A hammertoe is a deformity that affects the first joint of the 2nd, 3rd, or 4th toe, medically known as the proximal interphalangeal joint. This joint forms a peak rather than lying flat, and is generally believed to be caused by a muscle imbalance from wearing ill-fitting shoes. A weakened muscle can put pressure on a tendon, resulting in a lifting of the joint. The top of the joint then rubs against the inside of the shoe, causing pain. In some cases, only surgery can correct a hammertoe.  Among the surgical options available are tendon transfer, joint resection, and fusion. During a tendon transfer, a nearby tendon is pulled across the joint, causing it to become straighter. This is used with a flexible hammertoe, one that still can be pushed flat manually. Joint resection involves cutting tendons and ligaments in a fixed hammertoe to straighten the joint and removing a portion of the bone. Pins may be put in place to keep the joint stable for a few weeks and then removed. Fusion calls for removing part of the joint to let the bones grow together. If you have a painful hammertoe, it is a good idea to consult a podiatrist for an examination and treatment options. 

Hammertoes can be a painful condition to live with. For more information, contact Dr. Kirk Sherris of Liberty Bay Foot & Ankle. Our doctor will answer any of your foot- and ankle-related questions.

Hammertoe

Hammertoe is a foot deformity that occurs due to an imbalance in the muscles, tendons, or ligaments that normally hold the toe straight. It can be caused by the type of shoes you wear, your foot structure, trauma, and certain disease processes.

Symptoms

• Painful and/or difficult toe movement
• Swelling
• Joint stiffness
• Calluses/Corns
• Physical deformity

Risk Factors

• Age – The risk of hammertoe increases with age
• Sex – Women are more likely to have hammertoe compared to men
• Toe Length – You are more likely to develop hammertoe if your second toe is longer than your big toe
• Certain Diseases – Arthritis and diabetes may make you more likely to develop hammertoe

Treatment

If you have hammertoe, you should change into a more comfortable shoe that provides enough room for your toes. Exercises such as picking up marbles may strengthen and stretch your toe muscles. Nevertheless, it is important to seek assistance from a podiatrist in order to determine the severity of your hammertoe and see which treatment option will work best for you.

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

Despite their popularity, flip-flops can actually be a dangerous kind of shoe if they are worn for too long and during particularly strenuous physical activities. Although wearing flip-flops is associated with a number of different foot afflictions, it is of particular importance that flip-flops can cause toe pain. Flip-flops can cause toe pain because the design of the shoe offers almost no protection for the toes. Therefore, stubbing of the toes is perhaps more likely when wearing shoes like flip flops. Some individuals that damage their toes from wearing these shoes report a broken toe and even torn nail beds. One of the ways in which an individual can prevent developing these kinds of injuries is by protecting the toes in choosing footwear that provides protection over the toes. If you want to learn more about the connection between flip flops and toe pain, contact a podiatrist.

Flip-flops can cause a lot of problems for your feet. If you have any concerns about your feet or ankles, contact Dr. Kirk Sherris from Liberty Bay Foot & Ankle. Our doctor will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.

Flip-Flops and Feet

Flip-flops have managed to become a summer essential for a lot of people. While the shoes may be stylish and easy to slip on and off, they can be dangerous to those who wear them too often. These shoes might protect you from fungal infections such as athlete’s foot, but they can also give you foot pain and sprained ankles if you trip while wearing them.

When Are They Okay to Wear?

Flip-flops should only be worn for very short periods of time. They can help protect your feet in places that are crawling with fungi, such as gym locker rooms. Athlete’s foot and plantar warts are two common fungi that flip-flops may help protect your feet against.

Why Are They Bad for My Feet?

These shoes do not offer any arch support, so they are not ideal for everyday use. They also do not provide shock absorption or heel cushioning which can be problematic for your feet. Additionally, you may suffer from glass cuts, puncture wounds, and stubbed toes since they offer little protection for your feet.

