Hammertoe can make wearing shoes uncomfortable and turn everyday walking into a painful experience. This foot condition develops when a toe bends downward at its middle joint instead of remaining straight. It most frequently affects the second toe, although other smaller toes can also be involved. The bent position can cause the top of the toe to rub against shoes, creating pressure and irritation. Symptoms include pain, redness, and difficulty moving the affected toe. Corns or calluses can also form where the skin experiences repeated friction. In the early stages, the toe may still straighten when gently moved. As the condition progresses, the joint can become stiff and remain bent, making comfortable movement more difficult.

Wearing tight or narrow shoes can contribute to hammertoe by forcing the toes into a bent position. High heels can also increase pressure on the front of the foot. As the muscles and tendons adjust to this position, straightening the toe can become more difficult. Some people are born with a foot structure that makes hammertoe more likely. In rare cases, nerve problems can affect the muscles that control toe movement. Hammertoe can also develop in children whose shoes have become too small. Without proper attention, the bent toe can create painful pressure points. These areas may develop thickened skin or sores that make walking uncomfortable. Identifying the cause helps determine which treatments are appropriate.

A podiatrist can examine the affected toe, assess its flexibility, and identify areas of pressure. Treatment can include protective padding, toe splints, and properly fitted shoes with enough room for the toes. A podiatrist may also recommend supportive shoe inserts to improve comfort and reduce pressure on sensitive areas. When the toe remains flexible, professionally guided exercises can help maintain movement and support the surrounding muscles. A podiatrist can carefully reduce painful corns or calluses caused by repeated rubbing. Treatment depends on how much the toe has changed and whether the joint can still move. Addressing symptoms early can help improve comfort and reduce further irritation. If you have hammertoe, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for effective relief and management tips. 

Hammertoe

Hammertoes can be a painful condition to live with. For more information, contact our podiatrists from Superior Foot & Ankle Center. 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 feel free to contact our office located in Long Beach, CA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Pain at the back of the heel may signal irritation of the Achilles tendon, the strong band of tissue connecting the calf muscles to the heel bone. This tendon helps lift the heel with each step and supplies power for running and jumping. Achilles tendinitis develops when repeated strain causes inflammation in the tendon. A sudden increase in exercise, tight calf muscles, or shoes that lack proper support adds to stress on the tendon. Although runners frequently develop Achilles tendinitis, it also affects people who exercise occasionally. Pain usually develops gradually and becomes more noticeable after activity or with the first steps in the morning. 

The location of pain helps distinguish two forms of Achilles tendinitis. Insertional tendinitis affects the area where the tendon attaches to the heel bone. Noninsertional tendinitis affects the middle portion of the tendon, above the heel. Both forms may cause tenderness, swelling, and stiffness. The tendon might also become thicker, and bending the ankle may feel uncomfortable. Bone spurs sometimes develop near the tendon attachment and add irritation. A podiatrist examines the painful area and checks ankle movement. Reviewing activity patterns and evaluating foot structure helps identify contributing factors. Imaging tests provide additional information when the diagnosis remains unclear or a tear is suspected. 

Treatment focuses on reducing tendon strain and restoring comfortable movement. A podiatrist recommends shoes suited to the patient's foot structure and evaluates whether heel lifts or custom orthotics would reduce stress. A walking boot provides protection when symptoms are severe. For persistent problems, the podiatrist discusses additional treatment options and determines whether surgery is needed. Follow-up visits help track healing and guide a gradual return to activity. A sudden pop in the back of the heel with difficulty pushing off requires prompt attention. If you have symptoms of Achilles tendinitis, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Achilles tendon injuries need immediate attention to avoid future complications. If you have any concerns, contact our podiatrists of Superior Foot & Ankle Center. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is the Achilles Tendon?

The Achilles tendon is a tendon that connects the lower leg muscles and calf to the heel of the foot. It is the strongest tendon in the human body and is essential for making movement possible. Because this tendon is such an integral part of the body, any injuries to it can create immense difficulties and should immediately be presented to a doctor.

What Are the Symptoms of an Achilles Tendon Injury?

There are various types of injuries that can affect the Achilles tendon. The two most common injuries are Achilles tendinitis and ruptures of the tendon.

Achilles Tendinitis Symptoms

• Inflammation
• Dull to severe pain
• Increased blood flow to the tendon
• Thickening of the tendon

Rupture Symptoms

• Extreme pain and swelling in the foot
• Total immobility

Treatment and Prevention

Achilles tendon injuries are diagnosed by a thorough physical evaluation, which can include an MRI. Treatment involves rest, physical therapy, and in some cases, surgery. However, various preventative measures can be taken to avoid these injuries, such as:

• Thorough stretching of the tendon before and after exercise
• Strengthening exercises like calf raises, squats, leg curls, leg extensions, leg raises, lunges, and leg presses

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

Toenail fungus can begin with a change in the color of a nail. A white or yellow spot may appear before the nail becomes thicker or brittle. The nail might crack, lift from the skin, or collect material underneath. This infection develops when fungi enter the nail or openings in nearby skin. It frequently affects the big toe or second toe. Although some people feel no discomfort, others develop pain that makes standing or walking difficult. The appearance of an infected nail can cause embarrassment. Without treatment, the infection can spread to other nails.

