Of all the afflictions that can detrimentally affect the feet, some can manipulate the toes and the way that they function. Hammertoe is one such foot condition. An individual can develop hammertoe when the second, third, or fourth toe essentially points upward at the first toe joint. This condition is called hammertoe because the affected toe begins to resemble a hammer. There are two primary types of hammertoe. First, you may develop flexible hammertoe where the affected joint can still be moved. This is arguably the less severe case of hammertoe, because it can sometimes be treated by making simple adjustments, such as being more mindful of the footwear that one chooses. Second, you may develop rigid hammertoe, which restricts the individual from moving the affected toe joint. In some cases of rigid hammertoe, the condition can only be addressed through surgery. There are a variety of surgical procedures that might be used to address rigid hammertoe. For example, a medical professional might choose to perform a tendon transfer, joint resection, or fusion. If you suspect that you might have a hammertoe, reach out to a podiatrist who will be able to diagnose and treat the problem.
Hammertoe
Hammertoes can be a painful condition to live with. For more information, contact Bruce Smit, DPM from Frankfort Foot & Ankle Clinic. 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 Frankfort, IL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
Compartment syndrome is a serious condition that can affect the overall health of your foot. A group of muscles, along with nerves and blood vessels, is contained in a band of tissue called a compartment. The fascia around the muscles does not expand, so if it sustains an injury it may bleed or swell. This causes pressure to build up, which cuts off the blood supply of nutrients and oxygen to the muscle. Muscles can become permanently damaged if not treated quickly. There are two types of compartment syndrome, acute and chronic. Acute compartment syndrome is usually the result of a fracture. It also can be caused by trauma, a bruised muscle, a severe sprain, or even a cast or bandage that is too tight. Chronic compartment syndrome is caused by repetitive activity, and is more common among runners, especially those over 40. It differs from the acute syndrome because the pressure occurs only during the activity and recedes when it stops. Chronic, also called long-term, compartment syndrome can affect activity and endurance, but rarely endangers the muscles. To confirm a diagnosis of compartment syndrome, please see a podiatrist for an examination.
Foot Pain
Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with Bruce Smit, DPM from Frankfort Foot & Ankle Clinic. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.
Causes
Foot pain is a very broad condition that could be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:
Diagnosis
To figure out the cause of foot pain, podiatrists utilize several different methods. This can range from simple visual inspections and sensation tests to X-rays and MRI scans. Prior medical history, family medical history, and any recent physical traumatic events will all be taken into consideration for a proper diagnosis.
Treatment
Treatment depends upon the cause of the foot pain. Whether it is resting, staying off the foot, or having surgery; podiatrists have a number of treatment options available for foot pain.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Frankfort, IL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
If you have a job that requires standing on your feet all day, you may think you just need to get used to foot pain, heel pain, swelling, blisters, back pain, sore muscles, and more. Not true! There are many things you can, and should, do to protect your feet and stay comfortable. The best thing you can do is invest in a good pair of shoes that offer proper support in your arch and heel, while giving your toes plenty of room to move. A pair of customized orthotics from a podiatrist can boost your level of comfort and support, while correcting any alignment issues that might be causing stress throughout your body. Also, take every break you are allowed to, and use the opportunity to get off your feet, while stretching and elevating them. Additionally, strengthening your foot and leg muscles through exercise will build up their endurance and help you better prepare your entire body for a long day’s work. Check with your podiatrist for further measures and foot care that will help you remain comfortable and healthy while standing at work.
While working on the feet, it is important to take the proper care of them. For more information about working on your feet, contact Bruce Smit, DPM from Frankfort Foot & Ankle Clinic. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.
Working on Your Feet
Standing on your feet for long periods of time can cause stress and pain in your feet. Your whole body may experience change in terms of posture, back pain, bunions, callouses and or plantar warts. There are ways to avoid these conditions with proper foot care, smart choices and correct posture.
Positive Changes
Negative heeled shoe – Choosing this shoe type places the heel slightly lower than the ball of the foot. These are great for overall foot health. Find shoes that fit you correctly.
Go barefoot – Our feet were not designed to be enclosed for all hours of the day. Try to periodically expose your feet to air.
Eliminate Pain
Foot Exercises – Performing simple exercises, incorporating yoga and doing stretches are beneficial. This will allow increased blood flow to the area and muscles of the foot.
Achilles tendon – Stretching the foot out flat on the floor will relax the calf muscles and tendon. These exercises can be performed almost anywhere. Make sure you add these exercises to your daily regimen.
With a little bit of this information and knowing more about foot health, you will notice changes. Foot stretches and proper footwear will help with pain and prevent further issues.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Frankfort, IL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
Do you suffer from heel pain when you get up in the morning? If so, you should seek professional help and have a proper diagnosis performed. Heel pain can be caused by several different foot-related conditions.
