Hammertoe is a foot deformity where one or more toes become permanently bent at the middle joint, resembling a hammer. This condition is often caused by muscle imbalance, wearing tight or ill-fitting shoes, or injury. Risk factors include genetics, arthritis, and high arches. Symptoms may include pain, corns or calluses on the toe, difficulty walking, and swelling. If left untreated, hammertoe can become rigid and more painful. A podiatrist can diagnose hammertoe through physical examination and recommend treatments such as custom orthotics, shoe modifications, or surgery if necessary. If you experience toe discomfort or notice deformities, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can accurately diagnose hammertoe, and offer appropriate treatment solutions. 

Hammertoes can be a painful condition to live with. For more information, contact Stephanie Tine, DPM of Flamingo Foot and Ankle. 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 Fort Lauderdale, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Swollen feet can be uncomfortable and are often a sign of an underlying issue. While swelling can result from standing too long, injury, or poor circulation, it is commonly linked to diabetes. This condition can cause fluid retention, poor blood flow, and kidney problems, all contributing to swollen feet and ankles. In some cases, diabetic neuropathy may cause numbness, so the swelling goes unnoticed until it worsens. Visually, swollen feet may appear puffy, shiny, or discolored. They may feel tight, heavy, or tender. A podiatrist can assess circulation, check for infection or injury, and may recommend compression socks or medication to reduce fluid buildup. Proper footwear and managing blood sugar levels are also key. People with diabetes are up to 30 times more likely to require surgery, often starting with untreated swelling or wounds. If you have  swollen feet, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who can offer effective relief tips.

Swollen feet can be a sign of an underlying condition. If you have any concerns, contact Stephanie Tine, DPM of Flamingo Foot and Ankle. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Swollen feet are a common ailment among pregnant women and people who stand or sit for extended periods. Aging may increase the possibility of swollen feet and patients who are obese often notice when their feet are swelling too. There may be medical reasons why swollen feet occur:

• Phlebitis - A condition that causes the veins to become inflamed and can also cause leg pain.
• Liver disease - This may lead to low blood levels of albumin which is a protein. This can cause fluid in the blood to pass into the tissues and several areas of the body can become swollen.
• Heart failure - When the heart doesn’t pump properly the blood that is normally pumped back to the heart can pool in the veins of the legs causing swollen feet.
• Kidney disease - One of the main functions of the kidneys is releasing excess fluid in the body. This type of condition can make it difficult for the kidneys to function properly, and as a result the feet may become swollen.
• Deep-vein thrombosis (DVT)- This is a serious condition where blood clots form in the veins of the legs. They can block the return of blood from the legs to the heart which may cause the feet to swell. It is important to be treated by a podiatrist if this condition is present.

Swollen feet can also be caused by bone and tendon conditions, including fractures, arthritis, and tendinitis. Additionally, there may be skin and toenail conditions and an infection may cause the feet to swell. Patients who take medicine to treat high blood pressure may be prone to getting swollen feet. 

Many patients elevate their feet to help relieve the swelling and this is generally a temporary remedy. When a podiatrist is consulted the reason behind the swelling can be uncovered and subsequently treated.

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

As people age, foot problems can become more frequent and affect mobility and comfort. Common foot issues for seniors include plantar fasciitis, which causes heel pain, arthritis that leads to joint stiffness, corns from pressure or friction, and diabetic foot problems that may result in poor healing or loss of sensation. Toenail issues, such as fungal infections or thickened nails, can also cause discomfort. These conditions may impact balance and increase the risk of falls. A podiatrist can help by diagnosing problems, providing treatment, recommending proper footwear, and managing chronic conditions. If you are experiencing ongoing foot pain or changes, it is suggested that you visit a podiatrist for expert care and support for your long-term foot health.

If you need your feet checked, contact Stephanie Tine, DPM of Flamingo Foot and Ankle. Our doctor will attend to all of your foot and ankle needs and provide you with quality treatment.

Geriatrics and Podiatry
When people age, some common issues that may occur are bone density loss, dry skin, poor circulation, and rough brittle nails. These issues may also affect your foot health if the necessary steps are not taken to alleviate the problems.

It is important to take care of your feet because feet that are injured or diseased can affect your overall health. Having painful feet hinders your ability to do daily activities or may decrease your willingness to do the things that you need to do.

Visiting Your Geriatrician
As we age, health problems become more likely, so it is essential to visit your doctor for check-ups to ensure that you are doing the best you can to take care of your health. It is recommended to check your feet frequently for any possible cuts, bruises, swelling, corns or any other irregularities. 

Taking Care of Elderly Feet
Cracked or dry feet can be treated by applying moisturizer often. It is also important not to wear old socks because the older the sock is, the higher the possibility there will be that there is bacteria there. Wear fresh socks and make sure they fit properly.

Proper foot health means that you can have a more active lifestyle and you will not be bogged down by pain. Foot health also leads to good circulation, which is paramount for overall health.

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