Hammertoe develops when one of the smaller toes bends abnormally at its middle joint instead of lying flat. The condition most frequently affects the second, third, or fourth toe. An imbalance in the muscles and tendons that control the toe can contribute to this bent position. Foot structure and certain types of shoes can also place added pressure on the toes. Symptoms include pain, stiffness, and difficulty moving the affected toe. Corns can develop where the bent toe rubs against the inside of a shoe. Calluses can also form where increased pressure occurs. At first, the toe may remain flexible, but it can become harder to straighten as the condition progresses. Hammertoe can make standing, walking, and wearing shoes uncomfortable.

A podiatrist evaluates hammertoe by examining the position and movement of the affected toe. An examination includes checking toe flexibility, areas of tenderness, and changes in the skin caused by pressure. The podiatrist also evaluates the overall structure of the foot and how pressure is distributed while standing or walking. Treatment focuses on reducing pressure and improving comfort. Custom orthotics help support the foot and improve pressure distribution. A podiatrist can also recommend shoes with enough room in the toe area to reduce rubbing against the bent toe. Targeted treatment also addresses corns or calluses that develop from repeated pressure.

Hammertoe can affect balance and change how the foot functions during everyday activities. Patients may shift their weight to avoid pressure on the painful toe, which can place added stress on other areas of the foot. A podiatrist can identify these changes and develop a treatment plan based on the severity and flexibility of the hammertoe. Care focuses on reducing painful pressure and supporting better foot function. Treatment may be adjusted according to the patient's symptoms and response to care. Early evaluation helps address discomfort before the toe becomes more rigid and difficult to move. If you have symptoms of hammertoe, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for diagnosis and treatment.

Hammertoes can be a painful condition to live with. For more information, contact one of our podiatrists of Foot and Ankle Center. Our doctors 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 Egg Harbor Township, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Flat feet occur when the arches of the feet appear flattened while standing. In young children, little or no visible arch can be a normal part of development. The arch usually becomes more noticeable as a child grows. Flexible flatfoot is one form in which the arch appears when the child is sitting or standing on tiptoes, but flattens when standing normally. Many children with flexible flat feet have no pain. However, some develop discomfort or problems with activity that deserve a closer evaluation by a podiatrist.

Parents can watch for signs that flat feet are affecting a child’s comfort or movement. Symptoms can include pain, tenderness, or cramping in the feet or legs. Some children have difficulty with certain activities or become tired more quickly than expected. Another type, called rigid flatfoot, remains flat whether the child is standing or sitting. This form can be linked to problems with the bones or joints of the foot. A podiatrist can examine foot structure, watch how the child walks, and assess the range of motion. Imaging tests can provide more information in certain cases.

Treatment depends on the type of flatfoot and whether it is causing symptoms. A podiatrist can determine whether treatment is appropriate after evaluating the child’s feet and movement. Care for painful flexible flatfoot can include custom orthotics, wearing supportive shoes, and stretching exercises. These approaches can help support the feet and improve comfort with activity. More complex cases require treatment based on the underlying cause and the severity of symptoms. Regular evaluation can also help a podiatrist track changes in foot development as a child grows. If your child has pain from having flat feet, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for effective relief and managemnt solutions. 

Flatfoot is a condition many people suffer from. If you have flat feet, contact one of our podiatrists from Foot and Ankle Center. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Are Flat Feet?

Flatfoot is a condition in which the arch of the foot is depressed and the sole of the foot is almost completely in contact with the ground. About 20-30% of the population generally has flat feet because their arches never formed during growth.

Conditions & Problems:

Having flat feet makes it difficult to run or walk because of the stress placed on the ankles.

Alignment – The general alignment of your legs can be disrupted, because the ankles move inward which can cause major discomfort.

Knees – If you have complications with your knees, flat feet can be a contributor to arthritis in that area.  

Symptoms

• Pain around the heel or arch area
• Trouble standing on the tip toe
• Swelling around the inside of the ankle
• Flat look to one or both feet
• Having your shoes feel uneven when worn

Treatment

If you are experiencing pain and stress on the foot you may weaken the posterior tibial tendon, which runs around the inside of the ankle. 

