A broken toe is a fracture in one of the small bones of a toe. Each of the four smaller toes has three bones, while the big toe has two. Any of these bones can break. A fracture can happen after stubbing a toe against a hard object or dropping something heavy on the foot. Pain can begin right away and make walking uncomfortable. Swelling and bruising are also typical signs. Damage around the toenail can occur with some injuries, especially when the impact is strong enough to cut the skin beneath the nail.

A podiatrist can examine an injured toe and determine whether a fracture is likely. X-rays can usually show the location of the break and help guide treatment. An injury involving bleeding or damage beneath the nail deserves prompt attention because a cut can be hidden under the nail. The position of the toe also matters. A podiatrist can check whether the broken bone remains properly aligned, and look for damage to nearby tissues. This evaluation helps separate a fracture from other injuries that can cause similar pain and swelling.

Treatment depends on the location and severity of the broken toe. Surgery is rarely required for toe fractures. A podiatrist can stabilize certain fractures by securing the injured toe to the neighboring toe, a method called buddy-taping. A hard-soled shoe can reduce painful bending of the toe when walking. Many toe fractures heal within four to six weeks. A podiatrist can monitor healing and determine when returning to sports or other physical activities is appropriate. Persistent pain or problems with walking can signal that the toe needs further evaluation. If you have broken your toe, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

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 Jeffrey L. Bober, DPM from Maryland. Our doctor 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 office located in Glen Burnie, MD . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Plantar warts are small, non-cancerous growths that develop on the bottom of the feet, often on weight bearing areas such as the heel or ball of the foot. They are caused by an infection from the human papillomavirus, or HPV,  which enters the skin through tiny cuts or abrasions. These warts can appear individually or in clusters and may become more noticeable over time. Understanding the definition of plantar warts helps individuals identify early signs and seek appropriate care.

Symptoms of plantar warts include a flat, gray brown colored growth that may blend in with the surrounding skin. One of the most distinct features is the presence of black dots in the center, which are small clotted blood vessels. Individuals often experience intense pain when walking or standing, as pressure pushes the wart inward. The affected area may also feel rough or thickened. Recognizing these symptoms can help distinguish plantar warts from other foot conditions such as calluses.

The primary cause of plantar warts is exposure to the human papillomavirus in warm, moist environments. Public places such as locker rooms, swimming pools, and communal showers can increase the risk of infection. Walking barefoot in these areas allows the virus to come into contact with the skin. Risk factors include weakened immune function, excessive sweating, and minor skin injuries that create entry points for the virus. Children and adolescents may be more susceptible, due to increased exposure and developing immune systems.

Preventing plantar warts involves maintaining proper foot hygiene, wearing protective footwear in shared spaces, and keeping the feet clean and dry. Early identification and care can reduce discomfort and prevent the spread of warts to other areas. Avoiding direct contact with existing warts is also important for limiting transmission. If you have developed a plantar wart, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for effective relief and treatment solutions.

Plantar warts can be very uncomfortable. If you need your feet checked, contact Jeffrey L. Bober, DPM from Maryland. 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 Glen Burnie, MD . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Flat feet, also called fallen arches, have little or no visible arch when standing. The entire sole touches more of the ground, changing how weight moves through the foot. Some people are born with flat feet, while others develop them later in life. Children frequently appear flat-footed because soft tissue hides the arch, which becomes more noticeable as they grow. Adults, however, can develop flatter feet after injury, aging, and weight gain. Conditions affecting muscles and tendons can also be factors. Some patients have no symptoms, but others notice discomfort, poor balance, or tired feet.

Flat feet can place extra stress on the ankles, knees, and lower back. The feet also roll inward more than normal while walking, which changes body alignment and increases strain. This motion can cause faster shoe wear and make daily activities less comfortable. Pain sometimes develops in the heel, arch, or ankle. Swelling can also appear after long periods of standing. A podiatrist examines the feet and watches how you move. Imaging studies may help confirm the cause of symptoms. Treatment includes custom orthotics that fit inside your shoes and improve foot support. A podiatrist often recommends shoes that provide proper support and fit correctly. Surgery may be needed to correct structural problems that cannot be managed with other treatments.

