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Foot and Ankle Specialist

April 2020

Monday, 27 April 2020 00:00

What Toes Are Impacted by Hammertoe?

The foot condition that is referred to as hammertoe is considered to be a deformity. It can occur from genetic reasons, or from wearing shoes that do not have adequate room for the toes to move freely in. Additionally, it may cause the middle toes to bend at the joint, and may resemble a hammer. Calluses may form on top of the joints, and it may be difficult to wear shoes. Some patients may find mild relief when a small protective pad is worn on top of the toes. This may help to prevent friction between the shoe and the toe. In severe cases of hammertoe, surgery may be an option for permanent removal and relief. If you are afflicted with hammertoe, it is advised that you schedule a consultation with a podiatrist who can determine what the best treatment is for you.

Hammertoes can be a painful condition to live with. For more information, contact Don A. Shumway, DPM of Arizona. 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 our office located in Snowflake, AZ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Read more about Hammertoe
Monday, 20 April 2020 00:00

How Does Morton’s Neuroma Develop?

Patients who are afflicted with Morton’s neuroma often feel pain and discomfort in the ball of the foot. This condition can occur as a result of thickened tissues between the toes, and the pain may be more severe while walking. Additional symptoms may include a numbing or tingling sensation, limited mobility, and it may be difficult to wear shoes that do not have adequate room for the toes to move freely in. It may develop from existing foot conditions, or from frequently participating in running or jumping activities. There are several methods of diagnosis, which can include having an X-ray, ultrasound, or MRI performed. If you have pain in this area of your foot, and think it may be Morton’s neuroma, it is strongly advised that you schedule a consultation with a podiatrist who can begin the correct treatment plan for you.

Morton’s neuroma is a very uncomfortable condition to live with. If you think you have Morton’s neuroma, contact Don A. Shumway, DPM of Arizona. 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?

  • Ill-fitting high heels or shoes that add pressure to the toe or foot
  • Jogging, running or any sport that involves constant impact to the foot
  • Flat feet, bunions, and any other foot deformities

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 Snowflake, AZ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Read more about Morton's Neuroma
Monday, 13 April 2020 00:00

Keep Your Feet Healthy and Pain Free

Taking care of your feet is an important routine for all ages and should be done on a regular basis. Foot pain can develop due to a variety of reasons, including ill-fitting footwear, obesity, pregnancy, or because of an existing foot condition such as flat feet. To help combat foot discomfort, consider routinely pampering your feet. This can help soothe any pain you may be experiencing. A foot bath with warm water and epsom salts is a relaxing way to help soothe aching or sore muscles. If you find yourself dealing with swollen feet, make sure the water is cool before soaking. Practicing feet stretches, as well as exercising your ankles, toes, and calves, can help overstressed muscles in your feet. Trimming your toenails on a regular basis and applying moisturizer can help avoid the development of an ingrown toenail, as well as cracked heels. For more advice on how to best take care of your feet, it’s suggested that you consult with a podiatrist.

Everyday foot care is very important to prevent infection and other foot ailments. If you need your feet checked, contact Don A. Shumway, DPM from Arizona. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Everyday Foot Care

Often, people take care of their bodies, face and hair more so than they do for their feet. But the feet are a very important aspect of our bodies, and one that we should pay more attention to. Without our feet, we would not be able to perform most daily tasks.

It is best to check your feet regularly to make sure there are no new bruises or cuts that you may not have noticed before. For dry feet, moisturizer can easily be a remedy and can be applied as often as necessary to the affected areas. Wearing shoes that fit well can also help you maintain good foot health, as well as making it easier to walk and do daily activities without the stress or pain of ill-fitting shoes, high heels, or even flip flops. Wearing clean socks with closed shoes is important to ensure that sweat and bacteria do not accumulate within the shoe. Clean socks help to prevent Athlete’s foot, fungi problems, bad odors, and can absorb sweat.

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

Read more about Everyday Foot Care
Monday, 06 April 2020 00:00

Should Children Walk Barefoot?

Research has shown it is vital to maintain children’s foot care properly, as this may be helpful in possibly avoiding foot deformities and structural concerns. When children start to walk, the feet may increase in strength as they walk and run barefoot indoors. This may be a result of the grasping action the toes provide as the foot becomes stable on the floor. Many parents purchase their children’s first pair of shoes when walking begins outside. It is beneficial for these shoes to consist of having breathable materials, and laces or velcro that can securely fasten the shoe for maximum stability. Additionally, it is important for the shoes to have adequate room for the toes to move freely in. This can be determined by feeling the top of the shoe. If you would like more information about children’s feet and how to properly buy shoes, it is suggested that you consult with a podiatrist.

The health of a child’s feet is vital to their overall well-being. If you have any questions regarding foot health, contact Don A. Shumway, DPM of Arizona. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Tips for Keeping Children's Feet Healthy

  • Make sure their shoes fit properly
  • Look for any signs of in-toeing or out-toeing
  • Check to see if they have Clubfoot (condition that affects your child’s foot and ankle, twisting the heel and toes inward) which is one of the most common nonmajor birth defects.
  • Lightly cover your baby’s feet (Tight covers may keep your baby from moving their feet freely, and could prevent normal development)
  • Allow your toddler to go shoeless (Shoes can be restricting for a young child’s foot)
  • Cut toenails straight across to avoid ingrown toenails
  • Keep your child’s foot clean and dry
  • Cover cuts and scrapes. Wash any scratches with soap and water and cover them with a bandage until they’ve healed.

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

Read more about What to Do to Keep Your Child’s Feet Healthy
Sunday, 05 April 2020 00:00

Are You Suffering From Ingrown Toenails?

If left untreated, an ingrown toenail can lead to more serious concerns, such as an infection. Knowing proper nail care can help in the prevention of an ingrown toenail. Give us a call, and get treated!

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