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

Toe pain can make everyday activities difficult, especially when shoes rub the area or walking becomes uncomfortable. Causes include a bunion, tailor’s bunion, and hammertoe. A bunion is a deformity that develops when the big toe angles toward the smaller toes and the base of the joint pushes outward. A tailor’s bunion develops near the base of the little toe, creating a bump along the outside of the foot. A hammertoe occurs when a smaller toe develops an abnormal bend. These conditions have different symptoms and treatment needs.

Bunion symptoms may include a bump, swelling, and pain surrounding the big toe joint. A tailor’s bunion can cause tenderness, swelling, and difficulty finding comfortable shoes. Hammertoe symptoms often include a curled toe, pressure-related pain, and rubbing against footwear. Risk factors include family history, foot structure, and joint problems. Causes may involve inherited alignment issues, repeated pressure, and muscle imbalance. Arthritis is another possible factor. Toe pain can worsen when the problem is not addressed.

A podiatrist begins treatment with an examination of your feet, gait, and medical history. X-rays may help evaluate bone alignment and joint changes. Treatment depends on the condition and severity. Conservative care may include wearing wider shoes, orthotics, or activity changes. A podiatrist may recommend exercises to improve strength and flexibility. If pain remains severe or the deformity progresses, surgery may be considered. Follow-up visits help monitor healing.

You do not have to ignore toe pain or assume uncomfortable shoes are the only problem. Early evaluation can identify whether a bunion, hammertoe, or another condition is causing symptoms. Proper treatment can reduce pressure, improve comfort, and support walking. If you have toe pain, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Toe pain can disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, contact one of our podiatrists of Foot and Ankle Center. Our doctors 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 contact our office located in Egg Harbor Township, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Gout can cause sudden episodes of severe pain in the joints of the foot. It is a form of inflammatory arthritis and often begins in the big toe, although the ankle and other toes may also be affected. A gout flare typically affects one joint at a time, and may begin suddenly during the night. The painful joint can become swollen, red, and warm. Symptoms usually improve within one or two weeks, but the timing between attacks varies. Some people experience frequent episodes, while others may go years without another flare. When gout affects the foot, the discomfort can make normal walking and movement difficult.

The underlying cause of gout is a long-term buildup of uric acid in the body. Uric acid is a waste product produced when substances called purines are broken down. The kidneys normally filter uric acid from the blood. However, the body may produce too much or fail to remove enough. In some people, the excess uric acid forms sharp crystals inside the joints, leading to inflammation and pain. Without treatment, gout attacks may eventually become more frequent and last longer. Long-term gout can also produce hard deposits called tophi that may damage bones and surrounding tissues.

A podiatrist can examine a painful foot joint and help determine whether gout may be responsible for the symptoms. Diagnosis can involve reviewing the patient's medical history and examining the affected joint. Testing may also be needed to identify uric acid crystals or rule out other causes of foot pain. Treatment can help relieve gout flares and reduce the chance of future attacks. Certain medications may also lower uric acid levels and help prevent complications. If you have sudden and intense pain or swelling in a foot joint, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can help you to manage this painful condition.

Gout is a painful condition that can be treated. If you are seeking treatment, contact one of our podiatrists from Foot and Ankle Center. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Is Gout?

Gout is a form of arthritis that is characterized by sudden, severe attacks of pain, redness, and tenderness in the joints. The condition usually affects the joint at the base of the big toe. A gout attack can occur at any random time, such as the middle of the night while you are asleep.

Symptoms

• Intense Joint Pain - Usually around the large joint of your big toe, and it most severe within the first four to twelve hours
• Lingering Discomfort - Joint discomfort may last from a few days to a few weeks
• Inflammation and Redness -Affected joints may become swollen, tender, warm and red
• Limited Range of Motion - May experience a decrease in joint mobility

Risk Factors

• Genetics - If family members have gout, you’re more likely to have it
• Medications - Diuretic medications can raise uric acid levels
• Gender/Age - Gout is more common in men until the age of 60. It is believed that estrogen protects women until that point
• Diet - Eating red meat and shellfish increases your risk
• Alcohol - Having more than two alcoholic drinks per day increases your risk
• Obesity - Obese people are at a higher risk for gout

Prior to visiting your podiatrist to receive treatment for gout, there are a few things you should do beforehand. If you have gout you should write down your symptoms--including when they started and how often you experience them, important medical information you may have, and any questions you may have. Writing down these three things will help your podiatrist in assessing your specific situation so that he or she may provide the best route of treatment for you.

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