Items filtered by date: February 2025

Hammertoe is a deformity where the middle joint of a toe bends downward, resembling a hammer. It often develops due to wearing tight or narrow shoes that force the toes into a bent position. Other causes include muscle imbalances, trauma, arthritis, or genetic predisposition. Conditions like diabetes may also contribute by affecting nerve and muscle function. Symptoms of hammertoe include pain, stiffness, swelling in the affected toe, difficulty straightening it, and the development of corns or calluses from friction against footwear. Over time, the toe may become rigid, limiting movement and causing discomfort during walking or standing. Diagnosis involves a podiatrist examining the toe’s flexibility and alignment. X-rays may be used to assess bone and joint changes. If you think you have a hammertoe, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist to ensure an accurate diagnosis and a tailored treatment to relieve pain, restore function, and prevent complications.

Hammertoes can be a painful condition to live with. For more information, contact Dr. James D. McAlexander of Gig Harbor Foot and Ankle Clinic. 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 Gig Harbor, WA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

A bunion is a bony bump that forms at the base of the big toe, caused by the tip of the toe leaning toward the second toe. This condition often results in pain, swelling, and redness surrounding the joint. Over time, bunions can make walking or wearing shoes uncomfortable, especially if the bump rubs against the inside of the shoe. The main cause of bunions is genetics, but they can also develop due to wearing tight or ill-fitting shoes, arthritis, or abnormal foot mechanics. The pressure on the big toe joint leads to misalignment and the growth of the bony bump. Treatment options for bunions include wearing wider shoes, using bunion pads, and doing foot exercises to improve flexibility. In more severe cases, a podiatrist might recommend custom orthotics or even surgery to correct the deformity. If you have developed a bunion, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist.

If you are suffering from bunion pain, contact Dr. James D. McAlexander of Gig Harbor Foot and Ankle Clinic. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is a Bunion?

Bunions are painful bony bumps that usually develop on the inside of the foot at the joint of the big toe. As the deformity increases over time, it may become painful to walk and wear shoes. Women are more likely to exacerbate existing bunions since they often wear tight, narrow shoes that shift their toes together. Bunion pain can be relieved by wearing wider shoes with enough room for the toes.

Causes

• Genetics – some people inherit feet that are more prone to bunion development
• Inflammatory Conditions - rheumatoid arthritis and polio may cause bunion development

Symptoms

• Redness and inflammation
• Pain and tenderness
• Callus or corns on the bump
• Restricted motion in the big toe

In order to diagnose your bunion, your podiatrist may ask about your medical history, symptoms, and general health. Your doctor might also order an x-ray to take a closer look at your feet. Nonsurgical treatment options include orthotics, padding, icing, changes in footwear, and medication. If nonsurgical treatments don’t alleviate your bunion pain, surgery may be necessary.

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

Athlete's foot is a fungal infection that typically affects the skin on the feet, particularly between the toes. This condition is caused by a type of fungus known as dermatophytes, which thrive in warm, moist environments. The infection is often contracted in places like public showers, swimming pools, or gyms, where the fungus can spread easily. Athlete's foot is generally noticeable as red, scaly patches of skin that may crack, peel, or itch. In some cases, blisters may form, causing further discomfort. The infection can also lead to a burning or stinging sensation, particularly when the feet come into contact with certain fabrics or shoes. Athlete's foot is highly contagious, spreading through direct contact with infected skin or surfaces that have come into contact with the fungus. If you have developed this condition, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can effectively treat this ailment, which often includes prescribed medication.

Athlete’s Foot

Athlete’s foot is often an uncomfortable condition to experience. Thankfully, podiatrists specialize in treating athlete’s foot and offer the best treatment options. If you have any questions about athlete’s foot, consult with Dr. James D. McAlexander from Gig Harbor Foot and Ankle Clinic. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality treatment.

What Is Athlete’s Foot?

Tinea pedis, more commonly known as athlete’s foot, is a non-serious and common fungal infection of the foot. Athlete’s foot is contagious and can be contracted by touching someone who has it or infected surfaces. The most common places contaminated by it are public showers, locker rooms, and swimming pools. Once contracted, it grows on feet that are left inside moist, dark, and warm shoes and socks.

Prevention

The most effective ways to prevent athlete’s foot include:

• Thoroughly washing and drying feet
• Avoid going barefoot in locker rooms and public showers
• Using shower shoes in public showers
• Wearing socks that allow the feet to breathe
• Changing socks and shoes frequently if you sweat a lot

Symptoms

Athlete’s foot initially occurs as a rash between the toes. However, if left undiagnosed, it can spread to the sides and bottom of the feet, toenails, and if touched by hand, the hands themselves. Symptoms include:

• Redness
• Burning
• Itching
• Scaly and peeling skin

Diagnosis and Treatment

Diagnosis is quick and easy. Skin samples will be taken and either viewed under a microscope or sent to a lab for testing. Sometimes, a podiatrist can diagnose it based on simply looking at it. Once confirmed, treatment options include oral and topical antifungal medications.

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

Blisters on the toes are commonly caused by friction, often from wearing tight shoes or ill-fitting footwear. This constant rubbing irritates the skin, causing it to form a protective layer of fluid beneath the surface. Blisters can also result from burns, infections, or allergic reactions. Among the most common types of blisters found on the toes are vesicles, blood blisters, and pustules. Vesicles are small, clear fluid-filled blisters that develop from minor friction or irritation. Blood blisters occur when blood vessels are damaged due to intense pressure, resulting in a dark red or purple appearance. Pustules are filled with pus and often form due to bacterial infections or inflammatory skin conditions. Regardless of the type, it is important to avoid popping blisters, as this can lead to infection. If you have a blister anywhere on your foot that appears infected, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can offer safe and sterile treatment, in addition to prevention techniques.

Blisters are prone to making everyday activities extremely uncomfortable. If your feet are hurting, contact Dr. James D. McAlexander of Gig Harbor Foot and Ankle Clinic. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Foot Blisters

Foot blisters develop as a result of constantly wearing tight or ill-fitting footwear. This happens due to the constant rubbing from the shoe, which can often lead to pain.

What Are Foot Blisters?

A foot blister is a small fluid-filled pocket that forms on the upper-most layer of the skin. Blisters are filled with clear fluid and can lead to blood drainage or pus if the area becomes infected.

How Do Blisters Form?

Blisters on the feet are often the result of constant friction of skin and material, usually by shoe rubbing. Walking in sandals, boots, or shoes that don’t fit properly for long periods of time can result in a blister. Having consistent foot moisture and humidity can easily lead to blister formation.

Prevention & Treatment

It is important to properly care for the affected area in order to prevent infection and ease the pain. Do not lance the blister and use a Band-Aid to provide pain relief. Also, be sure to keep your feet dry and wear proper fitting shoes. If you see blood or pus in a blister, seek assistance from a podiatrist.

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