Hammertoes

A hammertoe is a term that is commonly used to describe any type of toe deformity.

The deformity usually exists in one toe at the proximal interphalangeal joint or the base of the toe. It points upward and the end of the toe points down-and looks just like a hammer.

The symptoms are usually first noticed when a corn develops on top of the toe and becomes painful, usually when wearing tight shoes. Initially a hammer toe is usually flexible, bu

t when longstanding it becomes more rigid.

Hammertoes can be due to a number of things. Several factors are known to increase the risk of developing hammer toes: Some people are just structurally prone to develop hammertoes. (2) tight footwear is an important factor in the cause of hammer toes as well as providing the pressure that causes the symptoms.

A number of approaches can be undertaken to manage a hammer toe: It is important to have the shoes that are worn checked to make sure they are wide enough. You want enough space in the toe box to allow room for the toes without any excessive pressure. If a corn is present, this will need to be treated. If the toe is still flexible, it may be possible to use splints to try and correct the toe. Padding is often used to get pressure off the toe to help the symptoms. If

conservative treatment is unsuccessful at helping the symptoms, surgery is often a good option.

Surgery to correct for a hammertoe may be performed as a same day procedure. There are several different types of procedures that can be used depending on the foot structure and if the hammertoe is flexible or rigid.

On our website www.vailfoot.com we have numerous products that can help with hammertoes.

A budin splint is constructed of comfortable, but sturdy material that extend the hammertoe, allowing it to lie straight. It will help prevent the toe from becoming worse.

So if you have a hammertoe that is beginning to give you problems, give Dr. T. F. Vail's office a call at 419-423-1888 to set up an appointment.

Calluses and corns

Calluses are a thickening of the surface layer of the skin. The medical term for corns and calluses is hyperkeratosis. A callus refers to a more diffuse, flattened area of thick skin while a corn is a thick, localized area that usually has a conical or circular shape. Corns, also known as helomas, sometimes have a dry, waxy, or translucent appearance.

Corns and calluses occur on parts of the feet and sometimes the fingers. Corns can be painful to walk on, even when they are

small. Common locations for corns are on the sole, over the metatarsal arch-or the ball of the foot. They can be found on the outside of the fifth (small or pinky) toe, where it rubs against the shoe and between the fourth and fifth toes. Unlike other corns that are firm and flesh-colored, corns between the toes are often whitish and messy. They are sometimes called "soft corns". in contrast to the more common "hard corns".

Hyperkeratosis simply means thickening of the skin. This thickening occurs as a natural defense mechanism that strengthens the skin in areas of friction or pressure. Hammer toe or other toe deformities can lead to corn or callus formation as can bony prominences in the feet. Footwear that is too tight or that exerts friction at specific points can also cause skin thickening that le

ads to corns and calluses. Abnormalities in gait or movement that result in increased pressure to specific areas can also be the cause.

You should wear supportive shoes with a wide enough toe box. Moisturizing creams with urea help to exfoliate the thickened skin. By no means should you use a razor to trim away the thick skin, especially if you are diabetic.

At the Advanced Footcare Clinic we recommend Gormel 20. It has 20 percent urea which helps to exfoliate and moisturize the callus. This is the highest percent of urea that can be purchased at our office without a prescription.

If you are experiencing painful corns or calluses and have just can't seem to find anything that can help you give the office of Dr. T F. Vail, DPM a call at 419-423-1888 to set up an

appointment.

On our website: www.vailfoot.com we have many products to help with corns and calluses. Dr. Jill's felt pad helps to take the pressure off the area so that it is not so painful to walk.

tarsal tunnel

Tarsal Tunnel is a space in the foot formed between bones and overlying fibrous tissue. Within the tarsal tunnel lies a nerve called the posterior tibial nerve.

Tarsal tunnel syndrome results when the posterior tibial nerve is compressed within the tarsal tunnel. This is very similar to carpal tunnel syndrome that you can have in your wrist. Both of these conditions result when a nerve is pinched within a small space.

When the posterior tibial nerve is compressed in the tarsal tunnel, patients commonly complain of numbness over the bottom of the foot, as well as complaints of pain, burning and tingling over the base of the foot and heel. It can be confused with plantar fascitis.

The cause of tarsal tunnel is unknown in most cases, but can be the result of fractures, bone spurs, ganglion and other benign tumors or foot deformities.

Treatment can consist of anti-inflammatory medications and possibly injection of cortisone into the area around the nerve. Orthotics can help to relieve the symptoms.

Surgery may be indicated where an incision is made to open up the tarsal tunnel and decrease pressure on the posterior tibial nerve. This procedure is similar to a carpal tunnel release in the hand.

If you are experiencing burning or numbness in your feet, a podiatrist should be consulted to make sure of what is causing the problem. To contact the office Dr. T. F. Vail, DPM, call 419-423-1888

On our website at www.vailfoot.com we offer powerstep insoles if you do not have custom-made

orthotics.