You say pa-TAY-to, I say pa-TAH-toe … some differences are merely how we use language (the eternal pop vs. soda debate, for example), while others are more meaningful. Here’s another one you may have heard—hammertoes, mallet toes, and claw toes. Is there a difference between these toe deformities, and if so, what is it?

In an ideal runner's world, every step of every mile would be 100 percent pain-free. No aches, no twinges, no lingering soreness from yesterday's workout. The reality is that many runners constantly deal with a slight (or not so slight) disturbance—a tender foot, a tight hamstring, a whiny knee. While these nagging issues often aren't serious enough to require a time-out, they are annoying, especially when they don't let you fully enjoy your time on the roads.

There is a misconception out in the public that we as podiatrist do not treat fractures, sports medicine sprains. We absolutely do. We are very well trained in the injuries to the lower extremity. It is surely better coming right into our office and being seen than going to the emergency room. Where they strap your foot and say go see the doctor.