March 2021

When the ligaments and tendons in the middle joint of toes slowly tighten up over time, the toes become forced to curl downwards. This results in what is known as hammertoe. Hammertoe can develop in any toe except the big toe. The joints will become stiffer over time and thus, harder to move without pain. Blisters and calluses may also begin to form on the toes. One of the most common causes of hammertoe is shoes that have narrow toe boxes, such as pointed toe high heels. Hammertoes can also be a result of a stubbed toe or toe fracture. Patients who are struggling with a painful hammertoe should consult with a podiatrist in order to get relief and treatment options.

Hammertoes can be a painful condition to live with. For more information, contact Roy Moeller, DPM of Foot & Ankle Physicians West. 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 Edina, MN . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

The tarsal tunnel is a narrow space located along the inside of the ankle, next to the ankle bones. This space contains many important structures, including the posterior tibial nerve. When this nerve is squeezed or compressed, it leads to symptoms that can affect the ankle and foot. These symptoms include numbness, tingling, burning, or electrical shock sensations, and shooting pain. Symptoms can appear suddenly or gradually over time, and tend to worsen with physical activity such as walking or prolonged standing. If you are experiencing the symptoms of tarsal tunnel syndrome, it is strongly suggested that you see a podiatrist for diagnosis and treatment.

Tarsal tunnel syndrome can be very uncomfortable to live with. If you are experiencing tarsal tunnel syndrome, contact Roy Moeller, DPM of Foot & Ankle Physicians West. 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 Edina, MN . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Big toe pain is often characterized by discomfort while walking, tenderness, swelling, bruising, discoloration, misalignment of the toe, and bumps or other disfigurements of the feet. The big toe can hurt for a variety of reasons. Injuries, such as a fracture, sprain, bruise, or dislocation of the toe can occur when the toe is struck by an object or stubbed. Nerve damage to the toe can be caused by Morton’s neuroma, a thickening of the nerve tissue in the foot in response to injury, irritation, or compression. Inflammatory conditions such as gout or rheumatoid arthritis can lead to joint pain. Bunions are also a common source of pain and disfigurement of the big toe. If you have pain in your big toe, please see a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and treatment.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with Roy Moeller, DPM from Foot & Ankle Physicians West. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Causes

Foot pain is a very broad condition that could be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

• Bunions
• Hammertoes
• Plantar Fasciitis
• Bone Spurs
• Corns
• Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
• Ingrown Toenails
• Arthritis (such as Gout, Rheumatoid, and Osteoarthritis)
• Flat Feet
• Injury (from stress fractures, broken toe, foot, ankle, Achilles tendon ruptures, and sprains)
• And more

Diagnosis

To figure out the cause of foot pain, podiatrists utilize several different methods. This can range from simple visual inspections and sensation tests to X-rays and MRI scans. Prior medical history, family medical history, and any recent physical traumatic events will all be taken into consideration for a proper diagnosis.

Treatment

Treatment depends upon the cause of the foot pain. Whether it is resting, staying off the foot, or having surgery; podiatrists have a number of treatment options available for foot pain.

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

You don't need an excuse to have beautiful nails. Step outside without worrying about the appearance of your feet.

A sprained or strained ankle is a common injury. While full recovery can take between 6 to 8 weeks, there are steps that you can take at home to encourage healing. Wrapping the ankle with a bandage can support it during short, necessary activities, like walking from room to room. Applying ice to the injured area can reduce pain and swelling. Resting the ankle is important to avoid aggravating the injury, and the ankle should be elevated while you rest. Taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications can also help reduce pain. For best results, it is important to follow the instructions of your doctor. If you have injured your ankle, it is recommended that you see a podiatrist for treatment.

Although ankle sprains are common, they aren’t always minor injuries. If you need your ankle injury looked at, contact Roy Moeller, DPM from Foot & Ankle Physicians West. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

How Does an Ankle Sprain Occur?

Ankle sprains are the result of a tear in the ligaments within the ankle. These injuries may happen when you make a rapid shifting movement while your foot is planted. A less common way to sprain your ankle is when your ankle rolls inward while your foot turns outward.

What Are the Symptoms?

• Pain at the sight of the tear
• Bruising/Swelling
• Ankle area is tender to touch
• In severe cases, may hear/feel something tear
• Skin discoloration

Preventing a Sprain

• Wearing appropriate shoes for the occasion
• Stretching before exercises and sports
• Knowing your limits

Treatment of a Sprain

In many cases, the RICE method (Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevate) is used to treat ankle sprains. However, you should see a podiatrist to see which treatment option would work best with your injury. In severe cases, surgery may be required.

It is important to ask your doctor about rehab options after you receive treatment for your injury. Stretching, strength training, and balance exercises may help the ankle heal while also preventing further injury.

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

Stubbing your toe into a piece of furniture or dropping a heavy object on it are common ways to get a toe broken. It is often immediately noticed, and symptoms can include bruising, swelling, and difficulty walking. Minor fractures are treated by using the buddy taping method, which is accomplished by taping the affected toe to the toe next to it. An X-ray is generally performed to determine the severity of the broken toe, and it often takes approximately six to eight weeks to heal. If the break is severe, the bone may need to be pushed back into place, or surgery may be necessary for proper healing. If you have broken your toe, please speak with a podiatrist as soon as possible.
 

A broken toe can be very painful and lead to complications if not properly fixed. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Roy Moeller, DPM from Foot & Ankle Physicians West. 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 Edina, MN . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.