Runner's toe is a condition commonly experienced by runners and those who walk frequently. It occurs when repetitive trauma causes blood to collect beneath the toenail. It results in a blackened nail, known as a subungual hematoma. Wearing tight shoes and constant pressure on the toes during such exercise can lead to this issue. Symptoms of runner's toe include nail discoloration, pain, and occasionally, the nail separating from the nail bed. While a black toenail may heal on its own, it can sometimes lead to complications, such as infection or thickening of the nail. A podiatrist can assess the severity of the blackened toenail and suggest pain relief medication. This foot doctor will also check for underlying issues, such as fungal infections or circulatory problems that may contribute to the condition. If you are a runner with a toenail that has turned black, it is suggested that you visit a podiatrist for an exam and treatment.

Exercising your feet regularly with the proper foot wear is a great way to prevent injuries. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Dr. Eddy Caldwell of Foot Care of Northeast Arkansas, P.A.. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

How to Prevent Running Injuries

Many common running injuries are caused by overuse and overtraining. When the back of the kneecap starts wearing out and starts causing pain in your knee, this is commonly referred to as runner’s knee. Runner’s knee is a decrease in strength in your quadriceps and can occur if you’re not wearing properly fitted or supporting shoes. To prevent runner’s knee, focusing on hip strengthening is a good idea, as well as strengthening your quads to keep the kneecaps aligned.

What Are Some Causes of Running Injuries? 
- One cause of a common running injury is called iliotibial band syndrome.
- Plantar fasciitis is also another common injury.
- Stress fractures can occur from overtraining, lack of calcium, or even your running style.

Best Ways to Prevent Running Injuries
- Wear footwear that fits properly and suits your running needs.
- Running shoes are the only protective gear that runners have to safeguard them from injury.
- Make a training schedule. Adding strengthening exercises as well as regular stretching can help keep you strong and limber and can lessen the possibility of injuries.
- Stretching keeps muscles limber; this will help you gain better flexibility.

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

Clubfoot is a congenital condition characterized by an abnormal twisting of the foot, causing it to point downward and inward. This condition can affect one or both feet and may lead to difficulties in walking if left untreated. The exact causes of clubfoot remain unclear, but it is believed to result from a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Research suggests that clubfoot may occur due to a family history of the condition, as well as factors such as reduced amniotic fluid levels during pregnancy. Additionally, certain positions of the fetus in the womb may contribute to the development of clubfoot. Early diagnosis and intervention are essential for effective treatment. With appropriate care, including stretching exercises and casting, most children born with clubfoot can lead active and healthy lives. If your child was born with clubfoot, it is strongly suggested that you include a podiatrist on your healthcare team so the appropriate treatment can promptly begin.

Congenital foot problems require immediate attention to avoid future complications. If you have any concerns, contact Dr. Eddy Caldwell of Foot Care of Northeast Arkansas, P.A.. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Congenital foot problems are deformities affecting the feet, toes, and/or ankles that children are born with. Some of these conditions have a genetic cause while others just happen. Some specific foot ailments that children may be born with include clubfeet, polydactyly/macrodactyly, and cleft foot. There are several other foot anomalies that can occur congenitally. What all of these conditions have in common is that a child may experience difficulty walking or performing everyday activities, as well as trouble finding footwear that fits their foot deformity. Some of these conditions are more serious than others. Consulting with a podiatrist as early as possible will help in properly diagnosing a child’s foot condition while getting the necessary treatment underway.

What are Causes of Congenital Foot Problem?

A congenital foot problem is one that happens to a child at birth. These conditions can be caused by a genetic predisposition, developmental or positional abnormalities during gestation, or with no known cause.

What are Symptoms of Congenital Foot Problems?

Symptoms vary by the congenital condition. Symptoms may consist of the following:

• Clubfoot, where tendons are shortened, bones are shaped differently, and the Achilles tendon is tight, causing the foot to point in and down. It is also possible for the soles of the feet to face each other.
• Polydactyly, which usually consists of a nubbin or small lump of tissue without a bone, a toe that is partially formed but has no joints, or an extra toe.
• Vertical talus, where the talus bone forms in the wrong position causing other bones in the foot to line up improperly, the front of the foot to point up, and the bottom of the foot to stiffen, with no arch, and to curve out.
• Tarsal coalition, when there is an abnormal connection of two or more bones in the foot leading to severe, rigid flatfoot.
• Cleft foot, where there are missing toes, a V-shaped cleft, and other anatomical differences.
• Macrodactyly, when the toes are abnormally large due to overgrowth of the underlying bone or soft tissue.

Treatment and Prevention

While there is nothing one can do to prevent congenital foot problems, raising awareness and receiving neonatal screenings are important. Early detection by taking your child to a podiatrist leads to the best outcome possible.

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

Hammertoe is a deformity where one of the smaller toes bends downward at the middle joint, giving it a hammer-like appearance. It is often caused by wearing shoes that are too tight or narrow. This forces the toe into a bent position, which can lead to discomfort, irritation, corns, or calluses. When a hammertoe progresses and other treatment fails to provide relief, surgery may be necessary. Options include lengthening the tendon to release the tightness, a tendon transfer to balance the toe's position, or joint fusion to create stability. These procedures aim to realign the toe and alleviate pain. After surgery, a patient may need to wear a specialized shoe or boot for a few weeks to support healing. Full recovery typically takes four to six weeks. A podiatrist can examine the hammertoe to determine which treatment option is best, based on the severity and stiffness involved. If you have a painful hammertoe, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist.

Foot surgery is sometimes necessary to treat a foot ailment. To learn more, contact Dr. Eddy Caldwell of Foot Care of Northeast Arkansas, P.A.. Our doctor will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.

When Is Surgery Necessary?

Foot and ankle surgery is generally reserved for cases in which less invasive, conservative procedures have failed to alleviate the problem. Some of the cases in which surgery may be necessary include:

• Removing foot deformities like bunions and bone spurs
• Severe arthritis that has caused bone issues
• Cosmetic reconstruction

What Types of Surgery Are There?

The type of surgery you receive will depend on the nature of the problem you have. Some of the possible surgeries include:

• Bunionectomy for painful bunions
• Surgical fusion for realignment of bones
• Neuropathy decompression surgery to treat nerve damage

Benefits of Surgery

Although surgery is usually a last resort, it can provide more complete pain relief compared to non-surgical methods and may allow you to finally resume full activity.

Surgical techniques have also become increasingly sophisticated. Techniques like endoscopic surgery allow for smaller incisions and faster recovery times.

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