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What Can Cause Hammertoe?
The foot condition that is known as hammertoe is considered to be a deformity of the joints and ligaments. It affects the middle joints of the second and third toe, and causes them to bend downward, resembling a hammer. This ailment can develop from genetic reasons, or if a foot injury has occurred. Additionally, if the patient has high arches, or frequently wears shoes that do not have adequate room for the toes to move freely in, the beginning stages of hammertoe may develop. A common medical condition that may contribute to the onset of hammertoe can be arthritis, which can cause severe pain and discomfort. Mild relief may be found when shoes that are worn fit properly, and it may be beneficial to wear proper insoles. If you have hammertoe, it is strongly suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can guide you toward feeling better.
Hammertoes can be a painful condition to live with. For more information, contact one of our podiatrists of Westland Foot & Ankle Specialists, 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.
What Leads to Plantar Fasciitis?
The plantar fascia is a strong and thick tissue that runs along the bottom of the foot and connects the heel bone to the toes. Plantar fasciitis occurs when this piece of tissue becomes inflamed or torn. Generally, plantar fasciitis is caused by overstretching or overuse and causes heel pain. Common reasons for overuse include playing sports that stress the heel bone, being overweight, pregnant, or middle-aged, or spending too much time standing. Patients who are experiencing heel pain associated with plantar fasciitis will notice that the heel pain is the worst in the morning after resting, after a long period of sitting or standing, or after physical activity. Patients who believe that they may be experiencing plantar fasciitis should consult with a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and treatment method.
Plantar fasciitis can be very painful and inconvenient. If you are experiencing heel pain or symptoms of plantar fasciitis, contact one of our podiatrists from Westland Foot & Ankle Specialists, P.C.. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
What Is Plantar Fasciitis?
Plantar fasciitis is the inflammation of the thick band of tissue that runs along the bottom of your foot, known as the plantar fascia, and causes mild to severe heel pain.
What Causes Plantar Fasciitis?
- Excessive running
- Non-supportive shoes
- Overpronation
- Repeated stretching and tearing of the plantar fascia
How Can It Be Treated?
- Conservative measures – anti-inflammatories, ice packs, stretching exercises, physical therapy, orthotic devices
- Shockwave therapy – sound waves are sent to the affected area to facilitate healing and are usually used for chronic cases of plantar fasciitis
- Surgery – usually only used as a last resort when all else fails. The plantar fascia can be surgically detached from the heel
While very treatable, plantar fasciitis is definitely not something that should be ignored. Especially in severe cases, speaking to your doctor right away is highly recommended to avoid complications and severe heel pain. Your podiatrist can work with you to provide the appropriate treatment options tailored to your condition.
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.
Risk Factors That Make Gout More Likely
Gout is considered to be a type of arthritis caused by a buildup of uric acid in the bloodstream. When there is an overabundance of uric acid, it can crystallize and become lodged in the joints. This can produce severe pain, swelling, redness, and joint stiffness. Often, the joints of the big toe are most commonly affected. Certain conditions make gout more likely to occur. These include consuming foods that contain high fructose corn syrup or are high in purines, being obese, having chronic kidney disease, taking certain drugs, and having cancers or blood disorders. Gout can also be hereditary. If you experience a gout flareup, seeing a podiatrist for treatment and diet plans can help.
Gout is a painful condition that can be treated. If you are seeking treatment, contact one of our podiatrists from Westland Foot & Ankle Specialists, P.C.. 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 our office located in Westland, MI. . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
Plantar Warts Can Be Treated!
Plantar warts are small growths that develop on parts of the feet that bear weight. They're typically found on the bottom of the foot. Don't live with plantar warts, and call us today!
Why Do I Have Blisters on My Feet?
