January 2021

A hammertoe is a toe deformity that causes a toe to bend downward at the middle joint, creating a hammer-like or claw-like appearance. This can cause discomfort as the affected toes rubs against the shoes while walking. Hammertoes may become painful, stiff, and restricted in their range of motion if left untreated. While there are many conservative treatments for hammertoes, surgery may be needed for more severe cases. There are two main types of hammertoe surgery. In a fusion surgery, the surgeon cuts the ligaments, tendons, and the ends of the bones that form the middle joint of the hammertoe in order to straighten it. Pins and screws are then used to help the cut bones fuse together. In a joint resection surgery, the surgeon may also cut the ligaments and tendons, as well as the end of one bone, so that the toe can be straightened. To learn more about treatment for hammertoes, please consult with a podiatrist. 

Hammertoe

Hammertoes can be a painful condition to live with. For more information, contact one of our podiatrists from Accent Podiatry Associates. Our doctors will answer any of your foot- and ankle-related questions.

Hammertoe is a foot deformity that affects the joints of the second, third, fourth, or fifth toes of your feet. It is a painful foot condition in which these toes curl and arch up, which can often lead to pain when wearing footwear.

Symptoms

• Pain in the affected toes
• Development of corns or calluses due to friction
• Inflammation
• Redness
• Contracture of the toes

Causes

Genetics – People who are genetically predisposed to hammertoe are often more susceptible

Arthritis – Because arthritis affects the joints in your toes, further deformities stemming from arthritis can occur

Trauma – Direct trauma to the toes could potentially lead to hammertoe

Ill-fitting shoes – Undue pressure on the front of the toes from ill-fitting shoes can potentially lead to the development of hammertoe

Treatment

Orthotics – Custom made inserts can be used to help relieve pressure placed on the toes and therefore relieve some of the pain associated with it

Medications – Oral medications such as anti-inflammatories or NSAIDs could be used to treat the pain and inflammation hammertoes causes. Injections of corticosteroids are also sometimes used

Surgery – In more severe cases where the hammertoes have become more rigid, foot surgery is a potential option

If you have any questions please contact our offices located in Arlington and Mansfield, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Following a run, your feet may feel sore and achy. Fortunately, performing certain foot stretches can help you find relief. After a run, stretch your feet by kneeling on a mat or carpet. Tuck your toes towards your knees and slowly lower your body so that your pelvis sits on top of your heels. Stay in this position for approximately 30 seconds. You should feel a stretch in the bottoms of your feet. Next, slowly raise your pelvis off of your heels, point your toes away from your knees, and sit back down on your heels. You should feel a stretch in the tops of your feet. Repeat this stretch twice. For more information about stretching your feet and why it's important, please consult with a podiatrist.

Stretching the feet is a great way to prevent injuries. If you have any concerns with your feet consult with one of our podiatrists from Accent Podiatry Associates. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Stretching the Feet

Stretching the muscles in the foot is an important part in any physical activity. Feet that are tight can lead to less flexibility and make you more prone to injury. One of the most common forms of foot pain, plantar fasciitis, can be stretched out to help ease the pain. Stretching can not only ease pain from plantar fasciitis but also prevent it as well. However, it is important to see a podiatrist first if stretching is right for you. Podiatrists can also recommend other ways to stretch your feet. Once you know whether stretching is right for you, here are some excellent stretches you can do.

• Using a foam roller or any cylindrical object (a water bottle or soda can will do), roll the object under your foot back and forth. You should also exert pressure on the object. Be sure to do this to both feet for a minute. Do this exercise three times each.
• Similar to the previous one, take a ball, such as a tennis ball, and roll it under your foot while seated and exert pressure on it.
• Grab a resistance band or towel and take a seat. If you are using a towel, fold it length wise. Next put either one between the ball of your foot and heel and pull with both hands on each side towards you. Hold this for 15 seconds and then switch feet. Do this three times for each foot.
• Finally hold your big toe while crossing one leg over the other. Pull the toe towards you and hold for 15 seconds. Once again do this three times per foot.

It is best to go easy when first stretching your foot and work your way up. If your foot starts hurting, stop exercising and ice and rest the foot. It is advised to then see a podiatrist for help.

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

Many people have general aches and pains in their feet. When pain develops in the ball of the foot, it may be indicative of a condition that is referred to as Morton’s neuroma. This is an ailment that affects the nerves in the feet that helps to avoid falling by maintaining balance. It develops as a result of inflamed nerves which can happen for a variety of reasons. These can include wearing shoes that do not fit correctly or from medical ailments consisting of bunions, hammertoe, and flat feet. Mild relief may be found when the affected foot is massaged, and it may be beneficial to wear custom made orthotics. If you have pain in this part of your foot, it is strongly suggested that you seek the counsel of a podiatrist who can properly diagnose and treat Morton’s neuroma.

Morton’s neuroma is a very uncomfortable condition to live with. If you think you have Morton’s neuroma, contact one of our podiatrists of Accent Podiatry Associates. Our doctors will attend to all of your foot care needs and answer any of your related questions.  

Morton’s Neuroma

Morton's neuroma is a painful foot condition that commonly affects the areas between the second and third or third and fourth toe, although other areas of the foot are also susceptible. Morton’s neuroma is caused by an inflamed nerve in the foot that is being squeezed and aggravated by surrounding bones.

What Increases the Chances of Having Morton’s Neuroma?

• Ill-fitting high heels or shoes that add pressure to the toe or foot
• Jogging, running or any sport that involves constant impact to the foot
• Flat feet, bunions, and any other foot deformities

Morton’s neuroma is a very treatable condition. Orthotics and shoe inserts can often be used to alleviate the pain on the forefront of the feet. In more severe cases, corticosteroids can also be prescribed. In order to figure out the best treatment for your neuroma, it’s recommended to seek the care of a podiatrist who can diagnose your condition and provide different treatment options.

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