Hammertoes

Hammertoes are a common foot deformity in which one or more of the small toes bends downwards at the middle joint. This puts the toes into a hammer or mallet-like shape, hence the name of the condition. Hammertoes can be very uncomfortable and even painful, causing symptoms such as irritation, inflammation, redness, stiff toe joints, muscle contracture, and corns, calluses, and sores on the tops of the affected toe joints. 

Hammertoes can either be flexible or rigid. Flexible hammertoes are those that can still be moved at the joint. Rigid hammertoes are those that can no longer move due to stiff, tight joints. Flexible hammertoes slowly turn into rigid hammertoes when no steps are taken to treat this condition. 

Seeking treatment for hammertoes is strongly suggested, as they tend to get progressively worse over time. The main goals of treatment in the early stages are to slow or stop the progression and manage symptoms. Your chiropodist will likely recommend changes in your footwear. Wide, roomy shoes that have a large toe box and a low heel can give your toes extra space and prevent them from crowding and becoming further deformed. Orthotic insoles can be worn in the shoes for added support. Corns and calluses on the tops of the toes may need to be padded to protect them from irritation. Over-the-counter medications can be taken to relieve pain. In more severe cases, your chiropodist may suggest corticosteroid injections to reduce pain and inflammation. Surgery is another treatment option for hammertoes but is usually reserved for severe cases where the toe has become rigid and immobile. 

If you notice hammertoes or any other foot deformity, it is strongly suggested that you seek the care of a chiropodist. 

Causes and Treatment of Hammertoes

If the first joint of your toe bends up instead of lying flat, you probably have developed a hammertoe. The main cause of this deformity is believed to be wearing shoes that do not fit properly. If they are too small in either length or width, the toe is forced into a shortened position for too long a period. The muscles then tighten, and the toe joint can become frozen in a bent position. Another likely cause of hammertoe is when one of the two long muscles in the leg (the extensor and flexor digitorum longus) become compromised. They work in tandem to help raise and lower the toes. A hammertoe can also be congenital, or caused by arthritis in the foot or diabetes. If the hammertoe is caught early enough, it may be possible to straighten it. This process includes wearing shoes that are larger and have a wider toe box. Certain stretching exercises can help to stretch out the toes. If these measures are not successful, surgery may be necessary. For congenital hammertoes, a splinting and manipulation technique can be used. Besides looking unsightly, hammertoes can become painful, because the raised joint rubs against the inside of the toe box and corns or calluses may result. For more information on how to deal with hammertoes, please consult a chiropodist. 

Hammertoe is a common foot deformity in which one or more of the small toes bends downwards at the middle joint. Though it may seem like a purely cosmetic issue, this is not the case. Hammertoes can be uncomfortable, painful, and even debilitating in severe cases. If you suffer from hammertoe, please consult with one of the specialists from Thornhill Foot Clinic. Our chiropodists can help you maintain the health of your lower limbs and your mobility.

Symptoms

  • One or more small toes bending downward at the middle joint

  • Pain or irritation on the affected toes

  • Corns and calluses

  • Inflammation

  • Redness

  • Stiff toe joints

  • Sores on the tops of the toes

Diagnosis

A chiropodist can typically diagnose hammertoes through physical examination. X-rays may need to be taken to see the extent of the damage.

Treatment

Hammertoes tend to progressively worsen with time, so getting prompt treatment is very important. In its early stages, the progression of hammertoe can be slowed down or stopped. Your chiropodist may suggest changes in your footwear. Wearing wide, comfortable shoes with a larger toe area and a low heel can help you avoid putting pressure on your toes. You may also be prescribed orthotics. Over-the-counter medications or corticosteroid injections may be used to relieve pain. If you have any corns or calluses, your chiropodist may suggest padding them to avoid further irritation. In advanced cases, surgery may be suggested. 

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

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Broken Toe

Broken toes are a serious injury that requires prompt medical care. A toe bone can fracture following a sudden, traumatic injury, such as dropping a piece of furniture on the toe or stubbing it. If a toe bone has broken, you may hear a cracking sound at the time of injury. Shortly afterward, you will likely experience throbbing pain, swelling, bruising, and difficulty walking or bearing weight on the affected toe. In more severe cases, the broken bone may be displaced and resting at an odd angle, or it may be poking through the skin. A severe injury requires immediate medical care. 

A chiropodist can diagnose a toe fracture by taking your medical history, examining the toe, and taking an X-ray. The right treatment for you will depend on the severity of the injury. Less severe fractures are usually treated conservatively. You will likely be asked to rest the affected foot. The chiropodist may buddy tape your broken toe to the toe right next to it in order to keep the broken toe in the right position for healing. Icing the affected toe and taking non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medication can help reduce pain. In more severe cases, surgery may be necessary to reset the bones. Sometimes, medical hardware like pins or screws is needed to help the toe heal properly. 