Most blisters form on the feet due to friction. As you walk, your shoes or socks may rub against a small area of skin, damaging it. A pocket of fluid builds up underneath the damaged skin to shield the deeper layers of skin from further damage. Friction blisters are best left alone and footwear and activity modifications are often adequate for treating symptoms and preventing future blisters. However, not all foot blisters are caused by friction. Blisters can also occur on the feet due to allergic reactions, exposure to certain chemicals, skin conditions like eczema, frostbite, sunburn, and fungal, viral, or bacterial infections. If you frequently have blisters on your feet, a podiatrist can help you determine the cause of your blisters and find the best treatment for you.
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 one of our podiatrists of Westland Foot & Ankle Specialists, P.C.. Our doctors 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 Westland, MI. . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
Symptoms of Psoriatic Arthritis in the Feet
Psoriasis is a disease in which the body’s immune system malfunctions and attacks healthy tissue and producing an overabundance of skin cells. Outwardly, the disease causes red patches and scales on the skin. Inwardly, the disease may also cause inflammation, pain, and stiffness in joints and areas where ligaments and tendons connect with bones. This is known as psoriatic arthritis. Psoriatic arthritis often occurs in the feet with symptoms such as swollen toes (dactylis), heel pain, plantar fasciitis, and changes in the toenail. A podiatrist may perform various tests to help rule out other conditions such as gout, toenail fungus and rheumatoid arthritis which have similar symptoms. A variety of treatments, medicine, and orthotics may be used to help relieve pain and inflammation, and improve mobility.
Arthritis can be a difficult condition to live with. If you are seeking treatment, contact one of our podiatrists from Westland Foot & Ankle Specialists, 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 term that is commonly used to describe joint pain. The condition itself can occur to anyone of any age, race, or gender, and there are over 100 types of it. Nevertheless, arthritis is more commonly found in women compared to men, and it is also more prevalent in those who are overweight. The causes of arthritis vary depending on which type of arthritis you have. Osteoarthritis for example, is often caused by injury, while rheumatoid arthritis is caused by a misdirected immune system.
Symptoms
- Swelling
- Pain
- Stiffness
- Decreased Range of Motion
Arthritic symptoms range in severity, and they may come and go. Some symptoms stay the same for several years but could potentially get worse with time. Severe cases of arthritis can prevent its sufferers from performing daily activities and make walking difficult.
Risk Factors
- Occupation – Occupations requiring repetitive knee movements have been linked to osteoarthritis
- Obesity – Excess weight can contribute to osteoarthritis development
- Infection – Microbial agents can infect the joints and trigger arthritis
- Joint Injuries – Damage to joints may lead to osteoarthritis
- Age – Risk increases with age
- Gender –Most types are more common in women
- Genetics – Arthritis can be hereditary
If you suspect your arthritis is affecting your feet, it is crucial that you see a podiatrist immediately. Your doctor will be able to address your specific case and help you decide which treatment method is 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.
Why Do Heel Spurs Develop?
Heel spurs are the body’s natural reaction to repeated stress placed on the bottom of the heel bone where it attaches to the plantar fascia—the fibrous connective tissue on the bottom of the foot. Heel spurs are actually calcium deposits that build up on the heel bone over time due to tears, strain, and stretching of the plantar fascia, ligaments, muscles, and membrane covering the heel bone. There are several contributing factors to developing heel spurs, and the most common symptoms include pain all around and underneath the heel, inflammation and stiffness that does not get better with rest. If you believe you have heel spurs, make an appointment with a podiatrist for a full examination, diagnosis and proper treatment.
Heel spurs can be incredibly painful and sometimes may make you unable to participate in physical activities. To get medical care for your heel spurs, contact one of our podiatrists from Westland Foot & Ankle Specialists, P.C.. Our doctors will do everything possible to treat your condition.
Heels Spurs
Heel spurs are formed by calcium deposits on the back of the foot where the heel is. This can also be caused by small fragments of bone breaking off one section of the foot, attaching onto the back of the foot. Heel spurs can also be bone growth on the back of the foot and may grow in the direction of the arch of the foot.
Older individuals usually suffer from heel spurs and pain sometimes intensifies with age. One of the main condition's spurs are related to is plantar fasciitis.