Early evaluation helps prevent ongoing pain and supports better movement. Prompt care also reduces stress on nearby joints and helps patients remain active. Ignoring persistent symptoms allows problems to become harder to manage. A podiatrist monitors changes, answers questions, and recommends treatment based on your foot structure and daily activities. Regular follow-up visits help measure progress and adjust treatment when appropriate. Healthy foot alignment improves comfort and confidence with every step. If you have foot pain related to flat feet, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for effective relief and management solutions.

Flatfoot is a condition many people suffer from. If you have flat feet, contact Jeffrey L. Bober, DPM from Maryland. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Are Flat Feet?

Flatfoot is a condition in which the arch of the foot is depressed and the sole of the foot is almost completely in contact with the ground. About 20-30% of the population generally has flat feet because their arches never formed during growth.

Conditions & Problems:

Having flat feet makes it difficult to run or walk because of the stress placed on the ankles.

Alignment – The general alignment of your legs can be disrupted, because the ankles move inward which can cause major discomfort.

Knees – If you have complications with your knees, flat feet can be a contributor to arthritis in that area.  

Symptoms

• Pain around the heel or arch area
• Trouble standing on the tip toe
• Swelling around the inside of the ankle
• Flat look to one or both feet
• Having your shoes feel uneven when worn

Treatment

If you are experiencing pain and stress on the foot you may weaken the posterior tibial tendon, which runs around the inside of the ankle. 

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

Orthotics are shoe inserts designed to improve foot function, reduce discomfort, and support healthy movement. They help position the feet more effectively when muscles, tendons, ligaments, joints, or bones are not working together as they should. Orthotics can relieve pain caused by conditions like plantar fasciitis, bunions, hammertoes, flat feet, and high arches. They also help reduce foot fatigue during daily activities. Orthotics come in several forms, including over-the-counter inserts and custom-made devices. Choosing the right option depends on the cause of the problem, the structure of the foot, and the level of support needed. A careful evaluation helps determine which type is most appropriate for each patient.

A podiatrist performs a detailed examination that includes foot structure, walking pattern, and activity level before recommending orthotics. This assessment helps identify abnormal movement patterns and pressure points that contribute to pain. Custom orthotics are tailored to a patient’s unique foot structure, while over-the-counter inserts offer a generic solution that may not adequately address individual needs. A podiatrist also recommends shoes that provide proper support because even the best orthotics perform better inside well-fitting footwear. Regular follow-up visits help monitor comfort and determine whether adjustments are needed as symptoms or activity levels change.

Orthotics are not a one-size-fits-all solution, and using the wrong type can limit their benefits. Some patients need custom orthotics because of more complex foot problems or medical conditions like diabetes and severe arthritis. A podiatrist can determine which type best matches each patient's needs and long-term goals. Early evaluation helps improve comfort, support healthy foot mechanics, and reduce unnecessary stress on the feet while walking and standing. If you have symptoms of foot pain or conditions that could benefit from custom orthotics, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for diagnosis and treatment.

If you are having discomfort in your feet and would like to try orthotics, contact Jeffrey L. Bober, DPM from Maryland. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Are Orthotics?

Orthotics are inserts you can place into your shoes to help with a variety of foot problems such as flat feet or foot pain. Orthotics provide relief and comfort for minor foot and heel pain but can’t correct serious biomechanical problems in your feet.

Over-the-Counter Inserts

Orthotics come in a wide variety of over-the-counter inserts that are used to treat foot pain, heel pain, and minor problems. For example, arch supports can be inserted into your shoes to help correct overarched or flat feet, while gel insoles are often used because they provide comfort and relief from foot and heel pain by alleviating pressure.

Prescription Orthotics

If over-the-counter inserts don’t work for you or if you have a more severe foot concern, it is possible to have your podiatrist prescribe custom orthotics. These high-quality inserts are designed to treat problems such as abnormal motion, plantar fasciitis, and severe forms of heel pain. They can even be used to help patients suffering from diabetes by treating foot ulcers and painful calluses and are usually molded to your feet individually, which allows them to provide full support and comfort.

If you are experiencing minor to severe foot or heel pain, it’s recommended to speak with your podiatrist about the possibilities of using orthotics. A podiatrist can determine which type of orthotic is right for you and allow you to take the first steps towards being pain-free.

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