Hammertoe, claw toe, and mallet toe are related toe deformities that affect the small toes, impacting walking and balance. These deformities result when the pressure on the toes exceeds their joint strength, often due to weak joints, muscle imbalances, or tissue weakness in the lower part of the toe joint. Claw toe involves upward bending of the toe joint at the ball of the foot, with the middle and sometimes end joint curving downward, resembling a claw. It can affect any toes except the big toe. With hammertoe, the toe bends at the middle joint, creating a curled appearance. Hammertoe most commonly affects the second toe, and it often coexists with bunions. Mallet toe is similar to hammertoe but involves the last joint rather than the knuckle joint, resulting in a mallet-like appearance at the end of the toe. Causes of these conditions include wearing ill fitting shoes, high arches, and genetics. Additionally, arthritis, diabetes, tendon imbalances, and neurological conditions can be a cause of developing hammertoe. Treatment options range from padding, orthotic devices, and wearing proper footwear to surgical interventions, including tendon release, joint adjustments, and bone modifications. Surgery is considered when non-operative methods fail to alleviate pain or correct the deformity. If you have toe problems or pain, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and treatment right for you.

Hammertoes can be a painful condition to live with. For more information, contact Rahil Baxamusa, DPM of Illinois. 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 Crystal Lake, IL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

The removal of dead or infected skin tissue is known as debridement. This procedure also eliminates foreign materials from tissue. Debridement promotes the growth of healthy tissue, minimizes scarring, and reduces infection complications. Not all wounds require debridement. It is typically used for non-healing old wounds, chronically infected wounds, or those at risk of infections. Severe or new wounds might also need debridement. The choice of debridement depends on factors like wound type, age, overall health, and risk for complications. Methods include biological debridement using sterile maggots, enzymatic debridement with ointments, autolytic debridement harnessing the body's enzymes, and mechanical debridement as the most common approach. Sharp debridement, both conservative and surgical, involves cutting off unhealthy tissue. Recovery varies but typically takes 6 to 12 weeks. Careful wound management, including regular dressing changes and hygiene, is crucial. Although complications are possible, debridement's benefits often outweigh the risks. If you have a foot wound that persists or appears infected, it is strongly suggested that you see a podiatrist for immediate treatment, which might include debridement.

Wound care is an important part in dealing with diabetes. If you have diabetes and a foot wound or would like more information about wound care for diabetics, consult with Rahil Baxamusa, DPM from Illinois. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

What Is Wound Care?

Wound care is the practice of taking proper care of a wound. This can range from the smallest to the largest of wounds. While everyone can benefit from proper wound care, it is much more important for diabetics. Diabetics often suffer from poor blood circulation which causes wounds to heal much slower than they would in a non-diabetic. 

What Is the Importance of Wound Care?

While it may not seem apparent with small ulcers on the foot, for diabetics, any size ulcer can become infected. Diabetics often also suffer from neuropathy, or nerve loss. This means they might not even feel when they have an ulcer on their foot. If the wound becomes severely infected, amputation may be necessary. Therefore, it is of the upmost importance to properly care for any and all foot wounds.

How to Care for Wounds

The best way to care for foot wounds is to prevent them. For diabetics, this means daily inspections of the feet for any signs of abnormalities or ulcers. It is also recommended to see a podiatrist several times a year for a foot inspection. If you do have an ulcer, run the wound under water to clear dirt from the wound; then apply antibiotic ointment to the wound and cover with a bandage. Bandages should be changed daily and keeping pressure off the wound is smart. It is advised to see a podiatrist, who can keep an eye on it.

