Hammertoes are some of the most common foot conditions that can develop. Many people often assume that hammertoes will disappear on their own; they often don’t realize, however, that there are a few treatments for the condition they can enlist to help them heal faster. Wearing comfortable shoes with a wide toe-box will keep the hammertoe from exacerbating. Gently massaging the affected toe, orthotics, and anti-inflammatory medications can also help ease the condition.

To successfully correct a hammertoe and relieve the pain and inflammation associated it, medical assistance may be necessary. If you are seeking hammertoe treatment, consult with podiatrist one of our podiatrists from Foot Doctor of the East Bay. Our doctors will provide you with quality treatment and assist you with all of your foot and ankle concerns.

Hammertoe

Hammertoe is little-known a painful condition that affects the second, third and fourth toes involving different joints of the toe and foot. Hammertoe can be caused by many other conditions such as RA (rheumatoid arthritis), osteoarthritis, trauma or injuries to your foot, it can be hereditary and it can also be caused by a cerebral vascular accident. If you wear shoes that are too narrow or short for your feet, it may exacerbate any pain you already have.

It is really important to your overall well-being to seek out medical attention at the first signs of foot pain or anything that may hinder your ability to walk in a normal manner. Taking care of your feet is one of the first steps to being able to live a full and healthy life.

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

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With the official start of fall now here, many people are switching out their summer flip-flops and sandals for shoes and boots. To throw in some fall foot care and prepare the feet for the next two seasons covered in shoes, consider some simple steps: exfoliation, moisturizing, taking care of the nails, and getting a pedicure. To exfoliate the feet, simply rub a pumice stone to reveal fresh skin. Soften skin with a heavy-duty moisturizer right after you shower. Keep nails looking healthy by trimming and filing them regularly.     

Regardless of season or weather, everyday foot care should be practiced year round. For more information about everyday foot care, consult with one of our podiatrists from Foot Doctor of the East Bay. Our doctors will provide you with the foot- and ankle information you seek.

Everyday Foot Care

Often, people take care of their bodies, face and hair more so than they do for their feet. But the feet are a very important aspect of our bodies, and one that we should pay more attention to. After all, without our feet, we would not be able to perform most daily tasks. It is best to check your feet regularly to make sure there are no new bruises or cuts that you may not have noticed before, for example.

For dry feet, moisturizer can easily be a remedy and can be applied as often as necessary to the affected areas. Wearing shoes that fit well can also help you maintain good foot health, as well as making it easier to walk and do daily activities without the stress or pain of ill-fitting shoes, high heels, or even flip flops.

Also, wearing clean socks with closed shoes is important to ensure that sweat and bacteria do not accumulate within the shoe. Clean socks help to prevent athlete’s foot, fungi problems, bad odors, and can absorb sweat.

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

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Kyle Blanks of the Texas Rangers has reportedly undergone surgery for his right foot and will soon have surgery done on his left foot as well. The first baseman missed a large chunk of this season due to Achilles issues that affected him toward the end of 2014. Blanks has been on and off the disabled list and currently remains on it due to his surgeries. Unfortunately, due to his injuries Blanks will become a free agent at the end of the season. If surgery goes well, it is likely he will try to make a comeback next year.

Foot surgery is sometimes necessary. If you are struggling with a foot or ankle condition, talk to one of our podiatrists from Foot Doctor of the East Bay. Our doctors can treat your foot and ankle needs.  

When Is Surgery Necessary?

Foot and ankle surgery is generally reserved for cases in which less invasive, conservative procedures have failed to help with the problem. Some of the cases in which surgery may be necessary are:

• Removing foot deformities like bone spurs and bunions
• Severe arthritis that has caused bone issues
• Cosmetic reconstruction

What Types of Surgery Are There?

The type of surgery you receive will depend on the nature of the problem you have. Some of the possible surgeries include:

• Bunionectomy for painful bunions
• Surgical fusion for realignment of bones
• Neuropathy decompression surgery to treat nerve damage

Benefits of Surgery

Although surgery is usually a last resort, it can provide more complete pain relief compared to non-surgical methods and may allow you to finally resume full activity.

