One of the most common foot deformities is called a hammertoe. This means the middle joint of the toe pops up instead of lying flat. Hammertoe usually affects the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th toes and can become painful as the protruding joint rubs against the inside of the shoe. Causes of hammertoe vary, but the most common is wearing high-heeled shoes with pointy-toes. Not surprisingly, more women develop hammertoe than men. Trauma from a fall or blow, sprains, or broken toes can all contribute to the formation of a hammertoe as well. They also can be caused by side effects from arthritis, diabetes, and polio. Hammertoe can make it difficult to walk, thereby affecting the gait and causing problems in other parts of the body. If you have developed a hammertoe, please consult with a podiatrist for an examination and possible remedies available to you. 

Hammertoes can be a painful condition to live with. For more information, contact one of our podiatrists of Dr. Kane & Associates, P.C. Our doctors will answer any of your foot- and ankle-related questions.

Hammertoe

Hammertoe is a foot deformity that occurs due to an imbalance in the muscles, tendons, or ligaments that normally hold the toe straight. It can be caused by the type of shoes you wear, your foot structure, trauma, and certain disease processes.

Symptoms

• Painful and/or difficult toe movement
• Swelling
• Joint stiffness
• Calluses/Corns
• Physical deformity

Risk Factors

• Age – The risk of hammertoe increases with age
• Sex – Women are more likely to have hammertoe compared to men
• Toe Length – You are more likely to develop hammertoe if your second toe is longer than your big toe
• Certain Diseases – Arthritis and diabetes may make you more likely to develop hammertoe

Treatment

If you have hammertoe, you should change into a more comfortable shoe that provides enough room for your toes. Exercises such as picking up marbles may strengthen and stretch your toe muscles. Nevertheless, it is important to seek assistance from a podiatrist in order to determine the severity of your hammertoe and see which treatment option will work best for you.

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

Ingrown toenails are often painful. They typically develop due to wearing shoes that do not fit correctly and this can force the nail to grow into the surrounding skin. Furthermore, they can occur by improperly trimming the toenails or result from a toe injury. In addition to pain, this condition can be accompanied by swelling, redness, and pus that may drain from the affected toe. Some patients can find mild relief by soaking the foot in warm water and using a piece of cotton to push the skin away from the nail. This is considered to be temporary, and will most likely need professional attention soon after. An ingrown toenail may be more common in adults than children as well as people who have curved or thick nails. If you have symptoms of this condition, it is strongly suggested that you consult with a podiatrist who can effectively treat this condition.

Ingrown toenails can become painful if they are not treated properly. For more information about ingrown toenails, contact one of our podiatrists of Dr. Kane & Associates, P.C. 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

Because ingrown toenails are not something found outside of shoe-wearing cultures, going barefoot as often as possible will decrease the likeliness of developing ingrown toenails. 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 Westland, MI. . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Osteoarthritis or OA is a common form of arthritis that can affect any joint in the body. This type of arthritis generally increases with age, and those who are obese, have a genetic predisposition to it, or a prior joint injury are at higher risk. Cartilage in joints wear down, bones are exposed, and they can rub against each other. The base of the big toe is a common site for OA. The joint degenerates and the body may attempt to repair the condition by growing more bone. This reaction can create bony protrusions called bone spurs that appear as a visible bump or callus on the big toe joint. The excess bone growth can lead to fusion of the joint and it can become fixed/non-bending. The joint of the big toe may also look inflamed and swollen. It becomes painful and hard to walk if one cannot bend their toe, and if spurs or bunions develop, they can push uncomfortably against shoes. Usually, OA in the big toe is worse after inactivity, such as when first arising in the morning or after prolonged sitting. Wearing shoes that have sufficient room in the toe box and stiff soles, obtaining pad inserts or arch supports, using ice on the big toe, maintaining a healthy body weight, and/or taking over-the-counter pain relievers can help but there is no cure for OA. If you are suffering with big toe pain, consult with a podiatrist who can properly diagnose the condition and recommend a treatment plan to help you live more comfortably.

Arthritis can be a difficult condition to live with. If you are seeking treatment, contact one of our podiatrists from Dr. Kane & Associates, P.C. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Arthritic Foot Care  

Arthritis is a joint disorder that involves the inflammation of different joints in your body, such as those in your feet. Arthritis is often caused by a degenerative joint disease and causes mild to severe pain in all affected areas. In addition to this, swelling and stiffness in the affected joints can also be a common symptom of arthritis.

In many cases, wearing ill-fitting shoes can worsen the effects and pain of arthritis. Wearing shoes that have a lower heel and extra room can help your feet feel more comfortable. In cases of rheumatoid arthritis, the arch in your foot may become problematic. Buying shoes with proper arch support that contour to your feet can help immensely.

Alleviating Arthritic Pain

• Exercises that stretch the foot can prevent further pain and injury and increase mobility
• Most of the pain can be alleviated with anti-inflammatory drugs, heat, and topical medications
• Massages can help temporarily alleviate pain.

It is best to see your doctor for the treatment that is right for your needs and symptoms. Conditions vary, and a podiatrist can help you determine the right method of care for your feet.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Westland, MI. . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.