Items filtered by date: March 2025

A hammertoe occurs when a toe bends downward at the end and curls at the middle joint, often leading to stiffness and pain. Hammertoe most commonly affects the second toe but can develop in others as well. Early signs of a hammertoe include a bent toe that remains flexible, but, over time, it can become rigid and painful. Friction from footwear may cause corns, calluses, or blisters on the top of the toe or the bottom of the foot, making walking uncomfortable. Hammertoe is often caused by wearing shoes that are too tight or narrow, which forces the toes into an unnatural position. High heels and certain foot structures, such as long toe bones or bunions, can increase the likelihood of developing a hammertoe. A podiatrist can assess the severity of the hammertoe and recommend treatment, which may include changing footwear or using orthotic devices to relieve pressure. In severe cases where the toe is no longer flexible, surgery may be necessary to correct the deformity. If you have developed a hammertoe, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam, diagnosis, and treatment options, which may include surgery.

Hammertoe

Hammertoes can be a painful condition to live with. For more information, contact Michael Bess, DPM from Florida. Our podiatrist will answer any of your foot- and ankle-related questions.

Hammertoe is a foot deformity that affects the joints of the second, third, fourth, or fifth toes of your feet. It is a painful foot condition in which these toes curl and arch up, which can often lead to pain when wearing footwear.

Symptoms

• Pain in the affected toes
• Development of corns or calluses due to friction
• Inflammation
• Redness
• Contracture of the toes

Causes

Genetics – People who are genetically predisposed to hammertoe are often more susceptible

Arthritis – Because arthritis affects the joints in your toes, further deformities stemming from arthritis can occur

Trauma – Direct trauma to the toes could potentially lead to hammertoe

Ill-fitting shoes – Undue pressure on the front of the toes from ill-fitting shoes can potentially lead to the development of hammertoe

Treatment

Orthotics – Custom made inserts can be used to help relieve pressure placed on the toes and therefore relieve some of the pain associated with it

Medications – Oral medications such as anti-inflammatories or NSAIDs could be used to treat the pain and inflammation hammertoes causes. Injections of corticosteroids are also sometimes used

Surgery – In more severe cases where the hammertoes have become more rigid, foot surgery is a potential option

If you have any questions please contact our office located in West Palm Beach, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Ankle problems that require surgery often result from injuries, instability, or degenerative conditions that do not improve with other treatments. A podiatrist may recommend surgery for severe ankle fractures to realign bones and stabilize the joint using metal plates or screws. Chronic ankle instability, often the result of chronic sprains, may require lateral ankle ligament reconstruction to restore strength and function. When arthritis leads to significant pain and stiffness, ankle fusion may be performed to permanently join bones, which reduces discomfort but limits motion. In cases of advanced joint deterioration, ankle replacement may be needed. In this case, damaged bone and cartilage are replaced with prosthetic components to restore mobility. A ruptured Achilles tendon, often caused by trauma, may require surgery to stitch the torn ends together and ensure proper healing. Recovery times from ankle surgery vary depending on the extent of the injury and type of procedure. If you have a serious ankle problem, it is suggested that you make an immediate appointment with a podiatrist for an exam, diagnosis, and treatment.

Foot surgery is sometimes necessary to treat a foot ailment. To learn more, contact Michael Bess, DPM of Florida. Our podiatrist 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 office located in West Palm Beach, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Morton's neuroma involves damage and inflammation of the nerves between the toes, most often between the third and fourth toes. Patients typically experience sharp, burning pain, tingling, or numbness extending from the ball of the foot into the toes. Many describe the sensation as walking with a small stone or pebble under the foot. Morton’s neuroma often arises from continuous pressure or irritation of the nerve. It may be caused by wearing tight shoes, high heels, or foot abnormalities such as bunions, hammertoe, or flat arches. Participation in high-impact activities like running also may contribute to such nerve injury. Treatment from a podiatrist includes customized orthotic shoe inserts, steroid injections to relieve inflammation, and possibly surgery to remove the affected nerve, or releasing pressure by cutting surrounding ligaments. If you have ongoing sharp, burning pain under your toes, it is suggested that you scheduled an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam, diagnosis, and treatment.

Morton’s neuroma is a very uncomfortable condition to live with. If you think you have Morton’s neuroma, contact Michael Bess, DPM of Florida. Our podiatrist will attend to all of your foot care needs and answer any of your related questions.  

Morton’s Neuroma

Morton's neuroma is a painful foot condition that commonly affects the areas between the second and third or third and fourth toe, although other areas of the foot are also susceptible. Morton’s neuroma is caused by an inflamed nerve in the foot that is being squeezed and aggravated by surrounding bones.

What Increases the Chances of Having Morton’s Neuroma?

• Ill-fitting high heels or shoes that add pressure to the toe or foot
• Jogging, running or any sport that involves constant impact to the foot
• Flat feet, bunions, and any other foot deformities

Morton’s neuroma is a very treatable condition. Orthotics and shoe inserts can often be used to alleviate the pain on the forefront of the feet. In more severe cases, corticosteroids can also be prescribed. In order to figure out the best treatment for your neuroma, it’s recommended to seek the care of a podiatrist who can diagnose your condition and provide different treatment options.

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

Flat feet, also known as fallen arches, occur when the arch of the foot collapses, causing the entire sole to touch the ground. This condition can be present from birth or develop over time. Flat feet are often caused by genetics, where the individual inherits the condition from family members. Other causes include injury, overuse, or conditions such as arthritis and obesity, which place additional stress on the feet. In some cases, flat feet may also result from weakened or damaged tendons. The most common symptoms include pain or discomfort in the feet, especially after long periods of standing or physical activity. Swelling surrounding the ankles or arches and difficulty walking may also occur. While flat feet may not always require treatment, persistent pain or mobility issues should be addressed by a podiatrist. If you have painful flat feet, it is suggested that you are under the care of this type of doctor who can monitor this foot condition.

Flatfoot is a condition many people suffer from. If you have flat feet, contact Michael Bess, DPM from Florida. Our podiatrist will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Are Flat Feet?

Flatfoot is a condition in which the arch of the foot is depressed and the sole of the foot is almost completely in contact with the ground. About 20-30% of the population generally has flat feet because their arches never formed during growth.

Conditions & Problems:

Having flat feet makes it difficult to run or walk because of the stress placed on the ankles.

Alignment – The general alignment of your legs can be disrupted, because the ankles move inward which can cause major discomfort.

Knees – If you have complications with your knees, flat feet can be a contributor to arthritis in that area.  

Symptoms

• Pain around the heel or arch area
• Trouble standing on the tip toe
• Swelling around the inside of the ankle
• Flat look to one or both feet
• Having your shoes feel uneven when worn

Treatment

If you are experiencing pain and stress on the foot you may weaken the posterior tibial tendon, which runs around the inside of the ankle. 

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