Hammertoe is a particular kind of foot affliction that can occur when the middle of the toe points upward at the joint. Often, this foot condition can be accompanied by other foot conditions. For example, as the middle of the affected toe points upwards, the toe can rub against footwear, making corns more likely to develop. Also, a hammertoe can be associated with bunions, which are bony bumps on the sides of the big toe. If you are someone that is currently struggling with a hammertoe, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment today with a podiatrist who can assess your situation, and offer correct treatment options. 

Hammertoe

Hammertoes can be a painful condition to live with. For more information, contact one of our podiatrists from Houston Foot and Ankle Care. 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 Inner Loop, Southwest, Greater Heights, and Pearland, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Some people pay little attention to their feet until foot pain develops. When an everyday foot care routine is practiced, the chances of incurring painful foot conditions may be reduced. Begin with washing and drying the feet daily, then apply a moisturizer. The daily use of moisturizers may help prevent cracked heels from occurring. Ingrown toenails may be avoided when the nails are trimmed properly, which means cutting them straight across instead of in a curved fashion. All-day comfort for the feet and body may be achieved when the right size shoes are worn. Determine your shoe size using a Brannock device, and purchase shoes at the end of the day when the feet are at their largest. The feet can become stronger when daily foot exercises and stretches are performed, possibly making it easier to complete daily activities. If you would like additional techniques about every day foot care procedures, it is suggested that you confer with a podiatrist who can provide you with the correct tips.

Everyday foot care is very important to prevent infection and other foot ailments. If you need your feet checked, contact one of our podiatrists from Houston Foot and Ankle Care. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Everyday Foot Care

Often, people take care of their bodies, face and hair more so than they do for their feet. But the feet are a very important aspect of our bodies, and one that we should pay more attention to. Without our feet, we would not be able to perform most daily tasks.

It is best to check your feet regularly to make sure there are no new bruises or cuts that you may not have noticed before. For dry feet, moisturizer can easily be a remedy and can be applied as often as necessary to the affected areas. Wearing shoes that fit well can also help you maintain good foot health, as well as making it easier to walk and do daily activities without the stress or pain of ill-fitting shoes, high heels, or even flip flops. Wearing clean socks with closed shoes is important to ensure that sweat and bacteria do not accumulate within the shoe. Clean socks help to prevent Athlete’s foot, fungi problems, bad odors, and can absorb sweat.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Inner Loop, Southwest, Greater Heights, and Pearland, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Anyone who has experienced a foot cramp is familiar with the discomfort it can cause. It may happen as a result of being dehydrated, or from having low potassium levels. The latter condition can be referred to as hypokalemia and may be accompanied by fatigue and weakness. Wearing tight shoes may also cause foot cramps, in addition to having specific types of nerve damage. A foot cramp is a sudden contraction of a muscle, and it can happen during the day. It may also wake a patient up from sleeping, and pointing and stretching the foot may bring temporary relief. People who frequently exercise may find they occasionally get foot cramps, possibly as a result of having overworked muscles. Existing medications may cause foot cramps. These can include asthma, blood pressure, and statin drugs, in addition to medicine for Alzheimer’s disease. If you are experiencing foot cramps, it is suggested that you consult with a podiatrist who can determine what the cause is, and offer correct treatment options.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with one of our podiatrists from Houston Foot and Ankle Care. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Causes

Foot pain is a very broad condition that could be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

• Bunions
• Hammertoes
• Plantar Fasciitis
• Bone Spurs
• Corns
• Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
• Ingrown Toenails
• Arthritis (such as Gout, Rheumatoid, and Osteoarthritis)
• Flat Feet
• Injury (from stress fractures, broken toe, foot, ankle, Achilles tendon ruptures, and sprains)
• And more

Diagnosis

To figure out the cause of foot pain, podiatrists utilize several different methods. This 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

Treatment depends upon the cause of the foot pain. Whether it is resting, staying off the foot, or having surgery; podiatrists have a number of treatment options available for foot pain.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Inner Loop, Southwest, Greater Heights, and Pearland, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.