Hammertoe is a foot deformity that causes one or more toes to bend downward at the middle joint, creating a curled or claw-like appearance. This condition most often affects the second, third, or fourth toes and develops when the muscles, tendons, and ligaments surrounding the toe become unbalanced. A tendon imbalance can pull the toe joint out of its normal position, causing misalignment of the joint surfaces and gradual changes in toe structure. While hammertoe may begin as a flexible deformity, it can become rigid over time and lead to ongoing discomfort.

Symptoms of hammertoe can vary depending on the severity of the condition. Many people experience pain while wearing shoes because the bent toe rubs against the inside of footwear, creating pressure points. Additional symptoms include swelling, redness, and difficulty moving the affected toe. As the toe becomes more fixed, finding comfortable shoes may become increasingly challenging.

Several factors can increase the risk of developing hammertoe. Wearing tight-fitting shoes, narrow toe-box footwear, or high heels can place excessive pressure on the toes and contribute to deformity. Foot structure, genetics, and muscle imbalance, may also increase the likelihood of developing this condition. Previous toe injuries can also be a factor. Certain medical conditions, including rheumatoid arthritis, can affect the joints and contribute to toe misalignment. Injuries that damage the muscles, tendons, or ligaments of the foot may also interfere with normal toe movement and alignment.

A podiatrist can evaluate hammertoe by examining the foot, reviewing symptoms, and determining whether the deformity is flexible or rigid. Treatment options include footwear changes, padding, and stretching exercises. Custom orthotics and other conservative approaches are designed to reduce pressure and improve foot function. More advanced cases may require surgery to restore proper toe alignment and relieve pain. If you have developed hammertoe, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for effective relief and management solutions.

Hammertoe

Hammertoes can be a painful condition to live with. For more information, contact one of our podiatrists from Graff Foot, Ankle and Wound Care. Our doctors 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 offices located in Plano, Dallas, Prosper, Allen, Garland, Frisco, and Coppell, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Wound care is a critical part of managing foot health, especially for individuals with diabetes. A diabetic foot ulcer is an open sore that develops due to poor circulation and nerve damage, often on the bottom of the foot. Proper wound care involves cleaning, protecting, and monitoring the area to promote healing. Debridement is a key step in this process and refers to the removal of dead or damaged tissue from a wound. This procedure helps create a healthier environment for new tissue to grow.

Symptoms of a diabetic foot ulcer may include an open sore, swelling, and drainage. Some individuals experience little to no pain due to nerve damage, which can delay treatment. Signs of infection may include warmth, odor, or increased swelling around the wound. Debridement is performed to remove non-viable tissue that can slow healing and increase infection risk. By clearing away this tissue, the body can better repair the affected area.

Risk factors for diabetic foot ulcers include poor blood flow, nerve damage, and uncontrolled blood sugar levels. Individuals with a history of foot wounds or wearing improper footwear may also be at higher risk. Debridement is often necessary when wounds do not heal properly on their own. It can be done using several methods, including surgical removal, specialized tools, or medicated treatments. The goal is to reduce bacteria, improve circulation to the area, and support healing.

Effective wound care requires regular monitoring and professional treatment. Keeping the wound clean, protected, and free of pressure can improve healing outcomes. Early intervention reduces the risk of complications and promotes faster recovery. A podiatrist can assess the wound and determine the best approach for care. If you have a diabetic foot ulcer, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can discuss debridement with you, as an appropriate form of 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 podiatrists from Graff Foot, Ankle and Wound Care. 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 contact our offices located in Plano, Dallas, Prosper, Allen, Garland, Frisco, and Coppell, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

A toe fracture can occur when a toe is stubbed, struck, or caught against an object. Most toe fractures heal without major problems, but fractures involving a symphalangeal toe can require a longer healing period. Symphalangism is a condition present from birth in which two bones in a toe are joined at the joint between them. It most often affects the smaller toes. Because the joined bones create a stiffer toe, the area has less flexibility when force is placed on it. This can increase the chance of a fracture after an injury. Symptoms include pain, swelling, and tenderness around the injured toe. Some patients also have difficulty walking comfortably because of pain and stiffness.

