Hammertoe is a foot deformity where one or more toes bend abnormally at the middle joint, often leading to pain, stiffness, and difficulty wearing shoes. Older women are more likely to develop hammertoes due to years of wearing high heels, narrow-toed shoes, and unsupportive footwear that force the toes into unnatural positions. Over time, the muscles and tendons in the toes tighten, making the deformity permanent. Genetics, foot structure, and biomechanics also play a role, with women more prone to bunions and flat feet, both of which increase hammertoe risk. The condition often worsens with age, often leading to corns, calluses, and joint pain. Preventative measures include wearing roomier shoes with proper arch support and performing toe-stretching exercises. If you have a hammertoe and it becomes painful or rigid, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for appropriate treatment.

Hammertoes can be a painful condition to live with. For more information, contact Matthew McQuaid, DPM of Lake Mendocino Podiatry. 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 offices located in Lakeport and Ukiah, CA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Swelling in the feet and ankles, known as edema, can result from various causes, ranging from minor issues to more serious medical conditions. Common causes include prolonged standing, high-sodium diets, pregnancy, and injuries like sprains. Medical conditions such as venous insufficiency, heart or kidney problems, and lymphedema can also lead to fluid buildup in the lower extremities. Treatments depend on the underlying cause. Simple remedies include elevating the legs, wearing compression socks, and reducing salt intake to minimize fluid retention. Gentle stretching and exercise can help improve circulation. Persistent or worsening swelling may require medication or targeted therapies. If you have chronic or unexplained swelling in your feet or ankles, it is strongly suggested that you consult a podiatrist to identify the cause and receive appropriate care.

Swollen feet can be a sign of an underlying condition. If you have any concerns, contact Matthew McQuaid, DPM of Lake Mendocino Podiatry. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Swollen feet are a common ailment among pregnant women and people who stand or sit for extended periods. Aging may increase the possibility of swollen feet and patients who are obese often notice when their feet are swelling too. There may be medical reasons why swollen feet occur:

• Phlebitis - A condition that causes the veins to become inflamed and can also cause leg pain.
• Liver disease - This may lead to low blood levels of albumin which is a protein. This can cause fluid in the blood to pass into the tissues and several areas of the body can become swollen.
• Heart failure - When the heart doesn’t pump properly the blood that is normally pumped back to the heart can pool in the veins of the legs causing swollen feet.
• Kidney disease - One of the main functions of the kidneys is releasing excess fluid in the body. This type of condition can make it difficult for the kidneys to function properly, and as a result the feet may become swollen.
• Deep-vein thrombosis (DVT)- This is a serious condition where blood clots form in the veins of the legs. They can block the return of blood from the legs to the heart which may cause the feet to swell. It is important to be treated by a podiatrist if this condition is present.

Swollen feet can also be caused by bone and tendon conditions, including fractures, arthritis, and tendinitis. Additionally, there may be skin and toenail conditions and an infection may cause the feet to swell. Patients who take medicine to treat high blood pressure may be prone to getting swollen feet. 

Many patients elevate their feet to help relieve the swelling and this is generally a temporary remedy. When a podiatrist is consulted the reason behind the swelling can be uncovered and subsequently treated.

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

Cuboid syndrome is a condition that affects the cuboid bone, located on the outer side of the foot. This bone plays a key role in maintaining foot stability and mobility. The condition typically occurs when the cuboid bone becomes displaced or misaligned due to excessive stress or injury. The most common causes include ankle sprains, overuse, or repetitive movements that put strain on the foot. Symptoms of cuboid syndrome often include sharp pain on the outer side of the foot, difficulty bearing weight, swelling, and a feeling of instability while walking or running. In some cases, individuals may also experience tenderness when pressure is applied to the cuboid bone. To diagnose cuboid syndrome, a podiatrist will conduct a physical examination, focusing on foot movement of the affected area. X-rays or other imaging tests may be used to rule out fractures or other potential injuries. If you have pain on the outside of your foot, it is suggested that you contact a podiatrist who can accurately diagnose and treat cuboid syndrome.

Cuboid syndrome, also known as cuboid subluxation, occurs when the joints and ligaments near the cuboid bone in the foot become torn. If you have cuboid syndrome, consult with Matthew McQuaid, DPM from Lake Mendocino Podiatry. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Cuboid syndrome is a common cause of lateral foot pain, which is pain on the outside of the foot. The condition may happen suddenly due to an ankle sprain, or it may develop slowly overtime from repetitive tension through the bone and surrounding structures.

Causes

The most common causes of cuboid syndrome include:

• Injury – The most common cause of this ailment is an ankle sprain.
• Repetitive Strain – Tension placed through the peroneus longus muscle from repetitive activities such as jumping and running may cause excessive traction on the bone causing it to sublux.
• Altered Foot Biomechanics – Most people suffering from cuboid subluxation have flat feet.

Symptoms

A common symptom of cuboid syndrome is pain along the outside of the foot which can be felt in the ankle and toes. This pain may create walking difficulties and may cause those with the condition to walk with a limp.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of cuboid syndrome is often difficult, and it is often misdiagnosed. X-rays, MRIs and CT scans often fail to properly show the cuboid subluxation. Although there isn’t a specific test used to diagnose cuboid syndrome, your podiatrist will usually check if pain is felt while pressing firmly on the cuboid bone of your foot.

Treatment

Just as the range of causes varies widely, so do treatments. Some more common treatments are ice therapy, rest, exercise, taping, and orthotics.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Lakeport and Ukiah, CA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.