Gradual changes in toe position can be an early sign of a hammertoe, where one or more toes bend at the middle joint and no longer rest flat. Common signs include toe stiffness, irritation from footwear, and corns or calluses. As the hammertoe progresses, the toe may become rigid, limiting movement and causing more pain. Muscle imbalance, nerve conditions, injury, and long-term pressure on the toes can all contribute to this toe deformity. A podiatrist can evaluate toe alignment, joint flexibility, and foot structure to confirm the diagnosis and determine treatment. Some cases of hammertoe may require surgery to correct alignment and relieve pain. If you notice changes to the structure of your toes, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam, diagnosis, and treatment.

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

The intrinsic muscles of the foot play a vital role in shock absorption, protection of the plantar fascia, and guiding how force transfers from the ground back into the body, which is especially important for runners who place repeated stress on their feet. Keeping these muscles strong helps improve balance, stability, running efficiency, and overall foot health. Helpful exercises include toe crunches by curling your toes while keeping your heel down, calf raises by lifting your heels slowly while standing tall, and toe extensions by lifting your toes upward while the rest of your foot stays flat. These movements strengthen the small muscles that support your arch and reduce strain during long runs or speed work. A podiatrist can assess your running mechanics and create a personalized strengthening plan. If you experience foot pain, scheduling a visit with a podiatrist can help you stay injury-free and improve performance.

Exercising your feet regularly with the proper foot wear is a great way to prevent injuries and build strength. If you have any concerns about your feet, 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.

Exercise for Your Feet

Exercise for your feet can help you gain strength, mobility and flexibility in your feet. They say that strengthening your feet can be just as rewarding as strengthening another part of the body. Your feet are very important, and we often forget about them in our daily tasks. But it is because of our feet that are we able to get going and do what we need to. For those of us fortunate enough to not have any foot problems, it is an important gesture to take care of them to ensure good health in the long run.

Some foot health exercises can include ankle pumps, tip-toeing, toe rises, lifting off the floor doing reps and sets, and flexing the toes. It is best to speak with Our doctor to determine an appropriate regimen for your needs. Everyone’s needs and bodies are different, and the activities required to maintain strength in the feet vary from individual to individual. 

Once you get into a routine of doing regular exercise, you may notice a difference in your feet and how strong they may become.

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.

A podiatrist is a medical specialist who focuses on the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of conditions affecting the feet and ankles. This type of doctor plays an important role in promoting foot health, improving mobility, and supporting overall wellness. Podiatrists treat a wide range of foot and ankle conditions, including injuries, infections, deformities, and chronic pain. This type of doctor also plays a key role in diabetes care by monitoring circulation, nerve health, and skin integrity to help prevent ulcers and serious complications. Through regular exams, education, and preventive care, podiatrists help patients stay active and independent. If you are experiencing foot pain, changes in sensation, or difficulty walking, it is strongly suggested that you consult a podiatrist to improve comfort and protect your feet.

If you are experiencing pain in the feet or ankles, don’t join the stubborn majority refusing treatment. Feel free to 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.

What Is a Podiatrist?

Someone would seek the care of a podiatrist if they have suffered a foot injury or have common foot ailments such as heal spurs, bunions, arch problems, deformities, ingrown toenails, corns, foot and ankle problems, etc.

Podiatric Treatment

A podiatrist will treat the problematic areas of the feet, ankle or lower leg by prescribing the following:

• Physical therapy
• Drugs
• Orthotic inserts or soles
• Surgery on lower extremity fractures

A common podiatric procedure a podiatrist will use is a scanner or force plate which will allow the podiatrist to know the designs of orthotics. Patients are then told to follow a series of tasks to complete the treatment. The computer will scan the foot a see which areas show weight distribution and pressure points. The podiatrist will read the analysis and then determine which treatment plans are available.

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.

Plantar fasciitis is a common foot condition caused by inflammation of the plantar fascia, a thick band of tissue that runs along the bottom of the foot connecting the heel to the toes. It often results in sharp or aching heel pain, particularly with the first steps in the morning or after periods of rest. Causes include repetitive strain from running, prolonged standing, high-impact activities, or tight calf muscles. Risk factors include obesity, flat feet, high arches, and wearing improper footwear. If left untreated, plantar fasciitis can limit mobility and affect daily activities. A podiatrist can provide an accurate diagnosis, recommend targeted stretches, supportive footwear, orthotics, and treatment strategies to reduce inflammation and promote healing. If you have heel pain, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can accurately diagnose and treat plantar fasciitis.

Plantar fasciitis can be very painful and inconvenient. If you are experiencing heel pain or symptoms of plantar fasciitis, 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.

What Is Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is the inflammation of the thick band of tissue that runs along the bottom of your foot, known as the plantar fascia, and causes mild to severe heel pain.

What Causes Plantar Fasciitis?

• Excessive running
• Non-supportive shoes
• Overpronation
• Repeated stretching and tearing of the plantar fascia

How Can It Be Treated?

• Conservative measures – anti-inflammatories, ice packs, stretching exercises, physical therapy, orthotic devices
• Shockwave therapy – sound waves are sent to the affected area to facilitate healing and are usually used for chronic cases of plantar fasciitis
• Surgery – usually only used as a last resort when all else fails. The plantar fascia can be surgically detached from the heel

While very treatable, plantar fasciitis is definitely not something that should be ignored. Especially in severe cases, speaking to your doctor right away is highly recommended to avoid complications and severe heel pain. Your podiatrist can work with you to provide the appropriate treatment options tailored to your condition.

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.