Items filtered by date: March 2025

Hammertoe surgery is designed to correct toe deformities, but certain risk factors can make the procedure less successful. Poor circulation, often seen in people with diabetes or peripheral artery disease, slows healing and increases the risk of complications. Individuals with severe arthritis may struggle with joint stiffness even after surgery, limiting mobility and causing lingering discomfort. Weak bones due to osteoporosis can also make surgical correction less stable, increasing the chances of recurrence. Chronic swelling from conditions like lymphedema may lead to prolonged recovery and difficulties wearing shoes comfortably. Smoking and obesity further hinder healing by reducing oxygen supply and placing excess pressure on the feet. Non-surgical options such as orthotics, toe splints, and targeted exercises may be better alternatives for those at high risk. If you are in a high-risk group and would like relief for your hammertoe, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can help determine the safest and most effective treatment based on your specific health concerns.

Hammertoe

Hammertoes can be a painful condition to live with. For more information, contact Steven Wolfington, DPM from Sheboygan Foot Care, LLC. Our podiatrist 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 contact our office located in Sheboygan, WI . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

A black toenail occurs when the nail becomes discolored, often appearing dark or bruised. This condition is usually caused by repeated trauma, such as from wearing tight shoes or excessive running, which leads to bleeding under the nail. Fungal infections, underlying health conditions, or injuries from dropping a heavy object on the toe can also contribute to nail discoloration. In some cases, a black toenail may indicate a more serious medical concern. Preventing black toenails involves wearing properly fitted shoes with adequate toe space, keeping nails trimmed, and maintaining good foot hygiene. Reducing repetitive stress on the toes and seeking prompt treatment for any infections or injuries can also help. If discoloration persists or is accompanied by pain and swelling, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can offer effective relief tips, in addition to ruling out any serious conditions.

Toe pain can disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, contact Steven Wolfington, DPM of Sheboygan Foot Care, LLC. Our podiatrist 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 office located in Sheboygan, WI . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Foot pain can stem from various conditions like corns, plantar fasciitis, and Achilles tendon injuries. Corns are thickened areas of skin that develop due to friction, often causing sharp pain when walking. Plantar fasciitis is marked by stabbing pain in the heel, especially with the first steps in the morning, caused by inflammation of the tissue connecting the heel to the toes. Achilles tendon injuries result in pain or stiffness in the back of the ankle, making movement difficult. These conditions can cause discomfort ranging from mild to debilitating, affecting daily activities. A podiatrist can help by diagnosing the exact cause of your foot pain. Treatment may include custom orthotics, stretching exercises, or injections for inflammation. In some cases, surgery may be necessary. If you are dealing with any of these conditions, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for effective treatment and relief.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with Steven Wolfington, DPM from Sheboygan Foot Care, LLC. Our podiatrist will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Causes

Foot pain is a very broad condition that could be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

• Bunions
• Hammertoes
• Plantar Fasciitis
• Bone Spurs
• Corns
• Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
• Ingrown Toenails
• Arthritis (such as Gout, Rheumatoid, and Osteoarthritis)
• Flat Feet
• Injury (from stress fractures, broken toe, foot, ankle, Achilles tendon ruptures, and sprains)
• And more

Diagnosis

To figure out the cause of foot pain, podiatrists utilize several different methods. This 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

Treatment depends upon the cause of the foot pain. Whether it is resting, staying off the foot, or having surgery; podiatrists have a number of treatment options available for foot pain.

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

Flat feet, also known as fallen arches, occur when the arch of the foot collapses, causing the entire sole to make contact with the ground. This condition can be congenital, meaning some individuals are born with flat feet, or it can develop over time due to factors like aging, injury, or certain medical conditions. It can also be caused by overuse, particularly in athletes or individuals who stand for long periods of time. To test for flat feet, one simple method is the wet test, where a person steps on a wet surface and then onto a dry one, leaving an imprint of their foot. If the arch is absent or very small, it may indicate flat feet. Effective exercises for flat feet focus on strengthening the foot muscles and improving flexibility. These may include toe curls, arch lifts, and calf stretches. Wearing supportive footwear and using orthotics can also help manage the condition. If you have flat feet, it is suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can offer you effective relief techniques.

Flatfoot is a condition many people suffer from. If you have flat feet, contact Steven Wolfington, DPM from Sheboygan Foot Care, LLC. Our podiatrist 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 office located in Sheboygan, WI . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.