Crossover toe is a common foot problem that can inhibit physical activity for older Americans, but outpatient surgery can correct the deformity and keep senior citizens active and on their feet.

Individuals with hammertoes, bunions or a second toe that extends beyond the big toe are most susceptible to developing crossover toe as they age, according to Daniel Michaels DPM, MS, FACFAS, a member of the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons (ACFAS). 

“It’s a common problem among older people in which the second toe gradually moves across the big toe," He says. "It can be painful and, therefore, difficult to walk comfortably or pursue an active lifestyle.”

Dr. Michaels says the first symptom of crossover toe is pain in the ball of the foot. A tear in the joint makes the second toe unstable. It falls out of alignment and eventually drifts.

Doctors normally check the ball of the foot for a possible plantar-plate tear when an older patient complains of pain in the area. Dr. Michaels says pre-existing forefoot problems combined with normal wear and tear or possible trauma can cause the plate to tear over time.

“If the pain persists and the toe starts to drift, surgery is recommended to suture the plantar plate or replace it through a tendon-transfer,” He says.

Surgery to correct crossover toe is an outpatient procedure performed with a local anesthesia.  Patients with bunions or hammertoes are advised to have those deformities corrected during the surgery. Recovery time is about six weeks.

"If you're an older adult with persistent pain in the ball of your foot, it's in your best interest to see a doctor," says Dr. Michaels. "If your foot hurts, you aren't exercising, and your cardiovascular health nosedives."

For further information about foot or ankle conditions, contact Dr. Michaels and the Reconstructive Foot & Ankle Institute, LLC at www.rfainstitute.com or make an appointment with one of our offices in Maryland:

Hagerstown 301.797.8554, 1150 Professional Court, Suite C, 21740

Frederick 301.418.6014, 2100 Old Farm Drive, Suite D, 21702

Foot of the class

After wearing flip-flops all summer, students head back to school with painful feet

The sounds of back to school season include the ringing of school bells and cash registers, the slamming of locker doors, the noisy ruckus of school hallways and cafeterias, and the moans and groans of students over tests, homework, relationships, and increasingly, their aching feet.

Flip-flops are the summer footwear of choice for many students. But while these sandals are inexpensive and stylish, they don’t cushion or support the foot, leading to problems. After wearing flip-flops all summer, some students will head back to school this fall with foot pain and even injuries. Dr. Daniel D. Michaels, DPM, MS, FACFAS, a foot and ankle surgeon with offices in Frederick and Hagerstown, Maryland, reminds parents and students that foot pain isn’t normal and can be reduced or eliminated.

“People may not realize that even into your mid-teens, there’s new bone growing in your heel,” says Dr. Michaels. “Flip-flops don’t cushion the heel, so repetitive stress from walking can inflame that heel bone growth area and cause pain and tenderness.”

Heel pain and arch pain rank among the most common complaints among students who wear flip-flops. Other flip-flop feet problems students can take back to school include inflammation of the Achilles tendon, painful pinched nerves, sprained ankles, broken or sprained toes, cuts and scrapes, plantar warts, Athlete’s foot, and callus build-up on the heels and toes.

Foot and ankle surgeons can usually reduce or eliminate students’ foot pain with simple treatment methods including stretching exercises, ice massage, anti-inflammatory medications, and custom or over-the-counter shoe inserts.

Back to school season will always be painful for some students, but it doesn’t need to involve foot pain.

For further information about foot or ankle conditions, contact one of our foot and ankle surgeons at the Reconstructive Foot & Ankle Institute, LLC.  Visit us on the web at www.rfainstitute.com or make an appointment with one of our state of the art offices in Maryland:

Hagerstown 301.797.8554, 1150 Professional Court, Suite C, 21740

Frederick 301.418.6014, 2100 Old Farm Drive, Suite D, 21702

Dr. Daniel D. Michaels, DPM, MS, FACFAS with offices in Frederick and Hagerstown, Maryland, reminds residents with diabetes that following simple foot care tips can reduce their risk of toe, foot or leg amputations.

People with diabetes are 10 times more likely to have a lower limb amputated than people without diabetes, according to the American Diabetes Association. Dr. Michaels says the disease can cause poor blood circulation and nerve damage in the feet, making them vulnerable to developing ulcers, infections, deformities and brittle bones.

The Reconstructive Foot & Ankle Institute, LLC consumer Web site www.rfainstitute.com provides these foot care tips for people with diabetes:

• Inspect feet daily for injuries that could lead to dangerous ulcers.
• Gently wash feet in lukewarm (not hot!) water.
• Moisturize feet, avoiding the area between the toes.
• Never trim corns or calluses; this can lead to serious infections.
• Inspect the inside of shoes before wearing.

People with diabetes must always be vigilant, says Dr. Michaels.  They should see a foot and ankle surgeon at the first sign of trouble. Early treatment can keep diabetic foot problems from progressing, and reduce the risk of amputations.