It is very common for women who are pregnant to experience certain complications or discomfort in their feet. This is essentially because during a pregnancy, a woman’s body experiences bodily changes that oftentimes will have some sort of effect on the feet. One condition a woman might experience during her pregnancy is numbness in the feet. Sometimes referred to as a “pins-and-needles” feeling, numbness in the feet can be uncomfortable and make walking difficult. Numbness in the feet can occur during a woman’s pregnancy because as the fetus grows, the woman’s body gets increasingly swollen. This swelling at the ankles and throughout the lower legs can put pressure on nerves that can ultimately make the feet go numb. It is important to note that in addition to the feet, numbness can also affect a woman’s hands during her pregnancy. You can reduce the severity of the numbness by increasing blood flow and circulation to the lower legs and feet. If you are pregnant, or are planning to be, consider contacting a podiatrist who can offer you guidance on maintaining proper foot health throughout your pregnancy.
Pregnant women with swollen feet can be treated with a variety of different methods that are readily available. For more information about other cures for swollen feet during pregnancy, consult with Bruce Smit, DPM from Frankfort Foot & Ankle Clinic. Our doctor will attend to all of your foot and ankle needs.
What Foot Problems Can Arise During Pregnancy?
One problem that can occur is overpronation, which occurs when the arch of the foot flattens and tends to roll inward. This can cause pain and discomfort in your heels while you’re walking or even just standing up, trying to support your baby.
Another problem is edema, or swelling in the extremities. This often affects the feet during pregnancy but tends to occur in the later stages.
How Can I Keep My Feet Healthy During Pregnancy?
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Frankfort, IL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
Freiberg’s disease, also known as Freiberg’s infarction or Frieberg's infraction, is associated with pain in the forefoot. It has to do with the softening of one of the metatarsal heads and typically occurs in teenagers that are growing. If excessive weight is put on this part of the foot, it can lead to a microfracture of the metatarsal head. Symptoms are swelling and discomfort at the ball of the foot and the joint associated with the affected toe – usually the base of the second toe. It is common for one with this affliction to have a long second toe that sustains repetitive force. A person with Freiberg’s disease might limp during the acute phase of the condition and it can become chronic before it is diagnosed. An X-ray or MRI can be used to help diagnose this disease and it is often treated non-invasively, with proper fitting shoes with a wide toe box and metatarsal pads to offset the pressure on the area. Sometimes a walker boot, cast, and/or anti-inflammatory medication is needed to offset weight bearing. There can be a residual deformity of the joint and discomfort that remains over time. However, rarely is surgery done to clean out the joint or shorten the metatarsal. If you/your child is experiencing pain and swelling near the ball of the foot, it is suggested you consult with a podiatrist who can take proper measures to detect the problem and treat it.
Some foot conditions may require additional professional care. If you have any concerns, contact Bruce Smit, DPM of Frankfort Foot & Ankle Clinic. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
Rare Foot Conditions
The majority of foot conditions are common and can be treated by a podiatrist. Standard diagnostic procedures are generally used to identify specific conditions and treatment can be rendered. A podiatrist also treats rare foot conditions which can be difficult to diagnose and may need extra attention and care.
There are many rare foot conditions that can affect children. Some of these can include:
Freiberg’s disease - This can be seen as a deterioration and flattening of a metatarsal bone that exists in the ball of the foot. It typically affects pre-teen and teenage girls, but can affect anyone at any age. Symptoms that can accompany this can be swelling, stiffness, and the patient may limp.
Kohler’s disease - This often targets the bone in the arch of the foot and affects younger boys. It can lead to an interruption of the blood supply which ultimately can lead to bone deterioration. The patient may limp or experience tenderness, swelling, and redness.
Maffucci syndrome - This affects the long bones in a child’s foot leading to the development of abnormal bone lesions. They are benign growths and typically develop in early childhood and the bones may be susceptible to breaking.
A podiatrist can properly diagnose and treat all types of rare foot conditions. If your child is affected by any of these symptoms or conditions, please don’t hesitate to call our office so the correct treatment method can begin.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Frankfort, IL . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.
Feet are a critical yet often overlooked component of one’s health. Podiatrists are medical professionals who specialize in maintaining proper foot health. These experts focus solely on the feet, ankles, and other lower limbs. Podiatrists can address a variety of different kinds of afflictions affecting the feet. For example, a podiatrist can help you treat or prevent conditions such as plantar warts, plantar fasciitis, corns, bunions, stress fractures, athlete’s foot, and ingrown toenails. If you are pregnant, elderly, or suffering from diabetes, you might be particularly vulnerable to suffering from foot afflictions, and you could stand to benefit from contacting a podiatrist. Before visiting the podiatrist, you might plan on bringing the pair of shoes with you that you typically wear everyday. This will help a podiatrist get a sense of how the footwear that you usually wear affects the health of your feet. Some podiatrists will also encourage the patient to come to their first visit with specific questions about their feet and anything unusual that they are experiencing. Podiatrists are undoubtedly valuable medical professionals that may be able to help you maintain healthy feet.
