Items filtered by date: March 2023

People who have the foot condition that is known as hammertoe will notice their toes are rigid. Hammertoe can happen from genetic reasons or from wearing shoes that do not have ample room in the toe area. This can cause the toes to shift together, and the pressure can make the second and third toes bend downward at the middle joint. It is sometimes painful while wearing shoes, and corns and calluses may form on the bent joint as it touches the top of the shoe. Stretches can be performed which may help to increase the toe's flexibility. A toe crunch is done while sitting in a chair, and placing a towel under your feet. The toes can be stretched by gripping the towel continually as you make your way to the end of it. An effective stretch can be done with a towel, as it is wrapped around the toes and pulled gently toward you. After holding for several seconds, this can be repeated. If you have developed hammertoe, it is suggested that you consult with a podiatrist who can help you to manage this condition.

Hammertoe

Hammertoes can be a painful condition to live with. For more information, contact Dr. Michael T. Hames from Florence Foot Center. Our doctor will answer any of your podiatric foot 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 feel free to contact our offices located in Florence, Alabama. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your podiatric needs.

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Corns on the feet are a relatively well-known affliction of the foot that occurs essentially when friction on the skin produces an area of hardened skin. There are many things that can make the onset of corns on the feet more likely for patients. For example, wearing shoes that fit too tightly can exacerbate friction and make corns more likely. Additionally, another risk factor that makes corns more likely is standing for too long. Although this might not immediately seem intuitive, individuals who stand for periods of time that are too long ultimately put continuous weight-bearing pressure on their feet. As a result, this pressure can lead to the hardening of skin on the feet. If you are someone who stands for a large percentage of the day, it is suggested that you contact a podiatrist today for treatment. A podiatrist is a foot specialist that can treat a wide range of different foot conditions.

Corns can make walking very painful and should be treated immediately. If you have questions regarding your feet, contact Dr. Michael T. Hames from Florence Foot Center. Our doctor will do everything possible to treat your condition.

Corns: What Are They? And How Do You Get Rid of Them?
Corns are thickened areas on the skin that can become painful. They are caused by excessive pressure and friction on the skin. Corns press into the deeper layers of the skin and are usually round in shape.

Ways to Prevent Corns
There are many ways to get rid of painful corns such as:

• Wearing properly fitting shoes that have been measured by a professional
• Wearing shoes that are not sharply pointed or have high heels
• Wearing only shoes that offer support

Treating Corns

Although most corns slowly disappear when the friction or pressure stops, this isn’t always the case. Consult with your podiatrist to determine the best treatment option for your case of corns.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Florence, Alabama. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your podiatric needs.

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The pain from the foot condition known as plantar fasciitis can be debilitating. This ailment is caused by an inflamed plantar fascia, which is the band of tissue that is found on the soles of the feet. The plantar fascia connects the heel to the toes and may become torn from standing on hard surfaces all day or wearing shoes that lack adequate arch support. Additionally, there may be existing medical conditions such as obesity, abnormal foot structure, or naturally tight calves that may lead to plantar fasciitis. The heel pain associated may be worse in the morning upon arising, or after sitting for a long period. Mild relief may begin with wearing shoes that fit correctly as well as stretches that target the plantar fascia. If you are afflicted with plantar fasciitis, it is suggested that you consult with a podiatrist who can determine the best course of treatment for you.

Plantar fasciitis can be very painful and inconvenient. If you are experiencing heel pain or symptoms of plantar fasciitis, contact Dr. Michael T. Hames from Florence Foot Center. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is the inflammation of the thick band of tissue that runs along the bottom of your foot, known as the plantar fascia, and causes mild to severe heel pain.

What Causes Plantar Fasciitis?

• Excessive running
• Non-supportive shoes
• Overpronation
• Repeated stretching and tearing of the plantar fascia

How Can It Be Treated?

• Conservative measures – anti-inflammatories, ice packs, stretching exercises, physical therapy, orthotic devices
• Shockwave therapy – sound waves are sent to the affected area to facilitate healing and are usually used for chronic cases of plantar fasciitis
• Surgery – usually only used as a last resort when all else fails. The plantar fascia can be surgically detached from the heel

While very treatable, plantar fasciitis is definitely not something that should be ignored. Especially in severe cases, speaking to your doctor right away is highly recommended to avoid complications and severe heel pain. Your podiatrist can work with you to provide the appropriate treatment options tailored to your condition.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Florence, Alabama. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your podiatric needs.

