A hammertoe is when a toe joint (usually the second or middle toe joint) points up instead of lying flat and causes the toe to look like a hammer. This condition can be painful and can lead to difficulty walking. The affected joint often gets rigid, the joint stiffens, sometimes to non-movement. Sometimes a corn or callus may develop on the joint and can cause pain and swelling on the top of the bent toe. This affliction can be caused by weak foot or leg muscles which lead to the tendon pulling up the toe in an abnormal position. Hammertoes are more apt to happen to those who wear high heels or shoes that do not properly support the feet. However, foot type at birth, those with neuromuscular disease, and trauma may predispose one to develop this joint deformity as well. If you think you have symptoms of a hammertoe, it is recommended that you see a qualified podiatrist as soon as possible for proper diagnosis and treatment.

Hammertoe

Hammertoes can be a painful condition to live with. For more information, contact Mark Isenberg, DPM from Center for Podiatric Excellence. Our doctor will answer any of your foot- and ankle-related questions.

Hammertoe is a foot deformity that affects the joints of the second, third, fourth, or fifth toes of your feet. It is a painful foot condition in which these toes curl and arch up, which can often lead to pain when wearing footwear.

Symptoms

• Pain in the affected toes
• Development of corns or calluses due to friction
• Inflammation
• Redness
• Contracture of the toes

Causes

Genetics – People who are genetically predisposed to hammertoe are often more susceptible

Arthritis – Because arthritis affects the joints in your toes, further deformities stemming from arthritis can occur

Trauma – Direct trauma to the toes could potentially lead to hammertoe

Ill-fitting shoes – Undue pressure on the front of the toes from ill-fitting shoes can potentially lead to the development of hammertoe

Treatment

Orthotics – Custom made inserts can be used to help relieve pressure placed on the toes and therefore relieve some of the pain associated with it

Medications – Oral medications such as anti-inflammatories or NSAIDs could be used to treat the pain and inflammation hammertoes causes. Injections of corticosteroids are also sometimes used

Surgery – In more severe cases where the hammertoes have become more rigid, foot surgery is a potential option

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

If you drop something on your foot, it will likely turn purple or blue from bruising. This is normal, and the common solutions of rest, ice, elevation, and compression should help ease the pain as your foot heals. However, chronic discoloration of the feet can be a sign of restricted blood flow brought on by other conditions. Among them are diabetic neuropathy, peripheral artery disease (PAD), lupus, or Raynaud’s disease. In some way all of these conditions limit the flow of blood to the extremities and can cause foot swelling, discoloration and numbness. If you notice that your feet have changed color for longer periods, it may be wise to consult a podiatrist who can offer a complete examination and diagnosis of your feet and recommend the best treatment options for you.

Everyday foot care is very important to prevent infection and other foot ailments. If you need your feet checked, contact Mark Isenberg, DPM from Center for Podiatric Excellence. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

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. 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 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. 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 Pensacola, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Peripheral neuropathy, a type of nerve damage that affects the extremities, is a complication associated with several diseases. One of the most common types of neuropathy is diabetic neuropathy. As its name suggests, this type of nerve damage occurs in people who have diabetes. Approximately 25% of diabetics have experienced pain caused by nerve damage. Other potential causes of peripheral neuropathy include vitamin deficiencies, alcohol abuse, foot injuries, hypothyroidism, kidney disease, Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease, and certain infections. Since neuropathy in the feet can cause a reduction or loss of sensation, the feet are at an increased risk of developing wounds, which may become infected. If you have peripheral neuropathy, it is suggested that you be under the care of a podiatrist. 

Neuropathy

Neuropathy can be a potentially serious condition, especially if it is left undiagnosed. If you have any concerns that you may be experiencing nerve loss in your feet, consult with Mark Isenberg, DPM from Center for Podiatric Excellence. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment for neuropathy.

What Is Neuropathy?

Neuropathy is a condition that leads to damage to the nerves in the body. Peripheral neuropathy, or neuropathy that affects your peripheral nervous system, usually occurs in the feet. Neuropathy can be triggered by a number of different causes. Such causes include diabetes, infections, cancers, disorders, and toxic substances.

Symptoms of Neuropathy Include:

• Numbness
• Sensation loss
• Prickling and tingling sensations
• Throbbing, freezing, burning pains
• Muscle weakness

Those with diabetes are at serious risk due to being unable to feel an ulcer on their feet. Diabetics usually also suffer from poor blood circulation. This can lead to the wound not healing, infections occurring, and the limb may have to be amputated.

