Hammertoe is a condition in which any or all of the three middle toes is permanently bent outward in the shape of a hammer. This shape results from a deformity that affects the proximal interphalangeal joint of those toes. Other toe joints may be affected by similar deformities, called claw toe and mallet toe. For the most part, people are not born with this condition; the shoes that people wear can sculpt the shapes of the feet. It can occur if:

• the shoes are too small in either direction for the feet, or


• they have heals that are too high— the toes are squished into the front of the shoes. The muscles that straighten them out may cease to function.

Diseases of the feet, such as bunions, may also result in deformity. A bunion is when the big toe is bent laterally, often causing swelling in the neighboring tissue. Diseases centered elsewhere in the body may also give rise to hammertoe. These include:

• Charcot- Marie- Tooth disease— known also by a variety of other names, including hereditary motor and sensory neuropathy. This inherited disease progressively causes the muscles in the feet, hands, and other places to wear away.


• diabetes


• Friedrich’s ataxia— another inherited disease characterized by degeneration of the spinal cord nerves


• osteoarthritis


• rheumatoid arthritis


• stroke

Hammertoe is bad for the feet and the whole body. It does not feel comfortable. And it makes it difficult for the victim to balance properly, which can result in falls and injury. The condition can also result in the toes developing painful corns or calluses.

Podiatrists treat hammertoe in a variety of ways. Calluses may be treated simply by putting padding on them. The patient may also have special shoes prescribed for him, with plenty of 'wiggle room' in the toe boxes. Alternatively, the podiatrist may recommend what size and shape of shoe fits best. Symptoms of hammertoe may be relieved with nonprescription medicated pads. The podiatrist may prescribe an exercise routine to straighten the toes. In the most extreme cases, surgery may be required to correct the deformity. And if it is the result of diabetes or some other disease, the patient’s physician may be called upon to treat that.

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How to get help for hammertoes in Colorado Springs

If you live in the Colorado Springs and you suspect you're suffering from hammertoes, you can get help at Intermountain Foot & Ankle. Give us a call and set up an appointment to talk with board-certified podiatrist, Dr. Kerry Berg. Consultations are covered by most insurances.

» More about: Dr. Berg and Intermountain Foot & Ankle

 

If you're considering having a 'fish pedicure' or have already had one, you may want to pay attention to this recent article in U.S. News. The article talks about what a fish pedicure is and how you are at risk for an infection. Here's a bit from the article:

"Fish pedicures" in health spas can expose recipients to a host of pathogens and bacterial infections, a team of researchers warns.

The practice of exposing your feet to live freshwater fish that eat away dead or damaged skin for mainly cosmetic reasons has been banned in many (but not all) American states, but it is apparently a hot trend in Britain.

So much so that the British researchers sent their warning in a letter published in the June issue of Emerging Infectious Diseases, a publication from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Officially known as "ichthyotherapy," the procedure typically involves the importation of what are called "doctor fish," a Eurasian river basin species known as "Garra rufa." The fish are placed in a spa tub, the foot (or even whole body) joins it, and the nautical feeding on dead or unwanted skin begins.

The problem: such fish may play host to a wide array of organisms and disease, some of which can provoke invasive soft-tissue infection in exposed humans and many of which are antibiotic-resistant, according to the scientists from the Center for Environment, Fisheries & Aquaculture Science (CEFAS) in Weymouth.

» Read the full article

If you think you're having problems with any form of foot pain or problem, you should seek the advise of a board-certified podiatrist. In Colorado Springs, Dr. Kerry Berg at Intermountain Foot & Ankle is not only a board-certified foot doctor but also has her certification to deal with wounds and infections affecting the foot.