Proper healing is very important, as a broken toe that does not fully heal or that doesn’t heal correctly can cause osteoarthritis later on in life. Your toe will likely be tender and swollen for several weeks following the injury. You will typically need to rest the toe for one to two months before resuming your usual activities. If you suspect that you may have broken your toe, please schedule an appointment with a chiropodist near you. 

 

Various Ways to Break a Toe

A mildly fractured toe may be treated by using the buddy taping method. Taping the broken toe to the toe next to it is generally successful in providing the necessary stability as the healing process occurs. There are several ways a toe can become broken. For instance, dropping a heavy object on it, jamming it into a piece of furniture, or if it is involved in an injury. The toe bones are small and located at the edge of the body, making them vulnerable to enduring a fracture. Common symptoms associated with this type of injury include bruising, swelling, and a toe that is difficult to walk on. A serious break is noticeable if the affected bone protrudes through the skin, and the toe may look deformed. After a proper diagnosis is performed, the correct treatment can begin. If the toe becomes numb or if there is an open wound, it is strongly suggested that immediate medical attention is sought. Broken toes are treated by a chiropodist and it is advised that you consult with this type of foot specialist who can determine what the best course of treatment is for you.

A broken toe typically occurs following either a sudden, traumatic injury, like dropping a heavy piece of furniture on the toe. The impact causes the bone to fracture and produces a variety of painful symptoms. If you suspect that you’ve broken your toe, please consult with one of the specialists from Thornhill Foot Clinic. Our chiropodists can help you maintain the health of your lower limbs and your mobility. 

Symptoms

  • Throbbing pain

  • Swelling

  • Bruising

  • Cracking sound at the time of injury

  • Difficulty bearing weight on the toe

  • Difficulty walking

  • Toe resting at an unnatural angle

Diagnosis

Your chiropodist can diagnose a broken toe through physical examination and imaging studies, such as X-rays. 

Treatment

The main goals of treatment are to ensure that the bone heals properly, as a toe fracture that doesn’t heal properly can lead to osteoarthritis. You will typically need to rest the affected toe. You may be prescribed a splint to immobilize the toe while it heals. Icing the affected toe and taking over-the-counter medications can help reduce pain. In cases of severe fractures, surgery may be necessary to reset the broken bones and make sure that they heal correctly.  

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

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Why Live with Pain and Numbness in Your Feet?

Suffering from this type of pain? You may have the foot condition known as Morton's neuroma. Morton's neuroma may develop as a result of ill-fitting footwear and existing foot deformities. We can help.

Obesity and the Feet

Obesity can affect the feet in a variety of ways. Your feet bear the weight of your body, carrying you through life. When the feet are under immense strain from excess weight, they are more prone to both chronic and acute injuries. Over time, the pressure from excess weight can cause the feet to flatten and widen as the arches of the feet slowly collapse. This can not only increase your shoe size, but also lead to foot pain, difficulty walking, and a dysfunctional gait or walking pattern. A variety of foot and ankle injuries are common in obese individuals. These include plantar fasciitis and posterior tibial tendonitis, which can both become chronic. The reduced mobility from foot pain can also decrease your quality of life, make it more difficult to exercise, and lead to further weight gain. 

Obesity is also associated with a host of systemic health complications that can affect the feet. Obese people may be more at risk of developing gout and arthritis, which damage the joints. There is also an increased risk of diabetes and poor circulation. Together, these conditions can lead to the development of diabetic foot wounds, which heal slowly and poorly and can cause serious health complications should they become infected. 

Making healthy lifestyle changes is one way to prevent the foot problems associated with obesity. Reduce weight (and the risk of gout) by eating a healthy diet and exercising. Wear shoes that fit properly and support your feet. Your chiropodist may suggest orthotics, medications, or other treatments to address any foot pain and to improve your overall mobility and quality of life. To learn more, consult with a chiropodist near you. 

How Obesity May Be Causing Your Foot Pain

Individuals who are considered obese include those with a body mass index (BMI) equal to or greater than 30. If you fall into this category you are at an increased risk of developing foot pain. This is because the extra weight you are carrying around puts excess stress and strain on the structures of the feet and ankles. This can lead to conditions such as plantar fasciitis, flat feet, hammertoes, bunions, and more. Obesity can even make it more likely to develop systemic illnesses that negatively affect the feet such as diabetes and gout. A chiropodist can assess any negative impact on your feet and ankles and make suggestions to mitigate these effects, such as improved footwear and orthotics to address several pressure, support, and alignment issues, and also help treat any pain you may be experiencing.

Being obese affects every part of your body, and your feet are no exception. Because they bear the full weight of your body as you go about your daily life, your feet are under a lot of pressure. Carrying excess weight can strain the feet and cause a variety of unpleasant side effects. If you are obese and concerned about your foot health, please consult with one of the specialists from Thornhill Foot Clinic. Our chiropodists can help you maintain the health of your lower limbs and your mobility. 

