Hammertoe can make wearing shoes uncomfortable and turn everyday walking into a painful experience. This foot condition develops when a toe bends downward at its middle joint instead of remaining straight. It most frequently affects the second toe, although other smaller toes can also be involved. The bent position can cause the top of the toe to rub against shoes, creating pressure and irritation. Symptoms include pain, redness, and difficulty moving the affected toe. Corns or calluses can also form where the skin experiences repeated friction. In the early stages, the toe may still straighten when gently moved. As the condition progresses, the joint can become stiff and remain bent, making comfortable movement more difficult.

Wearing tight or narrow shoes can contribute to hammertoe by forcing the toes into a bent position. High heels can also increase pressure on the front of the foot. As the muscles and tendons adjust to this position, straightening the toe can become more difficult. Some people are born with a foot structure that makes hammertoe more likely. In rare cases, nerve problems can affect the muscles that control toe movement. Hammertoe can also develop in children whose shoes have become too small. Without proper attention, the bent toe can create painful pressure points. These areas may develop thickened skin or sores that make walking uncomfortable. Identifying the cause helps determine which treatments are appropriate.

A podiatrist can examine the affected toe, assess its flexibility, and identify areas of pressure. Treatment can include protective padding, toe splints, and properly fitted shoes with enough room for the toes. A podiatrist may also recommend supportive shoe inserts to improve comfort and reduce pressure on sensitive areas. When the toe remains flexible, professionally guided exercises can help maintain movement and support the surrounding muscles. A podiatrist can carefully reduce painful corns or calluses caused by repeated rubbing. Treatment depends on how much the toe has changed and whether the joint can still move. Addressing symptoms early can help improve comfort and reduce further irritation. If you have hammertoe, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for effective relief and management tips. 

Hammertoe

Hammertoes can be a painful condition to live with. For more information, contact Jennifer M. Kern, DPM from South Carolina. Our doctor 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 feel free to contact our office located in West Columbia, SC . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Healthy foot habits start with giving your feet attention before pain interrupts your day. Your feet support your weight and help maintain balance. Changes in skin color, persistent swelling, or reduced feeling warrant attention. A podiatrist examines these changes and looks for problems affecting circulation or nerves. Patients with diabetes benefit from regular foot examinations because reduced feeling might hide an injury. Making preventive appointments part of your healthcare routine helps identify pressure points and other concerns before they interfere with comfortable movement.

Choosing shoes that fit properly is another important habit. Feet change with age, and a familiar shoe size does not always guarantee a good fit. A podiatrist evaluates foot shape and recommends shoes with appropriate width and depth. Adequate toe room reduces crowding, while a secure heel helps limit slipping. Shoes should feel comfortable from the start rather than require a painful break-in period. For patients who stand for long hours or who are involved in sporting activities, footwear recommendations should reflect those demands. A podiatrist also checks uneven shoe wear for clues about how the feet move. Custom orthotics, which are prescribed shoe inserts, help redistribute pressure when appropriate.

Healthy habits also involve seeking podiatric advice when activity begins to hurt. Repeatedly pushing through foot pain might worsen an underlying injury or change the way you walk. A podiatrist assesses joint movement and identifies the source of discomfort. Treatment addresses the specific problem and includes pressure relief or protective support when appropriate. Podiatric care also addresses painful corns, thickened nails, or skin problems that affect shoe comfort. Patients with diabetes or poor circulation require particular attention to wounds because healing may be slower. Early assessment supports safer movement and helps protect everyday independence. If you have foot pain, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for effective relief tips, and additional guidance on improving the health of your feet.

Everyday foot care is very important to prevent infection and other foot ailments. If you need your feet checked, contact Jennifer M. Kern, DPM from South Carolina. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Everyday Foot Care

Often, people take care of their bodies, face and hair more so than they do for their feet. But the feet are a very important aspect of our bodies, and one that we should pay more attention to. Without our feet, we would not be able to perform most daily tasks.

It is best to check your feet regularly to make sure there are no new bruises or cuts that you may not have noticed before. For dry feet, moisturizer can easily be a remedy and can be applied as often as necessary to the affected areas. Wearing shoes that fit well can also help you maintain good foot health, as well as making it easier to walk and do daily activities without the stress or pain of ill-fitting shoes, high heels, or even flip flops. Wearing clean socks with closed shoes is important to ensure that sweat and bacteria do not accumulate within the shoe. Clean socks help to prevent Athlete’s foot, fungi problems, bad odors, and can absorb sweat.

