Hammertoe is a deformity of the second, third, or fourth toe that causes a bend at the middle joint so that it resembles a hammer. A hammertoe can significantly affect mobility and cause discomfort, especially while wearing shoes. Conservative treatment measures include wearing proper footwear and orthotics, but more severe cases may necessitate surgical intervention which carries certain risks. Post-operative complications may include pain, swelling, and difficulty in weight bearing. Nerve damage leading to sensations of numbness or tingling, reduced range of motion in the toe, and the risk of infection at the surgical site are further risk factors. Additionally, there is a possibility of the toe not sitting completely flat on the ground after surgery, which can affect balance and mobility. To determine the best course in managing a hammertoe, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist to find out if surgery is right for you.

Foot surgery is sometimes necessary to treat a foot ailment. To learn more, contact one of our podiatrists of Florida Family Podiatry. Our doctors 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 Delray Beach and Boynton Beach, FL. . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Gout, an inflammatory ailment caused by excess uric acid, often triggers sudden and severe joint pain. Commonly affecting the big toe, gout attacks are often described as feeling like a fracture or a severe burn. Along with the intense pain, symptoms include visible swelling, redness, and inflammation in the affected joint, making movement difficult and leading to stiffness. These symptoms tend to worsen over time if left untreated, potentially causing joint deformity and long-term complications. Recurrent gout attacks can occur in clusters, affecting both mobility and overall quality of life. Seeking professional help from a podiatrist is essential for comprehensive care, including diagnosis, treatment, and long-term management. Podiatrists can offer a combination of medication, lifestyle adjustments, and preventive strategies to alleviate gout symptoms and reduce the risk of future attacks. If you experience such painful symptoms, particularly in your big toe, it is suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist for treatment.

Gout is a painful condition that can be treated. If you are seeking treatment, contact one of our podiatrists from Florida Family Podiatry. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Is Gout?

Gout is a form of arthritis that is characterized by sudden, severe attacks of pain, redness, and tenderness in the joints. The condition usually affects the joint at the base of the big toe. A gout attack can occur at any random time, such as the middle of the night while you are asleep.

Symptoms

• Intense Joint Pain - Usually around the large joint of your big toe, and it most severe within the first four to twelve hours
• Lingering Discomfort - Joint discomfort may last from a few days to a few weeks
• Inflammation and Redness -Affected joints may become swollen, tender, warm and red
• Limited Range of Motion - May experience a decrease in joint mobility

Risk Factors

• Genetics - If family members have gout, you’re more likely to have it
• Medications - Diuretic medications can raise uric acid levels
• Gender/Age - Gout is more common in men until the age of 60. It is believed that estrogen protects women until that point
• Diet - Eating red meat and shellfish increases your risk
• Alcohol - Having more than two alcoholic drinks per day increases your risk
• Obesity - Obese people are at a higher risk for gout

Prior to visiting your podiatrist to receive treatment for gout, there are a few things you should do beforehand. If you have gout you should write down your symptoms--including when they started and how often you experience them, important medical information you may have, and any questions you may have. Writing down these three things will help your podiatrist in assessing your specific situation so that he or she may provide the best route of treatment for you.

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

A Jones fracture is a break at the base of the fifth metatarsal bone that connects the foot to the pinky toe. Common symptoms of a Jones fracture are bruising, swelling, and difficulty bearing weight or walking. Jones fractures can result from sudden force on the foot's outer side, often occurring during activities such as sports, dancing, or slips. Traumatic events like inversion sprains during sports or chronic overuse, such as prolonged walking or running on hard surfaces, may contribute to these injuries. Risk factors include participation in high impact activities like basketball or soccer, where sudden movements or pivoting are common. People with high arches may also be more susceptible to this type of fracture. Treatment options include casting and surgical intervention, depending on the severity. If you suspect a Jones fracture or are experiencing foot pain and swelling on the outside of the foot, it is suggested that you make an immediate appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and treatment.

A broken foot requires immediate medical attention and treatment. If you need your feet checked, contact one of our podiatrists from Florida Family Podiatry. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Broken Foot Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

A broken foot is caused by one of the bones in the foot typically breaking when bended, crushed, or stretched beyond its natural capabilities. Usually the location of the fracture indicates how the break occurred, whether it was through an object, fall, or any other type of injury. 

Common Symptoms of Broken Feet:

• Bruising
• Pain
• Redness
• Swelling
• Blue in color
• Numbness
• Cold
• Misshapen
• Cuts
• Deformities

Those that suspect they have a broken foot shoot seek urgent medical attention where a medical professional could diagnose the severity.

Treatment for broken bones varies depending on the cause, severity and location. Some will require the use of splints, casts or crutches while others could even involve surgery to repair the broken bones. Personal care includes the use of ice and keeping the foot stabilized and elevated.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Delray Beach and Boynton Beach, FL. . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.