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

Heel spurs are commonly misunderstood and usually do not cause heel pain. In fact, most heel pain is attributed to plantar fasciitis, a condition where the ligament on the bottom of the foot, termed the plantar fascia, becomes chronically inflamed. It then can get calcified where it attaches to the heel bone. It may even appear as a heel spur on an X-ray. The pain stems from the strain on the plantar fascia, due to overuse or repetitive exertion, and often is made worse by wearing inadequately supportive footwear. Symptoms include discomfort on the bottom of the heel, which occasionally extends into the arch. Surgical removal of heel spurs is largely considered unnecessary, as relief from the pain can often occur without addressing the spur itself. Wearing shoe inserts and incorporating simple stretches can lead to significant relief from this type of heel pain. Proper arch support and cushioning are often effective ways to relieve heel pain. So, while heel spurs may appear concerning, they may not be the main cause of discomfort. Instead, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist who can conduct imaging tests and identify the cause and suggest the appropriate treatment measures. 

Heel spurs can be incredibly painful and sometimes may make you unable to participate in physical activities. To get medical care for your heel spurs, contact Rahil Baxamusa, DPM from Illinois. Our doctor will do everything possible to treat your condition.

Heels Spurs

Heel spurs are formed by calcium deposits on the back of the foot where the heel is. This can also be caused by small fragments of bone breaking off one section of the foot, attaching onto the back of the foot. Heel spurs can also be bone growth on the back of the foot and may grow in the direction of the arch of the foot.

Older individuals usually suffer from heel spurs and pain sometimes intensifies with age. One of the main condition's spurs are related to is plantar fasciitis.

Pain

The pain associated with spurs is often because of weight placed on the feet. When someone is walking, their entire weight is concentrated on the feet. Bone spurs then have the tendency to affect other bones and tissues around the foot. As the pain continues, the feet will become tender and sensitive over time.

Treatments

There are many ways to treat heel spurs. If one is suffering from heel spurs in conjunction with pain, there are several methods for healing. Medication, surgery, and herbal care are some options.

If you have any questions feel free to contact our office located in Crystal Lake, IL . We offer the latest in diagnostic and treatment technology to meet your needs.

Mildly cracked heels are generally not a serious foot condition unless they develop into fissures, which may bleed and become infected. Cracked heels are caused by standing on hard or uneven surfaces for most of the day, or from wearing shoes that do not have a back. Flip-flops fall into this category, and it is beneficial to limit wearing these types of shoes. Patients who have existing medical conditions, such as psoriasis, diabetes, or a thyroid disorder, may be prone to getting cracked heels. One of the first signs that cracked heels may be developing is the hard, thickened skin surrounding the heel. This is referred to as a callus and can be yellow or brown in color. Cracks can form over the callus and can become worse when pressure of standing or running is exerted. Effective prevention methods can include washing and drying the feet daily, followed by applying a good moisturizer on them. If you have cracked heels that are causing problems, it is suggested that you speak with a podiatrist who can successfully treat this condition.

Cracked heels are unsightly and can cause further damage to your shoes and feet. If you have any concerns, contact Rahil Baxamusa, DPM from Illinois. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Cracked Heels

Cracked heels appear unappealing and can make it harder for you walk around in sandals. Aside from looking unpleasant, cracked heels can also tear stockings, socks, and wear out your shoes. There are several methods to help restore a cracked heel and prevent further damage.

How Do You Get Them?

Dry skin is the number one culprit in creating cracked heels. Many athletes, walkers, joggers, and even swimmers suffer from cracked heels. Age and skin oil production play a role to getting cracked heels as well.

Promote Healing

Over the counter medicines can help, especially for those that need instant relief or who suffer from chronic dry feet.

Wear Socks – Wearing socks with medicated creams helps lock in moisture.

Moisturizers – Applying both day and night will help alleviate dryness which causes cracking.

Pumice Stones – These exfoliate and remove dead skin, which allows for smoother moisturizer application and better absorption into the skin. 

Change in Diet

Eating healthy with a well-balanced diet will give the skin a fresh and radiant look. Your body responds to the kinds of food you ingest. Omega-3 fatty acids and zinc supplements can also revitalize skin tissue.

Most importantly, seek professional help if unsure how to proceed in treating cracked heels. A podiatrist will help you with any questions or information needed. 

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