If you are experiencing pain in the feet or ankles, don’t join the stubborn majority refusing treatment. Feel free to contact Bruce Smit, DPM from Frankfort Foot & Ankle Clinic. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
What Is a Podiatrist?
Someone would seek the care of a podiatrist if they have suffered a foot injury or have common foot ailments such as heal spurs, bunions, arch problems, deformities, ingrown toenails, corns, foot and ankle problems, etc.
Podiatric Treatment
A podiatrist will treat the problematic areas of the feet, ankle or lower leg by prescribing the following:
A common podiatric procedure a podiatrist will use is a scanner or force plate which will allow the podiatrist to know the designs of orthotics. Patients are then told to follow a series of tasks to complete the treatment. The computer will scan the foot a see which areas show weight distribution and pressure points. The podiatrist will read the analysis and then determine which treatment plans are available.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Frankfort, IL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
Among things that can go wrong at birth, newborn foot problems are common. Clubfoot describes an array of deformities that cause a newborn baby’s feet to be twisted, pointing down, and inward. About half of babies born with clubfeet have it in both of their feet. Boys are more likely to be born with this than girls. Clubfoot is not painful, but it can cause long-term problems and affect the child’s ability to walk. Another condition affecting newborns is metatarsus adductus. This is detected when a baby’s toes and forefoot are pointed inward, and it is difficult to straighten them. The baby’s sole resembles a bean. Polydactyly means that a baby has an extra toe or toes. This affliction can run in a family but is not necessarily genetic. Congenital vertical talus is an unusual cause of a type of flatfoot in newborns. With this, the sole of the baby’s foot looks like the bottom of a rocking chair. Congenital curly toes occur when a baby’s toes are abnormally rotated and in a bent position. Overlapping toes happen when the baby’s fifth digit (baby toe) crosses over the top of the fourth toe. With proper treatment, these conditions can be corrected or dealt with, sometimes with surgery, in early childhood. If you have a baby born with a congenital foot problem, please consult with a podiatrist for proper diagnoses and treatments.
Congenital foot problems require immediate attention to avoid future complications. If you have any concerns, contact Bruce Smit, DPM of Frankfort Foot & Ankle Clinic. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
Congenital foot problems are deformities affecting the feet, toes, and/or ankles that children are born with. Some of these conditions have a genetic cause while others just happen. Some specific foot ailments that children may be born with include clubfeet, polydactyly/macrodactyly, and cleft foot. There are several other foot anomalies that can occur congenitally. What all of these conditions have in common is that a child may experience difficulty walking or performing everyday activities, as well as trouble finding footwear that fits their foot deformity. Some of these conditions are more serious than others. Consulting with a podiatrist as early as possible will help in properly diagnosing a child’s foot condition while getting the necessary treatment underway.
What are Causes of Congenital Foot Problem?
A congenital foot problem is one that happens to a child at birth. These conditions can be caused by a genetic predisposition, developmental or positional abnormalities during gestation, or with no known cause.
What are Symptoms of Congenital Foot Problems?
Symptoms vary by the congenital condition. Symptoms may consist of the following:
Treatment and Prevention
While there is nothing one can do to prevent congenital foot problems, raising awareness and receiving neonatal screenings are important. Early detection by taking your child to a podiatrist leads to the best outcome possible.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Frankfort, IL . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.
Plantar warts are small growths that develop on parts of the feet that bear weight. They're typically found on the bottom of the foot. Don't live with plantar warts, and call us today!
Sometimes your foot “goes to sleep” as the result of sitting awkwardly or wearing tight shoes. This is a temporary condition and in most cases, it resolves itself easily. Other causes of numbness in the feet and toes can be problematic as well as dangerous to your health. It can often be traced to a nerve damage that causes the feet to stop receiving transmissions from the brain, also known as peripheral neuropathy. Another common cause is damage to the circulatory system. Blood vessels become constricted and cannot supply the proper amount of blood to the area, causing peripheral artery disease (PAD). Diabetes, systemic diseases, vitamin deficiency, and alcoholism also can contribute to this condition. Physical conditions, including a herniated disc and spinal stenosis, can lead to numbness in one or both feet. Deep vein thrombosis (blood clots), extreme cold, atherosclerosis (a thickening of arterial walls), and Raynaud’s disease may cause numbness in the lower extremities. Caution is the byword when numbness, tingling and burning sensations in the feet and toes occur or won’t subside. Please consult a podiatrist as soon as possible for a diagnosis and appropriate treatment measures.
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 Bruce Smit, DPM from Frankfort Foot & Ankle Clinic. 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 Frankfort, IL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
