Finding the right shoes to accommodate hammertoes can be challenging. People with high arches often get hammertoes, in which the knuckle of a toe raises up and rubs against the top of your shoe, or the tip of the toe curls under and rubs against the sole of your shoe. In either case, ill-fitting shoes, whether they are too tight or too loose, can make the problem worse. High heels should be avoided because they cause your toes to bunch up into the front of the shoe. At the same time, very flat shoes are also a problem because they offer little or no cushioning or arch support. Finally, pointed and narrow shoes place a lot of pressure on the forefoot and toe area. To best accommodate hammertoes, look for shoes that come in wide widths, have a roomy toe box, and have flexible uppers that mold to the shape of your foot. Shoes that offer cushioning, good arch support, and stable heels are a wise choice. If hammertoe pain and inflammation persist, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist to discuss treatment options available to you.

Hammertoes can be a painful condition to live with. For more information, contact one our of podiatrists of The Foot and Ankle Specialists. 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 offices located in Houston and Deer Park, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Heel pain is a common concern that can interrupt daily movement and make each step feel heavier than the last. One frequent cause is plantar fasciitis, which develops when the band of tissue along the bottom of the foot becomes irritated. Other sources include Achilles tendon strain, inflammation in the heel pad, nerve irritation, or bursitis that forms from repeated pressure. Some individuals notice discomfort after long hours on hard surfaces, while others develop pain from sudden increases in activity or shoes that lack support. Early attention helps prevent the condition from becoming chronic. Resting the foot, improving footwear, gentle stretching, and targeted care can ease symptoms and encourage healing. If you have heel pain, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for a diagnosis and appropriate treatment options.

Many people suffer from bouts of heel pain. For more information, contact one our of podiatrists of The Foot and Ankle Specialists. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Causes of Heel Pain

Heel pain is often associated with plantar fasciitis. The plantar fascia is a band of tissues that extends along the bottom of the foot. A rip or tear in this ligament can cause inflammation of the tissue.

Achilles tendonitis is another cause of heel pain. Inflammation of the Achilles tendon will cause pain from fractures and muscle tearing. Lack of flexibility is also another symptom.

Heel spurs are another cause of pain. When the tissues of the plantar fascia undergo a great deal of stress, it can lead to ligament separation from the heel bone, causing heel spurs.

Why Might Heel Pain Occur?

• Wearing ill-fitting shoes                
• Wearing non-supportive shoes
• Weight change           
• Excessive running

Treatments

Heel pain should be treated as soon as possible for immediate results. Keeping your feet in a stress-free environment will help. If you suffer from Achilles tendonitis or plantar fasciitis, applying ice will reduce the swelling. Stretching before an exercise like running will help the muscles. Using all these tips will help make heel pain a condition of the past.

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

Toenail fungus is an infection that develops when fungi enter the nail through small cracks, causing changes in color, thickness, and texture. Risk factors include aging, excessive moisture, poor circulation, and a weakened immune system. Coexisting conditions such as diabetes and vascular disease increase vulnerability. Common symptoms include discoloration, crumbling edges, thick nails, and a foul odor. Causes often involve walking barefoot in damp public areas or wearing tight shoes that trap moisture. A podiatrist can diagnose the condition, provide advanced treatment options, and prevent the infection from spreading. If you have signs of toenail fungus, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who can offer effective treatment solutions that will restore healthy nails and protect your overall foot health.

For more information about treatment, contact one our of podiatrists of The Foot and Ankle Specialists. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Toenail Fungus Treatment

Toenail fungus is a condition that affects many people and can be especially hard to get rid of. Fortunately, there are several methods to go about treating and avoiding it.

Antifungals & Deterrence

Oral antifungal medicine has been shown to be effective in many cases. It is important to consult with a podiatrist to determine the proper regiment for you, or potentially explore other options.

Applying foot powder on the feet and shoes helps keep the feet free of moisture and sweat.

Sandals or open toed shoes – Wearing these will allow air movement and help keep feet dry. They also expose your feet to light, which fungus cannot tolerate. Socks with moisture wicking material also help as well.

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

Blisters on the feet develop when repeated friction or pressure causes the outer layer of skin to separate from the underlying layers, allowing fluid to collect in the space between. This clear fluid cushions the damaged tissue and protects it as it heals. Wearing shoes that are too tight or lack adequate support can cause blisters on the toes, heels, or sides of the feet. Excess moisture, long-distance walking, and high-friction activities can also contribute. Sometimes, blisters form due to burns, allergic reactions, or infections that affect the skin on the feet. A podiatrist can evaluate the cause, drain painful or infected blisters under sterile conditions, and recommend protective footwear or custom padding to prevent recurrence. If you have a painful or infected blister on your foot, it is suggested that you promptly schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and safe treatment options.

Blisters may appear as a single bubble or in a cluster. They can cause a lot of pain and may be filled with pus, blood, or watery serum. If your feet are hurting, contact one our of podiatrists of The Foot and Ankle Specialists. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Foot Blisters

Foot blisters are often the result of friction. This happens due to the constant rubbing from shoes, which can lead to pain.

What Are Foot Blisters?

A foot blister is a small fluid-filled pocket that forms on the upper-most layer of the skin. Blisters are filled with clear fluid and can lead to blood drainage or pus if the area becomes infected.

Symptoms

(Blister symptoms may vary depending on what is causing them)

• Bubble of skin filled with fluid
• Redness
• Moderate to severe pain
• Itching

Prevention & Treatment

In order to prevent blisters, you should be sure to wear comfortable shoes with socks that cushion your feet and absorb sweat. Breaking a blister open may increase your chances of developing an infection. However, if your blister breaks, you should wash the area with soap and water immediately and then apply a bandage to the affected area. If your blisters cause severe pain it is important that you call your podiatrist right away.

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