Items filtered by date: April 2022

A foot corn is a hardened layer of skin that develops on the foot due to friction or pressure. Foot corns can develop below the toenail bed, between toes, or on the sides and bottom of the feet. Most often, corns develop from snug shoes and/or socks and become aggravated from prolonged periods of standing or walking, body weight, and continual friction, causing them to become painful. If you suspect you have a corn on your foot your first action should be to change footwear to those that fit properly. You can try to soften a corn by carefully soaking the affected foot in warm water with Epsom salts, drying the foot thoroughly, and moisturizing it daily. Once softened, you can try to gently rub the corn on the bottom of the foot with a pumice stone. Using an emery board, if the corn is located between the toes, you can apply a vegetable-based oil and cover it with a corn pad that can be obtained from a drug store. Continue this treatment for a couple of weeks. However, if there is pain associated with home treatment or the corn persists or worsens, it is suggested that you seek guidance from a qualified podiatrist to assist in treating the corn.

Corns can make walking very painful and should be treated immediately. If you have questions regarding your feet and ankles, contact one of our podiatrists of Ankle & Foot of Edmonds. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Corns: What Are They? And How Do You Get Rid of Them?
Corns are thickened areas on the skin that can become painful. They are caused by excessive pressure and friction on the skin. Corns press into the deeper layers of the skin and are usually round in shape.

Ways to Prevent Corns
There are many ways to get rid of painful corns such as:

• Wearing properly fitting shoes that have been measured by a professional
• Wearing shoes that are not sharply pointed or have high heels
• Wearing only shoes that offer support

Treating Corns

Although most corns slowly disappear when the friction or pressure stops, this isn’t always the case. Consult with your podiatrist to determine the best treatment option for your case of corns.

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

A foot corn is a hardened layer of skin that develops on the foot due to friction or pressure. Foot corns can develop below the toenail bed, between toes, or on the sides and bottom of the feet. Most often, corns develop from snug shoes and/or socks and become aggravated from prolonged periods of standing or walking, body weight, and continual friction, causing them to become painful. If you suspect you have a corn on your foot your first action should be to change footwear to those that fit properly. You can try to soften a corn by carefully soaking the affected foot in warm water with Epsom salts, drying the foot thoroughly, and moisturizing it daily. Once softened, you can try to gently rub the corn on the bottom of the foot with a pumice stone. Using an emery board, if the corn is located between the toes, you can apply a vegetable-based oil and cover it with a corn pad that can be obtained from a drug store. Continue this treatment for a couple of weeks. However, if there is pain associated with home treatment or the corn persists or worsens, it is suggested that you seek guidance from a qualified podiatrist to assist in treating the corn.

Corns can make walking very painful and should be treated immediately. If you have questions regarding your feet and ankles, contact one of our podiatrists of Ankle & Foot of Edmonds. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Corns: What Are They? And How Do You Get Rid of Them?
Corns are thickened areas on the skin that can become painful. They are caused by excessive pressure and friction on the skin. Corns press into the deeper layers of the skin and are usually round in shape.

Ways to Prevent Corns
There are many ways to get rid of painful corns such as:

• Wearing properly fitting shoes that have been measured by a professional
• Wearing shoes that are not sharply pointed or have high heels
• Wearing only shoes that offer support

Treating Corns

Although most corns slowly disappear when the friction or pressure stops, this isn’t always the case. Consult with your podiatrist to determine the best treatment option for your case of corns.

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

Middle joints in the second, third, and fourth toes can sometimes become deformed due to an imbalance in tendons, muscles, and ligaments. When this occurs, the toe is unnaturally bent with the middle joint stuck in an upward position while the rest of the toe is bent downward. This deformity causes the toe to look almost like a hammer, which is why it is known as hammertoe. Mallet toe is similar, however, the joint nearest the nail is affected. The factors that can contribute to hammertoe include wearing high heels or other footwear that crowds the toes, throwing the toes out of alignment by stubbing or injuring them, having an imbalance in the toe muscles due to age or other conditions, inheriting a second toe that is longer than the big toe, and suffering from diabetes, arthritis, or other conditions that compromise the feet. It is important to seek treatment from a podiatrist in the early stages of hammertoe, while the toe is still flexible, and the condition is more easily correctable. If your toe is always bent or it looks red or feels stiff or painful at the joint, it is a good idea to make an appointment with a podiatrist to get it examined and to discuss your treatment options.

Hammertoes can be a painful condition to live with. For more information, contact one of our podiatrists of Ankle & Foot of Edmonds. Our doctors 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 Edmonds, WA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

You may have broken your toe if you dropped a heavy object on it or hit it on a piece of furniture and it hurts – sometimes so bad you cannot move the toe. This can also happen if you play sports and injure your toe. Most of the time if you break a toe, it should be taped to the toe next to it and you should stay off the foot as much as possible until it feels better. This is not the case if the broken bone protrudes from the skin, more than one toe is affected, or you think you broke your big toe - as more treatment is necessary. Broken toes at the end of the foot, such as the pinkie or big toe, tend to be more painful because more pressure is put on them when walking and they are more likely to swell. As blood and liquid collect at the site of the broken toe it will start looking bruised, it may appear deformed like it is no longer lining up with other toes, and/or it can feel weak. It is very important to seek the counsel of a podiatrist if you suspect you have a broken toe. As mentioned, certain situations are worse than others so it is suggested that a podiatrist take an X-ray for a proper diagnosis, and then a corresponding treatment plan can begin.

