A hammertoe happens when one of the smaller toes bends abnormally at the middle joint. At first, the toe may still be flexible, but over time it can become stiff and painful. Shoes may rub against the raised joint, causing corns, blisters or swelling. Common causes include wearing poor footwear, muscle imbalance or foot structure. Early treatment may include splints, padding or custom inserts to relieve pressure and correct alignment. When these methods no longer help, surgery may be needed to straighten the toe and restore comfort. Surgical repair can involve removing a small piece of bone, releasing tight tendons or inserting a pin for support during healing. Recovery times vary, but many people return to walking with improved function and less pain. If your toe has become hard to move or to walk on, it is suggested you see a podiatrist to discuss what type of treatment might be most beneficial for you.
Hammertoes can be a painful condition to live with. For more information, contact Pedram Aslmand, DPM of Advanced Foot and Ankle Center. Our podiatrist 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 Long Beach, CA. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
Toe deformities are structural issues that may develop from birth or result from other factors. Common causes of toe deformities include wearing improper footwear, trauma, or joint and nerve conditions. Among the deformities are hammertoe, which involves a bend at the middle joint, and mallet toe, which affects the joint near the nail. Claw toe, where the toe curls under the foot, and overlapping toe, where one toe rests on another are other toe deformities. Curly toe is a congenital toe deformity in which one or more toes, usually the third or fourth, curl under due to tight tendons pulling them downward. Causes may include heredity, poorly fitting shoes, foot injuries, nerve damage from conditions like diabetes, or joint disorders like rheumatoid arthritis. These toe deformities can cause pain, limit mobility, and lead to complications like corns, open sores, and joint stiffness. When a toe deformity becomes rigid or painful, a podiatrist can offer medical treatment. Options include custom orthotics to reduce pressure and improve alignment or splints to support toe positioning. In severe cases, surgery may be required to straighten the toe and relieve discomfort. If you have a problematic toe deformity, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for appropriate treatment.
Toe pain can disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, contact Pedram Aslmand, DPM of Advanced Foot and Ankle Center. Our podiatrist 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 feel free to contact our offices located in Long Beach, CA. We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.
Metatarsalgia refers to pain and inflammation in the ball of the foot, often caused by excessive pressure or impact. Common causes include high-impact sports, foot injuries, wearing shoes with inadequate support, bunions, hammertoes, or arthritis. Conditions like flat feet or high arches can also shift weight unevenly, adding stress to the metatarsal bones. Symptoms include a sharp, aching, or burning pain in the ball of the foot, often worsened by standing, walking, or running. It may feel like you are stepping on a pebble or there is a bruise on the sole of your foot. Swelling, numbness, or tingling may also occur. A podiatrist can diagnose metatarsalgia through physical exams, imaging, and gait analysis. Treatment may involve custom orthotics, footwear changes, and targeted exercises to relieve pressure and restore foot function. If you have foot pain, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and appropriate treatment.
Foot Pain
Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with Pedram Aslmand, DPM from Advanced Foot and Ankle Center. Our podiatrist 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 Long Beach, CA. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
A bunion is a bony bump that forms at the base of the big toe when the joint becomes misaligned as the toe leans inward. This deformity often results from prolonged pressure on the foot, commonly due to wearing tight or ill-fitting shoes. Other causes include inherited foot structure, arthritis, or uneven weight distribution. Symptoms of a bunion include pain, swelling, redness, and restricted movement of the toe. Over time, the bump may become more prominent and uncomfortable, especially during walking or while wearing shoes. Risk factors include a family history of bunions, flat feet, and occupations or activities that place stress on the feet. Bunions may be uncomfortable, and it may become difficult completing daily activities. If this applies to you, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can offer effective relief and treatment solutions.
A bunion is formed of swollen tissue or an enlargement of boney growth, usually located at the base joint of the toe that connects to the foot. The swelling occurs due to the bones in the big toe shifting inward, which impacts the other toes of the foot. This causes the area around the base of the big toe to become inflamed and painful.
Why Do Bunions Form?
Genetics – Susceptibility to bunions are often hereditary
Stress on the feet – Poorly fitted and uncomfortable footwear that places stress on feet, such as heels, can worsen existing bunions
How Are Bunions Diagnosed?
Doctors often perform two tests – blood tests and x-rays – when trying to diagnose bunions, especially in the early stages of development. Blood tests help determine if the foot pain is being caused by something else, such as arthritis, while x-rays provide a clear picture of your bone structure to your doctor.
How Are Bunions Treated?
Refrain from wearing heels or similar shoes that cause discomfort
Select wider shoes that can provide more comfort and reduce pain
Anti-inflammatory and pain management drugs
Orthotics or foot inserts
Surgery
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Long Beach, CA. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