Toenail fungus is contagious and can pass between people through contact with infected skin or nails. Shared nail clippers and towels can carry the fungus. Warm, damp public spaces, like locker rooms and pool decks, create opportunities for exposure. Athlete's foot, a fungal infection of the skin, can spread into a toenail. Having dirty nails alone does not cause this condition. Changes in nail color do not necessarily mean a fungus is present, however. A podiatrist can examine the affected nail and collect a sample for testing to confirm the diagnosis.

Toenail fungus rarely clears without treatment because fungi can remain inside and beneath the nail. Scraping or filing the surface does not remove the infection. A podiatrist can prescribe antifungal medications applied to the nail or taken by mouth. The choice depends on the extent of infection and the patient's health. Treatment can clear the fungus before the nail looks normal again. Toenails grow slowly, so a healthy-looking big toenail may take a year or longer to return. Early diagnosis makes treatment more effective and helps prevent spread. If you have symptoms of toenail fungus, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for diagnosis and treatment.

If left untreated, toenail fungus may spread to other toenails, skin, or even fingernails. If you suspect you have toenail fungus it is important to seek treatment right away. For more information about treatment, contact our podiatrists of Superior Foot & Ankle Center. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Symptoms

• Warped or oddly shaped nails
• Yellowish nails
• Loose/separated nail
• Buildup of bits and pieces of nail fragments under the nail
• Brittle, broken, thickened nail

Treatment

If self-care strategies and over-the-counter medications does not help your fungus, your podiatrist may give you a prescription drug instead. Even if you find relief from your toenail fungus symptoms, you may experience a repeat infection in the future.

Prevention

In order to prevent getting toenail fungus in the future, you should always make sure to wash your feet with soap and water. After washing, it is important to dry your feet thoroughly especially in between the toes. When trimming your toenails, be sure to trim straight across instead of in a rounded shape. It is crucial not to cover up discolored nails with nail polish because that will prevent your nail from being able to “breathe”.

In some cases, surgical procedure may be needed to remove the toenail fungus. Consult with your podiatrist about the best treatment options for your case of toenail fungus.  

If you have any questions please contact our office located in Long Beach, CA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Ankle pain can make walking, working, and other daily activities uncomfortable. Ankle problems are common and may begin after an injury, such as tripping or rolling the ankle. Pain can also develop from a flare-up of an existing problem or weakness in the muscles surrounding the joint. Soft-tissue injuries are another frequent cause. Soft tissues include the ligaments, muscles, and tendons that help support and move the ankle. Depending on the problem, symptoms may include pain, swelling, and stiffness. Discomfort can also affect nearby areas of the foot or calf.

An ankle problem may change the way a person walks and sometimes cause a noticeable limp. Symptoms vary depending on the cause and severity of the problem. While many new ankle problems gradually improve, certain symptoms require prompt medical attention. Significant trauma, difficulty placing weight on the leg, or an ankle that appears misshapen should be professionally evaluated. Redness and warmth around the ankle accompanied by feeling feverish or unwell can indicate an infection. A calf that becomes hot, swollen, and tender is another reason to seek medical care. Persistent or worsening ankle pain should also receive professional attention.

A podiatrist can examine the ankle to determine whether the symptoms involve the muscles, ligaments, or tendons surrounding the joint. An evaluation may include reviewing how the problem started and checking the ankle for swelling, stiffness, and changes in movement. Understanding the cause of the pain allows the podiatrist to recommend appropriate treatment based on the individual problem. Professional care can also help address ankle problems that interfere with walking or continue to worsen. Early evaluation is especially important after significant injuries or when symptoms suggest a more serious problem. If ankle pain, swelling, or stiffness continues to affect your mobility, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for an evaluation and appropriate treatment options.

Ankle pain can have many different causes and the pain may potentially be serious. If you have ankle pain, consult with our podiatrists from Superior Foot & Ankle Center. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Ankle pain is any condition that causes pain in the ankle. Due to the fact that the ankle consists of tendons, muscles, bones, and ligaments, ankle pain can come from a number of different conditions.

Causes

The most common causes of ankle pain include:

• Types of arthritis (rheumatoid, osteoarthritis, and gout)
• Ankle sprains
• Broken ankles
• Achilles tendinitis
• Achilles tendon rupture
• Stress fractures
• Tarsal tunnel syndrome
• Plantar fasciitis

Symptoms

Symptoms of ankle injury vary based upon the condition. Pain may include general pain and discomfort, swelling, aching, redness, bruising, burning or stabbing sensations, and/or loss of sensation.

Diagnosis

Due to the wide variety of potential causes of ankle pain, podiatrists will utilize a number of different methods to properly diagnose ankle pain. This can include asking for personal and family medical histories and of any recent injuries. Further diagnosis may include sensation tests, a physical examination, and potentially x-rays or other imaging tests.

Treatment

Just as the range of causes varies widely, so do treatments. Some more common treatments are rest, ice packs, keeping pressure off the foot, orthotics and braces, medication for inflammation and pain, and surgery.

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