Podiatry Blog | Foot Doctor Kingwood, TX 77339, Humble, TX 77346, The Woodlands, TX 77380 and Conroe, TX 77304

Treatment Options for Hammertoe

Tuesday, 19 August 2025

Hammertoe is a common problem that causes one of the smaller toes to bend abnormally at the middle joint, often leading to pain, stiffness, or pressure from shoes. Hammertoe typically develops over time due to muscle imbalance in the foot or from wearing shoes with a narrow toe box or that lack adequate support. In some cases, foot issues like flat feet or bunions also contribute to hammertoe formation. In the early stages, hammertoe may still be flexible and has been found to improve with changes like wearing custom orthotics or more supportive footwear. However, if the toe deformity becomes rigid or painful, surgery may be needed to correct the joint position. Based on the severity and progression of the deformity, a podiatrist can recommend appropriate treatment, including surgery, when necessary. If you have developed a hammertoe that is causing persistent pain, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam and appropriate treatment.

Hammertoes can be a painful condition to live with. For more information, contact one of our podiatrists of Houston Foot and Ankle. 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 offices located in Kingwood, Humble, The Woodlands, and Conroe, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

What You Need to Know About Gout

Tuesday, 12 August 2025

Gout is a common and painful form of arthritis caused by a buildup of uric acid crystals in the joints. It often affects the big toe but can occur in ankles, knees, and other joints. Symptoms include sudden, intense pain, redness, swelling, warmth, and stiffness in the affected area. The affected joint looks inflamed and feels extremely tender, especially at night. Gout can be triggered by a diet high in purines, which consists of foods like red meat or seafood. Other factors include genetics, alcohol, dehydration, obesity, and certain medications. Left untreated, gout can lead to joint damage and chronic pain. A podiatrist can diagnose gout through an examination and imaging or lab tests. They may recommend medications to reduce inflammation and lower uric acid levels, lifestyle changes like diet modification, and custom footwear to reduce joint pressure. If you have this painful condition, t is suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can help you to manage this serious ailment.

Gout is a foot condition that requires certain treatment and care. If you are seeking treatment, contact one of our podiatrists from Houston Foot and Ankle. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Is Gout?

Gout is a type of arthritis caused by a buildup of uric acid in the bloodstream. It often develops in the foot, especially the big toe area, although it can manifest in other parts of the body as well. Gout can make walking and standing very painful and is especially common in diabetics and the obese.

People typically get gout because of a poor diet. Genetic predisposition is also a factor. The children of parents who have had gout frequently have a chance of developing it themselves.

Gout can easily be identified by redness and inflammation of the big toe and the surrounding areas of the foot. Other symptoms include extreme fatigue, joint pain, and running high fevers. Sometimes corticosteroid drugs can be prescribed to treat gout, but the best way to combat this disease is to get more exercise and eat a better diet.

Understanding Mueller‑Weiss Syndrome

Tuesday, 05 August 2025

Mueller‑Weiss syndrome is a rare condition that affects the middle of the foot, but podiatrists are seeing it more frequently. It occurs when the navicular bone, located at the top of the arch, loses its blood supply and begins to collapse. This can lead to chronic foot pain, stiffness, and changes in the shape of the foot. Although the exact cause is not fully understood, it may be linked to abnormal foot structure, past injuries, or uneven pressure on the foot over time. Most patients are adults, often women in their forties to sixties, and the pain usually develops slowly. Because it can be mistaken for other foot issues, a proper diagnosis is important. Treatment may include custom orthotics, special shoes, targeted exercises, or surgery, in severe cases. If you have ongoing midfoot pain, a podiatric evaluation is suggested.

Some foot conditions may require additional professional care. If you have any concerns, contact one of our podiatrists of Houston Foot and Ankle. 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.

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Treatment Options for Hammertoe

What You Need to Know About Gout

Understanding Mueller‑Weiss Syndrome

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