» More about: Kerry E. Berg, Podiatrist, Colorado Springs

 

Watch this video with podiatrist, Kerry E. Berg, DPM, to learn about Colorado Springs plantar warts treatment at Intermountain Foot & Ankle:

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[embed width="623" height="347"]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xzr4aduLLyA[/embed]

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Board-certified Colorado Springs Podiatry

Get relief from foot and ankle pain. Kerry E. Berg, DPM, is a board-certified podiatrist (foot doctor) at Intermountain Foot & Ankle Associates, P.C. in Colorado Springs, CO. Dr. Berg has also obtained her certification in wound care.

» More about: Colorado Springs Podiatrist (Foot Doctor), Kerry E. Berg, DPM

» More about: Colorado Springs Plantar Warts Treatment

Here's a bit from the article:

TUCSON - April is "Foot Health Month," and today on News 4 at 4, two doctors from the University of Arizona stopped by with information from an important study on diabetes and keeping feet healthy.

The "Team approach to diabetic wound healing and amputation prevention," is a UA study that Dr. Armstrong and Dr. Mills worked on, which has shown that collaboration between vascular and podiatry is making a major difference in wound healing and amputation prevention for patients with diabetes.

» Read the full article and watch video

If you live in Colorado Springs and suffer from a foot ailment, perhaps caused or made worse by diabetes, contact Colorado Springs podiatrist, Dr. Kerry Berg, to schedule a consultation to discuss your condition. Consultations are covered by most insurances.

» More about: Dr. Kerry Berg at Intermountain Foot & Ankle

 

Colorado Springs Bunions - Causes: If you have noticed a bony bump at the base of your big toe, you may have a bunion. Bunions, also known as Hallux valgus, can exist on the joints of smaller toes as well, and are called bunionettes. Bunions form on the joint at the base of the big toe. They are caused by the big toe pushing up against the other toes. This in turn causes the big toe joint to go in the opposite direction that it was created to go and away from the normal profile of the foot.

Bunion causes are all related to the foot bearing and shifting weight unevenly, causing increased pressure and stress on joints and tendons of the foot. There are several causes of bunions. The most common cause seems to be wearing shoes that fit too tightly. Tight shoes can force the big toe in the direction it was not made to go in. Bunion causes can also be related to an inherited structural defect, as well as simple stress on the foot. Sometimes even medical conditions, like arthritis can cause bunions. High-heeled shoes and foot injuries are another cause of bunions. The WebMD website (www.mebmd.com) states that women are especially prone to bunions due to years of wearing high heeled shoes, tight shoes and pointed shoes, as all these types of shoes gradually push foot bones into a deviated shape.

According to the Mayo Clinic website (www.mayoclinic.com), typical symptoms of a bunion include a protruding bump at the base of the big toe, restricted movement, and sometimes chronic or acute pain. You may also notice corns or calluses where the first and second toes overlap, as well as thickening of skin at the base of the big toe. Some patients suffer from swelling and redness at the joint of the big toe, as other tissues besides the joint tissues can become swollen and irritated. Sometimes the pain of a bunion can be enough that you are unable to walk in normal shoes.

Taking care of a bunion when it first begins by wearing different shoes is the best way to treat a bunion and prevent it from getting worse. It is necessary to call your doctor if you experience continued pain, even after wearing better shoes, if you are prevented from doing your normal activities or if you notice redness or swelling, which can be a sign of infection. According to the National Institutes of Health website (www.nih.gov), if you are a diabetic patient having bunion symptoms you will want to contact your doctor right away.

Bunions can be painful and annoying. With the right treatment, they can be stopped. If you are noticing any of these symptoms it is wise to call your doctor and get them checked out before the bunion gets worse.

If you are suffering from bunions, contact Colorado Springs bunions doctor, Kerry E. Berg, DPM at Intermountain Foot and Ankle. you can schedule a consultation to discuss your condition. Consultations are covered by most insurances.

» More about: Intermountain Foot & Ankle

A recent article in MarketWatch talked about the importance of choosing and wearing the proper shoes as you age. Some of the statistics might be surprising to you.