Pain
The pain associated with spurs is often because of weight placed on the feet. When someone is walking, their entire weight is concentrated on the feet. Bone spurs then have the tendency to affect other bones and tissues around the foot. As the pain continues, the feet will become tender and sensitive over time.
Treatments
There are many ways to treat heel spurs. If one is suffering from heel spurs in conjunction with pain, there are several methods for healing. Medication, surgery, and herbal care are some options.
If you have any questions feel free to contact our office located in Westland, MI. . We offer the latest in diagnostic and treatment technology to meet your needs.
Arthritis Can Cause Pain in the Feet and Ankles
If you are suffering from tenderness, pain, or stiffness in the joints of your feet or ankles, call us to schedule an appointment.
Fungi That Cause Toenail Infections
Fungi are microorganisms that get their nutrients from a host. There are various kinds of fungi—some of which can cause infections (mycosis). Fungal infections can be spread either through person-to-person contact or exposure to contaminated surfaces. Onychomycosis is a fungus that affects the nails and nail beds—most commonly on the toes. If you have toenail fungus you may notice discoloration or scaling that appears under the nail, your nail may flake or crumble, or even separate from the nail bed. Over time, the nail can thicken and become brittle. If you do have a fungal infection, it may take months, even years to go away—if it all. A podiatrist can test your nail to make a proper diagnosis and treat toenail fungus properly through a variety of treatments including prescription medications, nail debridement, or laser therapy.
For more information about treatment, contact one of our podiatrists of Westland Foot & Ankle Specialists, P.C.. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
Toenail Fungus Treatment
Toenail fungus is a condition that affects many people and can be especially hard to get rid of. Fortunately, there are several methods to go about treating and avoiding it.
Antifungals & Deterrence
Oral antifungal medicine has been shown to be effective in many cases. It is important to consult with a podiatrist to determine the proper regiment for you, or potentially explore other options.
Applying foot powder on the feet and shoes helps keep the feet free of moisture and sweat.
Sandals or open toed shoes – Wearing these will allow air movement and help keep feet dry. They also expose your feet to light, which fungus cannot tolerate. Socks with moisture wicking material also help as well.
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.
How Are Broken Ankles Treated?
A broken ankle can be complex—involving all three bones of the ankle (talus, fibula, and tibia)—or simple when just one of these bones breaks. You may be experiencing a broken ankle if you have pain, tenderness, swelling, or bruising in the area. In more severe breaks, your ankle may be misshapen or a bone may be protruding. The manner of treatment your podiatrist takes to heal your broken ankle depends on the complexity and nature of the break as well as where it occurs. They may be able to help treat your ankle by icing it, stabilizing it with a cast, splint, or boot, and by instructing you to keep weight off of it for a period of time to allow it to heal on its own. In some cases, a surgical intervention may be necessary to properly realign the ankle and repair damaged bones. It is important to seek the care of a podiatrist if you suspect that your ankle is broken so it can heal properly, and to avoid a worsening condition or infection from developing.
Broken ankles need immediate treatment. If you are seeking treatment, contact one of our podiatrists from Westland Foot & Ankle Specialists, P.C.. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
Broken Ankles
A broken ankle is experienced when a person fractures their tibia or fibula in the lower leg and ankle area. Both of these bones are attached at the bottom of the leg and combine to form what we know to be our ankle.
When a physician is referring to a break of the ankle, he or she is usually referring to a break in the area where the tibia and fibula are joined to create our ankle joint. Ankles are more prone to fractures because the ankle is an area that suffers a lot of pressure and stress. There are some obvious signs when a person experiences a fractured ankle, and the following symptoms may be present.
Symptoms of a Fractured Ankle
- Excessive pain when the area is touched or when any pressure is placed on the ankle
- Swelling around the area
- Bruising of the area
- Area appears to be deformed
If you suspect an ankle fracture, it is recommended to seek treatment as soon as possible. The sooner you have your podiatrist diagnose the fracture, the quicker you’ll be on the way towards recovery.
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.
More...
