February 2026

A hammertoe is a deformity that causes one of the smaller toes to bend downward at the middle joint, creating a curled appearance. This condition develops when muscle imbalance places excessive pressure on the toe, often due to wearing tight footwear, foot structure issues, or arthritis. Over time, the toe may become stiff, painful, and difficult to straighten. Symptoms include swelling, redness, corns, calluses, and discomfort while walking. Wearing shoes with sufficient width, a flexible upper, and good cushioning can reduce pressure and improve comfort. Proper fit is essential to prevent worsening of the deformity. If you have symptoms of a hammertoe, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can guide you toward effective relief and management tips.

Hammertoe

Hammertoes can be a painful condition to live with. For more information, contact Dr. Gary Cesar from Michigan Foot and Ankle Center. Our doctor 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 Lansing and Mt. Pleasant, MI . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Morton’s neuroma develops when a nerve between the toes becomes irritated and begins to thicken, creating a mix of burning, tingling, or sharp discomfort in the front of the foot. Many people describe the sensation as if a small object is trapped under the ball of the foot, and the feeling often becomes stronger with wearing tight shoes or pressure on the toes. As the nerve becomes more inflamed, even short walks can feel uncomfortable, and certain footwear may be hard to tolerate. Reducing pressure on the area and choosing shoes that allow the toes to spread naturally can help calm early symptoms, but neuromas usually do not fade away without proper care. If you notice recurring burning or numbness in this part of your foot, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for a clear diagnosis and effective treatment options.

Morton’s neuroma is a very uncomfortable condition to live with. If you think you have Morton’s neuroma, contact Dr. Gary Cesar of Michigan Foot and Ankle Center. Our doctor 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 Lansing and Mt. Pleasant, MI . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Athlete’s foot is a common fungal skin infection that affects the feet, especially between the toes. It thrives in warm, moist environments such as sweaty shoes, and public places like locker rooms and public showers. Symptoms may include itching, burning, redness, scaling, cracking, or peeling skin. Some cases cause painful fissures or blisters. Treatment focuses on eliminating the fungus and keeping skin dry. Topical antifungal medications are commonly effective, while more stubborn infections may require prescription therapy. Good hygiene, breathable footwear, and regular sock changes help prevent recurrence. Untreated infections can spread to nails or other skin areas. Chronic moisture exposure, wearing tight shoes, weakened immunity, and shared surfaces increase risk, making early treatment important for comfort, skin integrity, and overall foot health and mobility. If symptoms persist or worsen, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Athlete’s Foot

Athlete’s foot is often an uncomfortable condition to experience. Thankfully, podiatrists specialize in treating athlete’s foot and offer the best treatment options. If you have any questions about athlete’s foot, consult with Dr. Gary Cesar from Michigan Foot and Ankle Center. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality treatment.

What Is Athlete’s Foot?

Tinea pedis, more commonly known as athlete’s foot, is a non-serious and common fungal infection of the foot. Athlete’s foot is contagious and can be contracted by touching someone who has it or infected surfaces. The most common places contaminated by it are public showers, locker rooms, and swimming pools. Once contracted, it grows on feet that are left inside moist, dark, and warm shoes and socks.

Prevention

The most effective ways to prevent athlete’s foot include:

• Thoroughly washing and drying feet
• Avoid going barefoot in locker rooms and public showers
• Using shower shoes in public showers
• Wearing socks that allow the feet to breathe
• Changing socks and shoes frequently if you sweat a lot

Symptoms

Athlete’s foot initially occurs as a rash between the toes. However, if left undiagnosed, it can spread to the sides and bottom of the feet, toenails, and if touched by hand, the hands themselves. Symptoms include:

• Redness
• Burning
• Itching
• Scaly and peeling skin

Diagnosis and Treatment

Diagnosis is quick and easy. Skin samples will be taken and either viewed under a microscope or sent to a lab for testing. Sometimes, a podiatrist can diagnose it based on simply looking at it. Once confirmed, treatment options include oral and topical antifungal medications.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Lansing and Mt. Pleasant, MI . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Sitting or standing for long hours at work can slow blood flow in the feet, leading to stiffness, swelling, and discomfort by the end of the day. Limited movement allows fluid to collect in the lower limbs, especially around the ankles and toes, and may increase fatigue daily. Simple workplace exercises can encourage circulation without disrupting daily tasks. Ankle circles, gentle calf raises while standing, and seated toe lifts activate muscles that assist blood flow back toward the heart. Brief walking breaks during the workday help keep joints flexible. A podiatrist can evaluate foot posture, walking patterns, and work-related demands to identify factors that contribute to circulation problems. Treatment may include exercise guidance, footwear recommendations, and strategies to reduce strain during prolonged sitting. If you have foot stiffness, swelling or pain at work, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam, diagnosis, and treatment.

Exercising your feet regularly with the proper foot wear is a great way to prevent injuries and build strength. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Dr. Gary Cesar from Michigan Foot and Ankle Center. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Exercise for Your Feet

Exercise for your feet can help you gain strength, mobility and flexibility in your feet. They say that strengthening your feet can be just as rewarding as strengthening another part of the body. Your feet are very important, and we often forget about them in our daily tasks. But it is because of our feet that are we able to get going and do what we need to. For those of us fortunate enough to not have any foot problems, it is an important gesture to take care of them to ensure good health in the long run.

Some foot health exercises can include ankle pumps, tip-toeing, toe rises, lifting off the floor doing reps and sets, and flexing the toes. It is best to speak with Our doctor to determine an appropriate regimen for your needs. Everyone’s needs and bodies are different, and the activities required to maintain strength in the feet vary from individual to individual. 

Once you get into a routine of doing regular exercise, you may notice a difference in your feet and how strong they may become.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Lansing and Mt. Pleasant, MI . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.