Surgical techniques have also become increasingly sophisticated. Techniques like endoscopic surgery allow for smaller incisions and faster recovery times.

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

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Many common foot conditions, such as bunions, can be cured with a variety of different treatments that do not involve surgery. When Floria Antell found a bunion on her left foot two years ago, her podiatrist suggested an invasive surgical procedure that would require rest afterwards for eight weeks. Antell instead looked to another podiatrist who prescribed her custom foot insoles that relieved pressure on her bunion and corrected her flat feet. This, combined with anti-inflammatory medication and shockwave therapy, allowed for her bunion to fully heal after six months—even with her daily walks and exercise. Antell shares, “It was so important to me that I didn’t have to be in bed for months, but I also learned how to take care of my feet better.” 

To avoid extended pain, consider bunion treatment as soon as possible. For more information about bunion treatments, consult with one of our podiatrists from Foot Doctor of the East Bay. Our doctors will attend to all of your foot and ankle needs.

What is a Bunion?

A bunion is formed of swollen tissue or an enlargement of boney growth, usually located at the base joint of the toe that connects to the foot. The swelling occurs by the bones in the big toe shifting inward, which impacts the other toes of the foot. This causes the area around the base of the big toe to become inflamed and painful.

Why do Bunions Form?

• Genetics – susceptibility to bunions are often hereditary
• Stress on the feet – poorly fitted and uncomfortable footwear that places stress on feet, such as heels, can cause bunions to form

How are Bunions Diagnosed?

Doctors often perform two tests – blood tests and x-rays – when trying to diagnose bunions, especially in the early stages of development. Blood tests help determine if the foot pain is being caused by something else, such as arthritis, while x-rays provide a clear picture of your bone structure to your doctor.

How are Bunions Treated?

• Refrain from wearing heels or similar shoes that cause discomfort
• Select wider shoes that can provide more comfort and reduce pain
• Anti-inflammatory and pain management drugs
• Orthotics or foot inserts
• Surgery

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

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Corns and calluses may not be dangerous, but they can be painful, unsightly and unpleasant. Chances are, if you develop a corn or callus, you will want to have it removed as soon as possible. Depending on the size and thickness of your corn or callus, you may be able to treat it at home or you may need to visit your San Leandro podiatrist at Foot Doctor of the East Bay, Michael Stein, DPM. Here are a few corn and callus treatments you can try.

1. Switch to Comfortable Shoes

If your corns or calluses are the result of shoes that rub or pinch, make the switch to more comfortable shoes right away. Your shoes should be the correct size, have a low heel and feature a roomy toe box. You may even try sandals for a while to give your feet time and space to recover.

2. Soak in Warm Water

Soften the rough patches of skin by soaking your calluses in warm water. Once your callus is softened, you can gently and gradually remove the top layers with a pumice stone, being careful not to cut your skin. Speak to your San Leandro podiatrist first if you have diabetes, however, as this method may not be a good choice for you.

3. Use Pads or Inserts to Relieve Pressure

If your corn or callus is the result of too much friction, relieve some of the pressure with carefully positioned moleskin pads or shoe inserts. These inserts will help relieve pain and keep the corn or callus from worsening. Inserts are especially helpful for individuals who have foot deformities.

4. Visit Your San Leandro Podiatrist

For corns or calluses that are thick, painful or persistent, a trip to your San Leandro podiatrist Dr. Stein at Foot Doctor of the East Bay may be necessary. He can carefully remove the corn or callus using a procedure called debridement, in which he will carefully remove it layer by layer.

If your hands or feet have unsightly or painful corns or calluses, you don't have to live with them any longer. Try any of the treatment methods listed above or simply call Dr. Stein to have your corns or calluses removed once and for all. Your trusted San Leandro podiatrist, Dr. Stein will have your hands and feet looking and feeling better in no time. Call today!