A hammertoe develops when one of the smaller toes stays bent at its middle joint instead of lying flat. This bend resembles an upside-down V. The second toe is affected most frequently, although the third or fourth toe can also develop the deformity. One cause of a hammertoe is a muscle or tendon imbalance that can pull the toe out of its normal position. Other factors include arthritis, an unusually long toe, and poor alignment of the foot joints. At first, the toe may remain flexible and straighten when moved. It can later become stiff and fixed in place.

Symptoms can include pain, swelling, and redness around the bent joint. The raised area may rub against a shoe, leading to a corn or open sore. Pressure beneath the forefoot can also cause pain in the ball of the foot. Some patients have trouble finding comfortable shoes or feel pain while walking. A podiatrist can diagnose hammertoe by examining the foot and checking whether the toe is flexible or rigid. The examination also helps identify joint problems, areas of pressure, and changes in walking. X-rays can show the position of the bones and the condition of the affected joints.

Treatment depends on the bend, the patient's symptoms, and whether the toe can still move. A podiatrist can recommend shoes with a wide, deep toe box to reduce rubbing and pressure. Fitted padding can protect irritated skin, while custom orthotics can improve weight distribution and ease pain. The podiatrist can also monitor corns or sores and provide care to protect the skin. When a rigid hammertoe causes lasting pain or limits activity, surgery can straighten the toe and improve its alignment. Early evaluation can help prevent stiffness and recurring skin irritation. If you have developed a hammertoe, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for effective relief and management solutions.

Hammertoes can be a painful condition to live with. For more information, contact Kellvan Cheng, DPM of Elite Foot & Ankle. 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 Carrollton, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Heel pain can turn the first steps of the morning or a short walk into an uncomfortable task. Several problems can cause it. Plantar fasciitis involves irritation of the strong band of tissue that runs along the sole and supports the arch. Pain can also come from an irritated Achilles tendon or the cushioning beneath the heel. Running, prolonged standing, and a sudden increase in activity can place extra stress on this area. Foot shape can also affect how pressure reaches the heel.

Shoes play an important role in improving heel comfort, but the right design depends on the cause of the pain. Shoes wear down with use, and replacing an old pair can sometimes reduce symptoms. A firm heel counter, proper arch support, and a stable sole can control unwanted movement. Runners may benefit from cushioning. However, too much padding can allow greater movement and make certain problems worse. Shoes should hold the foot securely. They should bend near the ball of the foot rather than through the middle. People with flat feet or an unusual walking pattern need guidance because a high arch may increase pressure. A podiatrist can examine the feet and shoes to recommend a suitable design.

A podiatrist locates the painful area and checks how the foot moves. The examination can identify poor alignment, limited ankle motion, or an injury requiring imaging tests. Treatment includes shoe recommendations, custom orthotics, or supportive padding. An orthotic is a device placed inside a shoe to improve support and distribute pressure evenly. A podiatrist can also advise patients about safe activity changes and determine when care is appropriate. Prompt evaluation matters when pain is severe, follows an injury, or occurs with swelling. Lasting discomfort should be assessed before it changes the way a person walks and creates strain elsewhere. If you have heel pain after running, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Many people suffer from bouts of heel pain. For more information, contact Kellvan Cheng, DPM of Elite Foot & Ankle. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Causes of Heel Pain

Heel pain is often associated with plantar fasciitis. The plantar fascia is a band of tissues that extends along the bottom of the foot. A rip or tear in this ligament can cause inflammation of the tissue.

Achilles tendonitis is another cause of heel pain. Inflammation of the Achilles tendon will cause pain from fractures and muscle tearing. Lack of flexibility is also another symptom.

Heel spurs are another cause of pain. When the tissues of the plantar fascia undergo a great deal of stress, it can lead to ligament separation from the heel bone, causing heel spurs.

Why Might Heel Pain Occur?

• Wearing ill-fitting shoes                
• Wearing non-supportive shoes
• Weight change           
• Excessive running

Treatments

Heel pain should be treated as soon as possible for immediate results. Keeping your feet in a stress-free environment will help. If you suffer from Achilles tendonitis or plantar fasciitis, applying ice will reduce the swelling. Stretching before an exercise like running will help the muscles. Using all these tips will help make heel pain a condition of the past.

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

Swelling in the feet and ankles often develops when fluid builds up in the tissues. This type of swelling is known as edema and can affect one or both feet. The feet may look larger or puffier than usual, and the skin may appear shiny or stretched. Some people also experience discomfort, stiffness, or changes in skin color. In certain cases, pressing the swollen skin may temporarily leave a dent. Foot swelling can have many causes, so noticing when it begins and whether other symptoms are present can help determine whether medical attention is needed.

Several factors can contribute to swollen feet and ankles. Remaining in the same position for a long time can lead to swelling, as can pregnancy or certain medications. Varicose veins and thyroid problems may also contribute to edema. Other causes can be more serious. An injury may lead to swelling in the affected area, while an infection can cause additional symptoms. Problems involving the heart, kidneys, or liver can also cause fluid to collect in the feet and legs. A blood clot is another possible cause. Sudden, severe, or unexplained swelling should receive prompt medical attention.

