Turf Toe

Turf toe is a common condition in athletes. It can affect ballerinas, gymnasts, football players, or anyone that is repeatedly pushing off their big toe. This constant jamming of the toe can cause the ligaments around the big toe to sprain - which is known as turf toe.

This type of injury is usually sudden. Some elements that can lead to turf toe are playing on artificial surfaces/grass surfaces or playing with flexible shoes that cause the foot to bend. Wearing shoes with proper support for the activity you are participating in can help to prevent turf toe.

When spraining the ligaments of the big toe, pain and swelling usually occur and a popping sensation can be felt.  If you experience these symptoms, seek the advice of a physician. He will examine your foot for swelling and may order diagnostic imaging to get a better picture of the injury. Rest, ice, compression and elevation usually do the trick to treat turf toe. It may take two to three weeks for the pain to subside. 

Image by COD Newsroom. Football 2013 Home Opener 32. (2013). Flickr.

Changes in Feet

It is common for feet to change as you age. Some normal changes are listed below:

• Feet can spread out and widen causing your shoe size to change. Be sure to try on shoes before purchasing “your size” to make sure they fit properly.
• The bottoms of feet can lose the fatty pads that provide cushioning to the feet. The heel pad is most typically affected.
• Skin tends to thin out and lose elasticity. This makes injuries and infections easier to come by.
• Ligaments and tendons lose their stretch-ability. 
• Nails can thicken and get brittle.

Other medical conditions that can be associated with aging, such as arthritis and poor circulation, can increase the risk of foot problems. Seeing a foot specialist regularly will help to monitor changes in the foot, which will help to take care of problems early on.

Image by Ale Art. Feet. (2013). Flickr.

Hallux Rigidus

The big toe may seem like a small part of your body, but it carries a big responsibility. The big toe is used whenever moving or standing, so having a problem with it can be a big deal. One problem that afflicts the big toe is hallux rigidus. It is a disorder that affects the joint at the base of the toe and causes pain and restricted movement. It is a progressive condition that starts as limited movement and ends in stiffness of the toe.

If you experience any of the following symptoms, it may be a sign of hallux ridigus:

• Pain and stiffness in the big toe
• Difficulty with normal activity
• Swelling and inflammation at the base of the toe
• Changes in the way you walk

Early treatment is the key with this disorder. Treatment when diagnosed early may include:

• Orthotics
• Medications
• Injections
• Physical therapy

If the condition progresses, surgery may be necessary. It is best to seek the opinion of a medical professional if you have any of these symptoms.

Image by Sean Winters. Foot. (2007). Flickr.

Ten Reasons to Rethink Flip Flops

It seems like we have hit a heat wave in Chicago. Warm weather means sandal weather, but beware when reaching for your flip flops. They are okay to wear in moderation at the pool or in a shower, but here are 10 reasons to rethink making flip flops your go to shoe:

1. They offer no arch support, heel cushioning or shock absorption
2. They can be the cause of foot pain, tendinitis, plantar fasciitis and sprained ankles
3. Toes have to grip the shoe to keep it in place, which can cause hammer toes and bunions
4. Using flip flops for an extended period of time can lead to stress fractures
5. Bare skin can rub against the straps causing blisters
6. Flip flops change the entire way you walk and can trigger issues in your ankles, knees, hips and back
7. Leaving toes exposed can lead to toe injuries
8. Unsupported feet take a lot more stress than supported feet
9. Exposed skin can become sunburned
10. The loose shoes can slip off creating a driving hazard

Image by eyessogreen. Day 47: New Flip Flops. (2008). Flickr.

Running Injuries

Running puts a lot of pressure on the lower extremities, making it common to experience foot injuries. Here are a few things to look out for:

Black Toenails

This is a common ailment in distance runners and can be due to improper cutting of the toe nails or ill-fitting shoes. If the nail jams into the toebox, the base of the nail wiggles causing bleeding just below the surface. Limiting downhill running may help to avoid this problem.

Calluses

Calluses are a sign that feet are getting a lot of force on one spot. Calluses can develop on different parts of the feet depending on how you are running. Often times getting an insert or orthotic can help your feet to correctly absorb the impact of each step.

Neuromas

Neuromas are enlarged nerves that can cause toe cramps or pain in the ball of the foot. Neuromas can develop from wearing shoes that are too tight in the toebox or from doing hill running. Sticking to flat areas may help to subside the pain.

Plantar Fasciitis

Plantar Fasciitis occurs when the connective fibers that run along the bottom of the foot become inflamed at the spot where they attach to the heel bone. This can cause pain the heel or arch. Plantar Fasciitis can be due to weak muscles in the feet and can improve with exercise focused on strengthening your toes and feet.

If you experience a running related injury, it is best to see a physician to address the problem and to help prevent it from happening again in the future.

Image by Timothy Takemoto. Running Shoes. (2005). Flickr.