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

Diabetic limb salvage focuses on preserving a foot or lower limb when diabetes has caused a serious wound. Diabetes can damage nerves in the feet, making injuries harder to notice. Blood vessel disease can further complicate diabetic foot ulcers by reducing circulation needed for healing. When a small injury progresses, it may develop into persistent ulceration and eventually damage bones or joints. Advanced diabetic foot disease can lead to limb loss when the damage becomes too extensive to reconstruct. For this reason, assessment and timely management are important when diabetic foot wounds develop.

Not every diabetic foot wound requires the same approach. The source describes limb salvage as a possible option for appropriately selected patients with complex or complicated wounds. Evaluation of blood flow is essential because narrowed arteries can interfere with healing. In some cases, circulation must be improved before treatment of the ulcer can move forward. More serious wounds may require removal of damaged tissue followed by reconstructive surgery. However, deciding whether reconstruction is appropriate requires evaluation because some wounds may be too advanced for successful salvage.

A podiatrist can play an important role in identifying diabetic foot problems and determining when more advanced care is necessary. Evaluation may include checking the wound and assessing changes related to nerve damage. Blood flow must also be considered. Diabetic limb salvage can involve several specialists when circulation problems or complex reconstruction are present. The goal is to manage serious diabetic foot wounds while preserving a functional limb whenever reconstruction is appropriate. Early attention is important because progressive ulcers can damage deeper structures and make limb preservation more difficult. If you have diabetes and develop a persistent foot ulcer or foot wound, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist promptly for an evaluation and appropriate treatment options.

Limb salvage can be an effective way in preventing the need for limb amputation. If you have diabetes, cancer, or any other condition that could lead to foot amputation if left unchecked, consult with Jennifer M. Kern, DPM from South Carolina. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

What Is Limb Salvage?

Limb salvage is the attempt of saving a limb, such as the foot from amputation. Podiatrists also try to make sure that there is enough function in the foot after the salvage that it is still usable. Diabetes is the number one cause of non-traumatic amputations in the United States. Those with diabetes experience poor blood circulation, which prevents proper healing of an ulcer. If the ulcer is left uncheck, it could become infected, which could result in the need for amputation.

However, there are other causes as well, such as cancer and traumatic injury. Links between higher mortality rates and amputation have been found. This translates into higher healthcare costs, and a reduced quality of life and mobility for amputees. Podiatrists have attempted to increase the prevalence of limb salvage in an attempt to solve these issues.

Diagnosis and Treatment

Limb salvage teams have grown in recent years that utilize a number of different treatments to save the infected limb. This includes podiatrists that specialize in wound care, rehabilitation, orthotics, and surgery. Through a combination of these methods, limb salvage has been found to be an effective treatment for infected limbs, and as an alternative to amputation. Podiatrists will first evaluate the potential for limb salvage and determine if the limb can be saved or must be amputated. 

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

Falling at work can injure the feet and ankles through sudden twisting, impact, or excessive force. A workplace fall may affect bones, ligaments, or nerves. Symptoms can include pain, swelling, and difficulty bearing weight. Some injuries appear immediately, while others become more painful as inflammation develops. Even when a person can still walk, an injury may require professional evaluation.

Ankle sprains are common after a fall and occur when ligaments supporting the joint are stretched or torn. Fractures happen when bones crack or break from impact, twisting, or compression. Achilles tendon injuries affect the strong tendon connecting the calf muscles to the heel and can range from irritation to a complete rupture. Additionally, nerve injuries may cause numbness, tingling, burning, or changes in sensation around the foot or ankle.

Workplace risks include wet floors, uneven surfaces, and poor lighting. Employees who climb stairs, work at heights, or carry materials may face additional fall hazards. Previous injuries can also increase risk because the foot or ankle may have reduced strength, flexibility, or stability. Recognizing hazards and reporting unsafe conditions can help reduce preventable workplace injuries.

A podiatrist evaluates the injury by reviewing the accident and examining the foot and ankle. The assessment may include checking circulation, sensation, and joint stability. Imaging can help identify fractures or significant soft-tissue damage. Treatment may include wearing protective footwear, bracing, and activity modification, depending on the diagnosis. Follow-up appointments allow the podiatrist to monitor healing and adjust care as needed. If you have suffered a foot injury after falling at work, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

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 Jennifer M. Kern, DPM from South Carolina. Our doctor 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 office located in West Columbia, SC . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.