Hammer Toe

Fixing 3 Common Types of Foot Pain

Posted by drjills on in Bunion, Hammer Toe

It’s a fact: at least 75% of Americans will experience foot pain at some point in their lives. At Dr. Jill’s Food Pads, we’re committed to providing you with the best products to bring relief and work with your Podiatrist’s treatment plan for you. Below are three of the most frequently observed sources of foot pain and what to do about them.

Toe Deformities—toes that move out of place or become misshapen, such as hammertoes and bunions, can lead to crippling pain and discomfort. These types of conditions are also progressive—meaning left alone they’ll get worse not better. Some causes of toe deformities include:

  • Biomechanical or structural defects in the foot
  • Poor footwear choices
  • Genetics

It’s best to seek treatment for deformities as soon as you notice them developing, even if they are not yet painful. Treatment for these disorders are aimed at keeping the toe in its proper position and protecting it from pressure and friction that can result in secondary problems like corns and calluses. Our Budin Splints are available to help straighten one, two or three toes. They fit comfortably in most shoes and alleviate pain in the top and tip of the toe. Our Spreader with Bunion Combo protects and aligns toes to help with this condition. Clear Gel Pressure Points can be applied to any place where irritation is occurring due to the toe being out of position.

Heel Pain—if you’re experience soreness in your heels, every step can cause agony. Like toe deformities, heel pain can have several sources and it’s important that you consult your Podiatrist to track down the source of your discomfort. It may be a natural loss of the fat pad on the heel that occurs with age or something more serious such as flattening arches causing an inflammation of the plantar fascia. We recommend Gel Heel Pads and our Gel Heel Sleeve to bring relief.

Ingrown Toenails—although small, a toe that’s suffering with an ingrown nail can sideline you in a hurry. You can try soaking the toe in warm soapy water several times a day and attempting to gently massage the nail out of the skin but don’t try to cut out it out on your own. Until it’s healed, use a toe cap—we have two, an All Gel Toe Cap and a Gel and Fabric Toe Cap.

If you’re suffering with foot pain, chances are we have something that will help. See our online catalog to view all our products and contact us by calling: (866) FOOT-PAD (366-8723) if you need assistance.

Dealing with Summer Foot Challenges

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Dr. Jill’s Foot Pads was founded by a professional Podiatrist, Dr. Jill Scheur. As a foot doctor, Dr. Scheur knows that each season brings its own unique issues when it comes to podiatric care and disorders. Summertime means changes in footwear and activities that can lead to some annoying foot problems if patients fail to take the proper precautions.

Hurting Heels—it’s only natural, summer seems to invite people to walk barefoot or to wear the ever-popular, easy to slip on flip flops. Both of these choices, however, can result in flattening arches which in turn leads to heel pain due to the stress imposed on the plantar fascia (a long band of tissue that runs along the bottom of your foot). If flip flops are your summer shoe of choice, invest in a pair that has built in arch support. For other styles of summer shoes, consider adding one of our arch pads: Gel Arch Pads, Skived Felt or Poron Blue. Our Gel Heel Cup can provide soothing relief and additional protection for sore heels.

Corns, Calluses and Blisters—Oh My! Strappy sandals that rub in new places, thong styles with a piece between your toes and other summer shoe styles plus increased friction from perspiration equals irritation to the skin on your toes and feet. Bunions and hammertoes may be subject to new sources of pressure as well, leading to secondary issues with corns and calluses. Look to protect the skin on your feet with some of the many products we offer for this purpose, including: Foam Callus Pads, Gel U-Shaped Pads and Gel Callus Cushions. Corns can be relieved with pads made of Gel, Foam or Felt. Stop blisters from forming with our Moleskin Sheets, which can be cut to fit any sore spot where shoes rub on skin.

Whatever summer brings for your feet, we can help keep you comfortable and enjoying all the best the season has to offer. To view all our products, see our online catalog. All our items can be easily ordered online or contact us by calling (866) FOOT-PAD (366-8723) if you need assistance.

Diabetic Patients Need to Offload Pressure

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At Dr. Jill’s Foot Pads, we know that many patients have been reluctant during the COVID crisis to get the care they need for medical conditions. Diabetic patients, however, cannot put off seeking treatment for developing or worsening wounds or ulcers. Regularly inspecting your feet for signs of potential problems such as:

is essential. You should report any unusual or concerning symptoms to your Podiatrist promptly.

Preventing Sores

One important way to protect your feet if you have diabetes is to not allow consistent pressure on one part of your foot. Many patients with this disease experience abnormal levels of oils in the skin of their feet which can make it more vulnerable to breaking down. If you notice a sore spot, consider Gel Callus Cushions, or Gel Dancer’s Pad (Sesamoid Pads). Both of these feature a cut-out area that can surround a sensitive spot and redistribute weight around the affected area.

