Hammertoes are a common foot condition where one or more of the toes bend abnormally at the middle joint, causing them to resemble a hammer. There are two types of hammertoes, flexible and rigid. In flexible hammertoe, the joint is still movable but bends downward, causing pain when walking or wearing shoes. Over time, if left untreated, a flexible hammertoe can become rigid, where the joint becomes fixed in a bent position, making the condition more painful and difficult to treat. The primary causes of hammertoes include wearing ill-fitting shoes, genetics, and muscle imbalances that affect the alignment of the toes. High heels and wearing tight footwear can worsen the condition by crowding the toes and forcing them into unnatural positions. Visiting a podiatrist is key to a proper diagnosis and treatment. This type of doctor can recommend orthotics, exercises, or in severe cases, surgery to correct the deformity and relieve pain. If you have a  hammertoe, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist.

Hammertoe

Hammertoes can be a painful condition to live with. For more information, contact David Williams, DPM from El Paso Feet. Our doctor 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 contact our office located in El Paso, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Ankle sprains occur when the ligaments in the ankle stretch or tear, often causing immediate pain, swelling, bruising, and difficulty moving the joint. They typically happen when the ankle twists or turns awkwardly, such as during sports or a misstep while walking. It is important to note that up to 70 percent of people experience lasting symptoms after an ankle sprain, including instability and weakness. This increases the risk of recurrent sprains, especially if not properly managed. Proper treatment, including targeted exercises and, in some cases, bracing or custom orthotics, can help restore strength and prevent further injury. A podiatrist can assess the severity of the sprain, ensure proper healing, and provide a personalized rehabilitation plan. If you have sprained your ankle, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist to reduce the risk of ongoing issues.

Although ankle sprains are common, they aren’t always minor injuries. If you need your ankle injury looked at, contact David Williams, DPM from El Paso Feet. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

How Does an Ankle Sprain Occur?

Ankle sprains are the result of a tear in the ligaments within the ankle. These injuries may happen when you make a rapid shifting movement while your foot is planted. A less common way to sprain your ankle is when your ankle rolls inward while your foot turns outward.

What Are the Symptoms?

• Pain at the sight of the tear
• Bruising/Swelling
• Ankle area is tender to touch
• In severe cases, may hear/feel something tear
• Skin discoloration

Preventing a Sprain

• Wearing appropriate shoes for the occasion
• Stretching before exercises and sports
• Knowing your limits

Treatment of a Sprain

In many cases, the RICE method (Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevate) is used to treat ankle sprains. However, you should see a podiatrist to see which treatment option would work best with your injury. In severe cases, surgery may be required.

It is important to ask your doctor about rehab options after you receive treatment for your injury. Stretching, strength training, and balance exercises may help the ankle heal while also preventing further injury.

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

An ingrown toenail occurs when the edge of the nail grows into the surrounding skin, causing pain, swelling, and sometimes infection. This condition commonly affects the big toe and can result from improper nail trimming, tight shoes, or injury. If conservative treatments like soaking or antibiotic ointments do not resolve the issue, one of various surgeries may be recommended. This typically involves removing the portion of the nail that is growing into the skin. In some cases, a chemical or surgical technique is used to prevent the nail from growing back. The surgery is usually performed under local anesthesia, ensuring the patient does not feel pain during the procedure. Recovery involves keeping the foot clean and avoiding pressure on the toe. If you have an ingrown toenail that is causing you pain, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can discuss this kind of foot surgery with you.

Foot surgery is sometimes necessary to treat a foot ailment. To learn more, contact David Williams, DPM of El Paso Feet. Our doctor will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.

When Is Surgery Necessary?

Foot and ankle surgery is generally reserved for cases in which less invasive, conservative procedures have failed to alleviate the problem. Some of the cases in which surgery may be necessary include:

• Removing foot deformities like bunions and bone spurs
• Severe arthritis that has caused bone issues
• Cosmetic reconstruction

What Types of Surgery Are There?

The type of surgery you receive will depend on the nature of the problem you have. Some of the possible surgeries include:

• Bunionectomy for painful bunions
• Surgical fusion for realignment of bones
• Neuropathy decompression surgery to treat nerve damage

Benefits of Surgery

Although surgery is usually a last resort, it can provide more complete pain relief compared to non-surgical methods and may allow you to finally resume full activity.

Surgical techniques have also become increasingly sophisticated. Techniques like endoscopic surgery allow for smaller incisions and faster recovery times.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in El Paso, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.