Hammertoes Affect Even the Rich and Famous!

Paris Hilton, Brooke Shields, Katie Holmes

What are hammertoes?

Take a look at the toes on your feet. You will notice that your big toe only has 1 joint (1 place it can bend) while your 4 smaller toes have 2 joints (2 places they can bend). Hammertoes affect the toes with multiple joints – it is a condition where your little toes acquire a curl at the first joint which then forces the tip of your toe downward. The resulting toe looks like a hammer or hook.

What do hammertoes look like?

As mentioned before, hammertoes are the curling of the toes. In the above pictures, you can see the toes of these women do not lie parallel to the ground. However, these are feet belong to famous women! Try to identify these famous stars’ feet! The answers can be found at the end of this series (along with the full length photo of their couture)! Yes, even Hollywood superstars have foot problems!

What leads to hammertoe formation?

-          High-heels

-          Tight shoes

-          Ill-fitting shoes

-          Trauma

-          Bunions

-          Arthritis

Tight, ill-fitting and/or elevated shoe wear can force your middle toes to experience an overload of pressure which will then cause them to contract unnaturally. The crowding of your toes into a shoe may force your toe into the prolonged cramped position that ends up into a hammertoe condition. 

A bunion is a foot deformity that involves the formation of a crooked bump on one side of the big toe. This bump is caused by the big toe moving towards your smaller toes. Overtime, the big toe will either overlap or underlay your smaller toes or crowd them and push them out position.

Hammertoes need to be evaluated because if your toes stay in their bent positions for extended periods of time, the tendons that function at those joints will become stiff (because they do not experience the full amount of stretching) causing permanent contractures. In other words, hammertoes will be evident even when walking barefoot!

What are the symptoms of hammertoes?

-          Hook-like, curled toes

-          Corns or calluses (thickened patches of skin created in response to friction against a surface)

-          Discomfort or pain at the toes, at the ball of foot or in front of leg (when toes experience a downward stretch)

Hammertoes Affect Even the Rich and Famous!

Part 2

       The passion for fashion is what leads to some very interesting foot conditions. No woman is immune to the deformities that can be caused by high heels or ill-fitting shoes – like hammertoes, for instance.

How can hammertoe formation be prevented?

      Hammertoes can be avoided by following the toe-friendly recommendations listed below.

-          Elect to wear shoes that are one-half inch longer than your longest toe –  this allows for wiggle room for your toes

-          Choose footwear with wide or box-like fronts – shoes that come to a point have very little room for your toes and may lead to deforming conditions

-          Try to avoid high-heeled shoes – these types of shoe force your toes forward into the shoes where they will become cramped 

Hammertoes will become permanent if you do not make the effort to take care of your toes!

How can hammertoes be treated?

      Therapy for hammertoes requires stretching the toes in order to keep the tendons of the toes flexible and preventing the reoccurrence of the deforming condition.

Foot soak and stretches

-          The heat from a warm water bathing of your toes will allow your toes to relax and the stretching of your toes toward the sole of your foot will keep your tendons supple

Exercises

-          Simple exercises can be done to prevent tendon tightness – one such way is to place a wash cloth or small towel onto the floor and then grasp it using only your toes

-          A podiatrist may recommend a proper set of toe and foot exercises to keep your toes lithe

Splints

-          A store-bought or homemade splint will keep your toe straight and extend the tendons of your toes

Surgery

-          A podiatrist may perform a surgical procedure on hammertoes that have reached a permanent state of contracture

Arthrodesis – this surgical technique is an option for the enduring hammertoe cases, it entails the fusion of a joint in order to flatten the toe

Arthroplasty – this hammertoe straightening procedure involves the removal of a small portion of bone from the affected joint which cause the toe to become straight 

It is very important to consult your podiatrist before undertaking any course of action. Their medical expertise will help you solve your foot problems! 

Central Florida Foot & Ankle Center, LLC
101 6th Street N.W.
Winter Haven, FL 33881
Phone: 863-299-4551
http://www.FLFootandAnkle.com

Spring is here, and the summer is right around the corner. Do you have your flip-flops? Should you?

