Hammertoe is a deformity in which one of the smaller toes bends downward at the middle joint, creating a curled or claw-like appearance. It may look raised or misaligned, and may develop corns or calluses where the toe joint rubs against footwear. Symptoms include stiffness, irritation, swelling, and pain that can make walking difficult. The condition may feel tender, cramped, or sore, especially while wearing tight shoes. Causes include muscle imbalance, arthritis, previous injury, or wearing shoes that are too narrow or too short. A podiatrist can begin by examining the affected toe joint, assessing its flexibility, and identifying any underlying biomechanical factors. Once a diagnosis is made, treatment options include footwear changes, protective padding, custom orthotics, or splinting to improve alignment. In more advanced cases, surgery may be recommended to restore function and relieve chronic discomfort. Because early care can reduce symptoms and prevent progression, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for effective treatment solutions.

Hammertoes can be a painful condition to live with. For more information, contact one of our podiatrists of Front Range 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 office located in Littleton, CO . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Toenail fungus, also called onychomycosis, is a disorder that affects the nail plate and can slowly spread if untreated. It often begins as white, yellow, or black spots on the toenail that gradually thicken, discolor, and distort the nail. This condition thrives in warm and moist environments, making prevention an important part of foot care. Helpful habits include trimming toenails straight across, discarding old shoes that may contain fungal spores, and wearing protective footwear in pool areas and shared locker rooms. A podiatrist can confirm the diagnosis, provide targeted treatment, and guide long-term prevention to restore healthier nails. If you notice any of these symptoms on your toenails, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can offer effective treatment solutions, which may include prescribed medication.

If left untreated, toenail fungus may spread to other toenails, skin, or even fingernails. If you suspect you have toenail fungus it is important to seek treatment right away. For more information about treatment, contact one of our podiatrists of Front Range Podiatry. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Symptoms

• Warped or oddly shaped nails
• Yellowish nails
• Loose/separated nail
• Buildup of bits and pieces of nail fragments under the nail
• Brittle, broken, thickened nail

Treatment

If self-care strategies and over-the-counter medications does not help your fungus, your podiatrist may give you a prescription drug instead. Even if you find relief from your toenail fungus symptoms, you may experience a repeat infection in the future.

Prevention

In order to prevent getting toenail fungus in the future, you should always make sure to wash your feet with soap and water. After washing, it is important to dry your feet thoroughly especially in between the toes. When trimming your toenails, be sure to trim straight across instead of in a rounded shape. It is crucial not to cover up discolored nails with nail polish because that will prevent your nail from being able to “breathe”.

In some cases, surgical procedure may be needed to remove the toenail fungus. Consult with your podiatrist about the best treatment options for your case of toenail fungus.  

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

Signs of a broken heel bone often develop quickly after an injury and can make walking very difficult. The heel bone, known medically as the calcaneus, supports the back of the foot and works to help the foot roll inward and outward during movement. A break in the heel bone often causes sudden swelling, severe heel pain, and bruising that spreads through the back of the foot. Many people cannot put weight on the injured foot at all. The pain usually worsens when trying to stand, walk, or even move the ankle. In some heel bone fractures, the skin stays intact, but when the skin is broken, surgery is needed right away to reduce the risk of serious complications. A podiatrist can evaluate the injury, order imaging, and guide proper treatment to help protect long-term foot function. If you believe you have broken your heel bone, it is suggested that you make an immediate appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and treatment.

A broken foot requires immediate medical attention and treatment. If you need your feet checked, contact one of our podiatrists from Front Range Podiatry. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Broken Foot Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

A broken foot is caused by one of the bones in the foot typically breaking when bended, crushed, or stretched beyond its natural capabilities. Usually the location of the fracture indicates how the break occurred, whether it was through an object, fall, or any other type of injury. 

Common Symptoms of Broken Feet:

• Bruising
• Pain
• Redness
• Swelling
• Blue in color
• Numbness
• Cold
• Misshapen
• Cuts
• Deformities

Those that suspect they have a broken foot shoot seek urgent medical attention where a medical professional could diagnose the severity.

Treatment for broken bones varies depending on the cause, severity and location. Some will require the use of splints, casts or crutches while others could even involve surgery to repair the broken bones. Personal care includes the use of ice and keeping the foot stabilized and elevated.

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

A broken ankle is a fracture of one or more bones that make up the ankle joint. It can be the result of twisting the foot, falling or experiencing a direct impact. Symptoms include sudden pain, swelling, bruising, difficulty moving the ankle, and an inability to bear weight. The area may appear deformed due to the injury. Causes range from sports accidents to simple missteps on uneven ground. A podiatrist can perform a thorough examination, order imaging, and provide treatment that supports healing, reduces pain, and restores function. If you suspect  you have broken your ankle, it is suggested that you promptly contact a podiatrist who can accurately diagnose and treat this condition.

Broken ankles need immediate treatment. If you are seeking treatment, contact one of our podiatrists from Front Range Podiatry. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet. 

Broken Ankles
A broken ankle is experienced when a person fractures their tibia or fibula in the lower leg and ankle area. Both of these bones are attached at the bottom of the leg and combine to form what we know to be our ankle.

When a physician is referring to a break of the ankle, he or she is usually referring to a break in the area where the tibia and fibula are joined to create our ankle joint. Ankles are more prone to fractures because the ankle is an area that suffers a lot of pressure and stress. There are some obvious signs when a person experiences a fractured ankle, and the following symptoms may be present.

Symptoms of a Fractured Ankle

• Excessive pain when the area is touched or when any pressure is placed on the ankle
• Swelling around the area
• Bruising of the area
• Area appears to be deformed

If you suspect an ankle fracture, it is recommended to seek treatment as soon as possible. The sooner you have your podiatrist diagnose the fracture, the quicker you’ll be on the way towards recovery.

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