Items filtered by date: May 2022

The foot condition that is known as hammertoe is considered to be a deformity. It is a noticeable ailment that affects the toes, and can resemble a hammer. The middle joint of the second toe bends downward, and corns may form on top of the affected joint. The toes are made of muscles, bones, joints, tendons, and ligaments. These vital parts of the toe work together to bend and straighten the toes, and hammertoe can develop if there is an imbalance in the toe structure. It can come from wearing shoes that do not have adequate room for the toes to move freely in, or from shoes that are too tight. Wearing the wrong footwear can squeeze the toes into a bent position. There are some patients who may be prone to developing this deformity that have existing medical conditions including flat feet, or longer toe bones. Relief may be found when specific stretches are practiced, including toe flexion and extension, and performing a foam roll massage. If you have been afflicted with hammertoe, please confer with a podiatrist who can determine the severity of this condition, and recommend correct treatment options.

Hammertoe

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

Patients who are obese may notice their feet have become larger. This can cause foot pain and the added weight the body endures can wear away at the fat pads on the bottom of the feet. People who have lost a significant amount of weight may find their shoes looser, despite the fact that the foot structure remains the same. The feet can reap the rewards when additional weight is lost. It may help to prevent gout, which is a painful foot condition. foot pain and foot inflammation due to circulatory issues may also improve. Additionally, the risk of getting osteoarthritis may be reduced when weight is lost. Minimal pain in the feet may lead to an increase in performing a frequent exercise, which can add strength to the feet. If you would like more information about how losing weight can benefit the feet please consult with a podiatrist who can answer any questions you may have.

Obesity has become very problematic at this point in time and can have extremely negative effects on the feet. If you’re an obese individual and are concerned about your feet, contact one of our podiatrists from Hugar Foot & Ankle Specialists. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Obesity and Your Feet

Since your feet are what support your entire weight when standing, any additional weight can result in pain and swelling. Being overweight is one of the main contributors to foot complications.

Problems & Complications

Extra Weight – Even putting on just a few extra pounds could create serious complications for your feet. As your weight increases, your balance and body will shift, creating new stresses on your feet. This uneven weight distribution can cause pain, even while doing the simplest tasks, such as walking.

Diabetes – People who are overweight are at serious risk of developing type-2 diabetes, which has a drastic impact on the health of your feet. As you get older, your diabetes might worsen, which could lead to loss of feeling in your feet, sores, and bruises. You could also become more prone to various infections.

Plantar fasciitis – Pressure and stress that is placed on muscles, joints, and tendons can trigger plantar fasciitis, which is an inflammation of tissue that forms along the bottom of the foot. 

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

Flexing the foot is not something most people spend a lot of time thinking about until they can’t flex their foot. The process of raising the foot in the direction of the shin, known as dorsiflexion, comes naturally as you learn to walk. It happens as you push off the ground whenever you take a step. Dorsiflexion is the result of using the muscles and tendons in the front of the leg and depends on the deep peroneal nerve. If this nerve is damaged, you may be unable to flex your foot. Other possible causes of poor dorsiflexion include a tightened ankle joint, tight calf muscles, or an ankle injury that has not properly healed. Further, injuries to other parts of the body such as the knee, hip, or back, can affect dorsiflexion. Conversely, any problem with dorsiflexion can cause problems moving upward through the body, all the way to the shoulders. Exercises to stretch the calf muscles and strengthen the ankle joint are ways to improve dorsiflexion. If you are unable to flex your foot fully, or at all, please see a podiatrist for an examination, diagnosis, and treatment options.              

If you have any concerns about your feet, contact one of our podiatrists from Hugar Foot & Ankle Specialists. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Biomechanics in Podiatry

Podiatric biomechanics is a particular sector of specialty podiatry with licensed practitioners who are trained to diagnose and treat conditions affecting the foot, ankle and lower leg. Biomechanics deals with the forces that act against the body, causing an interference with the biological structures. It focuses on the movement of the ankle, the foot and the forces that interact with them.

A History of Biomechanics

• Biomechanics dates back to the BC era in Egypt where evidence of professional foot care has been recorded.
• In 1974, biomechanics gained a higher profile from the studies of Merton Root, who claimed that by changing or controlling the forces between the ankle and the foot, corrections or conditions could be implemented to gain strength and coordination in the area.

Modern technological improvements are based on past theories and therapeutic processes that provide a better understanding of podiatric concepts for biomechanics. Computers can provide accurate information about the forces and patterns of the feet and lower legs.

Understanding biomechanics of the feet can help improve and eliminate pain, stopping further stress to the foot.

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

Designing and producing custom orthotics that will effectively treat the specific condition of a patient requires a great deal of work by a podiatrist. First, the patient must be thoroughly examined, and imaging tests may be necessary for the podiatrist to diagnose the condition. The podiatrist must then determine what type of orthotic is necessary to treat the condition. Orthotics are often categorized as either functional or accommodative. Functional orthotics may be created to help patients with conditions including plantar fasciitis, heel spurs, and pronation issues. They are typically manufactured with thinner and firmer materials. Accommodative orthotics use thicker, less rigid materials and can be used to treat neuropathy, diabetic foot conditions, Charcot disease, and more. Other considerations that podiatrists take into account when designing a custom orthotic include the patient’s lifestyle, the type of shoes they wear, their weight, and shoe size. If you are experiencing pain, discomfort or limited mobility, consult with a podiatrist to explore whether you can benefit from custom orthotics.

If you are having discomfort in your feet and would like to try orthotics, contact one of our podiatrists from Hugar Foot & Ankle Specialists. Our doctors 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 our office located in Elmwood Park, IL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.