Avoiding friction from footwear is another way to avoid blisters and sores on your skin. Flip flops, although helpful for preventing fungal infections at the pool, can cause irritation between the toes. Our Gel Sandal Toe Thong Cushion solves the problem, surrounding the thong part of the shoe and eliminating uncomfortable rubbing. You can also use our Gel Moleskin or Moleskin Sheets, both of which can be custom cut and placed anywhere on your foot that is rubbing against your shoes.

In some cases, toe deformities such as bunions and hammertoes, may become the source of secondary issues such as corns and calluses. Products like the Slip-On Felt Bunion Pad and One Toe Gel Crest Pad can help offload pressure and prevent wounds from forming.

View all of our helpful products on our online catalog to find out what we offer. All items are easily ordered online, and we are offering free shipping on orders of $25 or more. Contact us by calling: (866) FOOT-PAD (366-8723).

Protect Your Feet During Home Workouts

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At Dr. Jill’s Foot Pads, we know that across the country people are self-isolating in their homes due to the Coronavirus. Many people, however, are determined to continue with some form of regular exercise and this is a good idea. The benefits of exercise to your feet and the rest of your body are multiple:

  • Improving circulation
  • Maintaining flexibility and range of motion
  • Lower your risk of heart disease and hypertension
  • Reducing stress
  • Help maintain a healthy weight
  • Lowering cholesterol and blood sugar

Not Your Usual Exercise Routine

Without being able to visit the gym, play a team sport or even go to the store to buy new exercise equipment, staying fit requires some creativity. Fortunately, there are ways to continue to work out indoors. Consider some of these possibilities:

  • Just dance! Energetic dancing burns lots of calories and it releases feel-good endorphins as well. Dig out your old Dance Party game DVDs or just put on a favorite CD or station and get moving. This is a good activity to do with children as well. Mix it up with some freeze dancing and different family members taking turns at being DJ.
  • Use your media. There are an endless number of apps, YouTube videos and even TV exercise shows through which you can find a wide variety of different exercise programs. Whether you want to strength train, burn calories and lose weight or work on specific muscle groups, it’s all there. You may actually discover a new routine or two that you’ll want to continue even after isolation is over.
  • Set up an indoor exercise circuit. Use several rooms if necessary but set up stations for crunches, push-ups, etc. Use the hallway for lunges and the stairs for stepping. Need weights? Try soup cans or various size water bottles or milk jugs.

Keep Feet Safe

Indoors or out, follow appropriate precautions for your feet:

Remember with any new fitness activity, if your feet hurt, stop and contact your Podiatrist for directions. We offer products for all type of foot problems. To see our complete selection, view our online catalog. All products can be easily ordered online or contact us at (866) FOOT-PAD (366-8723).

Taking Care of Deformed Toes Before Summer Shoe Season

Posted by drjills on in Bunion, Callus, Corns, Hammer Toe, Toe0 Comment

At Dr. Jill’s Foot Pads, we know that it can be easy to ignore unsightly toe deformities such as bunions, hammertoes or crooked toes during the winter months when feet are pretty much kept out of sight. As summer approaches, however, and open-toe shoe styles start to hit the stores, many patients begin to consider how to correct a deformed toe. Fashion shouldn’t be your top concern, however. In many cases toe deformities can become painfully disabling, making it difficult to stand, walk and perform other daily tasks.

The first step toward correcting unsightly toes is by making an appointment with the Podiatrist. A foot doctor will perform a complete examination of your toes and feet, get a medical history, perform any necessary testing and then diagnose the cause of your deformity. A wide range of treatment options are available both conservative and surgical and the Podiatrist will determine the best course of action based on your individual case.

At Dr. Jill’s Foot Pads, we offer a number of products that can help with a variety of toe deformities. For toes that are crooked or overlapping try our Gel Buddy Splint. Choose small, medium or large, depending on which toes are affected. Our Bunion Night Splint will properly align the big toe and reduce bunion pressure while stretching muscles and tendons. If your Podiatrist performs a surgical correction of your bunion, the splint may be recommended for use after the surgical dressing is removed. Hammertoes can cause multiple difficulties. The downward bend of the toe or toes affected can make walking quite painful. A hammertoe can also result in excessive pressure and friction from footwear to the top or tip of the bent toe leading to corns and calluses. Our Gel Hammer Toe Cushions with Adjustable Crest Pad help with all aspects of this deformity. Relieving pressure and pain on the tips of the toes it also helps lift and straighten bent toes.

Now is the time to deal with toe deformities. To see our full line of podiatric products for toe deformities and other foot problems, go to on our online catalog. All items are easily ordered online, and we offer free shipping on orders of $25 or more. Contact us by calling: (866) FOOT-PAD (366-8723).

