Hammertoe is a common deformity in which the second, third, or fourth toe is bent at the middle joint. Hammertoes can either be flexible or rigid. Flexible hammertoe is a milder deformity where the affected toe can still be straightened manually, especially when not bearing weight. This type of hammertoe may cause some discomfort, but tends to be more responsive to conservative treatments, such as wearing roomier footwear or using toe cushions. Rigid hammertoe is a more severe form of the condition. This type of hammertoe is stuck in a bent position and cannot be straightened manually. Rigid hammertoe may result in chronic pain, and corns or calluses may develop due to increased pressure and friction against shoes. Podiatrists may use more aggressive treatments, like splinting or surgical intervention, to align the toe properly and alleviate symptoms of rigid hammertoe. If you have a hammertoe, or you are experiencing pain due to this condition, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who can provide you with treatment options that are right for you.

Hammertoes can be a painful condition to live with. For more information, contact one of our podiatrists of Lakeside Foot and Ankle Center. Our practitioners 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 offices located in Leesburg and The Villages, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

High heels significantly impact walking, with notable effects on gait, biomechanics, and control. Wearing high heels can alter the way people walk in several ways, presenting valuable insights for both designers and podiatrists. The primary changes observed in high-heel walking encompass alterations in the foot's rollover function, modifications in ankle and knee joint dynamics, and shifts in lower back posture, accompanied by compromised step length and balance. The heightened heel height forces the foot into an increased plantar flexion, which, in turn, augments knee flexion and causes an increased curvature of the lower back. Understanding the biomechanical adjustments associated with high heel-wearing is vital for designing more comfortable and less detrimental footwear, in addition to addressing potential musculoskeletal issues arising from prolonged use. If you enjoy wearing high heels and want to continue wearing them while paying attention to your feet and body, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist to discuss this topic further.

High heels have a history of causing foot and ankle problems. If you have any concerns about your feet or ankles, contact one of our podiatrists from Lakeside Foot and Ankle Center. Our practitioners can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Effects of High Heels on the Feet

High heels are popular shoes among women because of their many styles and societal appeal.  Despite this, high heels can still cause many health problems if worn too frequently.

Which Parts of My Body Will Be Affected by High Heels?

• Ankle Joints
• Achilles Tendon – May shorten and stiffen with prolonged wear
• Balls of the Feet
• Knees – Heels cause the knees to bend constantly, creating stress on them
• Back – They decrease the spine’s ability to absorb shock, which may lead to back pain.  The vertebrae of the lower back may compress.

What Kinds of Foot Problems Can Develop from Wearing High Heels?

• Corns
• Calluses
• Hammertoe
• Bunions
• Morton’s Neuroma
• Plantar Fasciitis

How Can I Still Wear High Heels and Maintain Foot Health?

If you want to wear high heeled shoes, make sure that you are not wearing them every day, as this will help prevent long term physical problems.  Try wearing thicker heels as opposed to stilettos to distribute weight more evenly across the feet.  Always make sure you are wearing the proper shoes for the right occasion, such as sneakers for exercising.  If you walk to work, try carrying your heels with you and changing into them once you arrive at work.  Adding inserts to your heels can help cushion your feet and absorb shock. Full foot inserts or metatarsal pads are available. 

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Leesburg and The Villages, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Buschke-Ollendorff syndrome, or BOS, manifests with distinctive symptoms that can affect the feet. This rare condition combines skin and bone abnormalities and is characterized by skin lesions and bone spots on the feet. Skin lesions result from connective tissue irregularities and appear as spots, while bone spots are painless areas of heightened bone density, detectable through X-rays. Symptoms usually begin in childhood, and although the skin lesions may progress with age, they typically do not lead to additional health concerns. However, in rare instances, BOS can advance to melorheostosis, causing abnormal bone growth, potentially resulting in bone pain and deformities within the feet. Diagnosis hinges on clinical examination, imaging studies, and genetic testing. If you have foot pain of any type, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Some foot conditions may require additional professional care. If you have any concerns, contact one of our podiatrists of Lakeside Foot and Ankle Center. Our practitioners 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
• Kohler’s disease
• Maffucci syndrome

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 offices located in Leesburg and The Villages, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.
 