For further information about foot or ankle conditions, contact one of our foot and ankle surgeons at the Reconstructive Foot & Ankle Institute, LLC.  Visit us on the web at www.rfainstitute.com or make an appointment with one of our state of the art offices in Maryland:

Hagerstown 301.797.8554, 1150 Professional Court, Suite C, 21740

Frederick 301.418.6014, 2100 Old Farm Drive, Suite D, 21702

Study links this condition to painful foot maladies

Treatment and prevention of adult flatfoot can reduce the incidence of additional foot problems such as bunions, hammertoes, arthritis and calluses, and improve a person’s overall health

Overweight males in white-collar jobs are most apt to suffer from adult flatfoot disorder, a progressive condition characterized by partial or total collapse of the arch, according to the research. Symptoms of adult flatfoot include pain, swelling, flattening of the arch and an inward rolling of the ankle. But because flatfoot is a progressive disorder by nature, the study suggests that neglecting treatment or preventive care can lead to arthritis, loss of function of the foot and other painful foot disorders.

“Flatfoot disorder may gradually worsen to the point that many of the tendons and ligaments in the foot and ankle are simply overworking, often to the point where they tear and/or rupture,” says Frederick/Hagerstown, Maryland foot and ankle surgeon Daniel D. Michaels, DPM, MS, FACFAS

In many cases, flatfoot can be treated with non-surgical approaches including orthotic devices or bracing, immobilization, physical therapy, medication and shoe modifications. “In some patients whose pain is not adequately relieved by conservative treatments, there are a variety of surgical techniques available to correct flatfoot and improve foot function,” Dr. Michaels added.

“As in most progressive foot disorders, early treatment for flatfoot disorder is also the patient’s best route for optimal success in controlling symptoms and additional damage to the feet,” continued Michaels. “The goal is to keep patients active, healthy and as pain free as possible.”

For further information about foot or ankle conditions, contact one of our foot and ankle surgeons at the Reconstructive Foot & Ankle Institute, LLC.  Visit us on the web at www.rfainstitute.com or make an appointment with one of our state of the art offices in Maryland:

Hagerstown 301.797.8554, 1150 Professional Court, Suite C, 21740

Frederick 301.418.6014, 2100 Old Farm Drive, Suite D, 21702

Physician offers mothers-to-be remedies for aching feet

“Oh my aching feet” is a phrase you hear often from pregnant women. But, are sore feet a symptom they just must deal with during pregnancy? According to Frederick And Hagerstown foot and ankle surgeon Daniel D. Michaels, DPM, MS, FACFAS the answer is “no.” There are many remedies available to help alleviate foot pain.

Dr. Michaels states women often experience foot pain during pregnancy because of increased weight, foot instability and swelling.  “In the last five years, I’ve seen an increase in pregnant women with foot pain because more women than ever before are active, even running marathons, during their pregnancies,” Dr. Michaels says. He recommends the following guidelines to help reduce foot pain during pregnancy.

Painful, Swollen Feet—Pregnant women often experience throbbing, swollen feet due to excess fluid build up (edema) in the feet from the weight and position of the baby. To reduce swelling, put feet up whenever possible, stretch legs frequently, wear wide comfortable shoes and don’t cross legs when sitting.

Arch Pain—Pain in the arch can be due to both arch fatigue or over pronation (or the flattening of the arch). Over pronation occurs due to extreme stress to the ligament (the plantar fascia) that holds up the arch of the foot. The best way to prevent arch pain is to stretch daily in the morning and before and after any exercise, don’t go barefoot and wear supportive low-heeled shoes.

Foot Cramps—These painful cramps are caused by increased blood volume and high progesterone levels brought on by pregnancy. To prevent cramps, increase circulation by rotating ankles and elevating feet while sitting. If cramps persist, try a walk around the block and include daily stretching of the calf muscles. 

Ingrown Toenails—Excessive stress from tightly-fitting shoes causes painful ingrown toenails. Give your feet a break: wear wider shoes during the last trimester of pregnancy to avoid ingrown toenails. If you do experience an ingrown toenail, avoid attempting “bathroom surgery.” Repeated cutting of the nail can cause the condition to worsen over time. It is best to seek treatment with a foot and ankle surgeon.

It is also not uncommon for women to experience a change in their foot size during pregnancy. “A permanent growth in a women’s foot, up to half a size, can occur from the release of the same hormone, relaxin, that allows the pelvis to open to deliver the baby. It makes the ligaments in your feet more flexible, causing feet to spread wider and longer,” Dr. Michaels adds.

Pregnancy and pending motherhood should be a joy. If foot pain persists, call Dr. Michaels. 

For further information about foot or ankle conditions, contact one of our foot and ankle surgeons at the Reconstructive Foot & Ankle Institute, LLC.  Visit us on the web at www.rfainstitute.com or make an appointment with one of our state of the art offices in Maryland:

Hagerstown 301.797.8554, 1150 Professional Court, Suite C, 21740

Frederick 301.418.6014, 2100 Old Farm Drive, Suite D, 21702