Hammertoe is a foot deformity where one or more toes become permanently bent at the middle joint, resembling a hammer. This condition is often caused by muscle imbalance, wearing tight or ill-fitting shoes, or injury. Risk factors include genetics, arthritis, and high arches. Symptoms may include pain, corns or calluses on the toe, difficulty walking, and swelling. If left untreated, hammertoe can become rigid and more painful. A podiatrist can diagnose hammertoe through physical examination and recommend treatments such as custom orthotics, shoe modifications, or surgery if necessary. If you experience toe discomfort or notice deformities, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can accurately diagnose hammertoe, and offer appropriate treatment solutions. 

Hammertoes can be a painful condition to live with. For more information, contact Renee Rodriquez, DPM of Foot Clinic of South Texas. Our doctor 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 office located in Brownsville, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Proper wound care is a critical part of podiatry, especially for individuals with diabetes, poor circulation, or neuropathy. Foot wounds can result from cuts, blisters, pressure points, or minor injuries that go unnoticed and become infected. These wounds may appear red, swollen, or have drainage, and they can feel sore, warm, or even numb, if nerves are affected. A podiatrist treats wounds by cleaning the area, removing dead tissue called debridement, applying specialized dressings, and sometimes prescribing antibiotics. Offloading pressure with custom footwear or braces helps promote healing. In severe cases, surgery may be needed. Foot wounds are one of the leading causes of hospitalization for people with diabetes, yet with proper care from a podiatrist, most are preventable. Early treatment significantly reduces the risk of serious complications like infection or loss of limb. If you have a wound on your foot, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for appropriate 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 Renee Rodriquez, DPM from Foot Clinic of South Texas. Our doctor 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 feel free to contact our office located in Brownsville, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Plantar fasciitis is a foot condition caused by inflammation of the plantar fascia, the thick band of tissue that runs along the bottom of the foot. It often results from overuse, standing for long periods of time, or wearing shoes that lack adequate support. Risk factors include high arches, flat feet, obesity, and tight calf muscles. Symptoms include sharp heel pain, especially with the first steps in the morning or after long periods of rest. A podiatrist can provide relief through custom orthotics, footwear recommendations, and other treatments. If you experience ongoing heel pain or discomfort while walking, it is suggested that you promptly schedule a visit with a podiatrist for an accurate diagnosis and treatment options.

Plantar fasciitis can be very painful and inconvenient. If you are experiencing heel pain or symptoms of plantar fasciitis, contact Renee Rodriquez, DPM  from Foot Clinic of South Texas. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is the inflammation of the thick band of tissue that runs along the bottom of your foot, known as the plantar fascia, and causes mild to severe heel pain.

What Causes Plantar Fasciitis?

• Excessive running
• Non-supportive shoes
• Overpronation
• Repeated stretching and tearing of the plantar fascia

How Can It Be Treated?

• Conservative measures – anti-inflammatories, ice packs, stretching exercises, physical therapy, orthotic devices
• Shockwave therapy – sound waves are sent to the affected area to facilitate healing and are usually used for chronic cases of plantar fasciitis
• Surgery – usually only used as a last resort when all else fails. The plantar fascia can be surgically detached from the heel

While very treatable, plantar fasciitis is definitely not something that should be ignored. Especially in severe cases, speaking to your doctor right away is highly recommended to avoid complications and severe heel pain. Your podiatrist can work with you to provide the appropriate treatment options tailored to your condition.

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