Hammertoe is a deformity in which one or more of the smaller toes bends abnormally at the middle joint, often making it point upward. Hammertoe commonly affects the second toe and may develop from a muscle imbalance, flat arches, or pressure caused by shoes that do not allow enough room for the toes. Symptoms may include a claw-like toe appearance, discomfort in the ball of the foot, and pain when wearing shoes. Corns or calluses that develop from rubbing against the top of a shoe, and difficulty finding shoes that fit can result from a hammertoe. A podiatrist can diagnose hammertoe through a physical examination and may use imaging if joint disease is suspected. In more severe cases where the joint becomes rigid, surgery may be needed to straighten the toe. If you have a toe deformity that is causing pain, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and treatment.

Hammertoes can be a painful condition to live with. For more information, contact one of our doctors of Advanced Podiatry. 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 Needham, Norwood, and Hanover, MA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Falling is a major concern for seniors and can result from various factors, including medication side effects, poor vision, reduced physical fitness, unsafe home environments, and improper footwear. Wearing supportive, well-fitting shoes and maintaining a clutter-free home can reduce risk. Falls may lead to serious foot injuries, such as sprains, fractures, or dislocations. A podiatrist can assess foot health, recommend proper footwear, and provide guidance on ways to improve balance and mobility. They can also address any underlying foot conditions that may contribute to instability. If you or a loved one has sustained a foot injury from falling, it is suggested that you promptly contact a podiatrist who can treat various foot conditions and guide you toward effective fall prevention techniques. 

Preventing falls among the elderly is very important. If you are older and have fallen or fear that you are prone to falling, consult with one of our doctors from Advanced Podiatry. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality advice and care.

Every 11 seconds, an elderly American is being treated in an emergency room for a fall related injury. Falls are the leading cause of head and hip injuries for those 65 and older. Due to decreases in strength, balance, senses, and lack of awareness, elderly persons are very susceptible to falling. Thankfully, there are a number of things older persons can do to prevent falls.

How to Prevent Falls

Some effective methods that older persons can do to prevent falls include:

• Enrolling in strength and balance exercise program to increase balance and strength
• Periodically having your sight and hearing checked
• Discuss any medications you have with a doctor to see if it increases the risk of falling
• Clearing the house of falling hazards and installing devices like grab bars and railings
• Utilizing a walker or cane
• Wearing shoes that provide good support and cushioning
• Talking to family members about falling and increasing awareness

Falling can be a traumatic and embarrassing experience for elderly persons; this can make them less willing to leave the house, and less willing to talk to someone about their fears of falling. Doing such things, however, will increase the likelihood of tripping or losing one’s balance. Knowing the causes of falling and how to prevent them is the best way to mitigate the risk of serious injury.  

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

Ingrown toenails occur when the edge of the toenail grows into the surrounding skin, causing pain, redness, and swelling. Common causes include improper nail trimming, wearing tight or narrow shoes, injury, or genetic factors that affect nail shape. Symptoms often begin with tenderness and swelling along the nail’s edge, progressing to increased pain, warmth, and sometimes infection with pus or drainage. The affected area may feel sore and make walking or wearing shoes uncomfortable. A podiatrist can diagnose an ingrown toenail by examining the toe and assessing the severity. Treatment varies from conservative care, such as soaking, proper nail trimming, and antibiotic ointments, to minor surgical procedures like partial nail avulsion. This procedure removes the problematic portion of the nail, relieving pain and preventing recurrence. If you are have a painful ingrown toenail, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an evaluation and appropriate treatment.

Ingrown toenails may initially present themselves as a minor discomfort, but they may progress into an infection in the skin without proper treatment. For more information about ingrown toenails, contact one of our doctors of Advanced Podiatry. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Ingrown Toenails

Ingrown toenails are caused when the corner or side of a toenail grows into the soft flesh surrounding it. They often result in redness, swelling, pain, and in some cases, infection. This condition typically affects the big toe and may recur if it is not treated properly.

