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Hammertoe is more than a visible deformity of the smaller toes. The bent position alters how the foot bears weight and shifts pressure across the lower extremity. As the toes contract, the forefoot absorbs greater force, changing walking patterns and placing extra stress on the plantar fascia, which is the band of tissue on the bottom of the foot. This strain can trigger heel pain or plantar fasciitis, which in turn may further disrupt normal gait. Over time, a cycle develops where abnormal mechanics worsen both the toe deformity and the surrounding soft tissue irritation. Muscle imbalance and tendon tightness may also contribute to ongoing damage, making correction more difficult as the condition progresses. Wearing supportive footwear, targeted stretching, and orthoses can help reduce stress on the toes and fascia, but advanced cases may require surgical correction. If you are experiencing painful changes linked to hammertoe, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for evaluation and appropriate treatment.

Hammertoes can be a painful condition to live with. For more information, contact Dr. Edward D. Hutson of Easton, PA. . 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 offices located in Easton, and Northampton, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Diabetic foot ulcers are slow healing wounds that appear on the feet of individuals with diabetes and can become a very serious health issue. Almost a quarter of all individuals diagnosed with diabetes will develop a foot ulcer at some point in their life. There are several types of diabetic foot ulcers, and knowing which type you have can help determine the most effective treatment. Neuropathic ulcers occur when nerve damage from diabetic neuropathy prevents the patient with diabetes from feeling pain from an injury. This allows the wound to progress before you are even aware of it, increasing the risk of infection. Ischemic ulcers may be caused by a lack of blood flow to the feet. These types of ulcers are often difficult to heal. Neuroischemic ulcers are the most difficult to heal and occur in individuals who have both neuropathy and poor circulation. Infected wounds occur in half of diabetic patients with foot ulcers, and require close medical attention. If you have diabetic foot ulcers, it is highly recommended that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can help you look after your wounds and prevent severe complications.  

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 Dr. Edward D. Hutson from Easton, PA. . 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 contact our offices located in Easton, and Northampton, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Arthroscopic ankle surgery is a procedure that allows a podiatrist to see inside the ankle joint and address problems without making a large incision. Small cuts are created around the ankle so that a tiny camera and instruments can be inserted. This gives the podiatrist a clear view of the joint surfaces, cartilage, and ligaments. Arthroscopic ankle surgery can help identify and treat arthritis, torn ligaments, or bone spurs. Loose pieces of cartilage or bone that cause pain and stiffness can be removed, and inflamed tissue lining the joint can be treated to improve motion. The procedure generally lasts 30 to 45 minutes, and most patients return home the same day. Swelling and soreness are common for several weeks, and many people regain mobility with proper care. If you have an ankle injury that may require surgery, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for an evaluation and available treatment options.

Foot surgery is sometimes necessary to treat a foot ailment. To learn more, contact Dr. Edward D. Hutson of Easton, PA. . Our doctor will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.

When Is Surgery Necessary?

Foot and ankle surgery is generally reserved for cases in which less invasive, conservative procedures have failed to alleviate the problem. Some of the cases in which surgery may be necessary include:

• Removing foot deformities like bunions and bone spurs
• Severe arthritis that has caused bone issues
• Cosmetic reconstruction

What Types of Surgery Are There?

The type of surgery you receive will depend on the nature of the problem you have. Some of the possible surgeries include:

• Bunionectomy for painful bunions
• Surgical fusion for realignment of bones
• Neuropathy decompression surgery to treat nerve damage

Benefits of Surgery

Although surgery is usually a last resort, it can provide more complete pain relief compared to non-surgical methods and may allow you to finally resume full activity.

Surgical techniques have also become increasingly sophisticated. Techniques like endoscopic surgery allow for smaller incisions and faster recovery times.

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