Items filtered by date: March 2018

A condition referred to as hammertoe is easier to identify than it is to treat. This condition causes the middle of the toe to bend, causing the bottom of the toe to be in a downward position. Corns or calluses may often accompany hammertoe, which is caused by the friction the affected joint endures while rubbing against the shoe. There may be several causes responsible for the development of hammertoes, including lack of strength within the foot that may be a result of having diabetes in addition to a predisposed inherited gene. It’s common for this ailment to develop from wearing incorrect shoes that cause the toes to be cramped together, such as high heels. Recent research has suggested that there may be a connection between hammertoes and other conditions such as arthritis, flat feet, and pain on the bottom of the foot. Proper treatment may consist of splinting the affected toe, and surgery may be an option if the affliction is severe. Please schedule a consultation with a podiatrist for treatment options and additional information about hammertoes.

Hammertoe

Hammertoes can be a painful condition to live with. For more information, contact one of our podiatrists from Dr. Kane & Associates, P.C. Our doctors 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

• Pain in the affected toes
• Development of corns or calluses due to friction
• Inflammation
• Redness
• Contracture of the toes

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 our office located in Westland, MI.. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Your feet are covered most of the day. If you're diabetic, periodic screening is important for good health. Numbness is often a sign of diabetic foot and can mask a sore or wound.

If you’ve been on an airplane for several hours, you may know that circulation problems in the feet can develop. It typically occurs when your feet have limited mobility due to small areas. The formation of blood clots can be a result of poor circulation and can be prevalent in diabetics. Generally, the symptoms are easily noticed and may consist of tingling, pain, and swelling in the area where the clot has formed. There are several ways to protect the feet from poor circulation, and these may include avoiding foods that are salty, stretching the feet as often as possible, and walking up and down the aisle of the airplane. If you experience symptoms of this ailment, please schedule a consultation with a podiatrist for more information on ways to avoid poor circulation.

Poor circulation is a serious condition and needs immediate medical attention. If you have any concerns with poor circulation in your feet contact one of our podiatrists of Dr. Kane & Associates, P.C. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Poor Circulation in the Feet

Poor blood circulation in the feet and legs is can be caused by peripheral artery disease (PAD), which is the result of a buildup of plaque in the arteries.

Plaque buildup or atherosclerosis results from excess calcium and cholesterol in the bloodstream. This can restrict the amount of blood which can flow through the arteries. Poor blood circulation in the feet and legs are sometimes caused by inflammation in the blood vessels, known as vasculitis.

Causes

Lack of oxygen and oxygen from poor blood circulation restricts muscle growth and development. It can also cause:

• Muscle pain, stiffness, or weakness   
• Numbness or cramping in the legs 
• Skin discoloration
• Slower nail & hair growth
• Erectile dysfunction

Those who have diabetes or smoke are at greatest risk for poor circulation, as are those who are over 50. If you have poor circulation in the feet and legs it may be caused by PAD and is important to make changes to your lifestyle in order to reduce risk of getting a heart attack or stroke. Exercise and maintaining a healthy lifestyle will dramatically improve conditions.

As always, see a podiatrist as he or she will assist in finding a regimen that suits you. A podiatrist can also prescribe you any needed medication. 

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

If you are experiencing a hard lump on the bottom of the heel, you may have what is referred to as a heel spur. It generally comes from calcium deposits and is typically caused by injuries or strains to the foot. If the heel endures pressure, possibly caused by jogging, excess weight, or shoes that fit poorly, heel spurs may gradually develop, often causing discomfort and pain. Other causes of this condition may include having flat feet, standing the majority of the day, or experiencing less flexibility in the plantar fascia which affects the stability of the heel. Possible treatment options may include wearing shoes with a cushioned heel or custom made orthotics. Please schedule a consultation with a podiatrist if you are affected by heel spurs and would like more information.

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 one of our podiatrists from Dr. Kane & Associates, P.C. Our doctors 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 Westland, MI.. We offer the latest in diagnostic and treatment technology to meet your needs.

If the joint in the big toe becomes red, inflamed, and painful, you may be suffering from a condition referred to as gout. It typically affects men over the age of 40 and can lead to serious health issues, such as kidney disease, if left untreated. There are numerous factors for people to suffer from gout, which may include a predisposed inherited gene, extreme amounts of alcohol being ingested on a regular basis, or taking certain medications. Gout is not easily overlooked, because the symptoms develop rapidly and may be severe. The joint will be tender and swollen, and the skin may feel hot and inflamed. Treatment options will include taking medicine to reduce the inflammation. Additionally, it may be beneficial to consider certain lifestyle changes to prevent further attacks from occurring. Please consider a consultation with a podiatrist for a proper evaluation and the treatment options for you.

Gout is a foot condition that requires certain treatment and care. If you are seeking treatment, contact one of our podiatrists from Dr. Kane & Associates, P.C. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Is Gout?

Gout is a type of arthritis caused by a buildup of uric acid in the bloodstream. It often develops in the foot, especially the big toe area, although it can manifest in other parts of the body as well. Gout can make walking and standing very painful and is especially common in diabetics and the obese.

People typically get gout because of a poor diet. Genetic predisposition is also a factor. The children of parents who have had gout frequently have a chance of developing it themselves.

Gout can easily be identified by redness and inflammation of the big toe and the surrounding areas of the foot. Other symptoms include extreme fatigue, joint pain, and running high fevers. Sometimes corticosteroid drugs can be prescribed to treat gout, but the best way to combat this disease is to get more exercise and eat a better diet.

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