can feel tender. Calluses usually appear as thick, hardened areas of skin. Plantar fibromas often develop in the arch and may create discomfort when shoes press against them. In some cases, a bump can be accompanied by swelling, redness, or irritation. These symptoms should be evaluated by a podiatrist to rule out more serious conditions.

A podiatrist can diagnose the source of a foot bump through a physical examination and imaging studies, when necessary. Treatment depends on the underlying cause. Options include custom orthotics, medication, or removal of abnormal tissue. Plantar warts may require specialized treatment to eliminate the viral growth. Painful fibromas may need additional care to reduce discomfort. Early diagnosis is important because some bumps can become larger and interfere with normal movement. If you have unexplained or painful bumps on the bottom of your foot, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an accurate diagnosis and effective treatment solutions.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with Preston Ringo, DPM from Mid Coast 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 Damariscotta, ME . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.