Big Toe Sprains

Last season, Cleveland Cavaliers forward Kevin Love suffered a toe injury that prevented him from playing in several games. He reportedly underwent cartilage removal and drainage around the big toe on his left foot while slowly recovering. At Integrity Foot & Ankle Associates in Lorain, we take a special interest in helping athletes get back on their feet. We want our patients to understand why sprains in the big toe are a big deal and how patients can expect us to help.

Unlike the other toes, which have three joints, the big toe has two. The one at its base, the metatarsophalangeal joint (MTP), is a complex structure that includes ligaments on either side to prevent it from dislocating collaterally, as well as tissue below it so it doesn’t bend too far. When the MTP joint does hyperextend and rupture its ligaments, we call that “turf toe.” The patient will experience swelling, bruising, and instability.

Surgery is often not necessary for toe sprains if they are caught early. After implementing RICE protocol (rest, ice, compression, elevation) at the scene of the accident, the next treatments may be anti-inflammatory injections and temporary immobilization. However, if the cartilage was damaged or a sliver of bone chipped off, surgical removal of the deformed tissue may be necessary. If the free-floating bones of the big toe are dislocated or fractured, they will have to be put back into place or the foot won’t heal properly. Injured toes are likelier to become permanently stiff without intervention, which is why patients should always see us if a big toe injury is still painful after three days.

Doctors David J. Hintz and Michael A. Wenowitz run Integrity Foot & Ankle Associates at 1740 Cooper Foster Park Road #B, Lorain, Ohio, 44053. To schedule an appointment, visit Integrity Foot and Ankle or call 440-282-1221.

Hammertoes

Hammertoes are a common podiatric issue in which toes other than the big one bend in one or both of their joints. Hammertoes will bend upwards and can get worse if not treated.

Hammertoes are usually easy to notice visually. Pain in your toes is common when you try to put your shoes on because your toes are not in the proper position. Other symptoms include corns between or on top of your toes and calluses.

Some treatment options for hammertoes include changing your footwear, trimming the corns and calluses, orthotics, medications, and splinting the affected toe.

We advise any of our patients at Integrity Foot & Ankle Associates to give us a call if they are experiencing hammertoes. The sooner you get treatment the better because they will not heal without treatment.

To schedule an appointment with us and to learn more about all of the services provided at our practice, please visit our website at https://www.integrityfootandankle.com/ or contact us at 440-282-1221. Our office is located at 1740 Cooper Foster Park Road in Lorain Ohio.

Custom Foot Orthotics

Orthotics are designed to help people who have foot, knee, and lower back pain. Foot orthotics can help to realign the bones in your feet and ankles, which takes stress off of the rest of your body. Since your feet are responsible for balancing 98% of your body, it is important to have the right support for your feet while being comfortable.

Custom foot orthotics are offered at most podiatrists offices including our at Integrity Foot & Ankle Associates. Our orthotics match the contours of your feet and fit perfectly inside most shoes. The best part about orthotics is that you can wear them for everyday activities, including working out.
While sporting goods stores do sell generic orthotics, they are not designed specifically for your feet's issues. We encourage all of our patients with chronic conditions to wear custom foot orthotics to prevent injuries, correct misalignments, and relieve pain.

To schedule an appointment with us and to learn more about all of the services provided at our practice, please visit our website at https://www.integrityfootandankle.com/ or contact us at 440-282-1221. Our office is located at 1740 Cooper Foster Park Road in Lorain Ohio.

Shin Splints

If your shins ache after running, jogging, or any other physical activity, you may have shin splints.  Shin splints occur when there is acute pain in the shin and lower leg caused by prolonged running, usually on hard surfaces. When the soft tissues of your shins become inflamed, it becomes extremely painful to put any pressure on your feet.

Shin splints can occur if you have flat feet, weak ankle muscles, are not stretching before workouts, or have shoes that don’t offer support.  Our doctors at Integrity Foot & Ankle Associates encourage our patients to rest and ice their feet for recovery. Using insoles or our customized orthotics in your shoes can also help to prevent shin splints.

Don’t forget to let your shin splints heal before returning to physical activity and sports. If you return too early, you have a greater chance of injuring yourself permanently.

To schedule an appointment with us and to learn more about all of the services provided at our practice, please visit our website at https://www.integrityfootandankle.com/ or contact us at 440-282-1221. Our office is located at 1740 Cooper Foster Park Road in Lorain Ohio.