Hammertoes and Foot Care of all Sorts
Among the most common and usually most painful foot problems, bunions and hammertoes take the lead. These foot issues themselves are uncomfortable, but when left untreated they can also develop blisters, corns and ulcerations. This causes you and your feet unnecessary pain and strain, which could easily be avoided with treatment from us at Beaver Valley Foot Clinic.
-Beware of Bunions, & Treat Accordingly
If your feet are sore and stiff at the joint, swollen, red and callused, you may be suffering from a bunion. A bunion is a large bone on the side of the big toe, which is angled outward. This causes the big toe to turn toward the other toes, providing great discomfort. Obviously painful and uncomfortable, bunions can have an affect on your walking and mobility.
Dr. Christina Teimouri, DPM of the Beaver Valley Foot Clinic, is able to examine, diagnose and X-ray your foot. Mild bunions can often be treated simply by wearing wider shoes with padding. For more sever bunion issues, we can help you schedule a simple, one-hour outpatient procedure that will have you back in your shoes, walking comfortably, within 2-6 weeks. Of course you will be able to walk immediately after the procedure, but you will need to wear a specialized shoe for proper healing.
What signs and symptoms do bunions have?
In addition to the bump, a bunion may exhibit the following indications and symptoms:
Skin that is swollen and red on the side of your big toe
- Thick skin on the underside of your big toe • Calluses on your second toe • Your big toe bending toward your other toes
- Foot pain that may be chronic or sporadic
- You have trouble moving your big toe.
A bunion’s accompanying pain may make walking challenging. If any of the following occur:
- Ongoing foot pain
- Having trouble finding comfortable shoes
- Your big toe’s flexibility has decreased.
- A noticeable lump on or around your big toe’s joint
-Harmful Heels and Hammertoes
Hammertoes are another common foot problem that can affect your walking if left untreated. Usually aggravated by ill-fitting footwear, such as high-heels or under-sized shoes, a hammertoe occurs when the toe buckles or bends. This makes the toe rub against shoes, and once arthritis sets in, causes painful corns and calluses to form. Eventually, if left untreated for too long, your entire foot can begin to ache. Hammertoes are curable, using a treatment method that is best fit for your situation. There are many different treatment options available, from using corn pads and wearing wider shoes, to undergoing a quick, minimally invasive office procedure to straighten the toe.
Signs Of Hammertoe
A person who has hammer toe will always have one of their toes bent. They can find it challenging to straighten it or they might even fail to do so.
Other hammer toe signs and symptoms include:
- Affected toe discomfort, especially when walking or wearing shoes
- A callus or corn on the hammer toe’s middle joint.
- Swelling
- Walking is challenging
- Physical examination is part of the diagnosis to see whether the toe can straighten out or is rigid. Doctors will request an X-ray to confirm hammer toe if they have a suspicion.
- A doctor might also request testing for the nerves and muscles in the feet if they appear to be affected by another ailment, such as diabetes.
How are hammertoes treated?
Hammertoes, a condition where the toe joints become abnormally bent, can cause discomfort, pain, and difficulty in walking or wearing shoes. Treatment options for hammertoes vary depending on the severity and individual circumstances.
Non-surgical interventions are usually the first line of treatment. These may include wearing roomier shoes with a wide toe box to reduce pressure on the toes, using cushioned pads or corn pads to alleviate pain and protect the affected areas, and doing toe exercises to strengthen and stretch the muscles.
If conservative measures do not provide sufficient relief, or if the deformity is severe, surgical intervention may be considered. Surgery aims to correct the misalignment of the toe joints, alleviate pain, and restore functionality. The specific procedure will depend on the nature and severity of the hammertoe. It may involve releasing or lengthening the tightened tendons, removing a portion of the bone, or fusing the affected joint.
It is essential to consult with a healthcare professional, such as a podiatrist or orthopedic surgeon, to determine the most appropriate treatment approach for hammertoes based on individual circumstances.
What to do with a wound that doesn’t heal?
If you have a wound that isn’t healing, it is important to take appropriate steps to promote healing and prevent complications. Here are some actions you can consider:
- Clean and dress the wound: Proper wound care is crucial. Clean the wound gently with mild soap and water, or as advised by a healthcare professional. Apply a sterile dressing or bandage to protect the wound from dirt and bacteria.
- Keep the wound moist: Some wounds heal better in a moist environment. Consult with a healthcare professional about appropriate wound dressings or ointments that promote moisture and facilitate healing.
- Manage infection: Infections can hinder the healing process. Watch for signs of infection such as increased pain, redness, swelling, warmth, or discharge.
Non-Healing Wounds Also Need Proper Care
At the Beaver Valley Foot Clinic, we also help you care for chronic, non-healing wounds. Venous ulcers and foot neuropathy, for instance, are the most common types of non-healing wounds we encounter. From using ultrasound strategies to target problem sources, to applying topical dressings, the Beaver Valley Foot Clinic knows how to professionally treat chronic wounds with care.
Signs Of A Wound That Is Not Healing
Let’s look at how to identify wounds that don’t heal according to the typical course. You develop an infection when bacteria, germs, and fungi get inside your wound, which slows down healing and could lead to more serious consequences if left untreated. The following are indicators of an infected wound:
• Excessive redness and swelling
• Persistent bleeding
• Slow or absent healing indicators
• Pain that does not go away
• Skin that is warm or heated and doesn’t go away after a day or two
• Healing of the wound (especially yellow or green)
• Bad odor
If you think you are suffering from bunions, hammertoes, or any other foot complication, call us at the Beaver Valley Foot Clinic right away. Walking around in discomfort will only make your foot pain, as well as the problem itself, worsen. Do not hesitate to treat your feet! Call (878) 313-3338, log on to BVFootClinic.com or visit us in person for more information on how we can help you get pain free and walking comfortably.