Hammertoe is a common foot condition that can happen from an imbalance of muscles surrounding the toe joints. Hammertoe can be categorized as classic hammertoe, mallet toe, and claw toe. In classic hammertoe, the affected toe will bend down at the joint and resemble a hammer. As toes are important to the balance of the foot and control pressure distribution, hammertoe can cause problems with walking. The affected toe can appear deformed, calluses can form on them, and it may be painful to wear shoes. Relief options for hammertoe pain can include choosing shoes with wide toe boxes, using toe pads, and wearing orthotics. If these conservative options are not successful and pain persists or worsens, surgery may be an option to straighten the toe. If you suffer from a painful hammertoe, it is suggested that you visit a podiatrist for an evaluation and to receive treatment that is personalized to your specific situation.

Hammertoes can be a painful condition to live with. For more information, contact Howard Kimmel, DPM of Buckeye Foot Care. Our doctor 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 one of our offices located in Brook Park and Willoughby, OH . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Stress fractures often occur in the feet, and can be caused by frequently participating in running and jumping activities. A stress fracture is considered to be a hairline fracture and can be uncomfortable. A patient who has a stress fracture will experience gradual pain, and many people will continue to pursue their chosen activity until walking becomes difficult. At this point, an X-ray or other imaging test can be performed to determine the severity of the stress fracture. Treatment can begin with temporarily stopping the activity and resting the foot as often as possible. Some people choose to wear a protective boot or walking cast, which can provide mobility and stability as the healing process occurs. Stress fractures can also occur from increasing speed and distance too quickly, or from wearing shoes that do not fit correctly. If you have foot pain, and think it may be from a stress fracture, it is suggested that you confer with a podiatrist who can effectively diagnose and treat this condition.

Stress fractures occur when there is a tiny crack within a bone. To learn more, contact Howard Kimmel, DPM from Buckeye Foot Care. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain free and on your feet.

How Are They Caused?

Stress fractures are the result of repetitive force being placed on the bone. Since the lower leg and feet often carry most of the body’s weight, stress fractures are likely to occur in these areas. If you rush into a new exercise, you are more likely to develop a stress fracture since you are starting too much, too soon.  Pain resulting from stress fractures may go unnoticed at first, however it may start to worsen over time.

Risk Factors

• Gender – They are more commonly found in women compared to men.
• Foot Problems – People with unusual arches in their feet are more likely to develop stress fractures.
• Certain Sports – Dancers, gymnasts, tennis players, runners, and basketball players are more likely to develop stress fractures.
• Lack of Nutrients – A lack of vitamin D and calcium may weaken the bones and make you more prone to stress fractures
• Weak Bones – Osteoporosis can weaken the bones therefore resulting in stress fractures

Stress fractures do not always heal properly, so it is important that you seek help from a podiatrist if you suspect you may have one. Ignoring your stress fracture may cause it to worsen, and you may develop chronic pain as well as additional fractures.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Brook Park and Willoughby, OH . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Orthotics are insoles that are worn in the shoes to provide additional support for the feet. They are used for different reasons, including overall foot health, abnormal foot structure, and various foot ailments. There are several kinds of orthotics to choose from. Orthotics that are prescribed by a podiatrist are designed to fit and correct an individual's unique foot and specific condition. They are made by taking an impression of the feet and can be successful in treating plantar fasciitis, flat feet, or heel spurs. Mass-produced inserts are referred to as prefabricated orthotics, and can fit a large range of foot types. They can be purchased in a pharmacy, and are available in numerous sizes and arch types. People who have mild foot pain may benefit from over-the-counter insoles, which may provide temporary relief. If you have any type of foot pain, it is strongly suggested that you consult with a podiatrist who can help you to choose the right type of orthotics based on the cause of your foot pain.

If you are having discomfort in your feet and would like to try orthotics, contact Howard Kimmel, DPM from Buckeye Foot Care. 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 contact one of our offices located in Brook Park and Willoughby, OH . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

People who participate in running or jogging may experience pain in their big toe. The main joint in the big toe can be prone to undergoing substantial forces while running. It is known as the MTP, or metatarsophalangeal, joint. As the body shifts between the heel and toes while running, the weight can shift to the big toe, which is used as a lever for pushing off. The sesamoid bones are located under the MTP joints, and are as small as sesame seeds. They are prone to injury when they are overworked, and the pain can radiate to the big toe. Additionally, having arthritis in the MTP joint may lead to toe pain, and the affected area may feel stiff. This is known to become worse with age, and mild relief may be felt when the correct shoes are worn. If you have pain in your big toe, it is suggested that you confer with a podiatrist who can offer you additional relief options.

Toe pain can disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, contact Howard Kimmel, DPM of Buckeye Foot Care. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Causes Toe Pain?

Most severe toe pain is caused due to a sports injury, trauma from dropping something heavy on the toe, or bumping into something rigid. Other problems can develop over time for various reasons.

Toe pain can be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

• Trauma
• Sports injury
• Wearing shoes that are too tight
• Arthritis
• Gout
• Corns and calluses
• Hammertoe
• Bunions
• Blisters
• Ingrown toenails
• Sprains
• Fractures (broken bones)
• Dislocations

When to See a Podiatrist

• Severe pain
• Persistent pain that lasts more than a week
• Signs of infection
• Continued swelling
• Pain that prevents walking

Diagnosis

In many cases the cause of toe pain is obvious, but in others, a podiatrist may want to use more advanced methods to determine the problem. These 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

Treatments for toe pain and injuries vary and may include shoe inserts, padding, taping, medicines, injections, and in some cases, surgery. If you believe that you have broken a toe, please see a podiatrist as soon as possible.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Brook Park and Willoughby, OH . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

People who enjoy running learn that they can benefit from wearing the right type of running shoes. Experts have shown there are three categories of running shoes, and it is important to choose the pair that best describes the preferred running style. Shoes that are supportive and controlling are worn to reduce excessive pronation, which is described as the feet rolling inward while running. These types of shoes are constructed with stronger materials on the inside of the heel. This design may help keep the heels stable. Stability and cushioned shoes are less heavy than controlling shoes and are considered to be the most popular type of running shoe. The lightest running shoes are referred to as cushioned and neutral trainers, and people who enjoy fast running may opt to choose this type of shoe. If you would like more information about what type of running shoes to purchase, it is suggested that you speak with a podiatrist who can address any questions you may have.

If you are a runner, wearing the right running shoe is essential. For more information, contact Howard Kimmel, DPM from Buckeye Foot Care. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Choosing the Right Running Shoe for Your Foot Type

To increase performance and avoid the risk of injury, it is important to choose the right running shoe based on your foot type. The general design of running shoes revolves around pronation, which is how the ankle rolls from outside to inside when the foot strikes the ground.

• Neutral runners are able to choose from a wide variety of shoes, including minimalist shoes or even going barefoot.
• Runners who overpronate, or experience an over-abundance of ankle rolling, should choose shoes that provide extra motion control and stability.
• Runners who underpronate, or supinate, have feet that have high arches and lack flexibility, preventing shock absorption. They require shoes with more flexibility and cushion.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Brook Park and Willoughby, OH . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.