Hammertoe is a condition where one or more toes bend downward at the middle joint, creating a claw-like appearance. While more common in adults, it can also develop in children, often due to muscle imbalance, flat feet, or wearing shoes that are too tight. In growing feet, this abnormal bending may become more noticeable over time and can lead to rubbing, discomfort, or difficulty finding comfortable shoes. Early signs may include redness on top of the toe, or the child avoiding certain shoes or activities. In many cases, flexible hammer toes in children, where the toe can still be straightened manually. This indicates that the joint has not become rigid or fixed and can be managed with proper footwear, stretching exercises, and custom inserts to help guide foot alignment. If the toe becomes stiff or painful, further care may be needed. In this case, it is suggested that you visit a podiatrist who can evaluate your child’s foot development and recommend the right treatment.
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
Do you suffer from heel pain when you get up in the morning? If so, you should seek professional help and have a proper diagnosis performed. Heel pain can be caused by several different foot-related conditions.
Nerve pain in the foot can result from several conditions, including a pinched nerve, tarsal tunnel syndrome, or peripheral neuropathy. A pinched nerve can occur from foot structure issues or injury, causing sharp or shooting pain. Tarsal tunnel syndrome is similar to carpal tunnel in the wrist and involves compression of the posterior tibial nerve near the ankle. Peripheral neuropathy, often linked to diabetes, involves nerve damage and can affect both feet. Symptoms may include tingling, burning, numbness, or a stabbing sensation. The foot may feel weak, sensitive to touch, or asleep. These symptoms can interfere with walking or even standing. A podiatrist can diagnose the underlying cause through physical exams, imaging, or nerve testing. Treatment options include custom orthotics, anti-inflammatory medication, targeted exercises, corticosteroid injections, or surgery, in severe cases. Managing underlying conditions like diabetes is also critical. If you have symptoms of foot nerve pain, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for appropriate treatment solutions.
Foot Pain
Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with one of our podiatrists from Lexington Foot and Ankle Center, PSC. 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)
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 Harrodsburg, Frankfort, Georgetown, and Lexington, KY. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
Foot care is often overlooked, yet it plays a vital role in overall health and daily comfort. Your feet support the entire body, and without proper care, they can become a source of discomfort or even serious health issues. Practicing good foot hygiene includes washing feet thoroughly, drying them completely, and keeping toenails trimmed and clean. Moisturizing the feet helps prevent dry, cracked skin, while wearing clean, well-fitting socks and shoes reduces the risk of fungal infections and blisters. It is important to inspect the feet regularly for any signs of redness, swelling, or injury. By incorporating these simple habits into a daily routine, individuals can prevent many common foot problems. If you have foot pain or have developed any type of foot concerns, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can treat various foot conditions, and guide you on effective everyday foot care practices.
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 Lexington Foot and Ankle Center, PSC. 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 Harrodsburg, Frankfort, Georgetown, and Lexington, KY. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
