Hammertoe is a deformity where the middle joint of a toe bends downward, resembling a hammer. It often develops due to wearing tight or narrow shoes that force the toes into a bent position. Other causes include muscle imbalances, trauma, arthritis, or genetic predisposition. Conditions like diabetes may also contribute by affecting nerve and muscle function. Symptoms of hammertoe include pain, stiffness, swelling in the affected toe, difficulty straightening it, and the development of corns or calluses from friction against footwear. Over time, the toe may become rigid, limiting movement and causing discomfort during walking or standing. Diagnosis involves a podiatrist examining the toe’s flexibility and alignment. X-rays may be used to assess bone and joint changes. If you think you have a hammertoe, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist to ensure an accurate diagnosis and a tailored treatment to relieve pain, restore function, and prevent complications.

Hammertoes can be a painful condition to live with. For more information, contact Imaze Marian Davis, DPM of Marian Davis, DPM, PA. 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 office located in Miami, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

The rising popularity of pickleball has resulted in an increase in foot and ankle injuries, particularly among older adults. Quick, repetitive movements such as lunging, running, and sudden foot planting can lead to common injuries like Achilles tendon ruptures, ankle sprains, and fractures. Achilles tendon ruptures are especially prevalent, often requiring immediate medical intervention to restore mobility. Ankle sprains frequently occur when the foot twists or inverts, causing pain, swelling, and instability. Many pickleball injuries are linked to insufficient warm-ups, wearing improper footwear, or the physical demands of the sport, especially on players who may already have underlying foot or ankle issues. A podiatrist can assess these injuries, provide an accurate diagnosis, and determine the best course of treatment. This may include immobilization, bracing, or, in some cases, surgery to ensure a safe recovery and prevent future complications. If you have sustained a foot or ankle injury from playing pickleball, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam and treatment.

Sports related foot and ankle injuries require proper treatment before players can go back to their regular routines. For more information, contact Imaze Marian Davis, DPM of Marian Davis, DPM, PA. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Sports Related Foot and Ankle Injuries

Foot and ankle injuries are a common occurrence when it comes to athletes of any sport. While many athletes dismiss the initial aches and pains, the truth is that ignoring potential foot and ankle injuries can lead to serious problems. As athletes continue to place pressure and strain the area further, a mild injury can turn into something as serious as a rupture and may lead to a permanent disability. There are many factors that contribute to sports related foot and ankle injuries, which include failure to warm up properly, not providing support or wearing bad footwear. Common injuries and conditions athletes face, including:

• Plantar Fasciitis
• Plantar Fasciosis
• Achilles Tendinitis
• Achilles Tendon Rupture
• Ankle Sprains

Sports related injuries are commonly treated using the RICE method. This includes rest, applying ice to the injured area, compression and elevating the ankle. More serious sprains and injuries may require surgery, which could include arthroscopic and reconstructive surgery. Rehabilitation and therapy may also be required in order to get any recovering athlete to become fully functional again. Any unusual aches and pains an athlete sustains must be evaluated by a licensed, reputable medical professional.

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

Pachyonychia congenita, or PC, is a rare genetic condition that affects the nails, skin, and sometimes the mucous membranes. For the feet and ankles, it often leads to thickened nails, painful calluses, and blisters, especially on weight-bearing areas like the soles. These calluses and blisters can make walking and daily activities extremely uncomfortable, significantly impacting mobility and quality of life. The condition arises from mutations in specific keratin genes, causing the skin and nails to grow abnormally. Pressure from shoes and physical activity worsens symptoms, making proper foot care essential. Treatment focuses on reducing discomfort, such as filing thickened nails, softening calluses, and wearing custom footwear to minimize pressure. A podiatrist can play a vital role in managing PC. If you suffer from this affliction, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with this foot specialist who can offer specialized care and advice to improve comfort and mobility.

Some foot conditions may require additional professional care. If you have any concerns, contact Imaze Marian Davis, DPM of Marian Davis, DPM, PA. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Rare Foot Conditions

The majority of foot conditions are common and can be treated by a podiatrist.  Standard diagnostic procedures are generally used to identify specific conditions and treatment can be rendered. A podiatrist also treats rare foot conditions which can be difficult to diagnose and may need extra attention and care. 

There are many rare foot conditions that can affect children. Some of these can include:

• Freiberg’s disease
• Kohler’s disease
• Maffucci syndrome

Freiberg’s disease - This can be seen as a deterioration and flattening of a metatarsal bone that exists in the ball of the foot. It typically affects pre-teen and teenage girls, but can affect anyone at any age. Symptoms that can accompany this can be swelling, stiffness, and the patient may limp. 

Kohler’s disease - This often targets the bone in the arch of the foot and affects younger boys. It can lead to an interruption of the blood supply which ultimately can lead to bone deterioration. The patient may limp or experience tenderness, swelling, and redness.

Maffucci syndrome - This affects the long bones in a child’s foot leading to the development of abnormal bone lesions. They are benign growths and typically develop in early childhood and the bones may be susceptible to breaking. 

A podiatrist can properly diagnose and treat all types of rare foot conditions. If your child is affected by any of these symptoms or conditions, please don’t hesitate to call our office so the correct treatment method can begin.

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

Toe pain can stem from several conditions, including bunions, hammertoe, and hallux limitus, all of which cause discomfort and affect foot function. Bunions are bony bumps that form at the base of the big toe, causing the toe to angle inward. Hammertoe causes one or more toes to bend unnaturally at the middle joint, creating a claw-like appearance. Hallux limitus is a condition where the big toe’s range of motion is limited, leading to pain, especially while walking or standing for long periods. Common causes of toe pain include ill-fitting shoes, genetic factors, injury, or arthritis. Symptoms can range from swelling and redness to difficulty moving the toes or walking comfortably. Treatment options include wearing proper footwear, using orthotics for added support, and in more severe cases, surgery to correct toe deformities. A podiatrist can diagnose the underlying cause of toe pain and provide effective treatments to relieve discomfort. If you are experiencing toe pain, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist.

Toe pain can disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, contact Imaze Marian Davis, DPM of Marian Davis, DPM, PA. Our doctors 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 office located in Miami, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.