 With warm weather just around the corner, that can only mean one thing.  Ladies and Gentlemen, it’s flip-flop time!  They’re all the rage – easy to throw on (and take off), usually inexpensive, and they come in thousands of colors and styles.  But are they comfortable?  Are they the best thing to wear all day long in the summer time?  The answer is, well, probably not. 

            Most flip-flops and sandals provide little to no padding or arch support.  For walking across the pool deck or running a quick errand, they’re okay, but walking extended distances in these types of sandals can be brutal on your feet.  Heel pain, shin splints and arch pain are all common complaints of excessive flip-flop wearers.  Flimsy sandals also do little to protect your toes from blunt trauma (stubbing your toe on a pool chair) or from stepping on rocks and other debris that may be on the ground. 

            So how do you fix the problem?   

When looking for a summer sandal, it’s best to look for something that is a bit stiffer, something that will provide more arch support than the average flip-flop.  You definitely don’t want to wear something for an extended period of time that you can easily fold in half.  Also look for something that is well cushioned in the heel.  This will lessen the impact on your foot, saving you the discomfort of some nasty heel pain.  A sandal with a strap on the back will keep the sandal snug on your foot, providing added protection and support. 

            You can also look for sandals made by specific brands that have been awarded the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) Seal of Acceptance.  Some of these brands include Dansko, Chaco, Wolky, Crocs, and Rockport.  Check out a complete list of APMA approved footwear at the APMA website.

            Flip-flops and sandals are as much a part of the summer as barbecues and baseball, but remember, they do come with a price tag.  To avoid foot pain this summer, wear socks and comfortable shoes for long walks through amusement parks and malls, and save the sandals for the pool.  

Central Florida Foot & Ankle Center, LLC
101 6th Street N.W.
Winter Haven, FL 33881
Phone: 863-299-4551
http://www.FLFootandAnkle.com

Feeling Callous about a Callus?

Everyone who’s anyone has had a callus at some point in their lives… and has had a question or two about them. What are they? Why are they so annoying? How do they form? What do you do get rid of those little nuisances?

            A callus (also called a hyperkeratosis) can be defined as a congregation of dead skin cells that is usually found on the bottom of feet. Over time that accumulation of cells starts to toughen up into a thickened layer of skin. Calluses are formed in areas of your body that are prone to constant friction. Callus formation is your body’s mode of combating the forces of excess pressure and friction. That thick layer of skin serves as a cushion for the abrasion your foot encounters. The most common places to find calluses are on the heel, ball of the foot, and/or underneath the big toe.

            The overload of these forces on your feet can be caused by a variety of factors: high-arched or low-arched feet, loss of the fat pad of your foot, obesity, high-heeled shoes, gait abnormalities, foot friction while wearing socks and/or shoes, ill-fitting or narrow shoes, and prolonged standing. A callus is usually painless, but in some instances you may experience significant discomfort because your callus may have a deep knot-like center called a nucleation. This type of callus is called an intractable plantar keratosis.

            Calluses can be treated by using rasps, files, or another callus remover product to minimize the callus. You may also try applying a moisturizer or cream to soften the callus. The best way to treat calluses is to wear proper fitting shoes that eliminate the focused irritation or friction on your feet. You can purchase shoe inserts, insoles or orthoses to provide padding and reduce the pressure points in your shoe. It is best to find shoe wear that has shock absorbing capabilities. Whatever you do make sure not to cut or trim your calluses with a razor, knife or scissors.  This is a dangerous method to eliminate calluses and may worsen the problem.

According to the American Podiatric Medical Association, painful calluses affect 5% of the U.S. population. Calluses are not a serious health risk, but as mentioned before, they may be irritating and/or painful.  Make sure to secure an appointment with your podiatrist if you experience pain with your calluses. They may perform in-office procedures and devise a treatment plan to help you fight off those pesky little problems!

Central Florida Foot & Ankle Center, LLC
101 6th Street N.W.
Winter Haven, FL 33881
Phone: 863-299-4551
http://www.flfootandankle.com

Nail Polish: a Health Hazard?