Treatment

To treat neuropathy in the foot, podiatrists will first diagnose the cause of the neuropathy. Figuring out the underlying cause of the neuropathy will allow the podiatrist to prescribe the best treatment, whether it be caused by diabetes, toxic substance exposure, infection, etc. If the nerve has not died, then it’s possible that sensation may be able to return to the foot.

Pain medication may be issued for pain. Electrical nerve stimulation can be used to stimulate nerves. If the neuropathy is caused from pressure on the nerves, then surgery may be necessary.

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

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease in which the body’s own immune system attacks and destroys otherwise healthy cells in the lining of the joints. There are several groups of joints in the lower limbs that are frequently affected by RA. The interphalangeal joints, which are located between the bones that make up the toes, and the metatarsophalangeal joints, which connect your toe bones to the rest of your foot, can become stiff, swollen, and inflamed. Hammertoes or claw toes may develop over time, keeping the toes bent at uncomfortable angles. The subtalar joint, located between the heel bone and the bone that connects your foot to your leg, and the ankle joints, can also become stiff, restricting the range of motion in your feet and ankles. If you have RA, it is suggested that you seek the ongoing care of a podiatrist.

Because RA affects more than just your joints, including the joints in your feet and ankles, it is important to seek early diagnosis from your podiatrist if you feel like the pain in your feet might be caused by RA. For more information, contact Mark Isenberg, DPM of Center for Podiatric Excellence. Our doctor will assist you with all of your podiatric concerns.

What Is Rheumatoid Arthritis?

Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disorder in which the body’s own immune system attacks the membranes surrounding the joints. Inflammation of the lining and eventually the destruction of the joint’s cartilage and bone occur, causing severe pain and immobility.

Rheumatoid Arthritis of the Feet

Although RA usually attacks multiple bones and joints throughout the entire body, almost 90 percent of cases result in pain in the foot or ankle area.

Symptoms

• Swelling and pain in the feet
• Stiffness in the feet
• Pain on the ball or sole of feet
• Joint shift and deformation

Diagnosis

Quick diagnosis of RA in the feet is important so that the podiatrist can treat the area effectively. Your doctor will ask you about your medical history, occupation, and lifestyle to determine the origin of the condition. Rheumatoid Factor tests help to determine if someone is affected by the disease.

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

When uric acid builds up in the joints, usually the big toe, it forms a very painful type of arthritis known as gout. This happens when there is too much uric acid in the blood, and the acid forms crystals around the joints causing them to be stiff, irritated and painful. The main key to preventing gout is a healthy lifestyle, which includes maintaining a healthy weight, getting enough vitamin C, and avoiding foods that are high in purines. Patients who are struggling with pain in their big toe and believe it is due to gout would be wise to consult with a podiatrist. The doctor will assist in managing the condition, as well as provide options for pain relief.   

Gout is a painful condition that can be treated. If you are seeking treatment, contact Mark Isenberg, DPM from Center for Podiatric Excellence. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Is Gout?

Gout is a form of arthritis that is characterized by sudden, severe attacks of pain, redness, and tenderness in the joints. The condition usually affects the joint at the base of the big toe. A gout attack can occur at any random time, such as the middle of the night while you are asleep.

Symptoms

• Intense Joint Pain - Usually around the large joint of your big toe, and it most severe within the first four to twelve hours
• Lingering Discomfort - Joint discomfort may last from a few days to a few weeks
• Inflammation and Redness -Affected joints may become swollen, tender, warm and red
• Limited Range of Motion - May experience a decrease in joint mobility

Risk Factors

• Genetics - If family members have gout, you’re more likely to have it
• Medications - Diuretic medications can raise uric acid levels
• Gender/Age - Gout is more common in men until the age of 60. It is believed that estrogen protects women until that point
• Diet - Eating red meat and shellfish increases your risk
• Alcohol - Having more than two alcoholic drinks per day increases your risk
• Obesity - Obese people are at a higher risk for gout

Prior to visiting your podiatrist to receive treatment for gout, there are a few things you should do beforehand. If you have gout you should write down your symptoms--including when they started and how often you experience them, important medical information you may have, and any questions you may have. Writing down these three things will help your podiatrist in assessing your specific situation so that he or she may provide the best route of treatment for you.

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