Causes

• Improper toenail trimming
• Genetics
• Improper shoe fitting
• Injury from pedicures or nail picking
• Abnormal gait
• Poor hygiene

You are more likely to develop an ingrown toenail if you are obese, have diabetes, arthritis, or have any fungal infection in your nails. Additionally, people who have foot or toe deformities are at a higher risk of developing an ingrown toenail.

Symptoms

Some symptoms of ingrown toenails are redness, swelling, and pain. In rare cases, there may be a yellowish drainage coming from the nail.

Treatment

Ignoring an ingrown toenail can have serious complications. Infections of the nail border can progress to a deeper soft-tissue infection, which can then turn into a bone infection. You should always speak with your podiatrist if you suspect you have an ingrown toenail, especially if you have diabetes or poor circulation.

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

Arthritis in the feet often begins subtly. Morning stiffness that fades with movement, joints that feel sore after walking, or swelling that seems to return day after day may be early clues. Some people notice reduced range of motion in the toes or ankles, while others begin avoiding certain shoes because of discomfort. These gradual changes can be easy to dismiss, but over time they may limit mobility and affect overall quality of life. The foot contains more than thirty joints, making it a common area for arthritic symptoms to appear. Catching these signs early can help slow progression and improve comfort. If you are noticing changes in how your feet feel or move, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Arthritis can be a difficult condition to live with. If you are seeking treatment, contact one of our doctors from Advanced Podiatry. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Arthritic Foot Care  

Arthritis is a joint disorder that involves the inflammation of different joints in your body, such as those in your feet. Arthritis is often caused by a degenerative joint disease and causes mild to severe pain in all affected areas. In addition to this, swelling and stiffness in the affected joints can also be a common symptom of arthritis.

In many cases, wearing ill-fitting shoes can worsen the effects and pain of arthritis. Wearing shoes that have a lower heel and extra room can help your feet feel more comfortable. In cases of rheumatoid arthritis, the arch in your foot may become problematic. Buying shoes with proper arch support that contour to your feet can help immensely.

Alleviating Arthritic Pain

• Exercises that stretch the foot can prevent further pain and injury and increase mobility
• Most of the pain can be alleviated with anti-inflammatory drugs, heat, and topical medications
• Massages can help temporarily alleviate pain.

It is best to see your doctor for the treatment that is right for your needs and symptoms. Conditions vary, and a podiatrist can help you determine the right method of care for your feet.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Needham, Norwood, and Hanover, MA . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Zumba is a fun and energetic workout, but the fast-paced movements and frequent pivoting can place stress on the feet. Sudden direction changes may lead to ankle sprains or strains in the arches. Without proper footwear, repetitive impact can cause heel pain, tendon irritation, or pressure on the ball of the foot. Some participants may also develop blisters or bruised toenails from shoes that do not fit well or provide enough support. Hard studio floors can add to the strain, especially for those with flat feet or high arches. Taking precautions such as wearing well-cushioned shoes with good lateral support and stretching before and after class can help reduce the chance of injury. If you experience ongoing foot pain after dancing, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for a diagnosis and guidance on protecting your feet while staying active.

Ankle and foot injuries are common among athletes and in many sports. They can be caused by several problems and may be potentially serious. If you are feeling pain or think you were injured in a sporting event or when exercising, consult with one of our doctors from Advanced Podiatry. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Common Injuries

The most common injuries that occur in sporting activities include:

• Achilles Tendonitis
• Achilles Tendon Rupture
• Ankle Sprains
• Broken Foot
• Plantar Fasciitis
• Stress Fractures
• Turf Toe

Symptoms

Symptoms vary depending upon the injury and in some cases, there may be no symptoms at all. However, in most cases, some form of symptom is experienced. Pain, aching, burning, bruising, tenderness, tightness or stiffness, sensation loss, difficulty moving, and swelling are the most common symptoms.

Treatment

Just as symptoms vary depending upon the injury, so do treatment options. A common treatment method is known as the RICE method. This method involves rest, applying ice, compression and elevating the afflicted foot or ankle. If the injury appears to be more serious, surgery might be required, such as arthroscopic or reconstructive surgery. Lastly, rehabilitation or therapy might be needed to gain full functionality in the afflicted area. Any discomfort experienced by an athlete must be evaluated by a licensed, reputable medical professional.  

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