A podiatrist can examine swollen feet and ankles and look for signs that may help identify the underlying problem. An evaluation may include checking the skin, areas of tenderness, and the extent of the swelling. Because edema can result from many different health concerns, a podiatrist may recommend additional medical evaluation when the swelling appears related to a condition outside the feet. Treatment depends on what is causing the fluid buildup rather than the swelling alone. Professional assessment is especially important when swelling is painful, appears suddenly, or occurs with redness and warmth. If persistent or unexplained swelling is affecting your feet or ankles, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for an evaluation and appropriate treatment options.

Swollen feet can be a sign of an underlying condition. If you have any concerns, contact Kellvan Cheng, DPM of Elite Foot & Ankle. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Swollen feet are a common ailment among pregnant women and people who stand or sit for extended periods. Aging may increase the possibility of swollen feet and patients who are obese often notice when their feet are swelling too. There may be medical reasons why swollen feet occur:

• Phlebitis - A condition that causes the veins to become inflamed and can also cause leg pain.
• Liver disease - This may lead to low blood levels of albumin which is a protein. This can cause fluid in the blood to pass into the tissues and several areas of the body can become swollen.
• Heart failure - When the heart doesn’t pump properly the blood that is normally pumped back to the heart can pool in the veins of the legs causing swollen feet.
• Kidney disease - One of the main functions of the kidneys is releasing excess fluid in the body. This type of condition can make it difficult for the kidneys to function properly, and as a result the feet may become swollen.
• Deep-vein thrombosis (DVT)- This is a serious condition where blood clots form in the veins of the legs. They can block the return of blood from the legs to the heart which may cause the feet to swell. It is important to be treated by a podiatrist if this condition is present.

Swollen feet can also be caused by bone and tendon conditions, including fractures, arthritis, and tendinitis. Additionally, there may be skin and toenail conditions and an infection may cause the feet to swell. Patients who take medicine to treat high blood pressure may be prone to getting swollen feet. 

Many patients elevate their feet to help relieve the swelling and this is generally a temporary remedy. When a podiatrist is consulted the reason behind the swelling can be uncovered and subsequently treated.

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

Ankle pain can make standing, walking, and running uncomfortable because the ankle supports the body’s weight during movement. Pain can result from an injury or a condition affecting the joint. Sprains and strains can damage the soft tissues that support the ankle. A fracture can cause intense pain, swelling, and difficulty putting weight on the foot. Arthritis can also contribute to ankle pain. Osteoarthritis develops when joint cartilage breaks down, while gout causes painful crystals to collect in a joint. Previous ankle injuries can increase the risk of arthritis later.

Pain at the back of the ankle or heel can involve the Achilles tendon, which connects the calf muscle to the heel bone. Achilles tendinitis can develop after overuse or intense strain. Symptoms include stiffness, tenderness, and pain behind the ankle or in the calf. A torn Achilles tendon can cause swelling near the heel and make it difficult to bear weight on the toes. Heel bursitis is another possible source of discomfort. It affects a small, fluid-filled cushion near the back of the heel that helps reduce friction around the joint.

A podiatrist can evaluate ankle pain by examining joint movement, muscle function, and areas of tenderness. The evaluation can also consider how the foot, knee, and lower leg affect ankle mechanics. Podiatric care can focus on restoring comfortable joint movement and addressing mechanical strain. Treatment can include gentle joint mobilization, guided stretching, and strengthening exercises based on the examination findings. A podiatrist can also assess walking patterns that place added stress on the ankle. Severe pain or an inability to bear weight deserves prompt evaluation because a serious injury could be present. If you have ankle pain, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Ankle pain can be caused by a number of problems and may be potentially serious. If you have ankle pain, consult with Kellvan Cheng, DPM from Elite Foot & Ankle. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Ankle pain is any condition that causes pain in the ankle. Due to the fact that the ankle consists of tendons, muscles, bones, and ligaments, ankle pain can come from a number of different conditions.

Causes

The most common causes of ankle pain include:

• Types of arthritis (rheumatoid, osteoarthritis, and gout)
• Ankle sprains
• Broken ankles
• Achilles tendonitis
• Achilles tendon rupture
• Stress fractures
• Bursitis
• Tarsal tunnel syndrome
• Plantar fasciitis

Symptoms

Symptoms of ankle injury vary based upon the condition. Pain may include general pain and discomfort, swelling, aching, redness, bruising, burning or stabbing sensations, and/or loss of sensation.

Diagnosis

Due to the wide variety of potential causes of ankle pain, podiatrists will utilize a number of different methods to properly diagnose ankle pain. This can include asking for personal and family medical histories and of any recent injuries. Further diagnosis may include sensation tests, a physical examination, and potentially x-rays or other imaging tests.

Treatment

Just as the range of causes varies widely, so do treatments. Some more common treatments are rest, ice packs, keeping pressure off the foot, orthotics and braces, medication for inflammation and pain, and surgery.

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