The immense variety of nail lacquers and polishes make it hard to choose the perfect product! Whether you want to strengthen brittle nails, lengthen short nails, or just add a little color to your fingers and toes – there is a vast arsenal of products in an infinite palate of hues to satisfy every fancy. However, do not be fooled by the seemingly innocent contents of that small, brightly colored bottle. Did you know that the chemicals in nail polish are potentially hazardous for your health?

The dangers of nail polish are directly correlated with the chemicals used in their manufacture. Most nail polishes are chock full of a variety of harmful substances. The major toxic compounds that you need to watch out for are toluene and dibutyl phthalate.

            Toluene is a clear fluid that is a component of many products: gasoline, paints, shoe polish, and even explosives! This compound allows t the nail polish to stay in its liquid form in the bottle and is responsible for the rapid drying of the nail polish when on your nails.  Toluene is bad for your health because it affects your nervous system causing nausea, headaches, and depression. In addition, toluene induces kidney and liver damage as well as eye, nose and throat irritation. It has even been implicated in the development of cancer!

            Dibutyl phthalate (DBP) is a chemical that is used as a binder to improve the endurance of nail polish when applied to your nails. This is th substance that allows plastic ware its flexible properties.  Women of child-bearing age are being asked to avoid DBP because it has been linked to cancer in laboratory rats and the disruption of hormone levels in humans. In addition, this compound may play a role in childhood asthma, lasting fertility problems in newborn boys, and liver toxicity.

Besides toluene and DBP, compounds such as ethyl alcohol, formaldehyde, and glycol ethers are potential toxins found in nail polish as well!  Why are these chemicals so bad?

Ethyl alcohol – irritant of mucous membranes and suppresses the activity of the central nervous system

Formaldehyde – neurotoxin that has produced cancer in certain laboratory rats

Glycol ethers – substance that has been associated with birth defects in animals, lower sperm counts in human males whose mothers were exposed to low levels, and higher than normal rates of miscarriage with increased exposure

Take the time to find a product that is DBP and toluene-free! There’s no point in taking an unnecessary risk just to keep those toes colorful! 

Central Florida Foot & Ankle Center, LLC
101 6th Street N.W.
Winter Haven, FL 33881
Phone: 863-299-4551
http://www.flfootandankle.com

Barefoot Running

The barefoot lifestyle and barefoot running is a trend gaining popularity in the running community.  Opinions on barefoot running vary greatly, from “Absolutely Not” to “Absolutely No Other Way”. 

            The barefoot community claims that running barefoot improves the runner’s form, and eliminates problems like knee and hip pain.  This is due to a change in form.  When wearing running shoes, which typically have a thick padded cushion in the heel, striking the ground with the heel first sends shock all the way up the leg.  This force is largely absorbed by the knee, as well as the hip and back, which can be transferred to chronic pain.  Barefoot running eliminates the option of heel striking, forcing the barefooter to land on the balls of the feet, with the feet lined up directly underneath the hips.  This allows the force to be displaced more evenly, avoiding common running injuries.

            Many claim that the barefoot lifestyle is the only way to go.  Advocates of a barefoot lifestyle claim that it is the only true way to feel the ground, and that keeping your foot in a shoe all day is bad for the mind and the spirit.  Barefoot running expands into barefoot walking, even barefoot driving!

            But is the barefoot lifestyle a wise decision?  The opinion on the other side of the spectrum is that barefoot running and walking can lead to serious health problems.  Imagine walking around barefoot all day with an “improper” form, striking with your heel.  This would lead to some serious heel pain.  Also, a barefoot lifestyle offers no protection against the elements, and no protection against debris that may be on the ground.  Puncture wounds on the foot can lead to serious infections. 

            Still, even with the obvious thought that a barefoot runner’s feet would get chewed up by the elements and terrain, barefoot running has a significant following.  In fact, many bare footers  prefer a rough terrain like asphalt to a soft terrain like grass or sand!  There has been much reporting on the barefoot lifestyle, including this article found in New York Magazine, which discusses the idea of shoes wrecking our feet by wearing shoes.  There are websites devoted to a barefoot lifestyle, like the Society for Barefoot Living and RunningBarefoot.org.

