Painful Fifth Toe-Broken Toe

One of the most common reasons a fifth toe is tender (and swollen) is because it is broken. Every week, I have patients come into the office stating they bumped their little toe on something (the bed, a table, a chair, toys, a pet), and it is not improving. There are three bones in the fifth toe, and they are called phlanages. These bones are very small, and because this toe is on the outside of the foot, it is easy to injure. A good clinical exam in the office and x-rays are the best ways to diagnose a broken toe. Sometimes the fracture or break is hard to see on x-ray since the bones are so small. Treatment options for a broken fifth toe are strapping, surgery shoes, antiinflammatory medicine, ice, rest, and very occasionally surgery. Fractured bones often take 6-8 weeks to heal if properly diagnosed and treated. Certain diseases and conditions can delay healing in some patients. Does your little toe hurt? Give us a call, 708-763-0580.

Ouch! Another cause of a Painful 5th Toe

Last week's blog focused on one cause of a painful 5th toe, which is a lister corn. This week we will focus on one of the most basic reasons the fifth toe can hurt, and that is a contracted toe. Two forms of a contracted fifth toe are called the hammer toe (contracted toe with no curvature) and digiti quinti varus (curved and contracted). These toes can be flexible, which means they can be straightened out, or rigid (do not flatten out). Contracted toes can lead to pain, corns, swelling, blisters, and in some cases open sores. Some patients do not like the way their toe looks and come into the office complaining of the contraction, which can be accompanied by discoloration (darkening or redness). There are many ways of dealing with these problamatic toes: padding, shoes with a bigger toe box, trimming painful corns, and surgery to straighten out the toes. Does your toe hurt? Give us a call, 708-763-0580. Dr. Bender

Painful 5th toe! What is a lister corn?

At least one new patient per day comes in complaining of a painful baby toe. I will write a series of blogs over the next few weeks about the fifth or "baby" toe over the next few weeks. The little toe often has problems as it is shorter than the rest, often not perfectly straight, and rubs on our shoes. Plus, since it is on the outside of the foot and small, it can get injured more easily. Today's blog will focus on the lister corn. This is a corn that develops on the side of the fifth toenail. Patients often complain of a split nail or fungal nail when they have this condition. The area is thicker than the nail on most occasions and can be very irritating because of the thickness and subsequent rubbing against the shoe. Additionally, the toe itself may be in a curved position with this condition, which makes it easier to develop a lister corn. In office treatments for this condition include trimming, padding, and changes in shoe gear. Pointed or tight shoes and shoes made of harder materials may aggravate the lister corn. Additionally, surgery to straighten the toe and remove any prominent bone under the corn may be needed. Toe pain? Give us a call, 708-763-0580. Dr. Bender

Ouch-What do I do about my twisted ankle?

Every week, I run into friends or patients around town who say they twisted their ankle and want to know what to do. Often, there is pain and swelling with an injured ankle. Plus, it may be hard to walk! The ankle is a complex structure made up of three bones: tibia, fibula, and talus. Additionally, there are numerous tendons, ligaments, and other soft tissue structures that hold it together and help it to function. In the office, after examining the ankle, we occasionally do x-rays to make sure the bones are not broken. The one problem with ankle injuries is that the soft tissue structures may be injured and do not show up on x-ray. Sometimes, additional testing with an MRI is necessary to determine the extent of the soft tissue injury. Frequently, the ligaments on the outside of the ankle are the ones injured with an ankle sprain or injury. There are a variety of ways to treat ankle injuries and often depend on the severity of the injury: walking boots, casts, strapping or taping, injections, medications, physical therapy, rest, ice, and on occasion, surgery. So, what should you do on your own if you injure your ankle? It is important to begin RICE. Rest. Ice. Compression (an ace bandage or something similar). Elevation. Other things that may help include anti-inflammatory medicine like motrin and supportive shoes or boots if you must walk. Barefoot walking, house shoes, and flip flops are discouraged when the ankle is injured due to the lack of support. Sore ankle? Give us a call, 708-763-0580, or schedule on zocdoc.com for added convenience.

Fourth of July and the Feet

Holidays can be challenging on the feet. I have posted several blogs on shoes that are not supportive, foods and alcohol that can cause gout (beer, wine, shrimp, red meat, cheese), walking barefoot, walking on irregular surfaces, and being more active than usual. However, the Fourth of July also brings on the risks of fireworks. I am originally from Indiana, where fireworks are still legal, but in Illionis, fireworks are often illegally used and pose risks to the feet. Burns to the feet are an obvious concern with fireworks, but more serious injuries can occur and include open sores (cuts, abrasions) and loss of a limb if fireworks are improperly used. If you have an injury from a firework, it is essential to call 911 or visit the nearest emergency department for proper treatment. Happy 4th of July, and Be safe Chicagoland!

Why Antibiotics did not cure my Ingrown Nail

Ingrown nails are a common reason why patients come into my office. Many patients have tried a course of oral antibiotics given to them by their primary care or ER doctor, and the ingrown nail may be better for a period. However, the nail edge may soon become painful and infected again. Why? When a nail becomes ingrown, it usually causes a cut in the skin along that border or there is a piece of sharp nail that is stuck in that border. Our nails (even though they are ours) are considered foreign objects, and since they are stuck in the border with an open sore or a sharp piece of remaining nail, they need to be removed so that the area can properly heal. Often topical antiobiotic ointment and soaking are used after the nail border or sharp left over piece are removed to help clear the infection. Oral antibiotics may also be used if the infection is severe. However, the nail border must be removed for the antibiotics to work. Ingrown toenails can be a recurrent and annoying problem. Give us a call if you are suffering from this foot condition. 708-763-0580 or schedule on zocdoc.com.

Why do my feet SMELL?

Smelly feet are a frequent complaint in my office, especially as the temperatures rise. In fact, I was buying my morning coffee yesterday and was flagged down by a grandfather who wanted to know how to combat his grandson's odorous feet. Warm feet, socks, and shoes are the perfect habitat for fungi, bacteria, and viruses to thrive in because they like warm, moist environments. These organisms often cause the odor. Our feet have thousands of sweat glands, especially on the bottoms. Sports, anxiety, warm temperatures, pregnancy, obesity, certain diseases, and genetics can play a role in how sweaty a person's feet are on a regular basis. Daily bathing with extra attention to cleaning the areas between the toes is essential. Keeping the feet dry with anti fungal sprays and powders and wearing and regularly changing socks can also help. Additionally, socks that wick away moisture are very helpful and keeping the feet dry and reducing odor. Not wearing socks at all can increase the foot odor and make the shoes smell. Letting shoes air out over night in a well ventilated area is very helpful, and it is even better to rotate the shoes that are worn (alternating each day). Finally, spraying shoes out with lysol or a shoe deodorizer each day is a good way to reduce the odor in the shoes. Occasionally, prescription antiperspirants may also be needed to keep the feet dry and odor free. Foot problems? Give us a call, 708-763-0580.