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Patients undergoing combined bunion and hammertoe surgery often experience more pain and slower recovery than those who have bunion correction alone. Research shows that those individuals with both conditions tend to have more severe foot deformities preoperatively and see less improvement in pain levels post-surgery. Since bunions can contribute to hammertoe formation, early intervention is key. Signs such as the second toe lifting or pain beneath the second metatarsal head may indicate worsening deformity. Addressing bunions before hammertoes develop may help prevent the need for additional surgical correction. If you are noticing changes in your toe alignment or have increased discomfort, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for better long-term outcomes and a smoother recovery process.

Hammertoes can be a painful condition to live with. For more information, contact John Horlebein, DPM of Northern Cascades Foot & Ankle, LLC. 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 Chelan, WA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Heel pain in one foot can result from several conditions that affect the structures supporting the foot. Plantar fasciitis is a common cause, occurring when the band of tissue along the bottom of the foot becomes inflamed due to overuse or strain. Achilles tendinitis can also lead to pain, particularly at the back of the heel, as a result of repetitive stress on the tendon. A heel spur, which is a bony growth on the heel bone, may develop from prolonged tension and pressure. Nerve compression, such as tarsal tunnel syndrome, can cause sharp or tingling sensations in one heel. Wearing unsupportive footwear or standing for extended periods can also contribute to discomfort. If you have heel pain, it is suggested that you promptly consult a podiatrist who can determine what the cause is, and offer appropriate treatment solutions.

Many people suffer from bouts of heel pain. For more information, contact John Horlebein, DPM of Northern Cascades Foot & Ankle, LLC. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Causes of Heel Pain

Heel pain is often associated with plantar fasciitis. The plantar fascia is a band of tissues that extends along the bottom of the foot. A rip or tear in this ligament can cause inflammation of the tissue.

Achilles tendonitis is another cause of heel pain. Inflammation of the Achilles tendon will cause pain from fractures and muscle tearing. Lack of flexibility is also another symptom.

Heel spurs are another cause of pain. When the tissues of the plantar fascia undergo a great deal of stress, it can lead to ligament separation from the heel bone, causing heel spurs.

Why Might Heel Pain Occur?

• Wearing ill-fitting shoes                  
• Wearing non-supportive shoes
• Weight change           
• Excessive running

Treatments

Heel pain should be treated as soon as possible for immediate results. Keeping your feet in a stress-free environment will help. If you suffer from Achilles tendonitis or plantar fasciitis, applying ice will reduce the swelling. Stretching before an exercise like running will help the muscles. Using all these tips will help make heel pain a condition of the past.

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

Foot neuropathy, often linked to conditions like peripheral artery disease, PAD, or deep vein thrombosis, DVT, can cause significant discomfort and complications. PAD occurs when blood flow to the lower limbs is reduced, leading to pain, cramping, or numbness, especially while walking. DVT, on the other hand, involves blood clots in the veins, causing swelling, warmth, and redness, which can affect mobility. Both conditions can lead to nerve damage, resulting in sensations like tingling, burning, or a pins and needles feeling in the feet. The primary causes of these issues include poor circulation, diabetes, and prolonged immobility. A podiatrist can help by diagnosing the root cause through detailed evaluations and diagnostic tests. Treatment options may include medication to improve circulation, targeted exercises, custom orthotics, or lifestyle changes. In more severe cases, surgery may be necessary. If you have foot neuropathy, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for proper care and relief.

Neuropathy

Neuropathy can be a potentially serious condition, especially if it is left undiagnosed. If you have any concerns that you may be experiencing nerve loss in your feet, consult with John Horlebein, DPM from Northern Cascades Foot & Ankle, LLC. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment for neuropathy.

What Is Neuropathy?

Neuropathy is a condition that leads to damage to the nerves in the body. Peripheral neuropathy, or neuropathy that affects your peripheral nervous system, usually occurs in the feet. Neuropathy can be triggered by a number of different causes. Such causes include diabetes, infections, cancers, disorders, and toxic substances.

Symptoms of Neuropathy Include:

• Numbness
• Sensation loss
• Prickling and tingling sensations
• Throbbing, freezing, burning pains
• Muscle weakness

Those with diabetes are at serious risk due to being unable to feel an ulcer on their feet. Diabetics usually also suffer from poor blood circulation. This can lead to the wound not healing, infections occurring, and the limb may have to be amputated.

Treatment

To treat neuropathy in the foot, podiatrists will first diagnose the cause of the neuropathy. Figuring out the underlying cause of the neuropathy will allow the podiatrist to prescribe the best treatment, whether it be caused by diabetes, toxic substance exposure, infection, etc. If the nerve has not died, then it’s possible that sensation may be able to return to the foot.

Pain medication may be issued for pain. Electrical nerve stimulation can be used to stimulate nerves. If the neuropathy is caused from pressure on the nerves, then surgery may be necessary.

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

Everyday foot care is essential for overall well-being as it affects mobility, posture, and daily activities. Neglecting foot health can lead to a variety of common foot problems, which can severely impact quality of life. Bunions are painful bumps that form at the base of the big toe, often caused by improper footwear or genetic factors. Plantar fasciitis, a condition marked by inflammation in the bottom of the foot, causes heel pain and discomfort, especially after prolonged standing or walking. Ingrown toenails occur when the edges of toenails grow into the surrounding skin, leading to pain and infection. Athlete's foot is a fungal infection that thrives in moist environments, causing itching, redness, and peeling. To maintain healthy feet, it is important to wear well-fitting shoes, keep feet clean and dry, and seek prompt treatment from a podiatrist for any issues. Regular foot care helps maintain mobility, prevents pain, and ensures a more active lifestyle. If you have foot pain or have developed a foot condition, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can treat various foot problems, and offer effective foot care tips.

Everyday foot care is very important to prevent infection and other foot ailments. If you need your feet checked, contact John Horlebein, DPM from Northern Cascades Foot & Ankle, LLC. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Everyday Foot Care

Often, people take care of their bodies, face and hair more so than they do for their feet. But the feet are a very important aspect of our bodies, and one that we should pay more attention to. Without our feet, we would not be able to perform most daily tasks.

It is best to check your feet regularly to make sure there are no new bruises or cuts that you may not have noticed before. For dry feet, moisturizer can easily be a remedy and can be applied as often as necessary to the affected areas. Wearing shoes that fit well can also help you maintain good foot health, as well as making it easier to walk and do daily activities without the stress or pain of ill-fitting shoes, high heels, or even flip flops. Wearing clean socks with closed shoes is important to ensure that sweat and bacteria do not accumulate within the shoe. Clean socks help to prevent Athlete’s foot, fungi problems, bad odors, and can absorb sweat.

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