February 2021

Hammertoes when the second and third toes are bent at the middle joint. They are considered to be a deformity and can cause the toes to resemble hammers. Many patients have calluses that develop on top of the bent joints, which happen when the toes rub against your shoes while walking. Patients who have hammertoe may have weakened nerves or a muscle imbalance.  Buddy taping, which is accomplished by taping the affected toe to the toe next to it, may be effective in providing stability. Additionally, it is beneficial to perform specific stretches that can help to strengthen the toes and overall foot. It is recommended that you confer with a podiatrist if you notice the signs of a developing hammertoe.

Hammertoe

Hammertoes can be a painful condition to live with. For more information, contact Michael Metyk, DPM from Florida. 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 Port Charlotte, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

A blister can form on the foot due to the friction of shoes or socks rubbing against a specific spot can be a common occurrence. These types of blisters often go away on their own. However, not all foot blisters are caused by friction. Burning the skin can cause blisters to appear either within a few days or immediately, depending on the severity of the burn. Contact dermatitis, which is an allergic reaction to a foreign substance, can also cause blisters to form. Various medical conditions, including chickenpox, eczema, and hand, foot, and mouth disease often have skin blistering as a symptom. For more information about foot blisters, please consult with a podiatrist. 

Blisters are prone to making everyday activities extremely uncomfortable. If your feet are hurting, contact Michael Metyk, DPM of Florida. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Foot Blisters

Foot blisters develop as a result of constantly wearing tight or ill-fitting footwear. This happens due to the constant rubbing from the shoe, which can often lead to pain.

What Are Foot Blisters?

A foot blister is a small fluid-filled pocket that forms on the upper-most layer of the skin. Blisters are filled with clear fluid and can lead to blood drainage or pus if the area becomes infected.

How Do Blisters Form?

Blisters on the feet are often the result of constant friction of skin and material, usually by shoe rubbing. Walking in sandals, boots, or shoes that don’t fit properly for long periods of time can result in a blister. Having consistent foot moisture and humidity can easily lead to blister formation.

Prevention & Treatment

It is important to properly care for the affected area in order to prevent infection and ease the pain. Do not lance the blister and use a Band-Aid to provide pain relief. Also, be sure to keep your feet dry and wear proper fitting shoes. If you see blood or pus in a blister, seek assistance from a podiatrist.

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