Items filtered by date: August 2025

Hammertoes develop when the middle joint of a toe bends downward instead of lying flat, often causing discomfort and rubbing against footwear. They may start out flexible but can become rigid over time, making movement painful. Common causes include wearing shoes that crowd the toes, muscle imbalance, or trauma to the foot. High heels and narrow shoes can also increase the risk. Without proper care, corns, calluses, and joint stiffness may develop, making walking difficult. Treatment can range from wearing roomier shoes and using padding to relieve pressure, to custom orthotics that improve alignment. In more severe cases, surgery may be considered to restore function and comfort. If you notice your toe beginning to bend or experience pain while walking, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Hammertoes can be a painful condition to live with. For more information, contact One of our podiatrists of Battle Creek Foot & Ankle. Our doctors 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 Battle Creek, MI . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Selecting the proper long-distance running shoes is essential for performance, comfort, and injury prevention. Look for shoes that offer ample cushioning to absorb impact and reduce strain on joints during repetitive motion. Proper support is also important, especially for those with flat feet or high arches, to maintain alignment and reduce fatigue. Road running shoes should provide a durable, lightweight design with breathable materials and a snug, stable fit. A podiatrist can assess your foot structure, gait, and training habits to recommend the best shoe type or prescribe custom orthotics. If you have endured a foot injury from wearing the wrong type of running shoes, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can treat various foot injuries. This type of doctor can also guide you on how to purchase shoes for your desired running style.

You should always make sure your running shoes fit properly in order to avoid injury. For more information, contact One of our podiatrists from Battle Creek Foot & Ankle. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Choosing the Right Running Shoe for Your Foot Type

Improper shoe sizing can cause a myriad of problems for your feet. Shoes that don’t fit you properly can lead to muscular imbalances in your body, which can result in foot, knee, and hip injuries.

Tips for Finding the Right Running Shoe

• Make sure you have a thumb’s width of wiggle room between the end of your longest toe and the front of the shoe.
• There should be little to no slipping at the heel
• Don’t assume your size in one shoe brand will be your size in another
• Do not lace up your shoes too tightly
• Walk around in the store with your new shoes before you buy them

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

Some custom orthotics are made with materials that help lower pressure on certain parts of the foot while walking. Limited research suggests that materials such as polyurethane, polyethylene, and EVA may help reduce peak pressure in different areas. By reducing pressure in key spots, these materials can make walking more comfortable and may help prevent problems like calluses or ulcers, especially for those with sensitive feet. Although more research is needed, early findings show that the choice of material can make a difference in how well orthotics work. If you are looking for relief from foot discomfort or need help managing pressure-related issues, it is suggested you speak with a podiatrist to see if custom orthotics with the right materials might be helpful for you.

The benefits of custom orthotics are far-reaching and can make a significant impact on your daily life. Whether you are an athlete looking to enhance your performance, a healthcare worker on your feet every day, someone who experiences chronic foot pain, or someone who wants to improve their overall comfort and well-being, custom orthotics can be a game changer. 

Custom orthotics provide support, stability, and relief for a variety of foot conditions ranging from flat feet to heel pain. They can even help prevent injuries and address more severe foot concerns, such as plantar fasciitis and diabetic foot issues. 

Contact One of our podiatrists at Battle Creek Foot & Ankle to create tailored orthotics for you and enjoy a higher quality of life, reduced pain, and increased mobility. With the right orthotics, you can continue doing the things you love, whether it’s running, dancing, or simply walking comfortably without discomfort. 

If you are suffering from foot discomfort or have concerns about your foot health, do not hesitate to contact One of our podiatrists at Battle Creek Foot & Ankle to explore the benefits of orthotics for you. Your feet are the foundation of your body and investing in their well-being can lead to a happier, healthier, and more active lifestyle. Your feet will thank you!

If you have any questions please contact our office located in Battle Creek, MI . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic autoimmune condition that causes inflammation in the joints, including those in the foot. This inflammation can lead to pain, swelling, stiffness, and deformities that affect mobility and quality of life. Risk factors include family history, gender, age, and smoking. Early diagnosis and treatment are essential to managing symptoms and preventing joint damage. A podiatrist plays a vital role in treating rheumatoid arthritis in the foot by providing custom orthotics, managing pain, and monitoring joint health. If you have rheumatoid arthritis and experience persistent foot pain or stiffness, it is suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can offer effective relief and management tips.

Because RA affects more than just your joints, including the joints in your feet and ankles, it is important to seek early diagnosis from your podiatrist if you feel like the pain in your feet might be caused by RA. For more information, contact One of our podiatrists of Battle Creek Foot & Ankle. Our doctors will assist you with all of your podiatric concerns.

What Is Rheumatoid Arthritis?

Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disorder in which the body’s own immune system attacks the membranes surrounding the joints. Inflammation of the lining and eventually the destruction of the joint’s cartilage and bone occur, causing severe pain and immobility.

Rheumatoid Arthritis of the Feet

Although RA usually attacks multiple bones and joints throughout the entire body, almost 90 percent of cases result in pain in the foot or ankle area.

Symptoms

• Swelling and pain in the feet
• Stiffness in the feet
• Pain on the ball or sole of feet
• Joint shift and deformation

Diagnosis

Quick diagnosis of RA in the feet is important so that the podiatrist can treat the area effectively. Your doctor will ask you about your medical history, occupation, and lifestyle to determine the origin of the condition. Rheumatoid Factor tests help to determine if someone is affected by the disease.

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

Athlete’s foot is a fungal infection that affects the skin of the feet, often beginning between the toes. Symptoms include itching, burning, scaling, and cracked skin. It thrives in warm, moist environments such as locker rooms, communal showers, and sweaty footwear. Causes include walking barefoot in public places and wearing damp socks or shoes. Risk factors include poor foot hygiene, compromised immunity, and tight footwear. A podiatrist can confirm the diagnosis, recommend effective treatment, and provide tips to prevent recurrence. If you notice symptoms of athlete’s foot, it is suggested that you promptly consult a podiatrist who can offer effective relief and treatment tips.

Athlete’s foot is an inconvenient condition that can be easily reduced with the proper treatment. If you have any concerns about your feet and ankles, contact One of our podiatrists from Battle Creek Foot & Ankle.  Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Athlete’s Foot: The Sole Story

Athlete's foot, also known as tinea pedis, can be an extremely contagious foot infection. It is commonly contracted in public changing areas and bathrooms, dormitory style living quarters, around locker rooms and public swimming pools, or anywhere your feet often come into contact with other people.

Solutions to Combat Athlete’s Foot

• Hydrate your feet by using lotion
• Exfoliate
• Buff off nails
• Use of anti-fungal products
• Examine your feet and visit your doctor if any suspicious blisters or cuts develop

Athlete’s foot can cause many irritating symptoms such as dry and flaking skin, itching, and redness. Some more severe symptoms can include bleeding and cracked skin, intense itching and burning, and even pain when walking. In the worst cases, Athlete’s foot can cause blistering as well. Speak to your podiatrist for a better understanding of the different causes of Athlete’s foot, as well as help in determining which treatment options are best for you.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Battle Creek, MI . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.