It Can Be Painful to Walk With Cuboid Syndrome
Common symptoms that often accompany the medical condition that is known as cuboid syndrome can include pain while putting weight on the outside of the foot, in addition to discomfort in the middle of the foot while walking. The cuboid bone is one of several bones that are located in each foot, and cuboid syndrome can develop if the surrounding ligaments and tendons become inflamed. This can occur from a sudden injury, or from repetitive motion that is common in ballet dancers. Relief may be found when a cushioned pad is placed in the shoe that lies underneath the bone, and it may help to perform heel exercises. If you have pain in this part of your foot, please confer with a podiatrist as quickly as possible who can 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 one of our podiatrists from Westland Foot & Ankle Specialists, P.C.. Our doctors 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 Westland, MI. . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
Gout Pain Can Be Managed
Gout is a painful, inflammatory form of arthritis. Those affected will typically feel an intense stiffness in the joints of their feet, particularly in the big toe. Schedule a visit to learn about how gout can be managed and treated.
Are Foot Fractures Common?
The foot is made up of 26 bones, so perhaps it comes as no surprise that foot fractures account for about 10% of all broken bones in the body. Foot fractures are some of the most common podiatric injuries, particularly among athletes. A broken foot bone can be especially debilitating, as the feet carry the weight of the whole body. The symptoms of a broken foot include pain, bruising, swelling, and tenderness, as well as difficulty standing or walking. The extent of your symptoms will depend on the type of fracture and its severity. A stress fracture, which is characterized by tiny cracks in the affected bone, may be less painful than a full fracture, in which a bone breaks completely. If you suspect that you may have a broken bone in your foot, please seek the care of a podiatrist.
A broken foot requires immediate medical attention and treatment. If you need your feet checked, contact one of our podiatrists from Westland Foot & Ankle Specialists, P.C.. 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 Westland, MI. . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
Types of Peripheral Artery Disease
Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is a condition characterized by reduced blood flow to the lower limbs. This can cause symptoms such as leg cramps, pain, fatigue, numbness, skin discoloration, and foot wounds. There are two types of PAD. Occlusive PAD occurs when the blood vessels are blocked. This can be caused by the arteries thickening and hardening over time (atherosclerosis), an excess buildup of lymph fluid (lymphedema), blood clots forming in the veins of the leg muscles (deep vein thrombosis), or narrowed carotid arteries (carotid artery stenosis). Functional PAD occurs when the blood vessels are not blocked, but rather malfunctioning due to spasms. This can be seen in cases of varicose veins, Raynaud’s disease, and chronic venous insufficiency. Functional PAD is typically made worse or triggered by environmental or lifestyle factors, such as exposure to cold, excessive stress, and smoking. If you are experiencing any symptoms of PAD, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist.
Poor circulation is a serious condition and needs immediate medical attention. If you have any concerns with poor circulation in your feet contact one of our podiatrists of Westland Foot & Ankle Specialists, P.C.. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.
Poor Circulation in the Feet
Poor blood circulation in the feet and legs is can be caused by peripheral artery disease (PAD), which is the result of a buildup of plaque in the arteries.
Plaque buildup or atherosclerosis results from excess calcium and cholesterol in the bloodstream. This can restrict the amount of blood which can flow through the arteries. Poor blood circulation in the feet and legs are sometimes caused by inflammation in the blood vessels, known as vasculitis.
Causes
Lack of oxygen and oxygen from poor blood circulation restricts muscle growth and development. It can also cause:
- Muscle pain, stiffness, or weakness
- Numbness or cramping in the legs
- Skin discoloration
- Slower nail & hair growth
- Erectile dysfunction
Those who have diabetes or smoke are at greatest risk for poor circulation, as are those who are over 50. If you have poor circulation in the feet and legs it may be caused by PAD and is important to make changes to your lifestyle in order to reduce risk of getting a heart attack or stroke. Exercise and maintaining a healthy lifestyle will dramatically improve conditions.
As always, see a podiatrist as he or she will assist in finding a regimen that suits you. A podiatrist can also prescribe you any needed medication.
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.
