Articular fractures in the foot are breaks that extend into a joint, which makes them more serious than typical fractures. Since joints allow smooth movement between bones, damage in this area can lead to stiffness, pain, or even arthritis if not handled properly. Doctors usually begin by using imaging tools like X-rays or CT scans to see how severe the injury is. For mild cases, treatment may include rest, wearing a cast or boot, and avoiding putting weight on the foot. More serious fractures often need surgery to realign the joint and hold the bones in place with screws or plates. Recovery doesn’t stop there. Targeted exercise plays a big role in regaining strength and flexibility. If you suspect a foot injury, it is suggested that you seek care from a podiatrist early to protect your mobility and long-term health.

A broken foot requires immediate medical attention and treatment. If you need your feet checked, contact Scott O'Connor, DPM from Premier 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 office located in Bloomington and Pontiac, IL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Plantar warts are small, rough growths that develop on the soles of the feet due to the human papillomavirus, often entering through tiny cuts in the skin. They may appear as thickened areas with black pinpoint dots, and can cause discomfort or pain while walking or standing. These warts are contagious and can spread in warm, moist environments such as locker rooms or around pools. Treatment depends on severity and persistence. Options include over-the-counter salicylic acid, cryotherapy to freeze the wart, or in-office procedures to remove the affected tissue. In some cases, multiple treatments are needed for full resolution. Avoiding barefoot exposure in public areas and keeping feet clean and dry can help prevent recurrence. If a plantar wart becomes painful or does not improve with treatment, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for proper care.

Plantar warts can be very uncomfortable. If you need your feet checked, contact Scott O'Connor, DPM from Premier Podiatry. Our doctors 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 Bloomington and Pontiac, IL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Some foot problems seem to run in families, even when people live different lifestyles. One example is a shift in the big toe toward the others, often leading to a noticeable bump at the joint, or a bunion. Changes in the smaller toes, such as curling or bending, can also appear across generations. This pattern suggests that inherited traits may influence how bones, joints, and soft tissues develop and respond to pressure over time. Studies have observed these patterns in certain populations, especially among individuals with shared ancestry, pointing to a strong link between family background and these common changes in foot structure. While shoes and activity still matter, they may not tell the whole story. Understanding these patterns may lead to better ways to identify risk early and guide care. If you notice similar foot concerns in your family, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for an evaluation and support.

Hammertoe

Hammertoes can be a painful condition to live with. For more information, contact Scott O'Connor, DPM from Premier Podiatry. Our doctors will answer any of your foot- and ankle-related questions.

Hammertoe is a foot deformity that affects the joints of the second, third, fourth, or fifth toes of your feet. It is a painful foot condition in which these toes curl and arch up, which can often lead to pain when wearing footwear.

Symptoms

• Pain in the affected toes
• Development of corns or calluses due to friction
• Inflammation
• Redness
• Contracture of the toes

Causes

Genetics – People who are genetically predisposed to hammertoe are often more susceptible

Arthritis – Because arthritis affects the joints in your toes, further deformities stemming from arthritis can occur

Trauma – Direct trauma to the toes could potentially lead to hammertoe

Ill-fitting shoes – Undue pressure on the front of the toes from ill-fitting shoes can potentially lead to the development of hammertoe

Treatment

Orthotics – Custom made inserts can be used to help relieve pressure placed on the toes and therefore relieve some of the pain associated with it

Medications – Oral medications such as anti-inflammatories or NSAIDs could be used to treat the pain and inflammation hammertoes causes. Injections of corticosteroids are also sometimes used

Surgery – In more severe cases where the hammertoes have become more rigid, foot surgery is a potential option

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

Pain on the bottom of the foot can come from plantar fasciitis or plantar warts, and the source is not always obvious at first. Plantar fasciitis typically causes a deep, aching, or sharp pain near the heel, especially with the first steps in the morning or after rest. The area may feel tight and sore, but usually does not show visible skin changes. In contrast, plantar warts are caused by a viral infection and often appear as small, rough growths with a thickened surface. They may have tiny black dots and can cause pain when direct pressure is applied while standing or walking. A podiatrist can distinguish between these conditions through a clinical exam and recommend appropriate care. Treatment options include supportive footwear, custom orthotics, and targeted exercises for plantar fasciitis, and specialized removal or topical therapy for warts. If you have pain in the bottom of your foot, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with Scott O'Connor, DPM from Premier Podiatry. Our doctors 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 Bloomington and Pontiac, IL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.