Items filtered by date: March 2023

A hammertoe is a deformity that develops at the middle joint of a toe and causes the tip of the toe to turn down, resembling a hammer or claw. This generally happens in the foot's second toe when it is longer than the first toe or when the foot's arch is flat. Hammertoes can be caused by ill-fitting shoes that crowd the toes, genetics or a bunion that can overlap and crowd smaller toes. If the hammertoe remains in a bent position for a prolonged time, the tendons can tighten and shorten and remain this way even if shoes are not worn. A hammertoe can cause pain or discomfort when walking, and the skin can thicken on the toe causing corns or calluses to form. It can also be challenging to find shoes that fit well. If you have a hammertoe and it is causing you pain, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for an evaluation and treatment.

Toe pain can disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, contact Darren Day, DPM of Hawaii. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Causes Toe Pain?

Most severe toe pain is caused due to a sports injury, trauma from dropping something heavy on the toe, or bumping into something rigid. Other problems can develop over time for various reasons.

Toe pain can be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

• Trauma
• Sports injury
• Wearing shoes that are too tight
• Arthritis
• Gout
• Corns and calluses
• Hammertoe
• Bunions
• Blisters
• Ingrown toenails
• Sprains
• Fractures (broken bones)
• Dislocations

When to See a Podiatrist

• Severe pain
• Persistent pain that lasts more than a week
• Signs of infection
• Continued swelling
• Pain that prevents walking

Diagnosis

In many cases the cause of toe pain is obvious, but in others, a podiatrist may want to use more advanced methods to determine the problem. These 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

Treatments for toe pain and injuries vary and may include shoe inserts, padding, taping, medicines, injections, and in some cases, surgery. If you believe that you have broken a toe, please see a podiatrist as soon as possible.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Honolulu and Kahuku, HI . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

When you stand, walk, or run, the body distributes your weight through the arches of the foot. If your arches are flat, the pressure is then transferred to the bones, ligaments, and muscles, which can cause pain. Luckily, having flat feet doesn’t always cause serious foot problems, thanks to shoes or insoles that provide proper arch support. Experts recommend a number of ways to reduce the painful effects of having flat feet. First, avoid wearing flats, such as flip flops or sandals, that offer little or no arch support. Next, try to find shoes that offer just the right amount of arch support, as too much or too little can contribute to pain. Other tips include wearing shoes that are appropriate for the activity you are doing, avoiding standing for long periods, and considering adding inserts to your already existing shoes. Much success has been found by wearing custom orthotics that are molded especially for your feet. For more information about orthotics for flat feet, it is suggested that you visit a podiatrist. 

Flatfoot is a condition many people suffer from. If you have flat feet, contact Darren Day, DPM from Hawaii. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Are Flat Feet?

Flatfoot is a condition in which the arch of the foot is depressed and the sole of the foot is almost completely in contact with the ground. About 20-30% of the population generally has flat feet because their arches never formed during growth.

Conditions & Problems:

Having flat feet makes it difficult to run or walk because of the stress placed on the ankles.

Alignment – The general alignment of your legs can be disrupted, because the ankles move inward which can cause major discomfort.

Knees – If you have complications with your knees, flat feet can be a contributor to arthritis in that area.  

Symptoms

• Pain around the heel or arch area
• Trouble standing on the tip toe
• Swelling around the inside of the ankle
• Flat look to one or both feet
• Having your shoes feel uneven when worn

Treatment

If you are experiencing pain and stress on the foot you may weaken the posterior tibial tendon, which runs around the inside of the ankle. 

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

Hammertoe is an interesting affliction of the foot that causes the joints in the toes to become abnormal. As a result, the affected toe may look contorted and strange. More specifically, a hammertoe develops when the toe essentially bends in a hammer-like position, jutting up at a particular joint in the toe. Many patients with hammertoe often wonder which one of their toes is susceptible to developing hammertoe. The answer is simply that any toe could potentially be affected by hammertoe. However, certain toes are more likely to be impacted by it. For example, hammertoe is more likely to affect the three middle toes of the foot. It is also possible that only one middle toe will be affected. If you are struggling with hammertoe, it is suggested that you contact a podiatrist today to schedule an appointment.

Hammertoe

Hammertoes can be a painful condition to live with. For more information, contact Darren Day, DPM from Hawaii. Our doctor will answer any of your foot- and ankle-related questions.

Hammertoe is a foot deformity that affects the joints of the second, third, fourth, or fifth toes of your feet. It is a painful foot condition in which these toes curl and arch up, which can often lead to pain when wearing footwear.

Symptoms

• Pain in the affected toes
• Development of corns or calluses due to friction
• Inflammation
• Redness
• Contracture of the toes

Causes

Genetics – People who are genetically predisposed to hammertoe are often more susceptible

Arthritis – Because arthritis affects the joints in your toes, further deformities stemming from arthritis can occur

Trauma – Direct trauma to the toes could potentially lead to hammertoe

Ill-fitting shoes – Undue pressure on the front of the toes from ill-fitting shoes can potentially lead to the development of hammertoe

Treatment

Orthotics – Custom made inserts can be used to help relieve pressure placed on the toes and therefore relieve some of the pain associated with it

Medications – Oral medications such as anti-inflammatories or NSAIDs could be used to treat the pain and inflammation hammertoes causes. Injections of corticosteroids are also sometimes used

Surgery – In more severe cases where the hammertoes have become more rigid, foot surgery is a potential option

If you have any questions please contact our offices located in Honolulu and Kahuku, HI . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

With 26 bones in the feet, accompanied by many tendons, ligaments, muscles, and joints, foot pain is often a fact of life at some time or another. Foot pain can make conducting simple daily activities difficult as well as interfere with sleep. Paying attention to persistent foot pain and getting treatment for it is suggested by seeing a podiatrist. Many treatment options are available, depending on the cause. Pain in the joints of the feet, commonly in those between the toes and metatarsals, is often caused by arthritis or nerve damage. It also may be a side effect of bone deformities, such as bunions and hammertoes. This may develop into metatarsalgia or pain in the ball of the foot. Stress fractures in the long bones of the foot are generally caused by overuse, such as long-distance running. Damage to the tendons and muscles of the foot, along with overuse and non-supportive footwear, can also cause foot pain. If you are experiencing persistent or worsening pain in your feet, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for a full diagnosis, followed by appropriate treatment options.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with Darren Day, DPM from Hawaii. 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 offices located in Honolulu and Kahuku, HI . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.