Podiatric Care Can Lower Fall Risk

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A recently released study showed that podiatric services as part of multi-pronged approach to senior health care resulted in a significant decrease in the rate of falls among older patients. At Dr. Jill’s Foot Pads, we are not surprised by these findings. There are several facets of podiatric care that come into play here:

  • Routine checkups and preventive care
  • Patient education
  • Footwear and orthotics
  • Foot and ankle exercises

All of these types of care work together to reduce foot discomfort and decrease risks associated with falls. In addition, podiatrists and their staff are in a unique position to spot issues of postural instability, footwear and gait. Determining the cause of the abnormality can then lead to proper treatment and/or referral to other healthcare professionals who can help correct the underlying problem and thus prevent a fall.

A Multi-Faceted Approach

The condition and function of your feet impacts your ability to stay upright in several ways. Improper foot function and foot pain can lead to balance issues that increase fall risk. If you suffer with bunions or hammertoes, for example, the deformed position of your toes can lead to an unstable gait and pain that may cause you to alter the way you walk. Using our Spreader with Bunion Combo helps align toes in the proper position and decreases pressure from footwear. Similarly, our Budin Splint for one, two or three toes, gently straightens bent toes and allows them to bear weight normally. In some cases, it’s not major biomechanical problems that raise fall risk. Even minor, commonplace foot problems like an ingrown toenail can generate enough pain to precipitate a fall. While you’re receiving treatment, use our All Gel Toe Cap or our Gel and Fabric Toe Cap to minimize the pain and decrease friction from footwear.

Good podiatric care and relieving foot conditions that cause pain or balance impairment can go a long way to reducing the chance of a fall occurring. View all of our helpful products on our online catalog to find out what we offer. All items are easily ordered online, and we are offering free shipping on orders of $25 or more. Contact us by calling: (866) FOOT-PAD (366-8723).

3 Products to Help with Hammertoes

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At Dr. Jill’s Foot Pads, we know that hammertoes can be extremely debilitating. At first, you may just notice a slight contracture of a toe. Over time, however, the toe becomes more bent and increasingly rigid. Your Podiatrist can help determine the cause and best treatment for your hammertoe. One way to bring relief for hammertoes and also slow their progression is by making appropriate footwear choices. Avoid shoes styles that have narrow or pointy toe boxes and high heels as these force the foot forward and put extra pressure on the toes. Below are 3 products we offer that can help with this common condition.

  1. Wrap Straps – our unique wrap can secure two or three toes together to help re-position a hammertoe. Adjustable Velcro closure ensures a proper fit. Our Wrap Straps can be cut for optimal sizing. They feature soft, foam cushioning to ease irritation and friction from footwear rubbing on the top of your toe. Constructed of thin, comfortable material, these straps can be worn underneath any socks and shoes.
  2. 1 Toe Gel Crest Pad – this pad made of Premier Gel has a soft stretchy gel loop that slips easily but securely over your toe. The 1 Toe Gel Crest is a versatile product which can be used multiple ways. It is able to elevate and lift the tips of toes and also to hold down a toe that is moving out of place. These pads are washable and can be reused many times for a comfortable and economical aid in treating hammertoes.
  3. Gel and Fabric Toe Cap – simply slip on the soft, expandable gel pad over your hammertoe for instant relief from the pressure of footwear. Designed for use in all styles of footwear, the Gel and Fabric Toe Cap – has a padded toe tip. An additional benefit it offers is a slow release of mineral oil which softens and moisturizes the skin of the toe.
  4. All Gel Toe Caps – latex free, these Gel Toe Caps slip on easily and creates instant relief by cushioning the tips of the your toes.
  5. Ribbed Gel Toe Caps – fully lined with gel to alleviate any discomfort with your toes. Conveniently sold in S/M, L/XL which comes with 6 caps per bag and XXL comes with 2 caps per bag.

We offer a wide variety of products for all types of foot disorders. Check our online catalog for a complete listing. All of our products can be easily ordered through our website or contact us by calling: (866) FOOT-PAD (366-8723).

Holiday Wish List for Your Feet

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At Dr. Jill’s Foot Pads, we know that if you’re like most people you’ve made your holiday gift list and checked it twice—but did you perhaps forget your feet? How would you have made it through the shopping, the cooking, the wrapping and all the family get-togethers without them? It’s not too late! Consider a present for your feet that will reward them for all they do with increased comfort and decreased pain from common podiatric disorders.

Gel Dancer’s Pad—designed to shift weight bearing away from any metatarsal head, the Gel Dancer’s Pad relieves ball of foot pain and pressure. Its unique design features a cut out that surrounds the area under the affected metatarsal head and redistributes the weight onto the pad and thereby relieves stress and pain. Made for use in all styles of footwear, the self-stick cushions are easy to apply and washable. Excellent for calluses, hallux limitus, metatarsalgia and fat pad atrophy.

