Items filtered by date: May 2025

A hammertoe happens when one of the smaller toes bends abnormally at the middle joint. At first, the toe may still be flexible, but over time it can become stiff and painful. Shoes may rub against the raised joint, causing corns, blisters or swelling. Common causes include wearing poor footwear, muscle imbalance or foot structure. Early treatment may include splints, padding or custom inserts to relieve pressure and correct alignment. When these methods no longer help, surgery may be needed to straighten the toe and restore comfort. Surgical repair can involve removing a small piece of bone, releasing tight tendons or inserting a pin for support during healing. Recovery times vary, but many people return to walking with improved function and less pain. If your toe has become hard to move or to walk on, it is suggested you see a podiatrist to discuss what type of treatment might be most beneficial for you.

Hammertoes can be a painful condition to live with. For more information, contact One of our podiatrist of Santi Podiatry Group. 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 5th Street and Kings Highway Brooklyn, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Treatment for gangrene that affects the feet, toes, or ankles focuses on removing dead tissue, fighting infection, and restoring blood flow. A podiatrist may begin by performing debridement. This is a surgical procedure that removes the damaged tissue and helps promote healing. When an infection is involved, antibiotics may be administered through a vein to ensure they reach the affected tissue. If gangrene results from reduced blood supply, surgery may be performed to restore circulation. One method of treating gangrene is bypass surgery, designed to redirect blood flow around a blockage. Another is angioplasty, which uses a small balloon to open a narrowed artery and may include placing a stent. In severe cases, where the affected tissue cannot be saved, loss of a toe or part of the foot may be necessary to prevent the gangrene from spreading. In gangrene linked to diabetic ulcers, hyperbaric oxygen therapy may also be used to increase oxygen levels in the blood and support healing. If you have developed gangrene from a diabetic foot ulcer, it is suggested that you schedule an immediate appointment with a podiatrist for the appropriate wound care.

Wound care is an important part in dealing with diabetes. If you have diabetes and a foot wound or would like more information about wound care for diabetics, consult with One of our podiatrist from Santi Podiatry Group. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

What Is Wound Care?

Wound care is the practice of taking proper care of a wound. This can range from the smallest to the largest of wounds. While everyone can benefit from proper wound care, it is much more important for diabetics. Diabetics often suffer from poor blood circulation which causes wounds to heal much slower than they would in a non-diabetic. 

What Is the Importance of Wound Care?

While it may not seem apparent with small ulcers on the foot, for diabetics, any size ulcer can become infected. Diabetics often also suffer from neuropathy, or nerve loss. This means they might not even feel when they have an ulcer on their foot. If the wound becomes severely infected, amputation may be necessary. Therefore, it is of the upmost importance to properly care for any and all foot wounds.

How to Care for Wounds

The best way to care for foot wounds is to prevent them. For diabetics, this means daily inspections of the feet for any signs of abnormalities or ulcers. It is also recommended to see a podiatrist several times a year for a foot inspection. If you do have an ulcer, run the wound under water to clear dirt from the wound; then apply antibiotic ointment to the wound and cover with a bandage. Bandages should be changed daily and keeping pressure off the wound is smart. It is advised to see a podiatrist, who can keep an eye on it.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in 5th Street and Kings Highway Brooklyn, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.