Hammertoe, a condition where one or more toes bend abnormally at the middle joint, can affect children as well as adults. It typically occurs due to an imbalance in the toe muscles, often exacerbated by wearing ill-fitting shoes or genetic predisposition. Children with hammertoe may experience discomfort, corns, or calluses, especially when wearing shoes. Treatment options for hammertoe in kids vary depending on the severity of the condition. Non-invasive measures such as wearing roomier footwear, toe exercises, and custom orthotic inserts can provide relief. In more severe cases, surgical intervention may be necessary to correct toe alignment. If you have a child who appears to be developing a hammertoe, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who can assess the severity of the condition in addition to providing interventions and treatment that can help to alleviate discomfort, prevent progression, and ensure optimal foot health.

Hammertoes can be a painful condition to live with. For more information, contact one of our podiatrists of APEX Foot & 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 offices located in Fort Myers, Shellpoint, and Naples, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Foot ulcers, a common complication among individuals with diabetes or circulatory issues, undergo distinct stages as they develop and heal. These stages offer insights into the severity of the ulcer. Podiatrists can use the stages as a guide for treatment decisions. Initially, ulcers may start as redness or irritation on the skin, indicating early-stage ulcer formation. As the condition progresses, the ulcer may deepen, forming an open sore or wound. At this stage, infection becomes a significant concern that requires prompt medical attention to prevent complications. Without proper treatment, ulcers can advance to deeper tissue layers, exposing tendons, bones, or joints. This stage poses a heightened risk of severe infection and potential limb loss, underscoring the importance of vigilant wound care and regular monitoring. If you are diabetic and you develop a foot wound, it is strongly suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can provide you with proper wound care treatment.

Wound care is an important part in dealing with diabetes. If you have diabetes and a foot wound or would like more information about wound care for diabetics, consult with one of our podiatrists from APEX Foot & Ankle Center. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

What Is Wound Care?

Wound care is the practice of taking proper care of a wound. This can range from the smallest to the largest of wounds. While everyone can benefit from proper wound care, it is much more important for diabetics. Diabetics often suffer from poor blood circulation which causes wounds to heal much slower than they would in a non-diabetic. 

What Is the Importance of Wound Care?

While it may not seem apparent with small ulcers on the foot, for diabetics, any size ulcer can become infected. Diabetics often also suffer from neuropathy, or nerve loss. This means they might not even feel when they have an ulcer on their foot. If the wound becomes severely infected, amputation may be necessary. Therefore, it is of the upmost importance to properly care for any and all foot wounds.

How to Care for Wounds

The best way to care for foot wounds is to prevent them. For diabetics, this means daily inspections of the feet for any signs of abnormalities or ulcers. It is also recommended to see a podiatrist several times a year for a foot inspection. If you do have an ulcer, run the wound under water to clear dirt from the wound; then apply antibiotic ointment to the wound and cover with a bandage. Bandages should be changed daily and keeping pressure off the wound is smart. It is advised to see a podiatrist, who can keep an eye on it.

If you have any questions please contact our offices located in Fort Myers, Shellpoint, and Naples, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

A broken toe, though seemingly minor, can disrupt daily routines and cause significant discomfort. Typically resulting from trauma or impact, a broken toe occurs when one or more of the toe bones fracture. Symptoms can include pain, swelling, bruising, and difficulty walking. Diagnosis often involves a physical examination and X-rays to determine the severity of the fracture. Treatment varies depending on the extent of the injury but commonly involves rest, elevation, and pain management. In some cases, the toe may need to be immobilized with a splint or buddy taping to a neighboring toe for support. Healing time ranges from a few weeks to several months, depending upon individual healing capabilities and the severity of the fracture. Ignoring a broken toe or failing to seek proper treatment can lead to complications, such as deformity or chronic pain. If you suspect you have broken your toe, it is suggested that you visit a podiatrist who can properly diagnose and treat this condition.

Broken toes may cause a lot of pain and should be treated as soon as possible. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact one of our podiatrists from APEX Foot & Ankle Center. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Is a Broken Toe?

A broken toe occurs when one or more of the toe bones of the foot are broken after an injury. Injuries such as stubbing your toe or dropping a heavy object on it may cause a toe fracture.

Symptoms of a Broken Toe

• Swelling
• Pain (with/without wearing shoes)
• Stiffness
• Nail Injury

Although the injured toe should be monitored daily, it is especially important to have a podiatrist look at your toe if you have severe symptoms. Some of these symptoms include worsening or new pain that is not relieved with medication, sores, redness, or open wounds near the toe.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Fort Myers, Shellpoint, and Naples, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Tarsal tunnel syndrome is a relatively lesser-known condition compared to other nerve-related disorders, yet it can cause significant discomfort and affect daily life. This syndrome occurs when the tibial nerve, which runs along the inside of the ankle, becomes compressed or squeezed as it passes through the tarsal tunnel, which is a narrow space formed by bone and ligaments on the inner side of the ankle. One important fact about tarsal tunnel syndrome is that it shares similarities with carpal tunnel syndrome, a condition affecting the wrist. Individuals with tarsal tunnel syndrome may experience symptoms such as numbness, tingling, burning pain, or electric shock-like sensations in the ankle, heel, and sole of the foot. Various factors, including injury, inflammation, flat feet, or systemic conditions like diabetes, can contribute to the development of this syndrome. If you are experiencing pain in this part of your foot, it is suggested that you visit a podiatrist who can diagnose and treat tarsal tunnel syndrome.

Tarsal tunnel syndrome can be very uncomfortable to live with. If you are experiencing tarsal tunnel syndrome, contact one of our podiatrists of APEX Foot & Ankle Center. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome

Tarsal tunnel syndrome, which can also be called tibial nerve dysfunction, is an uncommon condition of misfiring peripheral nerves in the foot. The tibial nerve is the peripheral nerve in the leg responsible for sensation and movement of the foot and calf muscles. In tarsal tunnel syndrome, the tibial nerve is damaged, causing problems with movement and feeling in the foot of the affected leg.

Common Cause of Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome

• Involves pressure or an injury, direct pressure on the tibial nerve for an extended period of time, sometimes caused by other body structures close by or near the knee.
• Diseases that damage nerves, including diabetes, may cause tarsal tunnel syndrome.
• At times, tarsal tunnel syndrome can appear without an obvious cause in some cases.

The Effects of Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome

• Different sensations, an afflicted person may experience pain, tingling, burning or other unusual sensations in the foot of the affected leg.
• The foot muscles, toes and ankle become weaker, and curling your toes or flexing your foot can become difficult.
• If condition worsens, infections and ulcers may develop on the foot that is experiencing the syndrome.

A physical exam of the leg can help identify the presence of tarsal tunnel syndrome. Medical tests, such as a nerve biopsy, are also used to diagnose the condition. Patients may receive physical therapy and prescriptive medication. In extreme cases, some may require surgery.

If you have any questions please contact our offices located in Fort Myers, Shellpoint, and Naples, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.