Gel Toe Tube—toe troubles can take many forms. Our Gel Toe Tube provides long-lasting comfort and relief for conditions ranging from blisters to corns, bunions to ingrown toenails. Available in five different sizes to ensure a comfortable fit, each tube of pure silicone gel can be cut to any length and worn in any type of footwear.

Budin Splint – Single Toe—if you have a hammertoe you know how uncomfortable all forms of footwear can be. Our Budin Splint – Single Toe gently straightens your hammertoe, allowing it lie straight. This relieves pain on the top and tip of the toe and also unsightly bulges in your shoes. This product enables your toes to bear weight normally and thus slows the progression of the condition. Sturdy, yet comfortable, the Budin Splint is washable and can be used over and over.

Whatever your feet suffer with, we have something that will make a great gift for them. To see a complete listing of all our products, view our online catalog. You can easily order any of our products online through our website or contact us by calling: (866) FOOT-PAD (366-8723).

Treating Toe Deformities

Posted by drjills on in Bunion, Hammer Toe, Toe0 Comment

Crooked toes, hammertoes, bunions—at Dr. Jill’s Foot Pads we know that toe deformities can be a source of pain and disability for many patients. If you suffer from a toe disorder, you should be under the treatment of a Podiatrist. The foot doctor will help track down the source of your toe deformity and prescribe the best treatment for you. There are a number of conservative and surgical solutions for toe deformities. Your choice of footwear can also play a key role in the progression of your disorder. Be sure to choose shoes that have a roomy toe box. Styles that squeeze toes together or are too short in the toe box can all exacerbate toe deformities, leading to increased discomfort and secondary conditions such as corns. At Dr. Jill’s Foot Pads, we have a number of products that can help:

Wrap Straps—this simple yet effective conservative treatment can be used for re-positioning overlapping toes, hammertoes or crooked toes. Wrap Straps have an adjustable Velcro closure and can be used to secure two or three toes together. It is easy to apply and can be cut to a customized size for optimal fit. Made of a soft, thin material, these straps are comfortable and can be worn underneath socks and with any shoes.

Gel Buddy Splint—made from our Premier Gel, Gel Buddy Splint can help separate and a properly align crooked toes or overlapping digits. Consisting of two soft, stretchy gel loops with a spacer in between, this product is latex-free and comes in three sizes to ensure a comfortable fit.

Toe Separators – Foam—these soft foam separators provide relief from rubbing and irritation between toes. Made of non-medicated, Medical Grade Foam, Toe Separators give superior cushioning and gently separates toes that are overlapping or deformed.

To see a complete list of all our foot pad products, view our online catalog. You can easily order any of our products online through our website or contact us by calling: (866) FOOT-PAD (366-8723). Our helpful staff can answer questions and assist you in getting the right products for your all your foot conditions.

 

Help for Patients with Hammer Toes

Posted by drjills on in Corns, Hammer Toe, Toe0 Comment

At Dr. Jill’s Foot Pads, we know that people with hammer toes suffer in more than one way. Most often caused by a muscle/tendon imbalance that leads to structural and neurological changes in the foot, this deformity takes its name from the bent position of the toe, which resembles a hammer. The tendency for a hammer toe can be inherited, and in some cases, it may be caused by a trauma to the toe. The abnormally bent toe can make walking uncomfortable and affect your balance. Hammer toes are a progressive condition but in the earlier stages the toes are still somewhat flexible. We offer products to help straighten and properly align the affected toe or toes.

Budin Splints—our Budin Splint is available for single, double or triple toes. Made of sturdy but comfortable foam and elastic material, the splint gently straightens up to three toes, helping them to lie straight. The Budin Splints allow patients to bear weight normally and will prevent the deformity from becoming worse. The splints have a very well-padded bottom to cushion the ball of the foot and provide extra comfort while standing. These splints are designed to fit in most shoes (choose left or right foot). They are washable and can be reused many times.

Triple Toe Gel Crest Pad—this latex free product features soft, stretchy premier gel with three loops. When worn with the toe crest on top the Triple Toe Gel Crest Pad lifts three toes up. Worn with the crest on the bottom, this product can help prevent toes from overlapping.

Relieving Corns

The second problem patients with hammer toes experience is painful corns on the top of the toes that are bent. This is the result of friction with footwear due to the deformity forcing the bent part of the toe up against the top of the shoe. To provide relief, we suggest the following products: All Gel Toe Cap, Gel EcoGel Tubes Ribbed, and our Toe Tube Foam.

If you have toe or foot that is hurting, chances are we have a solution to help increase comfort and decrease pain. To see all of our products, check our online catalog or visit our Deerfield Beach, FL store. Questions? Contact us at (866) FOOT-PAD (366-8723).