March 2025

Hammertoe is a common foot deformity in which one or more toes curl downward at the middle joint, causing them to bend rather than point straight forward. Hammertoe often affects the second or third toe and can develop from wearing tight, narrow, or ill-fitting shoes. Other causes of hammertoe formation include arthritis, a high foot arch, previous trauma to the toe, tightened ligaments or tendons in the foot, or pressure from bunions. People with a family history of hammertoe or those who regularly wear constrictive footwear are particularly susceptible to this ailment. Among the symptoms of hammertoe are mild discomfort, difficulty walking, and corns or calluses forming on affected toes. In some cases, severe pain and a claw-like appearance of the toe emerge. A podiatrist can diagnose hammertoe by examining the foot and performing imaging tests like X-rays. Treatment varies depending on severity, with more serious cases often requiring surgery to realign the toe joint and relieve pain. If you have developed a toe deformity, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam, diagnosis, and treatment.

Hammertoes can be a painful condition to live with. For more information, contact Dr. Sybil J. Fisher of Texas. 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 one of our offices located in Houston and Sugar Land, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Ankle injuries, such as sprains, strains, and tendonitis, can cause significant discomfort and impact daily activities. A sprain occurs when ligaments are stretched or torn, while a strain affects muscles or tendons. Tendonitis involves inflammation of the tendons, often due to overuse. Symptoms include swelling, bruising, pain, stiffness, and difficulty walking or moving the ankle. A podiatrist can help diagnose the specific injury through a physical exam or imaging. Depending on the severity, treatment may include targeted exercises for strength and flexibility, medication, custom orthotics, or even surgery. If you are experiencing pain, swelling, or limited mobility due to an ankle injury, it is important to seek professional care. A podiatrist can help alleviate your ankle pain, improve function, and guide recovery. If you have ankle pain, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist.

Ankle pain can be caused by a number of problems and may be potentially serious. If you have ankle pain, consult with Dr. Sybil J. Fisher from Texas. 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 one of our offices located in Houston and Sugar Land, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.