December 2021

Hammertoes, claw toes, and mallet toes all result from the toes getting bent into odd positions. They usually look odd or unsightly, and they typically affect the smaller toes. When the toe is bent downward and the middle joint raises up, this is known as a hammertoe. This condition frequently affects the second toe and sometimes coincides with a bunion. Claw toes occur when the toes curl up due to the middle joints being bent down, and they often affect all four smaller toes at the same time. When the joint closest to the tip of the toe bends downward, it forms what is known as a mallet toe. Wearing shoes that are too tight is most commonly blamed for these conditions arising, but they can also be linked to diabetes or arthritis. These toe ailments can be quite painful, so patients who are struggling with one would be wise to consult with a podiatrist who can help find a treatment option and determine if surgery is necessary. 

Hammertoes can be a painful condition to live with. For more information, contact John Killough, DPM of Regional Foot 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 offices located in Charleston and Effingham, IL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

If you get tired from walking or standing for long periods, you may need to perform some simple exercises to strengthen the feet and legs. This exercise can help keep your ankles active and improve circulation as well. Begin by sitting in a straight-backed chair with both feet on the floor. Raise one leg so it’s parallel to the floor and rotate your ankle clockwise in a circular motion. Repeat this motion rotating your ankle counterclockwise. Then flex your toes straight out away from your body and then back towards yourself. Be sure to alternate each leg and foot. Next with your feet flat on the floor, raise your heels and hold for a few seconds, keeping your toes on the floor. You can also try this while pressing lightly on the knees to add a bit of resistance. Another great exercise is toe raises. Instead of lifting the heels, this time lift the toes and keep your heels on the floor. Making these simple exercises a part of your daily routine can strengthen the feet and ankles over time. If you have a foot or ankle condition, or any serious health issues, please be sure to check with a podiatrist before starting any new exercise programs.

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 John Killough, DPM from Regional Foot 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 offices located in Charleston and Effingham, IL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common causes of heel pain. It occurs when the plantar fascia, a ligament that runs along the bottom of the foot, becomes inflamed due to excessive strain or overuse. This produces symptoms such as pain in the bottom of the heel and arch that is at its worst when taking the first few steps of the day and swelling in the heel. The first line of treatment for plantar fasciitis consists of resting and icing the foot, taking over-the-counter pain medications, wearing comfortable and supportive shoes or orthotics, and doing simple stretches to ease pain. Chronic or severe cases may require more intensive treatment, such as wearing an orthotic device, padding or taping the affected foot, and injection therapy. If you have plantar fasciitis, it is suggested that you be under the care of a podiatrist. 

Many people suffer from bouts of heel pain. For more information, contact John Killough, DPM of Regional Foot 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 contact our offices located in Charleston and Effingham, IL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Caring for your feet is an important part of maintaining your foot health. This can be accomplished through several easy steps. First, you should wash your feet every day with soap and water to keep them clean. Next, dry your feet thoroughly, particularly in between the toes. This helps prevent foot fungus. Afterwards, apply a thick moisturizer to your feet and especially the heels. If you find that you have dry heels, exfoliate them once or twice a month using a wet pumice stone or loofah. Pamper your feet occasionally with a soak in warm water. Finally, make sure that you are wearing comfortable shoes and socks each day. For more information about daily foot care, please consult with a podiatrist. 

Everyday foot care is very important to prevent infection and other foot ailments. If you need your feet checked, contact John Killough, DPM from Regional Foot Center. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Everyday Foot Care

Often, people take care of their bodies, face and hair more so than they do for their feet. But the feet are a very important aspect of our bodies, and one that we should pay more attention to. Without our feet, we would not be able to perform most daily tasks.

It is best to check your feet regularly to make sure there are no new bruises or cuts that you may not have noticed before. For dry feet, moisturizer can easily be a remedy and can be applied as often as necessary to the affected areas. Wearing shoes that fit well can also help you maintain good foot health, as well as making it easier to walk and do daily activities without the stress or pain of ill-fitting shoes, high heels, or even flip flops. Wearing clean socks with closed shoes is important to ensure that sweat and bacteria do not accumulate within the shoe. Clean socks help to prevent Athlete’s foot, fungi problems, bad odors, and can absorb sweat.

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