Items filtered by date: March 2024

Hammertoe is a foot deformity where one or more toes bend abnormally at the middle joint, resembling a hammer. It often results from muscle imbalance, causing ligaments and tendons to become tight and toes to curl downward instead of lying flat. Common causes include wearing ill-fitting shoes, especially those with narrow toe boxes or high heels, which can crowd the toes and force them into unnatural positions. Additionally, genetics, trauma, and certain medical conditions, such as arthritis, can contribute to hammertoe development. Treatment options range from conservative measures to surgery, depending on the severity of the condition. Conservative approaches may involve wearing properly fitting shoes with a roomy toe box, using orthotic inserts or pads to relieve pressure, and performing toe exercises to strengthen muscles. In more severe cases, where pain persists or mobility is significantly affected, surgical correction may be recommended to realign the toes and restore normal function. If you have a hammertoe that is causing discomfort, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for treatment that is deemed appropriate for you.

Hammertoes can be a painful condition to live with. For more information, contact David Williams, DPM of El Paso Feet. 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 El Paso, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Morton's neuroma is a painful condition that affects the ball of the foot, primarily between the third and fourth toes. It occurs when the tissue around one of the nerves leading to the toes thickens, which can cause a sharp, burning pain in the foot. This thickening is often a response to irritation, pressure, or injury to the nerve. Patients commonly report feeling like they are stepping on a pebble or have a knot in their sock. Other symptoms include a burning sensation in the ball of the foot that may radiate into the toes, numbness, and tingling in the affected toes. These symptoms can get worse with certain activities that put pressure on the foot, like running or wearing high heels. Incorrect footwear that cramps the toes together can also contribute to the condition by putting additional pressure on the nerves in the foot. If you are experiencing pain in the ball of the foot, or suspect Morton’s neuroma, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for treatment options. 

Morton’s neuroma is a very uncomfortable condition to live with. If you think you have Morton’s neuroma, contact David Williams, DPM of El Paso Feet. Our doctor will attend to all of your foot care needs and answer any of your related questions.  

Morton’s Neuroma

Morton's neuroma is a painful foot condition that commonly affects the areas between the second and third or third and fourth toe, although other areas of the foot are also susceptible. Morton’s neuroma is caused by an inflamed nerve in the foot that is being squeezed and aggravated by surrounding bones.

What Increases the Chances of Having Morton’s Neuroma?

• Ill-fitting high heels or shoes that add pressure to the toe or foot
• Jogging, running or any sport that involves constant impact to the foot
• Flat feet, bunions, and any other foot deformities

Morton’s neuroma is a very treatable condition. Orthotics and shoe inserts can often be used to alleviate the pain on the forefront of the feet. In more severe cases, corticosteroids can also be prescribed. In order to figure out the best treatment for your neuroma, it’s recommended to seek the care of a podiatrist who can diagnose your condition and provide different treatment options.

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

Rheumatic pain and its effect on foot health have been relatively overlooked in the medical community, despite the significant prevalence of foot ailments, particularly as people age. This oversight is surprising considering the potential role of footwear-related issues in modulating rheumatic pain. While much research has focused on structural aspects of arthritis, there has been a lack of emphasis on the foot and non-surgical interventions for addressing lower extremity joint problems in rheumatic diseases. Emerging studies are shedding light on the potential benefits of foot orthotics and specialized footwear in managing conditions like rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis affecting the hip, knee, and foot. Biomechanical evidence suggests that these interventions can alter muscle activation and gait patterns, ultimately reducing joint stress. If you have rheumatoid arthritis and suffer from foot pain, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist to discuss whether custom-made orthotics can help you to find relief.

If you’re experiencing foot discomfort, have a history of foot and ankle injuries, or are interested in exploring Custom orthotics, don’t hesitate to contact David Williams, DPM at El Paso Feet. Our doctor is dedicated to offering the care required to help you remain pain-free and stay on your feet. 

What are Custom Orthotics?

Custom orthotics refer to custom inserts designed for placement in different shoe types, including athletic and formal footwear, with the purpose of alleviating a spectrum of foot-related problems such as flat feet, heel pain, and overall foot discomfort. These inserts are instrumental in providing relief and comfort for a diverse range of foot conditions, including heel pain, and can also act as a proactive approach to injury prevention. 

Medical Grade Shoe Inserts: 

A diverse array of shoe inserts is available for addressing foot pain, heel discomfort, and minor issues. For instance, you can place arch supports in your shoes to rectify overarched or flat feet, and gel and cushioned insoles are frequently chosen for the comfort and relief they provide from foot and heel pain by reducing pressure. 