            While many may shudder at the thought of walking to the store with no shoes on, or running on a city sidewalk barefoot, there are those who would have it no other way.  Which side of the fence are you on? 

Central Florida Foot and Ankle Center, LLC.
101 6TH St. NW.
Winter Haven, Fl. 33881
863-299-4551
http://www.flfootandankle.com

Warning: DANGEROUS Pedicures Ahead! Part 1

            In anticipation of sandal-wearing season a trip to the salon to pamper your feet and to beautify your toenails is definitely on your to-do list. Soaking your feet in a warm bubbling foot spa followed by a massage is definitely an indulgence. However, you might be getting more out of a pedicure treatment than you might expect!

            It may not be a surprise that the root of all evil is bacteria. However, what might be shocking is that these organisms just love the temperate water of the swirling foot spas. These bacteria are just teeming in the water that you place in your feet in! The danger lies in the fact that these bacteria will find places in the pipes and plumbing of foot spas to adhere to. No matter how clean the basin is – the bacteria never actually disappears because they will be flushed out of the tubing with the circulating water and they will still find their way to your feet.            

What exactly happens?

For bacteria to grow, they need to be in an environment that provides them with nutrition and optimal temperature. The filters of a foot spa are perfect havens for bacterial growth because they provide a food supply as well as a warm environment for the organisms. Filters trap particles and debris while allowing for the passage of water and the bacteria make their home where this organic and inorganic material has collected and feed off the filtered matter. Once the bacteria have found a place to nest they will multiply and rejoin the water stream with every cycle of water circulation. Now this is the water you are soaking your feet in.

How will the bacteria enter the body?

            If you have any cuts or open wounds you should not enter a salon until the skin has been allowed to heal itself. If you have a pedicure appointment, make sure that it is at least 24 hours after you have shaved or waxed your skin because those procedures will have left tiny openings in your skin. These holes are portals of entry for bacteria – so do not give them the chance to get into your body! If you are a diabetic, HIV patient, and/or elderly – you are prone to bacterial infections that may lead to serious complications including death. 

Not such a relaxing experience now, is it?

Central Florida Foot and Ankle Center, LLC.
101 6TH St. NW.
Winter Haven, Fl. 33881
863-299-4551
http://www.flfootandankle.com

Warning: DANGEROUS Pedicures Ahead! Part 2

You may just come home with more than pretty feet after a pedicure! 

Who are the culprits?

         

   Bacteria such as Mycobacterium fortuitum and Methicillin-Resistant Staphylcoccus Aureus(MRSA) are two such organisms that can cause a variety of health problems that can range from being a nuisance to life-threatening illness.

What kind of problems will these bacteria cause?

            Mycobacterium fortuitum is often found in pedicure facilities and if it finds its way into your body, you may be dealing with some irritating problems. The bacteria will produce lesions that bear a resemblance to insect bites. These lesions will eventually enlarge to produce pus. When the boils finally heal they will leave scars on your skin!

            Methicillin-Resistant Staphylcoccus Aureus or MRSA is another organism that could cause problems. This is a particularly dangerous bacterium because it is very aggressive and hard to treat because it easily develops resistance to many antibiotics. MRSA will cause the most the serious problems in individuals with weak immune systems such as diabetic patients. Signs of a MRSA infection include small red bumps that look like spider bites that may be associated with fever and rashes. With the passage of a couple of days the bumps will swell into painful pus-filled lesions that could turn into abscesses! To treat an abscess, an incision and drainage procedure is required.

            MRSA is especially scary when it spreads to other parts of the body. In 75% of all cases, the bacteria will journey to other areas of the skin and soft tissue – so it remains superficial. Unfortunately, there have been cases where MRSA dives into the body and proliferates into bones, joints, and inner organs! This organism may also cause sepsis which is the presence of various pus-forming organisms or their toxins in the blood or tissue. The sepsis can be considered a total body inflammation to the infection! There have also been incidents where MRSA infections from a pedicure treatment have lead to limb amputation and death!

