Flat feet occur when the arches of the feet collapse, causing the entire sole to make contact with the ground. This condition can lead to pain and discomfort, especially in the arch, heel, or knees. Symptoms also include swelling, fatigue, or stiffness in the feet, particularly after long periods of standing or physical activity. Flat feet can be caused by genetics, injury, or age, and may worsen over time. This condition can also contribute to misalignment, causing pain in the lower back, hips, or knees. A podiatrist can help by assessing your feet and recommending treatment options, such as custom orthotics to provide better arch support. This type of doctor may also suggest stretching and strengthening exercises to improve foot alignment and relieve discomfort. In more severe cases, surgery may be necessary. If you have flat feet, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist.

Flatfoot is a condition many people suffer from. If you have flat feet, contact one of our podiatrists from Florida Ankle & Foot Institute. Our doctors 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 offices located in Tavernier, Marathon, and Key West, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Hammertoe is not just a toe that curls. It is a deformity where the middle joint bends abnormally, often due to muscle imbalance, wearing ill-fitting shoes, or genetics. Unlike mallet toe, which affects only the joint nearest the nail, hammertoe strikes the middle joint. And unlike a bunion, which pushes the big toe sideways, hammertoe causes smaller toes to contract, sometimes painfully. Left untreated, the toe stiffens, making walking uncomfortable and shoe choices frustrating. Treatments include toe exercises and padding, along with wearing custom orthotics and wider footwear. If the joint becomes rigid, surgery may be necessary. Ignoring a hammertoe can lead to corns, ulcers, and permanent damage. If you have a hammertoe that is causing you discomfort, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist who can assess its severity, and guide you on the best course of action.

Hammertoes can be a painful condition to live with. For more information, contact one of our podiatrists of Florida Ankle & Foot Institute. 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 Tavernier, Marathon, and Key West, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

A broken toe occurs when one or more of the toe bones fracture due to trauma or excessive pressure. It can result from dropping a heavy object on the foot, stubbing the toe with force, or experiencing a direct impact during physical activity. A jammed toe, on the other hand, happens when the toe is forcefully bent or compressed, causing soft tissue injury rather than a fracture. Symptoms of a broken toe include severe pain, swelling, bruising, difficulty walking, and possible deformity. A jammed toe usually causes pain, stiffness, mild swelling, and temporary discomfort but does not result in a visible deformity. While both conditions can be painful, a broken toe may require medical evaluation and immobilization. If you have toe pain that may indicate a broken toe, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can offer you appropriate treatment solutions.

Toe pain can disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, contact one of our podiatrists of Florida Ankle & Foot Institute. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Causes Toe Pain?

Most severe toe pain is caused due to a sports injury, trauma from dropping something heavy on the toe, or bumping into something rigid. Other problems can develop over time for various reasons.

Toe pain can be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

• Trauma
• Sports injury
• Wearing shoes that are too tight
• Arthritis
• Gout
• Corns and calluses
• Hammertoe
• Bunions
• Blisters
• Ingrown toenails
• Sprains
• Fractures (broken bones)
• Dislocations

When to See a Podiatrist

• Severe pain
• Persistent pain that lasts more than a week
• Signs of infection
• Continued swelling
• Pain that prevents walking

Diagnosis

In many cases the cause of toe pain is obvious, but in others, a podiatrist may want to use more advanced methods to determine the problem. These can range from simple visual inspections and sensation tests to X-rays and MRI scans. Prior medical history, family medical history, and any recent physical traumatic events will all be taken into consideration for a proper diagnosis.

Treatment

Treatments for toe pain and injuries vary and may include shoe inserts, padding, taping, medicines, injections, and in some cases, surgery. If you believe that you have broken a toe, please see a podiatrist as soon as possible.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Tavernier, Marathon, and Key West, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.