Here's a bit from the article:

The average person takes approximately 10,000 steps a day, the equivalent of 115,000 miles over their lifetime or enough to travel around the planet over four times. So it comes as no surprise to FootSmart, the expert foot health and comfort outfitter, that approximately 80 percent of the U.S. adult population suffers from one or more painful, sometimes debilitating foot ailments. A pioneer of lower body and foot health since the late 80s, FootSmart has been on a mission to keep consumers moving in comfort.

"When your feet hurt, or are not properly cushioned or supported, your entire lower body can be negatively affected, including a bevy of knee and hip pain and spine alignment issues," says Alan Beychok, president and CEO of Benchmark Brands, parent company of FootSmart. "These conditions are not limited to those living a sedentary life, but as often, people who lead active lives and make less than comfortable, often compromising footwear decisions."

As America AgesThe American Podiatric Medical Association suggests that only a small percentage of the population is born with foot problems. While it's never been said that your feet are the first things to go, New York City podiatrist and spokeswoman for the American Podiatric Medical Association, likens it to dieting. "Wearing shoes in your 20s, you can get away with anything, but in your 30s and 40s, that isn't the case." For the first time, those demographic limitations apply to the entire Gen X generation who has unceremoniously exited their 20s in 2012. For an aging population consumed by growing waistlines and visible crow's feet, neglect and lack of proper care of feet, including ill-fitting shoes, can wreak havoc on the entire lower part of the body due in part to improper movement, weakened joints, poor circulation and overworked legs.

Read more: Circling the Planet Four Times Takes a Toll On Your Feet

If you're experiencing pain in your feet, it might be a good idea to talk to a Colorado Springs podiatrist who can evaluate your condition and recommend the proper care and possible treatment of your feet. But feet health can be more  than just wearing the right shoes, as this article explained. Diet, lifestyle, and even other health conditions can contribute to feet health issues.

Get more information at: Intermountain Foot & Ankle, Colorado Springs Podiatry

Colorado Springs plantar fasciitis stretches: The Plantar Fascia is a thick band of tissue on the bottom of the foot. It forms the arch of the foot and connects the toes to the heel bone. Inflammation or irritation of this tissue is called Plantar Fascitis. The pain can be either sharp, dull, aching or burning.

Plantar Fascitis occurs most frequently in men between the ages of 40 and 70 who are physically active. When the Plantar Fascia is stretched too far or too infrequently, it can cause inflammation of the tissue in addition to tiny tears in the plantar Fascia. The most common risk factors are:

• • Obesity


• • A sudden weight gain


• • Flat feet, high arches and other problems with the arch of the foot


• • Tight Achilles tendon


• • Shoes with soft soles or bad arch support


• • Long-distance running, running over uneven terrain or running downhill

There are several methods of treatment for Plantar Fascitis depending on the severity of the symptoms. Aspirin for pain relief and reduction of swelling combined with Plantar Fascitis stretches is the most conservative approach to treat this injury, according to WebMD.com.

The seated foot stretch is the most basic of the plantar fascitis stretches and should be the starting point for any healing program. The person sits on a floor with their legs stretched out in front. Place a strap around the ball of the problem foot and gently pull on the strap until a stretching sensation is noticed. Hold this position for 30 seconds then release the strap. Relax and breathe easily for 30 more seconds then repeat the exercise. Do this for three to five times.

The wall calf stretch should be the next exercise. Face a wall and place your hands on the wall at your head's height. Move one leg backwards while bending the knee. Keep both feet flat on the ground. Lean towards the wall. When a stretch is felt in the back of the leg, hold this position for 30 seconds then repeat the exercise with the other leg. Wait for 30 seconds then repeat the procedure for three to five times.

Always consult with a physician about any medical condition.

If you have questions about receiving Colorado Springs plantar fasciitis care, contact podiatrist, Kerry E. Berg, DPM, at Intermountain Foot & Ankle at 719-594-9920 or visit the website:

» Go to: Colorado Springs Podiatry

A bunion is a deformity of the foot where the big toe points in towards the second toe and causes a bump on the inside edge of the toe. Bunions are painful and uncomfortable for anyone; however, this is especially true for very active people like runners. Research conducted at Harvard University suggests positive and beneficial outcomes for running barefoot based on the biomechanics of the foot. However, bunions and barefoot running do have pros and cons. As well, it is a technique which must be done properly.