Obesity can:

  • Cause foot pain

  • Increase the risk of foot and ankle injuries

  • Reduce mobility

  • Make the feet wider 

  • Flatten the arch

  • Make gout more likely

  • Make arthritis more likely

  • Increase the risk of diabetes

Your chiropodist may suggest lifestyle changes to address foot and ankle problems that are caused by or affected by obesity. These may include changes to your diet, exercise, and footwear, as well as wearing orthotics. The treatments for specific injuries or health problems will vary depending on what they are, but weight loss is often suggested to decrease strain on the feet. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

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Working on Your Feet

Standing for prolonged periods of time can cause damage to your feet. Unfortunately, this is a necessary part of the job for many working people. Common foot conditions that may occur as a result of being on your feet all day include foot pain, blisters, calluses, corns, arthritis, toe deformities, sprains, bunions, athlete’s foot, and fallen arches. 

There are certain steps that you can take to prevent work-related foot problems. If you are on your feet all day, it is recommended that you avoid shoes that have high heels, pointed toes, a fit that is too loose or too tight, and a lack of arch support. If you work in a place where foot injuries are a common occupational hazard, such as a construction zone, wearing the right shoes becomes increasingly important. Wearing comfortable, properly fitted, supportive shoes made of breathable materials can mitigate the risk of developing a variety of foot problems.

Maintaining an immobile, upright stance for prolonged periods of time is bad for your foot health. If possible, take breaks throughout the day to sit down, stretch, and walk around. At home, take care of your feet with a daily foot care routine. Wash the feet daily with soap and water and dry them thoroughly. Apply a moisturizer to prevent cracked heels. When trimming the toenails, trim straight across to avoid ingrown toenails. Wear clean socks daily. If you notice any problems developing in your feet or ankles, consult with a chiropodist, who can diagnose and treat your condition and help you maintain the health of your feet. 

Prolonged Standing at Work

Many types of workers have little chance to walk or sit during their shifts at work. These include cashiers, operating room nurses or doctors, and retail sales associates. Those who wear high heel shoes are at an increased risk for developing musculoskeletal pain. Research shows that standing in the workplace leads to many negative health outcomes such as low back pain, fatigue, muscle pain, sore feet, leg swelling, cardiovascular problems, pregnancy complications, tiredness, and other body part discomfort. Allowing workers to have control over their bodies to be able to walk around, shift from standing to sitting, or change work postures helps. Floor mats, sit-stand workstations, shoe inserts, and compression stockings help those in these types of jobs as well. Visit a chiropodist for additional help in dealing with the negative consequences of your prolonged standing on the job.

If you stand all day, you may be at an increased risk of developing various foot conditions. If you are experiencing foot pain of any kind, please consult with one of the specialists from Thornhill Foot Clinic. Our chiropodists will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment. 

What Foot Problems Are Caused by Standing?

Standing all day at work may increase your risk of developing foot or ankle problems.

Some common foot conditions that may arise from spending all day on your feet include: 

  • Foot pain

  • Blisters

  • Corns and calluses

  • Arthritis

  • Flat feet

  • Bunions

  • Sprains 

  • Athlete’s foot

Prevention

If you stand for prolonged periods of time for work, taking preventative measures to preserve the health of your feet is strongly recommended. 

Measures you can implement to help prevent foot problems include: 

  • Wearing shoes that are comfortable and fit well - these shoes should be made of breathable materials and provide you with arch support and cushioning. It is best to avoid shoes that have heels or narrow toe boxes.

  • Taking breaks to rest, walk, and stretch your feet throughout the day

  • Maintaining good foot hygiene - wash and dry your feet thoroughly every day

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

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Ankle Sprains

A sprained ankle is a common injury that can happen to anyone. Whether you incur it while playing a high-impact sport or from simply stepping off of a curb and twisting your ankle, it’s important to know and recognize the symptoms of a sprain and get the appropriate treatment. 

Ankle sprains occur when a sudden injury causes one or more of the ligaments that support the ankle to overstretch or tear. The symptoms that you may face depend on the severity of the injury. A mild, grade 1 sprain usually involves minimal pain, swelling, tenderness, and bruising, with no difficulty walking. A moderate, grade 2 sprain may be significantly more painful, with visible swelling and bruising, ankle instability, and a limited range of motion in the ankle. Walking or bearing weight on the affected ankle can be difficult. A severe, grade 3 sprain is characterized by intense pain, swelling, bruising, ankle instability, and a severely limited range of motion. Walking with a grade 3 sprain is often impossible. 

A chiropodist can diagnose an ankle sprain by asking for your medical history and carefully examining the affected ankle. They may order an X-ray to rule out a fracture. Treatment for the sprain depends on its severity. Milder ankle sprains can often be treated with conservative methods such as resting, icing, elevating, and compressing the ankle. More severe sprains may require wearing a brace or other orthotic device to take pressure off of the injured ankle. Over-the-counter medications are typically sufficient for managing pain. In very rare cases, surgery may be needed to repair a ligament that is not healing properly. 

A sprained ankle needs to heal fully and properly in order to avoid reinjury and other complications. If you have sprained your ankle, please seek the care of a chiropodist. 

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