A podiatrist can examine the toe and use X-rays to determine whether a fracture is present. The examination helps identify the location and severity of the injury. Fractures involving a symphalangeal toe can behave differently from typical fractures of the smaller toes. Healing can take longer because the joined bones have different structural and blood-flow characteristics. In reported cases, patients treated without surgery eventually reached complete healing, but the healing period was longer than expected for many patients. Complete healing took an average of several months, with some fractures requiring substantially longer periods. This delayed healing does not necessarily mean that the fracture will fail to heal. Regular evaluation helps track changes and confirms that the bone is progressing toward healing.

Treatment depends on the location and condition of the fracture. A podiatrist can monitor the toe with follow-up examinations and X-rays to track healing. Care can also include protecting the injured toe and limiting stress placed on the fracture while healing takes place. Most symphalangeal fractures can be managed without surgery when the bones remain properly aligned. A podiatrist can determine whether additional treatment is necessary based on the fracture's position, symptoms, and healing progress. Recognizing the possibility of delayed healing allows appropriate monitoring and helps support a safe return to normal activity. If symptoms of a toe fracture or symphalangeal toe injury are present, it is suggested that an appointment be made with a podiatrist for a  diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Broken toes may cause a lot of pain and should be treated as soon as possible. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact one of our podiatrists from Graff Foot, Ankle and Wound Care. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Is a Broken Toe?

A broken toe occurs when one or more of the toe bones of the foot are broken after an injury. Injuries such as stubbing your toe or dropping a heavy object on it may cause a toe fracture.

Symptoms of a Broken Toe

• Swelling
• Pain (with/without wearing shoes)
• Stiffness
• Nail Injury

Although the injured toe should be monitored daily, it is especially important to have a podiatrist look at your toe if you have severe symptoms. Some of these symptoms include worsening or new pain that is not relieved with medication, sores, redness, or open wounds near the toe.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Plano, Dallas, Prosper, Allen, Garland, Frisco, and Coppell, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

A broken ankle is a serious injury that can affect the bones that form the ankle joint and make standing or walking extremely difficult. It often occurs after a fall, a sports injury, or a motor vehicle accident, although the severity can vary from one person to another. Some fractures involve a small crack in the bone, while others may cause the bones to shift out of their normal position. A broken ankle may also damage nearby ligaments and other soft tissues, making the injury more complex. Because ankle fractures can affect joint stability and long-term mobility, prompt evaluation and treatment are important. Early diagnosis may also help reduce the risk of complications and support proper healing.

Symptoms of a broken ankle usually develop immediately after the injury. Many people experience severe pain, swelling, or bruising around the ankle. Others find it difficult or impossible to put weight on the affected foot. The ankle may appear misshapen if the bones have moved out of alignment. Some individuals also notice tenderness or reduced range of motion because of pain and swelling. Since a severe sprain and a broken ankle can produce similar symptoms, a professional examination and imaging studies are often needed to confirm the diagnosis. Receiving timely care can help protect the joint and improve recovery.

A podiatrist is trained to diagnose and treat broken ankles and other foot and ankle injuries. During an evaluation, the podiatrist examines the ankle, reviews the injury, and determines the most appropriate treatment plan based on the type of fracture. Treatment focuses on restoring proper alignment, protecting the injured area, and supporting normal healing. Ongoing care also helps monitor recovery and improve ankle function as healing progresses. If you are experiencing severe ankle pain, swelling, or difficulty bearing weight after an injury, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for an evaluation and appropriate treatment options.

Broken ankles need immediate treatment. If you are seeking treatment, contact one of our podiatrists from Graff Foot, Ankle and Wound Care. 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 offices located in Plano, Dallas, Prosper, Allen, Garland, Frisco, and Coppell, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.