A hammertoe happens when one of the smaller toes bends abnormally at the middle joint. At first, the toe may still be flexible, but over time it can become stiff and painful. Shoes may rub against the raised joint, causing corns, blisters or swelling. Common causes include wearing poor footwear, muscle imbalance or foot structure. Early treatment may include splints, padding or custom inserts to relieve pressure and correct alignment. When these methods no longer help, surgery may be needed to straighten the toe and restore comfort. Surgical repair can involve removing a small piece of bone, releasing tight tendons or inserting a pin for support during healing. Recovery times vary, but many people return to walking with improved function and less pain. If your toe has become hard to move or to walk on, it is suggested you see a podiatrist to discuss what type of treatment might be most beneficial for you.

Hammertoes can be a painful condition to live with. For more information, contact David Reynolds, DPM of First Podiatry. Our doctor will answer any of your foot- and ankle-related questions.

Hammertoe

Hammertoe is a foot deformity that occurs due to an imbalance in the muscles, tendons, or ligaments that normally hold the toe straight. It can be caused by the type of shoes you wear, your foot structure, trauma, and certain disease processes.

Symptoms

• Painful and/or difficult toe movement
• Swelling
• Joint stiffness
• Calluses/Corns
• Physical deformity

Risk Factors

• Age – The risk of hammertoe increases with age
• Sex – Women are more likely to have hammertoe compared to men
• Toe Length – You are more likely to develop hammertoe if your second toe is longer than your big toe
• Certain Diseases – Arthritis and diabetes may make you more likely to develop hammertoe

Treatment

If you have hammertoe, you should change into a more comfortable shoe that provides enough room for your toes. Exercises such as picking up marbles may strengthen and stretch your toe muscles. Nevertheless, it is important to seek assistance from a podiatrist in order to determine the severity of your hammertoe and see which treatment option will work best for you.

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

Pain in the big toe joint, or first metatarsophalangeal joint, may result from a variety of conditions that affect the bones and soft tissue structures of the forefoot. This joint links the long bone of the foot to the base of the big toe and bears significant stress during walking and running. Common causes of pain in the big toe joint include bunions, arthritis, gout, metatarsalgia, and turf toe. A bunion can result when the top of the big toe shifts toward the second toe, causing the bottom of the toe to shift away from the foot. Arthritis, including osteoarthritis and inflammatory types, can damage the joint cartilage, leading to stiffness and pain. Gout, another form of arthritis, may produce sudden swelling due to uric acid crystal deposits in the big toe joint. Turf toe, common in athletes and dancers, may occur from forced upward bending of the toe. A podiatrist can evaluate the underlying cause of your big toe joint pain and may recommend surgery when other methods are not effective. If you have pain in the joint of your big toe, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for appropriate treatment.

Toe pain can disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, contact David Reynolds, DPM of First Podiatry. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Causes Toe Pain?

Most severe toe pain is caused due to a sports injury, trauma from dropping something heavy on the toe, or bumping into something rigid. Other problems can develop over time for various reasons.

Toe pain can be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

• Trauma
• Sports injury
• Wearing shoes that are too tight
• Arthritis
• Gout
• Corns and calluses
• Hammertoe
• Bunions
• Blisters
• Ingrown toenails
• Sprains
• Fractures (broken bones)
• Dislocations

When to See a Podiatrist

• Severe pain
• Persistent pain that lasts more than a week
• Signs of infection
• Continued swelling
• Pain that prevents walking

Diagnosis

In many cases the cause of toe pain is obvious, but in others, a podiatrist may want to use more advanced methods to determine the problem. These can range from simple visual inspections and sensation tests to X-rays and MRI scans. Prior medical history, family medical history, and any recent physical traumatic events will all be taken into consideration for a proper diagnosis.

Treatment

Treatments for toe pain and injuries vary and may include shoe inserts, padding, taping, medicines, injections, and in some cases, surgery. If you believe that you have broken a toe, please see a podiatrist as soon as possible.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Evansville, IN . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Surgery may be necessary for a torn Achilles tendon when the tear is large or the tendon ends have retracted, meaning they have pulled apart and cannot come back together on their own. The Achilles tendon connects the calf muscles to the heel and helps the foot point downward, which is important for walking and standing on tiptoe. When the tendon is torn, this motion can become weak or painful. A podiatrist may perform a procedure called turn-o-plasty, which involves using a healthy part of the tendon to reconnect the gap. This section is repositioned and secured to the heel bone using surgical tools, allowing the tendon to heal in a strong, stable way. After surgery, the foot is supported in a cast or boot to allow for healing, and movement is gradually restored over time. If you have torn or injured your Achilles tendon, it is suggested that you schedule an immediate appointment with a podiatrist for treatment, which may include surgery.

Foot surgery is sometimes necessary to treat a foot ailment. To learn more, contact David Reynolds, DPM of First Podiatry. 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 Evansville, IN . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.