More Reasons Why They Are Bad for Your Feet

• They Slow You Down
• May Cause Blisters and Calluses
• Expose Your Feet to Bacteria

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

A wart is a growth on the skin that is caused by contact with a virus, namely the human papilloma virus, or HPV. Warts can grow anywhere on the body, but when they are on the feet, they are known as plantar warts. They look a bit like a callus that is growing on the bottom of the foot. Although plantar warts are not generally painful, they can be irritated by pressure on the ball of the foot. Since warts are contagious, it is a good idea not to touch them with bare hands, because the virus easily can spread to another body part. Plantar warts appear as patches of skin with dark spots. When they form as a cluster, they are known as mosaic warts. A plantar wart will likely go away on its own, but that may take some time, even as long as a year. If non-prescription medication is not effective after a few months, or if the wart looks to be infected, it is a good idea to seek medical help. A podiatrist can examine the area and remove the wart by freezing it, applying medication, or in some cases performing surgery.

Plantar warts can be very uncomfortable. If you need your feet checked, contact Dr. Kirk Sherris from Liberty Bay Foot & Ankle. Our doctor will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.

About Plantar Warts

Plantar warts are the result of HPV, or human papillomavirus, getting into open wounds on the feet. They are mostly found on the heels or balls of the feet.

While plantar warts are generally harmless, those experiencing excessive pain or those suffering from diabetes or a compromised immune system require immediate medical care. Plantar warts are easily diagnosed, usually through scraping off a bit of rough skin or by getting a biopsy.

Symptoms

• Lesions on the bottom of your feet, usually rough and grainy
• Hard or thick callused spots
• Wart seeds, which are small clotted blood vessels that look like little black spots
• Pain, discomfort, or tenderness of your feet when walking or standing

Treatment

• Freezing
• Electric tool removal
• Laser Treatment
• Topical Creams (prescription only)
• Over-the-counter medications

To help prevent developing plantar warts, avoid walking barefoot over abrasive surfaces that can cause cuts or wounds for HPV to get into. Avoiding direct contact with other warts, as well as not picking or rubbing existing warts, can help prevent the further spread of plantar warts. However, if you think you have developed plantar warts, speak to your podiatrist. He or she can diagnose the warts on your feet and recommend the appropriate treatment options.

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

The Achilles tendon connects the muscles of the calf and lower leg to the heel bone. When it is stretched beyond its limits, it can become inflamed (called tendonitis) or tear (also known as a rupture). Injuries to the Achilles tendon can cause mild to severe pain and stiffness. Achilles tendonitis can come on from a variety of reasons, including sudden increase in exercise, insufficient stretching of the calf muscle, flat feet, a bony spur on the back of the ankle, or leg length differences. The pain one feels with this inflammatory condition can be felt near the bottom of the calf muscle, along the tendon, or near the heel bone and is described as a burning sensation that worsens with activity. There may be mild swelling and warmth in the affected area and some stiffness, especially before warming up. Untreated, tendonitis can progress to tendinosis, which is when the collagen fibers that make up the tendon break down. There is no inflammation with tendinosis, but scar tissue may result from this and lead to permanent thickening. An Achilles tendon rupture is rarer but happens when the tendon fibers tear and separate completely or in part. This can occur from sudden force being exerted on the tendon, severe overstretching causing the tendon to tear, or taking a type of antibiotic called fluoroquinolones. This will bring on severe heel pain and an inability to walk or bear weight on the foot. If you feel Achilles tendon pain, it is best to consult with a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and treatment that is right for you.

Achilles tendon injuries need immediate attention to avoid future complications. If you have any concerns, contact Dr. Kirk Sherris of Liberty Bay Foot & Ankle. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is the Achilles Tendon?

The Achilles tendon is a tendon that connects the lower leg muscles and calf to the heel of the foot. It is the strongest tendon in the human body and is essential for making movement possible. Because this tendon is such an integral part of the body, any injuries to it can create immense difficulties and should immediately be presented to a doctor.

What Are the Symptoms of an Achilles Tendon Injury?

There are various types of injuries that can affect the Achilles tendon. The two most common injuries are Achilles tendinitis and ruptures of the tendon.

Achilles Tendinitis Symptoms

• Inflammation
• Dull to severe pain
• Increased blood flow to the tendon
• Thickening of the tendon

Rupture Symptoms

• Extreme pain and swelling in the foot
• Total immobility

Treatment and Prevention

Achilles tendon injuries are diagnosed by a thorough physical evaluation, which can include an MRI. Treatment involves rest, physical therapy, and in some cases, surgery. However, various preventative measures can be taken to avoid these injuries, such as:

• Thorough stretching of the tendon before and after exercise
• Strengthening exercises like calf raises, squats, leg curls, leg extensions, leg raises, lunges, and leg presses

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Poulsbo, WA . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.