The Stages of Hammertoes and the Importance of Early Care
Like many foot issues, hammertoes are progressive and develop in stages. Here, we explain the condition and how early intervention can change the course of this common foot abnormality.
5 Strategies to Keep Your Feet Happy and Healthy This Year
Any foot issue, even a seemingly minor one like an ingrown toenail, can disproportionately affect your life, given how much you rely on your feet to carry you through the world.
So, as we enter a new year, our network of foot health experts at Neuhaus Foot and Ankle wants to add something to your resolution list and get you to include your all-important feet.
As you move forward this year, wouldn’t it be nice to do so with happy and healthy feet? By following these tips, there’s no reason why you can’t.
1. If the shoe doesn’t fit, don’t wear it
In our many years of experience, we understand that fashion starts (or ends) in the feet for many people. We watch as our patients cram their feet into footwear that sets the stage for painful problems.
Hammertoes, bunions, and ingrown toenails are just a few foot conditions that worsen with ill-fitting shoes, namely those with pointy toes and high heels.
That’s why we ask that you wear shoes with enough room for your toes to spread out evenly. If you want height, why not try platforms or wedges that don’t put so much pressure on the balls of your feet?
2. Keep your feet high and dry
Keep your feet off wet floors in public spaces to avoid nuisance conditions like toenail fungus, warts, and athlete’s foot.
We recommend not going barefoot in public spaces with water (think swimming pools and locker rooms), not lingering in sweaty socks, and not sharing towels.
3. Pay close attention to at-risk feet
If you’re one of the millions of Americans with diabetes, you have a 25% chance of developing a diabetic foot ulcer, which can lead to a host of serious problems.
If you have diabetes, we offer comprehensive diabetic foot care, so take advantage of this service. Any foot issue, no matter how small, warrants our professional attention.
While diabetes is one significant concern regarding foot health, the same holds true if you have other issues, such as rheumatoid arthritis, gout, peripheral artery disease, or any other chronic health problem that affects your feet. Our team is well-versed in these issues, and we can closely monitor your feet to keep them healthy.
4. Treat your feet to custom orthotics
A great way to protect and support your feet is with custom orthotics. While most anyone can benefit from this added support, orthotics are an excellent option for anyone with:
- Bunions
- Hammertoes
- Arthritis
- Neuromas
- Plantar fasciitis
Orthotics can also help you to avoid sports injuries because they balance your feet better.
5. Don’t delay foot care
We don’t need to tell you how important healthy feet are, so don’t delay if you feel or see a problem. Early intervention can often mean the difference between moving freely or being hobbled by a foot problem.
For experienced and top-notch foot care, look no further than Neuhaus Foot and Ankle. With 18 convenient locations across Tennessee, we're sure to have a team near you. To get started, please contact us.
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