What is a bunion/hammertoe?
A bunion is an enlargement of the joint at the base of the big toe- the metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint- that forms when the bone or tissue at the big toe joint moves out of place. This pressure forces the big toe to bend toward the others, causing a painful bump on the outside of the foot.   A bunion can also occur on the outside of the little toe, which is known as a Tailor’s Bunion.

A hammertoe is a toe that is bent at the first joint of the digit, called the proximal interphalangeal joint. This bending causes the toe to appear like an upside-down V when looked at from the side. This condition is most common on the second-fifth toes, known as the lesser digits. There are two different types of hammertoes, flexible hammertoes that are moveable at the joint and rigid hammertoes that are immobile.

How do I get a bunion/hammertoe?
Bunions and hammertoes are both caused by the way we walk, our inherited foot type, foot injuries, foot deformities, and/or our shoe gear.  Both conditions are more common in women because wearing shoes that are too tight or squeeze the toes together is a common cause. 

How do you treat a bunion/hammertoe?
Treatment options vary with the type and severity of each bunion or hammertoe, although identifying the deformity early in its development is important in avoiding surgery.  You should make an appointment to see Dr. Lockwood at the first indication of pain or discomfort because if left untreated, bunions and hammertoes tend to get larger and more painful, making nonsurgical treatment less of an option.  The primary goal of treatment is to relieve pressure on the joint and halt the progression of the deformity. Treatments include:

• Padding and Taping- Often this is the first step in a treatment plan. Padding the bunion or hammertoe minimizes pain and allows the patient to continue a normal, active life. Taping may change the imbalance around the toes and thus relieve the stress and pain.
• Medication- Anti-inflammatory drugs and cortisone injections can be prescribed to ease acute pain and inflammation caused by the joint deformity.
• Orthotic Devices- Custom inserts made from your arch prescription can offload the painful area and prevent worsening of the deformity.
• Surgical Options- If pain is still present after trying conservative treatments, several surgical options are available to relieve pressure and repair the toe joint.  The surgery will remove the bony enlargement, restore the normal alignment of the toe joint, and relieve pain.  Recovery takes time, and swelling and some discomfort are common for several weeks following surgery.

Remember, foot pain is not normal!  Healthy, pain-free feet are a key to your independence. At the first sign of pain, or any noticeable changes in your feet, seek professional podiatric medical care. Your feet must last a lifetime, and most Americans log an amazing 75,000 miles on their feet by the time they reach age 50. Regular foot care can make sure your feet are up to the task. With proper detection, intervention, and care, most foot and ankle problems can be lessened or prevented.

If you think you have a bunion, hammertoe or other foot ailment, schedule an appointment with Dr. Lockwood by calling 309-661-9975 or clicking here.

I recently returned from Mexico for a much needed vacation. I got to experience many different things including jet skiing and snorkeling, but the best experience by far was swimming with dolphins! I know, you’re reading this thinking, “What do dolphins have to do with feet?” Well I’m here to bring some breaking news that you may not have heard of- dolphins can be fitted for prosthetics!

Prosthetics are artificial body parts used to replace limbs or other parts of the body that people, or animals in this case, have lost due to disease injury, or birth defects.  In some cases, the prosthetic replacement may be purely aesthetic, but in many circumstances the prosthetic is necessary to restore functionality of the body part.  Common prosthetics that our office deals with include leg and foot prosthetics.  But while I was swimming with dolphins in Mexico, I learned of a new prosthetic.     

Our excursion instructor told us about a dolphin he knew that had an unknown disease that was deteriorating her tail fin, otherwise known as the 'fluke'. The best option was to amputate her tail fin, which would leave her with little to no functionality left.  She would just be able to float, unable to swim, jump, or dive. This would have taken away the animal’s joy in life and probably left her extremely depressed. The amazing people a Bridgestone Tire produced multiple prosthetic fins that the dolphin was fitted for. Finally one of the artificial fins fit her perfectly! Thanks to Bridgestone Tire the dolphin was now able to swim and do tricks again!

Just like in this ‘dolphin tale’, prosthetics can restore normal functionality to numerous different body parts-in humans and animals!  Prosthetics can help get a person back to the things they love doing.  Not just restore the normal functions of walking or writing, but allow a person to return to their passions in life- swimming, hiking, biking- whatever that may be.  If you or a loved one has any problems with an ill-fitting prosthetic please contact our office to see how we can help!

I am VERY excited for tomorrow - Thursday nights are one of my favorite’s nights of the week! No- not just because it’s right before Friday, but because Project Runway is on!  Each week the designers are faced with a new challenge and must create stunning clothing to meet the needs of that particular challenge.  Regardless of the week’s challenge, one thing always remains the same: high heeled shoes! Stilettos are the shoe of choice for the designers finishing off their winning looks.

This rule almost always applies except for last week’s challenge.  Producer and hostess, Heidi Klum has a New Balance line which includes tennis shoes- YES, one of the healthiest shoes on Earth!  For last week’s challenge, the designers had to create 3 fabulous looks to go with Heidi’s tennis shoes.  As an office manager of a podiatry practice, you can imagine how glad I was to see top-of-the line fashion models modeling sensible shoes for Heidi Klum, Michael Kors and Nina Garcia. 

Heels are not good for your feet or body!!  1 inch heels can increase the pressure on your feet by 22%, 2 inches can add up to 57%, and 3 inches can add a whopping 76% of pressure. That pressure means toes are crammed into a tight area, and long term results can lead to very painful bunionsor hammertoes.

The price of fashion!
Most women believe a stylish pair of heels can make you look taller, flatter your appearance, and create a stunning silhouette.  But heels may create more harm for a woman’s feet than they’re worth. 

• Achilles tendinitis can be caused by heels.  Heels shorten and tighten calf muscles which lead to painful inflammation of the Achilles tendon at the back of your heel.
• Ankle sprains are common because the narrow heel width can make ankles unstable (many celebs have illustrated this point stunningly such as Lady Gaga falling in 10 inch heels).
• Neuromas, or benigntumors of nerves, can grow between cramped toes. Symptoms may include sharp pain and tingling or numbness of the toes.
• Blisters, corns or calluses can develop because heels disperse your pressure unevenly and your ball of foot is bearing more than its share of weight.
• Lower back pain is another side effect of wearing heels.  Heels force your body to bend forward and your spine bends backwards to compensate. 
•  “Pump bump,” or Hagland’s deformity, is caused by wearing high heels often.

No pain no gain…I don’t think so!
Fashion does not have to be painful.  Ladies- if you just can’t bear to give up your favorite accessory, make a few simple adjustments. Fashion and comfort CAN blend well together if you take the appropriate steps.

• Avoid backless heels because they create muscle strain.
• Save your high heels for special occasions.  Your high heels will make even more of a fashion statement if you save them for special occasions versus wearing them daily. 
• Wear tennis shoes when walking distances.  Bring your heels to change into once you get to where you’re going. 
• Take smaller steps in high heels. Try to avoid platform shoes that have eliminated the heel completely.
• Sport shorter wider heelsto give you more stability, better shock absorption and greater comfort.
• Ice your feet for 10 minutesafter you get home from wearing your heels.

Lastly, if you suffer foot or ankle pain, make an appointment to see Dr. Melissa Lockwood.  With Saturday and evening appointments, you have time for the doctor without missing any fabulous fashion sales!  Try to eliminate high heels in your shoe wardrobe, or make some changes to make your heels more comfy and safe.  In the words of the admirable Tim Gunn- MAKE IT WORK!