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After years of wearing high heels with pointy toe boxes, or other ill-fitting shoes, many women develop hammertoes in the second and third toe. A raised bump forms on the joint of the toe, which then rubs against the top of your shoe and can become painful. One of the first things you can do to alleviate some of the discomfort is to find shoes that do not aggravate the condition. Look for shoes with a lower heel, wider toe box and softer material on top. It is also a good idea to make an appointment with a podiatrist who can examine your foot and assess the need for orthotics to help align your foot as you walk. This can improve mobility and alleviate pressure around the toes. In some cases, surgery can help to correct the condition. Your podiatrist will be able to determine the best course of treatment for you.
Hammertoe
Hammertoes can be a painful condition to live with. For more information, contact Tanisha Richmond, DPM from Richmond Foot & Ankle, LLC. Our doctor 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
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 Dayton, OH . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
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There are three kinds of diabetic neuropathy, caused by prolonged high blood sugar levels that can damage nerves throughout your body. Peripheral neuropathy damages nerves on the extremity – arms and hands, as well as the legs and feet. This can lead to serious foot problems that get worse slowly over months, and possibly years. Autonomic neuropathy affects the central nervous system, while focal neuropathy targets one particular nerve, usually in the wrist, thigh or foot. One of the main symptoms of diabetic neuropathy is the absence of feeling in the toes and feet. This can be a cause for concern, as sores or other injuries may go unnoticed. It’s a good idea to check your feet daily for areas that may cause problems. Unfortunately, it is often the case that they go unnoticed until the problem worsens. The main way to prevent this condition from developing in the first place is to monitor blood sugar levels every day. It’s also a good idea to maintain a healthy body weight, eat nutritious foods, and avoid alcoholic beverages. If you think you may have diabetic neuropathy, it’s a good idea to make an appointment with a podiatrist who can conduct a screening and determine the best course of treatment for your foot health.
Neuropathy
Neuropathy can be a potentially serious condition, especially if it is left undiagnosed. If you have any concerns that you may be experiencing nerve loss in your feet, consult with Tanisha Richmond, DPM from Richmond Foot & Ankle, LLC. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment for neuropathy.
What Is Neuropathy?
Neuropathy is a condition that leads to damage to the nerves in the body. Peripheral neuropathy, or neuropathy that affects your peripheral nervous system, usually occurs in the feet. Neuropathy can be triggered by a number of different causes. Such causes include diabetes, infections, cancers, disorders, and toxic substances.
Symptoms of Neuropathy Include:
Those with diabetes are at serious risk due to being unable to feel an ulcer on their feet. Diabetics usually also suffer from poor blood circulation. This can lead to the wound not healing, infections occurring, and the limb may have to be amputated.
Treatment
To treat neuropathy in the foot, podiatrists will first diagnose the cause of the neuropathy. Figuring out the underlying cause of the neuropathy will allow the podiatrist to prescribe the best treatment, whether it be caused by diabetes, toxic substance exposure, infection, etc. If the nerve has not died, then it’s possible that sensation may be able to return to the foot.
Pain medication may be issued for pain. Electrical nerve stimulation can be used to stimulate nerves. If the neuropathy is caused from pressure on the nerves, then surgery may be necessary.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Dayton, OH . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
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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.
Many runners develop a condition known as Morton’s neuroma which is a thickening of a nerve in the foot. It usually affects the large nerve between the third and fourth toe, which is more susceptible to pressure, irritation and injury, and results in painful inflammation. Runners and people playing sports that involve pressure on the ball of the foot are more apt to develop this condition. Also, women wearing high heels, with a lack of room in the toe box and improper cushioning are susceptible. People with flat feet, high arches, bunions or hammertoes are also at risk. Morton’s neuroma is thought to be a progressive ailment, and for that reason diagnosis is often delayed until the condition becomes more severe. At some point, the symptoms become more painful and frequent and last longer. Many people complain of having a pebble in their shoe or feel like their sock is bunched up. It is suggested that you consult with a podiatrist at the earliest onset of such symptoms for a diagnosis and treatment plan.
Morton’s neuroma is a very uncomfortable condition to live with. If you think you have Morton’s neuroma, contact Tanisha Richmond, DPM of Richmond Foot & Ankle, LLC. Our doctor will attend to all of your foot care needs and answer any of your related questions.
Morton’s Neuroma
Morton's neuroma is a painful foot condition that commonly affects the areas between the second and third or third and fourth toe, although other areas of the foot are also susceptible. Morton’s neuroma is caused by an inflamed nerve in the foot that is being squeezed and aggravated by surrounding bones.
What Increases the Chances of Having Morton’s Neuroma?
Morton’s neuroma is a very treatable condition. Orthotics and shoe inserts can often be used to alleviate the pain on the forefront of the feet. In more severe cases, corticosteroids can also be prescribed. In order to figure out the best treatment for your neuroma, it’s recommended to seek the care of a podiatrist who can diagnose your condition and provide different treatment options.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Dayton, OH . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
Read more about Morton's Neuroma
