If one of your toe joints points upward instead of lying flat, it might indicate a condition known as hammertoe, where weakened toe muscles exert pressure on tendons and joints. This deformity can hinder walking and limit certain activities. Early intervention and preventive measures can help to avoid complications. Hammertoes affect the proximal interphalangeal joint, or PIPJ, causing the middle joint to flex upward. Ill-fitting shoes, especially those with narrow fronts or high heels, commonly trigger this condition. Rheumatoid arthritis or bunions can also contribute. Treatment includes wearing properly sized shoes and using splints or orthotic inserts. Surgery may be necessary for severe cases. Home exercises like toe stretches can help alleviate symptoms. Prioritize footwear comfort to prevent hammertoes and bunions from forming due to prolonged pressure on the toes. If you have a hammertoe that is causing you discomfort, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for an examination and relief methods.

Hammertoes can be a painful condition to live with. For more information, contact Andrew Katz, DPM of Allcare Foothealth Center. 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 Palmdale, CA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Heel pain can be caused by bursitis, which is a painful swelling of the small fluid-filled sacs called bursae. These bursae act as cushions, reducing friction between tissues such as tendons, ligaments, and bones. When they become inflamed, the result is heel pain and limited mobility, particularly in areas like the back or bottom of the heel. Bursitis typically develops due to repetitive movements or prolonged pressure on a joint. Aging also can lead to the breakdown of the bursa over time. Symptoms often include dull pain, tenderness, and stiffness near the affected area. Swelling and redness may also be present, indicating inflammation. Diagnosing bursitis involves a thorough examination by a podiatrist. After a physical examination of the affected area, further tests such as X-rays, MRI scans, or ultrasound may be necessary. If you are experiencing unexplained heel pain, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who can determine if you may be suffering from bursitis.

Many people suffer from bouts of heel pain. For more information, contact Andrew Katz, DPM of Allcare Foothealth Center. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Causes of Heel Pain

Heel pain is often associated with plantar fasciitis. The plantar fascia is a band of tissues that extends along the bottom of the foot. A rip or tear in this ligament can cause inflammation of the tissue.

Achilles tendonitis is another cause of heel pain. Inflammation of the Achilles tendon will cause pain from fractures and muscle tearing. Lack of flexibility is also another symptom.

Heel spurs are another cause of pain. When the tissues of the plantar fascia undergo a great deal of stress, it can lead to ligament separation from the heel bone, causing heel spurs.

Why Might Heel Pain Occur?

• Wearing ill-fitting shoes                
• Wearing non-supportive shoes
• Weight change           
• Excessive running

Treatments

Heel pain should be treated as soon as possible for immediate results. Keeping your feet in a stress-free environment will help. If you suffer from Achilles tendonitis or plantar fasciitis, applying ice will reduce the swelling. Stretching before an exercise like running will help the muscles. Using all these tips will help make heel pain a condition of the past.

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

Chronic wounds on the feet, like those from poor circulation, diabetes, pressure, or vein problems, often do not heal properly. In many cases, a podiatrist can tell what is wrong just by looking at the wound. Sometimes, they also need to check the blood flow in the legs and take a small piece of tissue for testing. Treatment for chronic wounds usually involves cleaning the wound, stopping infections, keeping it moist, and caring for the edges. Foot wounds can lead to serious health issues, and it is important to get timely treatment. If you suffer from foot wounds, it is strongly suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for early intervention.

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 Andrew Katz, DPM from Allcare Foothealth Center. 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 contact our office located in Palmdale, CA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Maintaining healthy and strong feet is essential for overall well-being and mobility. Incorporating regular stretching exercises into your routine can help improve flexibility, reduce stiffness, and prevent common foot issues. Toe stretches, such as toe flexion and extension, help stretch the muscles and ligaments in the toes, promoting better mobility and preventing conditions like plantar fasciitis. Calf stretches, like the calf raise and wall stretch, target the Achilles tendon and calf muscles, reducing tightness and improving range of motion in the ankles and feet. Arch stretches, such as the towel stretch and golf ball roll, can alleviate discomfort and strengthen the arches of the feet, reducing the risk of conditions like flat feet. Additionally, performing ankle circles and ankle alphabet exercises can help improve ankle stability and mobility, enhancing overall foot function. If you would like information about additional specific foot stretches to practice for healthy, strong feet, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist.

Exercising your feet regularly with the proper foot wear is a great way to prevent injuries and build strength. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Andrew Katz, DPM from Allcare Foothealth Center. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Exercise for Your Feet

Exercise for your feet can help you gain strength, mobility and flexibility in your feet. They say that strengthening your feet can be just as rewarding as strengthening another part of the body. Your feet are very important, and we often forget about them in our daily tasks. But it is because of our feet that are we able to get going and do what we need to. For those of us fortunate enough to not have any foot problems, it is an important gesture to take care of them to ensure good health in the long run.

Some foot health exercises can include ankle pumps, tip-toeing, toe rises, lifting off the floor doing reps and sets, and flexing the toes. It is best to speak with Our doctor to determine an appropriate regimen for your needs. Everyone’s needs and bodies are different, and the activities required to maintain strength in the feet vary from individual to individual. 

Once you get into a routine of doing regular exercise, you may notice a difference in your feet and how strong they may become.

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