            Always be careful and make sure that your salon follows the highest standards of safety and hygiene. Contracting Mycobacterium fortuitum or MRSA during a pedicure session is probably not your idea of a peaceful spa experience. Who knew that a day at the salon to pamper your feet might jeopardize your life!? 

Central Florida Foot and Ankle Center, LLC.
101 6TH St. NW.
Winter Haven, Fl. 33881
863-299-4551
http://www.flfootandankle.com

The "Price" You Pay to Look Good

Is it just me, or has the phenomenon around Sex and the City taken the popularity of high heels and skyrocketed those to new heights? More then ever, high heels have become a fashion statement unto themselves, with each season bringing about more shocking, more vibrant, and more amazing shoes than their predecessors.

 But a three or four inch shoe can be daunting. And many cannot even begin to fathom the greater heights, as we push ourselves in to 4 1/2, 5, or 6 inch heels. With the pursuit of vanity (and great gams) come warnings, fears, and frights.

 DR.’S RESPONSE:  High heels are the nemesis of the astute podiatric surgeon.  Unfortunately, despite our best and well intentioned efforts to encourage the disuse of high heeled shoes, fashion conscious women continue to push the envelope.  I’ll give you an example:  Just yesterday I was at a boat show, with steps, docks, and people getting in and out of boat gunnels.  I saw a middle aged woman there with 6 inch heels, obviously in intense agony walking and hobbling along. Why do women torture themselves?  As a physician, I recommend the use of flats with an elevated heel of 1 inch.  If heels must be worn, I encourage my patients to use heels of 2 inches or less.  Anything more severely alters the biomechanics of a normally functioning foot.  This can lead to a shortening Achilles tendon, bunions, deformed toes, formation of a bump on the back of your heel, balance problems, sprained ankles, blisters, and corns.  

Central Florida Foot and Ankle Center, LLC.
101 6TH St. NW.
Winter Haven, Fl. 33881
863-299-4551
http://www.flfootandankle.com

HIgh Heels

High Heels

Did you know the average woman will wear high heels for 51 years of her life? It’s no wonder that foot problems will develop! Just what features of high heels make them so bad for your feet? It is not the color or the material of high heels that are leading to the foot problems! Rather, all the problems that stem from high heels center on their incompatibility with human anatomy!

Stress 1: The angled nature of a high heel means that your forefoot becomes the focus of pressure when walking, climbing stairs, jumping, or running! The excess force on a particular section of your foot can lead to stress fractures which are small breaks in your bones that can lead to pain and swelling!

 

Stress 2: When you slip on high heels you are actually elevating your foot which drastically off-balances the forces that act upon your feet. By altering the force that acts upon your big toe, you might destabilize that joint and it could lead to the formation of a bunion. That bunion can lead to discomfort and swelling which can then push the other toes out of line!

Stress 3: Wearing high heels means that your foot is slanted instead of parallel to the ground and now gravity has more of a reason to pull you down! If you have worn high heels you know that your foot slides forward into the shoe due to the gravity and this phenomenon leads to a shift in your weight. The sliding motion results in friction and in an effort to protect itself, your foot will develop thickened areas of skin called corns (top of your foot) and calluses (bottom of your foot). 

Stress 4: The sliding action of your foot in a high heel forces your toes into the narrow portion of the shoe. Over time, your toes will start to deform by curling at their middle joint in order to accommodate in the cramped space. The bending at the middle joint of your toes leads tohammertoe formation and leads to the increased incidence of corns and calluses. Your joints could even dislocate and may require surgical correction!

            Ladies, think about how a high heel looks and how your feet feel in them while reading this and it might help you fathom all the different stresses you are subjecting your feet to!  

Central Florida Foot and Ankle Center, LLC.
101 6TH St. NW.
Winter Haven, Fl. 33881
863-299-4551
http://www.flfootandankle.com