A broken toe can be very painful and lead to complications if not properly fixed. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact one of our podiatrists from Ankle & Foot of Edmonds. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What to Know About a Broken Toe

Although most people try to avoid foot trauma such as banging, stubbing, or dropping heavy objects on their feet, the unfortunate fact is that it is a common occurrence. Given the fact that toes are positioned in front of the feet, they typically sustain the brunt of such trauma. When trauma occurs to a toe, the result can be a painful break (fracture).

Symptoms of a Broken Toe

• Throbbing pain
• Swelling
• Bruising on the skin and toenail
• The inability to move the toe
• Toe appears crooked or disfigured
• Tingling or numbness in the toe

Generally, it is best to stay off of the injured toe with the affected foot elevated.

Severe toe fractures may be treated with a splint, cast, and in some cases, minor surgery. Due to its position and the pressure it endures with daily activity, future complications can occur if the big toe is not properly treated.

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

You may have broken your toe if you dropped a heavy object on it or hit it on a piece of furniture and it hurts – sometimes so bad you cannot move the toe. This can also happen if you play sports and injure your toe. Most of the time if you break a toe, it should be taped to the toe next to it and you should stay off the foot as much as possible until it feels better. This is not the case if the broken bone protrudes from the skin, more than one toe is affected, or you think you broke your big toe - as more treatment is necessary. Broken toes at the end of the foot, such as the pinkie or big toe, tend to be more painful because more pressure is put on them when walking and they are more likely to swell. As blood and liquid collect at the site of the broken toe it will start looking bruised, it may appear deformed like it is no longer lining up with other toes, and/or it can feel weak. It is very important to seek the counsel of a podiatrist if you suspect you have a broken toe. As mentioned, certain situations are worse than others so it is suggested that a podiatrist take an X-ray for a proper diagnosis, and then a corresponding treatment plan can begin.

A broken toe can be very painful and lead to complications if not properly fixed. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact one of our podiatrists from Ankle & Foot of Edmonds. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What to Know About a Broken Toe

Although most people try to avoid foot trauma such as banging, stubbing, or dropping heavy objects on their feet, the unfortunate fact is that it is a common occurrence. Given the fact that toes are positioned in front of the feet, they typically sustain the brunt of such trauma. When trauma occurs to a toe, the result can be a painful break (fracture).

Symptoms of a Broken Toe

• Throbbing pain
• Swelling
• Bruising on the skin and toenail
• The inability to move the toe
• Toe appears crooked or disfigured
• Tingling or numbness in the toe

Generally, it is best to stay off of the injured toe with the affected foot elevated.

Severe toe fractures may be treated with a splint, cast, and in some cases, minor surgery. Due to its position and the pressure it endures with daily activity, future complications can occur if the big toe is not properly treated.

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

The tibial nerve in the ankle enables movement and feeling in areas of the foot. When this nerve gets compressed, it forms what is known as tarsal tunnel syndrome.  This can happen as a result of a sprained ankle, or medical conditions that can include flat feet, high arches, or diabetes. Tarsal tunnel syndrome often causes severe pain and discomfort and is noticeable in the bottom of the foot and toes. Some of the tests that are performed to reach a diagnosis can include a nerve biopsy, and electromyography, which is a recording of electrical activity in the muscles. Treatment options can include resting and elevating the affected foot, and surgery may be recommended that can permanently reduce the pressure. Tarsal tunnel syndrome is diagnosed and treated by a podiatrist, and it is advised to consult with this type of doctor if you think you may have this condition.

Tarsal tunnel syndrome can be very uncomfortable to live with. If you are experiencing tarsal tunnel syndrome, contact one of our podiatrists of Ankle & Foot of Edmonds. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome

Tarsal tunnel syndrome, which can also be called tibial nerve dysfunction, is an uncommon condition of misfiring peripheral nerves in the foot. The tibial nerve is the peripheral nerve in the leg responsible for sensation and movement of the foot and calf muscles. In tarsal tunnel syndrome, the tibial nerve is damaged, causing problems with movement and feeling in the foot of the affected leg.

Common Cause of Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome

• Involves pressure or an injury, direct pressure on the tibial nerve for an extended period of time, sometimes caused by other body structures close by or near the knee.
• Diseases that damage nerves, including diabetes, may cause tarsal tunnel syndrome.
• At times, tarsal tunnel syndrome can appear without an obvious cause in some cases.

The Effects of Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome

• Different sensations, an afflicted person may experience pain, tingling, burning or other unusual sensations in the foot of the affected leg.
• The foot muscles, toes and ankle become weaker, and curling your toes or flexing your foot can become difficult.
• If condition worsens, infections and ulcers may develop on the foot that is experiencing the syndrome.

A physical exam of the leg can help identify the presence of tarsal tunnel syndrome. Medical tests, such as a nerve biopsy, are also used to diagnose the condition. Patients may receive physical therapy and prescriptive medication. In extreme cases, some may require surgery.

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