H Conditions
Hammertoe-Indianapolis, IN
Beginning as a slight deformity of the toe, hammertoes are little toes that bend at the joint. Factors that play a role in the bending toes are tight shoes, previous injuries, genetics, or an imbalance between the muscles and the tendons. Other than bent toes, the symptoms include:
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Pain when wearing shoes
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Corns or calluses
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Inflamation
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Open sores
If treatment of hammertoe is neglected in the early stages, the condition will worsen with toes becoming rigid and the condition harder to correct. Hammertoe will not go away without treatment. To begin treatment, the first usual change is in shoe choice. The patient should stop wearing shoes that cramp the toes and, instead, wear shoes that have a roomy toe-box. Visit a doctor for advice on removing corns or to have calluses shaved. Custom orthotics can control the imbalance between the muscles and the tendons. To realign the toes, splints are often used. Over the counter NSAIDs like ibuprofen will help with inflammation and pain, but the doctor can also give corticosteroid injections in more severe cases. Surgery is only suggested for hammertoes when the toes become rigid or if a sore appears.
Heel Pain-Indianapolis, IN
There are several varieties of foot conditions that may instigate heel pain. Excessive standing or walking are normal sources for foot and heel pain. To treat mild to moderate heel discomfort, rest and ice will reduce the inflammation and aching. Replacing old shoes or improperly fitting shoes with new ones, and the use of shoe inserts, can also improve heel pain dramatically. If discomfort continues to persist, try an over the counter NSAID like ibuprofen.
If the heel pain is severe enough to interfere with your daily activities and includes symptoms other than discomfort, it is possible that there is an underlying condition contributing to the pain. Such conditions may include Achilles Tendonitis, Plantar Fasciitis, or heel spurs. You should see a doctor immediately if your symptoms include:
Swelling near the heel with severe pain
Inability to bend the foot downward
Heel pain, numbness, or tingling, along with a fever
An injury followed by severe heel pain
While you can speculate which condition you may have, it is best to get it looked at by a doctor who can give you a clear-cut diagnosis with treatment instructions. Self-treatment without a diagnosis could result in further injury.
Heel Spurs-Indianapolis, IN
Heel spurs are common conditions among athletes who run and jump frequently. The strain and the stretching of foot muscles and ligaments trigger the deposit of calcium on the underside of the heel bone. These calcium deposits turn into protrusions that can be as long as half an inch. Individuals who are on their feet a lot, have arch issues, or are obese are at an increased risk of developing a heel spur. Poor fitting shoes also play a role in the onset of this condition. Heel spurs have no symptoms besides pain, and sometimes there is no pain. Heel spurs affect the soft-tissue associated with it and may cause a sharp pain that turns into a dull ache throughout the day. If you have heel spurs and are overweight, shedding the excess pounds will help to treat the condition. To deal with the pain, NSAIDs like ibuprofen are frequently used or your doctor may give you a cortisone injection. Custom orthotics that cushion the heel, or foot stretching exercises, may also provide some pain relief. If none of this helps, or the condition worsens, surgery is an option which will either remove the spur or release the plantar fascia.