Hammertoes are considered to be a foot deformity, commonly affecting the second, third or fourth toes. This condition can cause the toe to bend downward, resembling a hammer. Hammertoes can be brought on by a muscle imbalance in the feet, wearing tightly fitted shoes, and nerve damage, which is often linked to complications with diabetes. Hereditary reasons pertaining to the overall structure of the legs and feet can also play a role in the development of a hammertoe. To help treat this condition, custom orthotics are often prescribed to improve the structure and function of the affected toe. For a proper diagnosis and advised treatment plan, please consult with a podiatrist.

Hammertoes can be a painful condition to live with. For more information, contact Patricia A. Kirk, DPM of Kirk Podiatry. 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 Lexington, TN . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

An ingrown toenail is a condition in which the sides or corners of a toenail dig into the surrounding skin. Ingrown toenails are classified into three stages based on their severity. In stage 1, the end of the toe becomes reddened and mildly swollen. The affected toe can feel warm and painful to the touch, but has no pus or drainage. In stage 2, the toe becomes increasingly red, swollen, and painful, with yellow or white pus draining from the area. An infection may develop. In stage 3, the redness and swelling increase even more, and a mass of new tissue can grow around the nail, adding even more swelling and more pus.  At this stage, infections may be more severe and can be accompanied by a fever. If you have a painful or infected ingrown toenail, it is strongly recommended that you visit a podiatrist for treatment.

Ingrown toenails can become painful if they are not treated properly. For more information about ingrown toenails, contact Patricia A. Kirk, DPM of Kirk Podiatry. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Ingrown Toenails

Ingrown toenails occur when a toenail grows sideways into the bed of the nail, causing pain, swelling, and possibly infection.

Causes

• Bacterial infections
• Improper nail cutting such as cutting it too short or not straight across
• Trauma to the toe, such as stubbing, which causes the nail to grow back irregularly
• Ill-fitting shoes that bunch the toes too close together
• Genetic predisposition

Prevention

Because ingrown toenails are not something found outside of shoe-wearing cultures, going barefoot as often as possible will decrease the likeliness of developing ingrown toenails. Wearing proper fitting shoes and using proper cutting techniques will also help decrease your risk of developing ingrown toenails.

Treatment

Ingrown toenails are a very treatable foot condition. In minor cases, soaking the affected area in salt or antibacterial soaps will not only help with the ingrown nail itself, but also help prevent any infections from occurring. In more severe cases, surgery is an option. In either case, speaking to your podiatrist about this condition will help you get a better understanding of specific treatment options that are right for you.

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

Swollen ankles and feet can result from a variety of causes that should not be ignored. Cardiovascular concerns, such as poor circulation or heart disease, may lead to fluid buildup. Hormonal changes, particularly during pregnancy or menopause, can also contribute. Additionally, certain medications like those for blood pressure or diabetes may trigger swelling, while lymphatic issues can cause fluid to collect in the tissues. Infections in the feet or ankles can create localized swelling along with pain and redness. Risk factors include obesity, prolonged standing, age, and chronic medical conditions. A podiatrist can identify the underlying cause, provide treatment, and recommend preventive care. If you have swollen feet or ankles, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can offer effective relief and treatment solutions.

Swollen feet can be a sign of an underlying condition. If you have any concerns, contact Patricia A. Kirk, DPM of Kirk Podiatry. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Swollen feet are a common ailment among pregnant women and people who stand or sit for extended periods. Aging may increase the possibility of swollen feet and patients who are obese often notice when their feet are swelling too. There may be medical reasons why swollen feet occur:

• Phlebitis - A condition that causes the veins to become inflamed and can also cause leg pain.
• Liver disease - This may lead to low blood levels of albumin which is a protein. This can cause fluid in the blood to pass into the tissues and several areas of the body can become swollen.
• Heart failure - When the heart doesn’t pump properly the blood that is normally pumped back to the heart can pool in the veins of the legs causing swollen feet.
• Kidney disease - One of the main functions of the kidneys is releasing excess fluid in the body. This type of condition can make it difficult for the kidneys to function properly, and as a result the feet may become swollen.
• Deep-vein thrombosis (DVT)- This is a serious condition where blood clots form in the veins of the legs. They can block the return of blood from the legs to the heart which may cause the feet to swell. It is important to be treated by a podiatrist if this condition is present.

Swollen feet can also be caused by bone and tendon conditions, including fractures, arthritis, and tendinitis. Additionally, there may be skin and toenail conditions and an infection may cause the feet to swell. Patients who take medicine to treat high blood pressure may be prone to getting swollen feet. 

Many patients elevate their feet to help relieve the swelling and this is generally a temporary remedy. When a podiatrist is consulted the reason behind the swelling can be uncovered and subsequently treated.

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

Pain on the bottom of the foot can be caused by plantar fasciitis, metatarsalgia, or peripheral neuropathy. Plantar fasciitis involves inflammation of the band of tissue along the arch, causing sharp heel pain, especially in the morning. Metatarsalgia affects the ball of the foot and may feel like a burning or aching sensation worsened by standing or walking. Peripheral neuropathy, often linked to diabetes or nerve damage, can cause tingling, numbness, or shooting pain in the soles of the feet. Each condition appears differently, but all can significantly impact mobility and quality of life. A podiatrist can perform a thorough evaluation, including a physical exam, gait analysis, and imaging if needed, to determine the cause. Treatment may involve custom orthotics, stretching exercises, footwear changes, medications, or specialized therapies. Addressing foot pain early can prevent long-term discomfort and complications. To find lasting relief, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with Patricia A. Kirk, DPM from Kirk Podiatry. Our doctor 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 Lexington, TN . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.