Proper foot care is essential for anyone with diabetes, as the condition can compromise blood flow and damage nerves. Following these essential steps for diabetic foot care can help a diabetic patient prevent other serious health issues. Start by washing your feet daily with warm water and mild soap, ensuring thorough drying and the application of lotion, excluding the spaces between toes to prevent infections. A daily visual inspection is extremely important to identify potential problems early, given the reduced sensation and circulation associated with diabetes. Trim toenails straight across to prevent ingrown nails, taking special care to avoid cutting cuticles. Choose comfortable footwear, steering clear of high heels and pointy toes, and consider custom orthotics for added support. Protect your feet from injuries by avoiding walking barefoot, wearing quality socks, and refraining from using sharp tools for corn and callus removal. Additionally, manage blood sugar levels and quit smoking to reduce the risk of complications. Many people with diabetes also suffer from neuropathy and peripheral artery disease, which can result in foot ulcers. For this reason, it is suggested that you schedule regular visits with a podiatrist who is medically trained to manage the side effects of this disease. 

Diabetic foot care is important in preventing foot ailments such as ulcers. If you are suffering from diabetes or have any other concerns about your feet, contact one of our podiatrists from Lakeside Foot and Ankle Center. Our practitioners can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Diabetic Foot Care

Diabetes affects millions of people every year. The condition can damage blood vessels in many parts of the body, especially the feet. Because of this, taking care of your feet is essential if you have diabetes, and having a podiatrist help monitor your foot health is highly recommended.

The Importance of Caring for Your Feet

• Routinely inspect your feet for bruises or sores.
• Wear socks that fit your feet comfortably.
• Wear comfortable shoes that provide adequate support.

Patients with diabetes should have their doctor monitor their blood levels, as blood sugar levels play such a huge role in diabetic care. Monitoring these levels on a regular basis is highly advised.

It is always best to inform your healthcare professional of any concerns you may have regarding your feet, especially for diabetic patients. Early treatment and routine foot examinations are keys to maintaining proper health, especially because severe complications can arise if proper treatment is not applied.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Leesburg and The Villages, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Experiencing Achilles tendon pain while running can be quite uncomfortable, and preventing injuries is essential. The Achilles tendon connects the major calf muscles, the gastrocnemius and soleus, to the back of the heel bone. When it is subjected to excessive stress, it tightens and is forced to work too hard. This can lead to irritation or inflammation, which is commonly referred to as Achilles tendinitis. Over time, scar tissue, which is less flexible than the tendon, can develop on it. If the inflamed Achilles tendon continues to endure stress, it may tear or rupture, resulting in an Achilles heel injury. To address Achilles pain during running, the first step is to stop running when you feel discomfort. It is important to rest and seek professional advice from a podiatrist to assess the condition of your lower leg. Continuing to run with Achilles pain can potentially worsen the injury. If you are experiencing Achilles pain from running, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.

Achilles tendon injuries need immediate attention to avoid future complications. If you have any concerns, contact one of our podiatrists of Lakeside Foot and Ankle Center. Our practitioners can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is the Achilles Tendon?

The Achilles tendon is a tendon that connects the lower leg muscles and calf to the heel of the foot. It is the strongest tendon in the human body and is essential for making movement possible. Because this tendon is such an integral part of the body, any injuries to it can create immense difficulties and should immediately be presented to a doctor.

What Are the Symptoms of an Achilles Tendon Injury?

There are various types of injuries that can affect the Achilles tendon. The two most common injuries are Achilles tendinitis and ruptures of the tendon.

Achilles Tendinitis Symptoms

• Inflammation
• Dull to severe pain
• Increased blood flow to the tendon
• Thickening of the tendon

Rupture Symptoms

• Extreme pain and swelling in the foot
• Total immobility

Treatment and Prevention

Achilles tendon injuries are diagnosed by a thorough physical evaluation, which can include an MRI. Treatment involves rest, physical therapy, and in some cases, surgery. However, various preventative measures can be taken to avoid these injuries, such as:

• Thorough stretching of the tendon before and after exercise
• Strengthening exercises like calf raises, squats, leg curls, leg extensions, leg raises, lunges, and leg presses

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Leesburg and The Villages, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.