Hammertoe is a deformity where one or more toes become bent at the middle joint, creating a curled or elevated position that can cause pain, pressure, and difficulty walking. This condition often worsens over time due to muscle imbalance, tight footwear, or structural issues in the foot. Hammertoe surgery may be needed when conservative care no longer relieves discomfort or when the toe becomes rigid and difficult to straighten. Hammertoe surgery aims to realign the joint, release tight tissues, or remove a small portion of bone to restore proper toe function. A podiatrist can assess the severity of the deformity and guide you toward the most effective treatment plan. If you struggle with a painful hammertoe, it is suggested that you schedule a podiatry visit to explore your options, which may include surgery for relief.

Foot surgery is sometimes necessary to treat a foot ailment. To learn more, contact one of our podiatrists of Palm Beach Foot & Ankle. Our doctors will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.

When Is Surgery Necessary?

Foot and ankle surgery is generally reserved for cases in which less invasive, conservative procedures have failed to alleviate the problem. Some of the cases in which surgery may be necessary include:

• Removing foot deformities like bunions and bone spurs
• Severe arthritis that has caused bone issues
• Cosmetic reconstruction

What Types of Surgery Are There?

The type of surgery you receive will depend on the nature of the problem you have. Some of the possible surgeries include:

• Bunionectomy for painful bunions
• Surgical fusion for realignment of bones
• Neuropathy decompression surgery to treat nerve damage

Benefits of Surgery

Although surgery is usually a last resort, it can provide more complete pain relief compared to non-surgical methods and may allow you to finally resume full activity.

Surgical techniques have also become increasingly sophisticated. Techniques like endoscopic surgery allow for smaller incisions and faster recovery times.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Boynton Beach, Palm Beach Gardens, and West Palm Beach, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Morton’s neuroma is a painful condition that affects the ball of the foot, most commonly between the third and fourth toes, caused by irritation, compression, or thickening of the tissue around the nerves. It may look like a swelling or simply appear as a normal foot, making visual diagnosis difficult, but many individuals report a feeling of a small pebble under the foot or the sensation of walking on a folded sock. Symptoms include sharp, burning pain, tingling, numbness, or a stabbing sensation in the affected toes, often worsening with tight shoes or prolonged activity. Women are more likely to develop Morton’s neuroma, partly due to wearing narrow or high-heeled shoes that compress the forefoot. A podiatrist can perform a thorough examination, order imaging if needed, and recommend treatments such as custom orthotics, footwear modifications, anti-inflammatory medications, or corticosteroid injections. In severe or persistent cases, minor surgery may be necessary to relieve pressure on the nerve. Early intervention reduces pain and prevents progression. If you experience persistent forefoot pain or tingling, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist.

Morton’s neuroma is a very uncomfortable condition to live with. If you think you have Morton’s neuroma, contact one of our podiatrists of Palm Beach Foot & Ankle. Our doctors will attend to all of your foot care needs and answer any of your related questions.  

Morton’s Neuroma

Morton's neuroma is a painful foot condition that commonly affects the areas between the second and third or third and fourth toe, although other areas of the foot are also susceptible. Morton’s neuroma is caused by an inflamed nerve in the foot that is being squeezed and aggravated by surrounding bones.

What Increases the Chances of Having Morton’s Neuroma?

• Ill-fitting high heels or shoes that add pressure to the toe or foot
• Jogging, running or any sport that involves constant impact to the foot
• Flat feet, bunions, and any other foot deformities

Morton’s neuroma is a very treatable condition. Orthotics and shoe inserts can often be used to alleviate the pain on the forefront of the feet. In more severe cases, corticosteroids can also be prescribed. In order to figure out the best treatment for your neuroma, it’s recommended to seek the care of a podiatrist who can diagnose your condition and provide different treatment options.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Boynton Beach, Palm Beach Gardens, and West Palm Beach, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Diabetes can slow the body’s ability to heal wounds, particularly on the feet where circulation is reduced and nerve damage is often present. High blood sugar levels interfere with blood flow and damage small vessels, making it harder for oxygen and nutrients to reach injured tissue. When this happens, even a small blister or cut on the foot can turn into a deep ulcer. Nerve damage, known as neuropathy, can reduce sensation, so a person may not feel pain or notice an injury developing. Diabetic foot ulcers are prone to infection because bacteria thrive in the warm, moist environment of shoes and because immune responses are weakened. A podiatrist can evaluate circulation, remove dead tissue to promote healing, and monitor for infection or other complications. If needed, a podiatrist may recommend specialized footwear, orthotic devices, or surgery to prevent limb loss. If you have foot ulcers related to diabetes, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for management of this serious condition.

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 Palm Beach Foot & Ankle. 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 Boynton Beach, Palm Beach Gardens, and West Palm Beach, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Wearing the right shoes while working in the cold weather is essential for protecting your feet, maintaining comfort, and preventing injury. Wool sneakers or high-top shoes provide warmth and flexibility, keeping feet insulated while allowing natural movement. Leather boots offer durability, support, and water resistance, making them ideal for demanding tasks in snowy or wet conditions. For active winter days, lightweight shoes with good traction provide comfort and help prevent slips or falls. Wearing proper footwear also supports circulation and reduces the risk of frostbite or cold-related discomfort. A podiatrist can assess your foot structure, recommend the best shoes for your work environment, and provide guidance to prevent cold-weather foot problems. If you have foot pain from wearing the wrong shoes for the environment during your workday, it is suggested that you schedule a visit with a podiatrist who can offer effective relief tips and guide you on the correct shoes to wear.

While working on the feet, it is important to take the proper care of them. For more information about working on your feet, contact one of our podiatrists from Palm Beach Foot & Ankle. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Working on Your Feet

Standing on your feet for long periods of time can cause stress and pain in your feet. Your whole body may experience change in terms of posture, back pain, bunions, callouses and or plantar warts. There are ways to avoid these conditions with proper foot care, smart choices and correct posture.

Positive Changes

Negative heeled shoe – Choosing this shoe type places the heel slightly lower than the ball of the foot. These are great for overall foot health. Find shoes that fit you correctly.

Go barefoot – Our feet were not designed to be enclosed for all hours of the day. Try to periodically expose your feet to air.

Eliminate Pain

Foot Exercises – Performing simple exercises, incorporating yoga and doing stretches are beneficial. This will allow increased blood flow to the area and muscles of the foot.

Achilles tendon – Stretching the foot out flat on the floor will relax the calf muscles and tendon. These exercises can be performed almost anywhere. Make sure you add these exercises to your daily regimen. 

With a little bit of this information and knowing more about foot health, you will notice changes. Foot stretches and proper footwear will help with pain and prevent further issues.

If you have any questions please contact our offices located in Boynton Beach, Palm Beach Gardens, and West Palm Beach, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.