Advantages

Running with shoes is a fairly new concept. Before the mid-1970s, humans ran in either minimal or no footwear. Studies suggest that an average of 30 percent of runners sustain injury to their feet; consequently leading to much debate on the subject among researchers. Because a bunion is extremely painful with shoes, many sufferers opt to go without. This leads to a few noted benefits:

• It strengthens the feet and legs, making injury less likely.


• Barefoot running uses about 5 percent less energy when done correctly. Using a forefoot strike allows the body to use its own natural spring and store and release energy more effectively.


• Running without shoes feels good for bunion sufferers and non-sufferers alike. As well, it doesn’t cost a thing.

Disadvantages

While minimal, barefoot running is not without a few cons:

• Wearing shoes protects the bottoms of feet from sharp objects and shields them from snow and ice.


• While learning the style of running best suited for bare feet, it is possible to develop Achilles tendonitis until the feet become stronger and proper technique is learned.

People who decide to take the plunge and go with naked feet need to take it slow at first. The stride is a bit different from wearing shoes. As well, listening to what the body is saying is crucial. Tells Barefoot Ken Bob Saxton, who has run 76 marathons barefoot and holds technique workshops for runners, “The big difference, between shod runner's stride and barefoot runner's stride, is awareness.” A forefoot strike causes the least impact, but may need to be learned. Bunions and barefoot running can go hand in hand and may offer much needed relief.

What to do if you have bunions?

If you have questions about running barefoot with bunions or you're looking to get relief from bunions, consult a board-certified foot doctor such as Colorado Springs podiatrist, Kerry E. Berg, DPM. You can schedule a consultation with Dr. Berg by calling 719-594-9920.

 

What do you call a foot doctor? You call him/her a podiatrist or chiropodist. The word “podiatrist” comes from the Greek “pod” meaning foot, “iatreia” meaning healing, and “ist” meaning someone who practices or is concerned with something. Thus, a podiatrist is someone who practices healing feet. The word “chiropodist” comes from the Greek “cheiro” meaning hand, “pod” meaning foot, and “ist” meaning someone who practices or is concerned with something. A chiropodist, then, is someone who is concerned with hands and feet. According to the American Podiatric Medical Association, a podiatrist or chiropodist is a doctor who diagnoses and treats disorders and infections of the foot, ankle, and related parts of the leg.

In most states, podiatrists must complete four years of undergraduate education and four years of graduate education at an accredited podiatric college. As other physicians do, podiatrists must complete two to three years of residency training at a hospital.

There is evidence of the practice of podiatry as far back as the ancient Egyptians. Ancient papyri document treatment of corns and calluses. In the United States, chiropody (the term preferred by early Americans) was practiced since foundation of the country. Abraham Lincoln employed a chiropodist to care for his feet. The first American Association of Podiatrists was formed in 1895, the same year that podiatrists/chiropodists were first licensed in the United States. 1912 brought the formation of the American Podiatric Medical Association. The first medical residency program for podiatry opened at Philadelphia’s St. Luke’s and Children’s Medical Center in 1958. In that same year, the United States officially changed the name of the medical treatment of feet to “podiatry” rather than the previously used term “chiropody.”

The United States Bureau of Labor Statistics (US BLS) reports that in 2008 approximately 12,200 podiatrists practiced in the United states. They predict that this number will increase to 13,300 by the year 2018. The US BLS projects that the rising number of diabetics and an increasingly active older generation of Americans will increase the need for podiatric help.

Colorado Springs Foot Doctor
Contact Colorado Springs foot doctor, Kerry E. Berg, DPM, if you're looking for relief from foot and ankle pain. 719-594-9920.