What do you know about Hammer, Claw and Mallet Toes?

1. Match the problem with the meaning:

1. The toe bends down toward the floor at the middle toe joint causing the middle toe joint to rise up.

2. The toe bends down at the joint closest to the tip of the toe.

3. The toes bend up at the joint where the toes and foot meet, and bend down at the middle joints and at the joints nearest the tip of the toes. This causes the toes to curl downward.

A. Hammer Toe

B. Claw Toe

C. Mallet Toe

2. These toe problems are linked with all of the following conditions. What is the most common?

A. Diabetes

B. Rheumatoid Arthritis

C. Foot or ankle injury

D. Tight shoes

3. Which of the following is not a symptom of hammer, claw and mallet toes?

A. Bent toe

B. Pain

C. Fungus

D. Irritation from footwear

4. True or False? In severe cases, these toe problems may affect your balance.

5. Which is more likely to require surgery?

A. Fixed Joint

B. Flexible Joint

6. The following are two types of surgery used to correct these toe problems. Match the surgical procedure with what it is.

1. Phalangeal head resection

2. Arthrodesis

A. Removing part of the toe bone

B. Removing part of the joint and letting the toe bones grow together.

Check out all the answers in the comments below!

Image by photologue_np. Question Mark. (2013). Flickr.

Running Precautions

We made it; tomorrow is the first day of spring! Though it is still possible to see snow in the springtime, temperatures have climbed above freezing, and more and more people have taken their activities outdoors. It’s hard to drive down the street and not see someone running on the sidewalk. If you are one of those people hitting the pavement, taking proper precautions can help keep you outdoors all running season.

Before running, stretch the muscles in your shins to prevent shin splints from occurring. It is also a good idea to replace your running shoes often. Shin splints can cause shooting pain near the front or the sides of the shin bone and can take you out of your running game for a while.

Wearing shoes that leave enough room will help prevent Morton’s Neuroma. This can cause stinging pain and numbness in the toes and pain in the balls of the feet. If you have experienced Morton’s Neuroma before, orthotics can be a way to help prevent it from re-occurring.

Proper stretching and arch support help to prevent Achilles Tendonitis. This is inflammation of the tendon that attaches to the back of the heel.  If you feel pain or irritation in that area, rest, ice and pain relievers can help. If pain persists, you should see a physician.

Too much stress on the lower extremities can cause Stress Fractures or Plantar Fasciitis. If you experience pain or swelling in your foot or ankle, it is best to see a physician. He will be able to properly diagnose you and set you up with a treatment plan to get you back at your running routing.

Image by Hernan Pinera. Run. (2013). Flickr.

Flip Flop Facts

It seems like just yesterday we were talking about how to pick the proper boot to protect your feet from the harsh winter. The weather is warming up, which means summer and sandal season are right around the corner. Before you ditch your closed toed shoes for something more open, here are a few facts about flip flops that you should be aware of.

Cheap flip flops that have no support put pressure on the outside of the foot instead of the heel while walking, which can change your stride.

Injuries such as twisted ankles and stubbed toes can occur from tripping over the front of flip flops.

The thong part of the sandal that keeps your foot from pushing forward can cause blisters due to rubbing. Chose flip flops with thongs made of soft leathers rather than plastic.

Your toes can get cramped since they are doing all the work gripping the flip flop. Limit the amount of time you are walking in them.

The lack of support can cause pain in the tendons alongside the shins.

Flip flops wear out quickly. If you are going to wear this type of shoe, it is best to buy new from one season to the next.

The sturdier, the better. If you can bend the flip flop in half, it is best to leave them on the sale rack. There are flip flops that offer arch support and shock absorption to better support your foot and ankles.

Image by Bill Selak. Flip Flops. (2007). Flickr.

Foot Pain

Foot pain is a common grievance and a popular reason patients seek out a podiatrist. There are many causes and different types of foot pain. Here are just a few:

Plantar Fasciitis: The band of tissue connecting the heel bone to the toes becomes inflamed

Causes: Excessive pronation, high arches or flat feet, ill-fitting shoes

Complaint: Heel pain that is at its worst first thing in the morning when getting out of bed

Heel Spurs: Abnormal bone growth on the bottom of the heel bone

Causes: Abnormal stride, ill-fitting shoes

Complaint: Foot pain while walking or standing

Metatarsalgia: Pain and inflammation in the ball of the foot

Causes: Strenuous activity or ill-fitting shoes

Complaint: Persistent pain

Stone bruise: A deep bruise of the fat pad on the heel or ball of the foot

Causes: Impact injury or stepping on a hard object

Complaint: Persistent pain

Turf Toe: Pain at the base of the big toe due to physical activity

Causes: Strain from hyperextension of the big toe

Complaint: Toe Pain

Toe Sprain: Damage to the tendons or soft tissue of the toe

Causes: Stubbing your toe

Complaint: Pain and swelling

Foot pain is not normal and should not be ignored. There are a number of diagnoses made from a foot pain complaint. Your physician will be able to recommend treatment once the problem is identified.  

Image by Corey Balazowich. Cold Feet. (2007). Flickr.