If you have any questions please contact our office located in El Paso, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Patients often rely on podiatrists to understand how orthotics alleviate pain and prevent injuries. Determining the right orthotic type demands expertise in biomechanics, gait analysis, and understanding the patient's specific condition. Orthotics function by providing support, cushioning, and realignment to the feet, thereby correcting biomechanical abnormalities or imbalances. They distribute pressure evenly, reducing stress on vulnerable areas and promoting proper foot function. By stabilizing the foot and ankle, orthotics can correct issues such as overpronation or supination, which can lead to various foot and lower limb problems if left untreated. Additionally, orthotics can help improve posture and alleviate discomfort in other parts of the body, such as the knees, hips, and lower back. Podiatrists assess patients comprehensively to determine the most suitable orthotic design, material, and level of support to address their specific needs and enhance overall foot health and function. If you have chronic foot pain, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist to determine if orthotics can help you.

If you are having discomfort in your feet and would like to try orthotics, contact David Williams, DPM from El Paso Feet. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Are Orthotics?

Orthotics are inserts you can place into your shoes to help with a variety of foot problems such as flat feet or foot pain. Orthotics provide relief and comfort for minor foot and heel pain but can’t correct serious biomechanical problems in your feet.

Over-the-Counter Inserts

Orthotics come in a wide variety of over-the-counter inserts that are used to treat foot pain, heel pain, and minor problems. For example, arch supports can be inserted into your shoes to help correct overarched or flat feet, while gel insoles are often used because they provide comfort and relief from foot and heel pain by alleviating pressure.

Prescription Orthotics

If over-the-counter inserts don’t work for you or if you have a more severe foot concern, it is possible to have your podiatrist prescribe custom orthotics. These high-quality inserts are designed to treat problems such as abnormal motion, plantar fasciitis, and severe forms of heel pain. They can even be used to help patients suffering from diabetes by treating foot ulcers and painful calluses and are usually molded to your feet individually, which allows them to provide full support and comfort.

If you are experiencing minor to severe foot or heel pain, it’s recommended to speak with your podiatrist about the possibilities of using orthotics. A podiatrist can determine which type of orthotic is right for you and allow you to take the first steps towards being pain-free.

If you have any questions please contact our office located in El Paso, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

A podiatrist can help diagnose and treat osteoid osteomas in the foot or ankle. These doctors can identify these benign, rare bone tumors and offer treatments like surgery or radiofrequency ablation, or RFA, to relieve pain. Surgery may require limited weight-bearing for a few weeks, while RFA does not have this restriction. Both methods effectively alleviate pain, with RFA often chosen when the tumor is seen on imaging tests. However, if the tumor is close to important nerves or blood vessels, RFA might not be an option. Podiatrists also consider the distance from the tumor to the cartilage to minimize damage during treatment. If you have foot pain that is persistent or worsening, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an evaluation. A proper diagnosis can be made, and proper treatment administered, thereby helping you regain comfort and mobility.

Some foot conditions may require additional professional care. If you have any concerns, contact David Williams, DPM of El Paso Feet. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Rare Foot Conditions

The majority of foot conditions are common and can be treated by a podiatrist.  Standard diagnostic procedures are generally used to identify specific conditions and treatment can be rendered. A podiatrist also treats rare foot conditions which can be difficult to diagnose and may need extra attention and care. 

There are many rare foot conditions that can affect children. Some of these can include:

• Freiberg’s disease
• Kohler’s disease
• Maffucci syndrome

Freiberg’s disease - This can be seen as a deterioration and flattening of a metatarsal bone that exists in the ball of the foot. It typically affects pre-teen and teenage girls, but can affect anyone at any age. Symptoms that can accompany this can be swelling, stiffness, and the patient may limp. 

Kohler’s disease - This often targets the bone in the arch of the foot and affects younger boys. It can lead to an interruption of the blood supply which ultimately can lead to bone deterioration. The patient may limp or experience tenderness, swelling, and redness.

Maffucci syndrome - This affects the long bones in a child’s foot leading to the development of abnormal bone lesions. They are benign growths and typically develop in early childhood and the bones may be susceptible to breaking. 

A podiatrist can properly diagnose and treat all types of rare foot conditions. If your child is affected by any of these symptoms or conditions, please don’t hesitate to call our office so the correct treatment method can begin.

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