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There are people who enjoy many forms of running, ranging from recreational jogging to training for a marathon. Incurring a running injury can wreak havoc on the running routine, and it is often temporarily stopped until the injury has healed. Seasoned runners may know how to implement effective techniques to prevent running injuries. These can consist of warming up before running, performing foot and ankle stretches, and cooling down after the run. Additionally, it is beneficial to get adequate sleep and rest between runs, which can help the body to recover. Gradually increasing speed and distance can help the body to adjust to running, and it is important to be aware of the type of surfaces that are run on. When the right running shoes are worn, in addition to performing strength-training exercises, the risk of incurring a running injury may be reduced. If you would like more information about how running can affect the feet, and efficient methods to prevent running injuries, please contact a podiatrist.

Exercising your feet regularly with the proper footwear is a great way to prevent injuries. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Dr. Michael T. Hames from Florence Foot Center. Our doctor will treat all of your podiatric needs.

How to Prevent Running Injuries

Many common running injuries are caused by overuse and overtraining. When the back of the kneecap starts wearing out and starts causing pain in your knee, this is commonly referred to as runner’s knee. Runner’s knee is a decrease in strength in your quadriceps and can occur if you’re not wearing properly fitted or supporting shoes. To prevent runner’s knee, focusing on hip strengthening is a good idea, as well as strengthening your quads to keep the kneecaps aligned.

What Are Some Causes of Running Injuries? 
- One cause of a common running injury is called iliotibial band syndrome.
- Plantar fasciitis is also another common injury.
- Stress fractures can occur from overtraining, lack of calcium, or even your running style.

Best Ways to Prevent Running Injuries
- Wear footwear that fits properly and suits your running needs.
- Running shoes are the only protective gear that runners have to safeguard them from injury.
- Make a training schedule. Adding strengthening exercises as well as regular stretching can help keep you strong and limber and can lessen the possibility of injuries.
- Stretching keeps muscles limber; this will help you gain better flexibility.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Florence, Alabama. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your podiatric needs.

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A bony bump that forms on the side of the big toe is considered to be a deformity. This condition is called a bunion and may cause the big toe to shift toward the other toes. A bunion generally occurs from wearing shoes that do not have adequate room for the toes to move freely, thus putting pressure on the joint in the big toe. Interestingly, the word bunion is derived from the Greek word for turnip. A bunion can be red and swollen and shaped like a turnip. Bunions gradually develop, and the growth may be slowed by wearing shoes with a larger toe area. There are also medical reasons linked to the development of bunions, including rheumatoid arthritis and gout, as well as genetic history. Recurring and Severe bunions may require surgery for permanent removal. It is strongly suggested that you confer with a podiatrist who can determine what the best course of treatment is for you.

If you are suffering from bunions, contact Dr. Michael T. Hames from Florence Foot Center. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is a Bunion?

A bunion is formed of swollen tissue or an enlargement of boney growth, usually located at the base joint of the toe that connects to the foot. The swelling occurs due to the bones in the big toe shifting inward, which impacts the other toes of the foot. This causes the area around the base of the big toe to become inflamed and painful.

Why Do Bunions Form?

Genetics – Susceptibility to bunions is often hereditary

Stress on the feet – Poorly fitted and uncomfortable footwear that places stress on feet, such as heels, can worsen existing bunions

How Are Bunions Diagnosed?

Podiatrists often perform two tests – blood tests and x-rays – when trying to diagnose bunions, especially in the early stages of development. Blood tests help determine if the foot pain is being caused by something else, such as arthritis, while x-rays provide a clear picture of your bone structure to your podiatrist.

How Are Bunions Treated?

• Refrain from wearing heels or similar shoes that cause discomfort
• Select wider shoes that can provide more comfort and reduce pain
• Anti-inflammatory and pain management drugs
• Orthotics or foot inserts
• Surgery

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Florence, Alabama. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your podiatric needs.

Read More About Bunions