Items filtered by date: September 2024

Hammertoe is a deformity where one of the toes, often the second, becomes bent in a fixed Z-shaped position. This causes discomfort and difficulty in wearing certain types of shoes and walking. Hammertoe is often the result of tendon imbalances, long metatarsal bones, and poor joint alignment. Rheumatoid arthritis, genetics, or prolonged wearing of ill-fitting shoes are other factors. The bent position of the toe can lead to excessive friction, which can result in painful calluses, corns, and even open sores on top of the affected toe. Treatment options typically involve wearing shoes with a wider toe box to reduce irritation, using orthotic devices to alleviate pain in the ball of the foot, and taping or splinting the toe to provide temporary relief. In more severe cases, where the toe is rigidly fixed and pain persists, surgery may be required to straighten the toe. If you have a painful hammertoe, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and treatment options.

Hammertoe

Hammertoes can be a painful condition to live with. For more information, contact one of our podiatrists from Montgomery Foot Care Specialists. 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 contact our office located in Montgomery, AL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Athlete's foot, medically known as tinea pedis, is a fungal infection that affects the skin on the feet. It commonly manifests in three types, interdigital, moccasin, and vesicular. Interdigital occurs between the toes, moccasin causes scaling on the soles, and vesicular causes fluid-filled blisters. Athlete's foot is caused by fungi that thrive in warm, moist environments, like locker rooms or damp shoes. Symptoms typically include itching, redness, and peeling of the skin, often accompanied by a burning sensation. The infection can spread to other areas of the body if not treated promptly. Maintaining good foot hygiene, keeping feet dry, and wearing breathable footwear can help prevent athlete's foot. If you have an athlete’s foot infection, it is suggested that you promptly visit a podiatrist who can effectively treat this highly contagious condition.

Athlete’s foot is an inconvenient condition that can be easily reduced with the proper treatment. If you have any concerns about your feet and ankles, contact one of our podiatrists from Montgomery Foot Care Specialists.  our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Athlete’s Foot: The Sole Story

Athlete's foot, also known as tinea pedis, can be an extremely contagious foot infection. It is commonly contracted in public changing areas and bathrooms, dormitory style living quarters, around locker rooms and public swimming pools, or anywhere your feet often come into contact with other people.

Solutions to Combat Athlete’s Foot

• Hydrate your feet by using lotion
• Exfoliate
• Buff off nails
• Use of anti-fungal products
• Examine your feet and visit your doctor if any suspicious blisters or cuts develop

Athlete’s foot can cause many irritating symptoms such as dry and flaking skin, itching, and redness. Some more severe symptoms can include bleeding and cracked skin, intense itching and burning, and even pain when walking. In the worst cases, Athlete’s foot can cause blistering as well. Speak to your podiatrist for a better understanding of the different causes of Athlete’s foot, as well as help in determining which treatment options are best for you.

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