Hammertoe is a deformity that causes a toe to bend downward at its middle joint instead of lying flat. It most often affects the second, third, or fourth toe. In some cases, the toe remains flexible at first, but it can become stiff and more difficult to straighten as the deformity progresses. Hammertoe can develop when muscles and tendons that control toe movement become unbalanced. This places extra pressure on the joints and causes the toe to curl. Other contributing factors include injuries, arthritis, diabetes, and wearing shoes that are too tight. Shoes with high heels can also force the toes into a cramped position and increase stress on the joints.

People with a hammertoe frequently notice pain while wearing shoes because the bent toe rubs against the inside of the shoe. Symptoms include tenderness, redness, and swelling surrounding the affected joint. Corns and calluses can develop where the toe rubs against shoes or neighboring toes. Some people experience stiffness and difficulty moving the affected toe. As the deformity becomes more severe, it may be painful to walk and stand. A podiatrist can diagnose hammertoe through a physical examination of the foot and toes. X-rays are sometimes used to evaluate the position of the bones and joints and to determine the severity of the deformity.

Treatment depends on how flexible the toe remains and how advanced the condition has become. A podiatrist can recommend shoes with a wider toe box to reduce pressure on the affected area. Custom orthotics, which are shoe inserts designed to improve foot function, can help relieve strain on the joints. Padding and other supportive devices can also improve comfort. When the toe becomes rigid or if pain persists, surgery can straighten the toe and restore a more natural position. Early evaluation can help prevent worsening deformity and reduce long-term discomfort. If you have a painful hammertoe, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Hammertoes can be a painful condition to live with. For more information, contact Joseph M. LaCava, DPM of Arkansas. 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 Hot Springs, AR . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

An ingrown toenail occurs when the edge of a toenail grows into the surrounding skin, instead of growing straight outward. This most often affects the big toe and can lead to pain, swelling, and irritation along the nail border. An ingrown toenail can range from mild discomfort to a more serious infection if not properly treated. One of the most common causes of an ingrown toenail is improper nail trimming. Cutting toenails too short or rounding the edges can encourage the nail to grow into the skin. Wearing tight-fitting shoes or shoes with a narrow toe box can add pressure and increase the likelihood of nail misdirection. Repetitive trauma, such as running or kicking activities, may also contribute to the development of this condition. In some cases, genetics plays a role, as certain individuals naturally have curved or thicker nails that are more prone to becoming ingrown.

Ingrown toenails can become painful if they are not treated properly. For more information about ingrown toenails, contact Joseph M. LaCava, DPM of Arkansas. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Ingrown Toenails

Ingrown toenails occur when a toenail grows sideways into the bed of the nail, causing pain, swelling, and possibly infection.

Causes

• Bacterial infections
• Improper nail cutting such as cutting it too short or not straight across
• Trauma to the toe, such as stubbing, which causes the nail to grow back irregularly
• Ill-fitting shoes that bunch the toes too close together
• Genetic predisposition

Prevention

Wearing proper fitting shoes and using proper cutting techniques will also help decrease your risk of developing ingrown toenails.

Treatment

Ingrown toenails are a very treatable foot condition. In minor cases, soaking the affected area in salt or antibacterial soaps will not only help with the ingrown nail itself, but also help prevent any infections from occurring. In more severe cases, surgery is an option. In either case, speaking to your podiatrist about this condition will help you get a better understanding of specific treatment options that are right for you.

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

Ankle swelling can become more noticeable during certain times of year, especially in warmer weather. Heat causes blood vessels to widen, which can allow more fluid to collect in the lower legs and ankles, particularly after long periods of standing or sitting. Summer travel, increased outdoor activity, and dehydration can also contribute to swelling. Colder months may bring different concerns, including reduced activity levels that slow circulation and allow fluid buildup. Seasonal footwear changes can play a role as well, since less supportive shoes may place added stress on the feet and ankles. While occasional mild swelling may be related to environmental factors, persistent or one-sided swelling can signal circulation problems, vein issues, injury, inflammation, or other medical concerns. A podiatrist can help determine whether swelling is mechanical or related to an underlying condition. If ankle swelling becomes frequent, painful, or unexplained, it is suggested that you visit a podiatrist for evaluation and appropriate relief and management solutions.

Ankle pain can have many different causes and the pain may potentially be serious. If you have ankle pain, consult with Joseph M. LaCava, DPM from Arkansas. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Ankle pain is any condition that causes pain in the ankle. Due to the fact that the ankle consists of tendons, muscles, bones, and ligaments, ankle pain can come from a number of different conditions.

Causes

The most common causes of ankle pain include:

• Types of arthritis (rheumatoid, osteoarthritis, and gout)
• Ankle sprains
• Broken ankles
• Achilles tendinitis
• Achilles tendon rupture
• Stress fractures
• Tarsal tunnel syndrome
• Plantar fasciitis

Symptoms

Symptoms of ankle injury vary based upon the condition. Pain may include general pain and discomfort, swelling, aching, redness, bruising, burning or stabbing sensations, and/or loss of sensation.

Diagnosis

Due to the wide variety of potential causes of ankle pain, podiatrists will utilize a number of different methods to properly diagnose ankle pain. This can include asking for personal and family medical histories and of any recent injuries. Further diagnosis may include sensation tests, a physical examination, and potentially x-rays or other imaging tests.

Treatment

Just as the range of causes varies widely, so do treatments. Some more common treatments are rest, ice packs, keeping pressure off the foot, orthotics and braces, medication for inflammation and pain, and surgery.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Hot Springs, AR . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Warm weather can be hard on the heels, especially because people spend more time barefoot or wearing sandals and flip-flops. Heat and dry air cause the skin on the feet to lose moisture faster. Open-backed shoes also expose the heels to pressure and friction while walking. This causes the skin to thicken, dry out, and crack. Some cracks stay small, but deeper cracks can bleed and become painful. People with diabetes or poor circulation face a higher risk of infection and slow healing. A podiatrist can examine the heels and remove thick, damaged skin safely. Treatment also includes special creams to soften dry skin and recommendations for supportive footwear that protects the heels. Wearing shoes that fit properly and keeping the feet moisturized can help prevent painful cracks in the summer months. If you have cracked heels, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam and treatment options.

Cracked heels are unsightly and can cause further damage to your shoes and feet. If you have any concerns, contact Joseph M. LaCava, DPM from Arkansas. 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 Hot Springs, AR . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.