If trying on shoes isn’t as much fun as it used to be, it may be caused by the development of hammertoes, also known as claw toes. This condition is recognizable by an unsightly bump on the knuckle of the toe, which can rub against the top of your shoe and cause pain. Claw toes can also affect the tip of the toe as it curls under and rubs against the sole of your shoe. They can cause the ball of the foot to become painful, a feeling sometimes described as walking on marbles. Claw toes can be caused by a muscle imbalance, where the long muscles in the leg overpower the smaller foot muscles. Other causes include injury to a tendon, tight calf muscles, and family history. The four lesser toes often develop claw toes, with the second toe the most likely to be affected. Home treatments include wearing shoes with a wider and deeper toe box to relieve rubbing, toe spacers and hammertoe splints, and soft padding to cushion the affected toes. However, if these measures fail to reduce your pain and discomfort, it is suggested that you contact a podiatrist to determine a more advanced course of treatment.
Hammertoe
Hammertoes can be a painful condition to live with. For more information, contact Barry P. Weinstein, DPM from Bellaire Podiatry. 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 one of our offices located in Bellaire and Houston, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
One common cause of foot pain is Morton’s neuroma, a thickening of the nerve tissue between the toes. This condition usually affects the space between the third and fourth toes and causes symptoms such as burning pain, tingling, numbness, and a strange sensation akin to walking on a pebble. Pain is often worsened by wearing shoes that are too tight or have high heels. Morton’s neuroma is diagnosed through medical history and physical examination. In some cases, imaging studies may be needed to rule out other causes of foot pain. Treatment is typically conservative and includes resting and icing the foot, wearing orthotics, and taking medications to reduce pain. If you have symptoms of Morton’s neuroma, please seek the care of a podiatrist.
Morton’s neuroma is a very uncomfortable condition to live with. If you think you have Morton’s neuroma, contact Barry P. Weinstein, DPM of Bellaire Podiatry. 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?
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 one of our offices located in Bellaire and Houston, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
A major side effect of diabetes is poor blood circulation which often affects the legs and feet. This impeded blood flow can cause injuries to heal slowly and may also lead to infection. One of the main diabetes-related foot conditions is neuropathy, which can become a problem in mobility as well as safety. Common symptoms of diabetic-related foot issues include loss of feeling, numbness, pain, or tingling; blisters and wounds; discoloration or red streaks on the skin; swelling or pain. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it is wise to contact a podiatrist immediately to set up a periodic foot-care program, which may include tests for neuropathy as well as checking for wounds, corns, blisters, ingrown toenails, or warts. At home, wash and dry your feet thoroughly, apply lotion to the heels and soles of the feet, and put on clean socks every day. Exercise and move regularly to increase circulation, and keep feet elevated while sitting. A checkup with your podiatrist is suggested at least once a year.
If you need your feet checked, contact Barry P. Weinstein, DPM of Bellaire Podiatry. Our doctor will attend to all of your foot and ankle needs and provide you with quality treatment.
Geriatrics and Podiatry
When people age, some common issues that may occur are bone density loss, dry skin, poor circulation, and rough brittle nails. These issues may also affect your foot health if the necessary steps are not taken to alleviate the problems.
It is important to take care of your feet because feet that are injured or diseased can affect your overall health. Having painful feet hinders your ability to do daily activities or may decrease your willingness to do the things that you need to do.
Visiting Your Geriatrician
As we age, health problems become more likely, so it is essential to visit your doctor for check-ups to ensure that you are doing the best you can to take care of your health. It is recommended to check your feet frequently for any possible cuts, bruises, swelling, corns or any other irregularities.
Taking Care of Elderly Feet
Cracked or dry feet can be treated by applying moisturizer often. It is also important not to wear old socks because the older the sock is, the higher the possibility there will be that there is bacteria there. Wear fresh socks and make sure they fit properly.
Proper foot health means that you can have a more active lifestyle and you will not be bogged down by pain. Foot health also leads to good circulation, which is paramount for overall health.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Bellaire and Houston, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.
If you are suffering from tenderness, pain, or stiffness in the joints of your feet or ankles, call us to schedule an appointment.
Since running is a total body workout, you probably know that stretching muscles in your core, quads, hip flexors, hamstrings, calves, and glutes will help prevent injury. What you may not realize is that there are four layers of muscles in the feet that should also be stretched and strengthened to perfect running form, stabilize the feet and help the big toe to push off properly. Try strengthening the feet and big toes by standing in your bare feet while raising your big toe up and keeping all other toes on the ground. Then, lower the big toe and rest it on the ground while you raise up the other toes. To stretch your calf and heel, sit on a chair with both feet on the ground. Roll a tennis ball under the arch of one foot slowly before switching to the other foot. To get a good stretch on the top of the foot and throughout the ankle, sit with your feet off the ground. Use your foot and big toe to trace the letters of the alphabet while keeping your foot elevated. Switch to the other foot and repeat. For more in-depth foot and ankle stretches, as well as expert advice on proper running footwear and orthotics, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist.
All runners should take extra precaution when trying to avoid injury. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Barry P. Weinstein, DPM of Bellaire Podiatry. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.
How to Prevent Running Injuries
There are a lot of mistakes a runner can make prior to a workout that can induce injury. A lot of athletes tend to overstretch before running, instead of saving those workouts for a post-run routine. Deep lunges and hand-to-toe hamstring pulls should be performed after a workout instead of during a warmup. Another common mistake is jumping into an intense routine before your body is physically prepared for it. You should try to ease your way into long-distance running instead of forcing yourself to rush into it.
More Tips for Preventing Injury
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Bellaire and Houston, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
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