Items filtered by date: November 2024

Crooked toes, such as hammertoe, claw toe, and mallet toe, are deformities that cause the toes to bend abnormally. Hammertoe involves a middle joint that bends downward, while claw toe affects both joints, causing the toe to curl downward like a claw. Mallet toe is similar to hammertoe but affects only the joint closest to the toenail, causing it to bend down. Common symptoms include pain, difficulty walking, corns, and calluses on the tops of or between the toes. Wearing tight footwear often worsens these conditions. Relief and treatment options include wearing properly fitted shoes, using orthotics, and performing toe-stretching exercises. In more severe cases, a podiatrist may recommend splints, targeted exercises, or surgery to straighten the toes. If you have crooked toes and is causing pain or discomfort, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist to receive an accurate diagnosis and explore treatment options.

Hammertoe

Hammertoes can be a painful condition to live with. For more information, contact one of our podiatrists from Foot & Ankle Medical Center . 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 Nampa, ID Fruitlland, ID . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Eczema and athlete's foot are two common skin conditions that can cause discomfort, but they have distinct characteristics. Eczema, or atopic dermatitis, typically presents as dry, itchy patches of skin that may be red and inflamed. It often occurs on areas such as the hands, feet, and behind the knees, and is associated with a history of allergies or asthma. In contrast, athlete's foot is a highly contagious fungal infection that primarily affects the feet, especially between the toes. Symptoms include intense itching, burning sensations, and flaky, peeling skin. Athlete's foot may also cause redness and blisters. While both conditions can be itchy, the location and appearance of the symptoms help differentiate them. If you have any of the above symptoms, it is suggested that you confer with a podiatrist who can provide a proper diagnosis and offer prescribed medication for relief.

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 Foot & Ankle Medical Center .  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 Nampa, ID Fruitlland, ID . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Preventing running injuries is vital for maintaining a consistent training routine and enhancing overall performance. One of the most effective strategies is wearing the right running shoes, which should be tailored to your foot type and running style. Proper footwear provides essential support, cushioning, and stability, reducing the risk of injuries such as stress fractures and tendonitis. Additionally, incorporating a gradual training plan is essential, and avoiding sudden increases in distance or intensity will allow your body to adapt. Regular stretching and strength training can improve flexibility and strengthen muscles, further protecting against injury. Listening to your body and taking rest days when needed is equally important for recovery. If you have injured your foot or ankle while running, it is suggested that you contact a podiatrist who can provide the appropriate treatment solutions.

Exercising your feet regularly with the proper foot wear is a great way to prevent injuries. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact one of our podiatrists of Foot & Ankle Medical Center . Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

How to Prevent Running Injuries

Many common running injuries are caused by overuse and overtraining. When the back of the kneecap starts wearing out and starts causing pain in your knee, this is commonly referred to as runner’s knee. Runner’s knee is a decrease in strength in your quadriceps and can occur if you’re not wearing properly fitted or supporting shoes. To prevent runner’s knee, focusing on hip strengthening is a good idea, as well as strengthening your quads to keep the kneecaps aligned.

What Are Some Causes of Running Injuries?
- One cause of a common running injury is called iliotibial band syndrome.
- Plantar fasciitis is also another common injury.
- Stress fractures can occur from overtraining, lack of calcium, or even your running style.

Best Ways to Prevent Running Injuries
- Wear footwear that fits properly and suits your running needs.
- Running shoes are the only protective gear that runners have to safeguard them from injury.
- Make a training schedule. Adding strengthening exercises as well as regular stretching can help keep you strong and limber and can lessen the possibility of injuries.
- Stretching keeps muscles limber; this will help you gain better flexibility.

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