Items filtered by date: June 2024

A hammertoe is a foot deformity where toes become bent at the middle joint, typically affecting the second, third, or fourth toes. A hammertoe worsens over time due to muscle imbalance, often the result of wearing ill-fitting shoes. Shoes that are too narrow or have high heels force the toes into a bent position. This causes friction, pain, and the development of corns or calluses. Symptoms can include swelling, redness, or difficulty straightening the toe. Certain non-surgical approaches may be effective in early stages of hammertoe formation. These include wearing properly fitted shoes with a roomy toe box to alleviate pressure and allow toes to spread naturally. Exercises to stretch and strengthen toe muscles also may provide relief. Pads or cushions can be helpful, and may help to prevent further irritation. When the affected joint becomes rigid and non-flexible, surgical options like tendon lengthening or joint fusion may be necessary. If you have developed a hammertoe, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam and treatment options.  

Hammertoe

Hammertoes can be a painful condition to live with. For more information, contact one of our podiatrists from Bergen Foot & Ankle. 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 contact our offices located in Fort Lee, NJ and Flushing, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

The foot's three arches, which are often overlooked, sustain you in daily activities. The medial and lateral longitudinal arches and the anterior transverse arch function as a resilient spring, absorbing shock and supporting our weight during movement. This function depends on composition of tarsal and metatarsal bones bolstered by ligaments and tendons. The trio of foot arches, which are essential for walking and sprinting, optimize energy efficiency. The medial arch, taller and more elastic, owes its resilience to its structural makeup and supporting network. In contrast, the flatter and sturdier lateral arch relies on robust ligaments and muscles for stability. Together, they form the longitudinal arch, essential for balance and force distribution. Complementing these are the transverse arches, fortifying the foot's stability. Issues like low or high arches can lead to discomfort and conditions like heel pain or plantar fasciitis. If you are experiencing discomfort in the arch of the foot, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam and appropriate treatment. 

If you have any concerns about your feet, contact one of our podiatrists from Bergen Foot & Ankle. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Biomechanics in Podiatry

Podiatric biomechanics is a particular sector of specialty podiatry with licensed practitioners who are trained to diagnose and treat conditions affecting the foot, ankle and lower leg. Biomechanics deals with the forces that act against the body, causing an interference with the biological structures. It focuses on the movement of the ankle, the foot and the forces that interact with them.

A History of Biomechanics

• Biomechanics dates back to the BC era in Egypt where evidence of professional foot care has been recorded.
• In 1974, biomechanics gained a higher profile from the studies of Merton Root, who claimed that by changing or controlling the forces between the ankle and the foot, corrections or conditions could be implemented to gain strength and coordination in the area.

Modern technological improvements are based on past theories and therapeutic processes that provide a better understanding of podiatric concepts for biomechanics. Computers can provide accurate information about the forces and patterns of the feet and lower legs.

Understanding biomechanics of the feet can help improve and eliminate pain, stopping further stress to the foot.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Fort Lee, NJ and Flushing, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Proper shoe fitting is important for both comfort and performance, with different needs for walking and running shoes. Walking shoes prioritize support and cushioning to handle the consistent, moderate impact of walking while running shoes are designed to absorb the higher impact and repetitive strain of running. Understanding your foot type is essential in selecting the right shoe. Neutral feet maintain a balanced stride, rigid feet need more cushioning to absorb shock, and flexible feet benefit from stability features to control excessive movement. To determine your foot type, observe your arches. Low arches indicate flexible feet, high arches suggest rigid feet and neutral arches are balanced. Additionally, examining your shoe wear pattern can reveal your tread type. In the store, ensure shoes fit well without rubbing or pinching, as these issues can lead to discomfort or injury. If you are in the market for new shoes, it is suggested that you visit a podiatrist for personalized advice.

It is important to find shoes that fit you properly in order to avoid a variety of different foot problems. For more information about treatment, contact one of our podiatrists from Bergen Foot & Ankle. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Proper Shoe Fitting

Shoes have many different functions. They cushion our body weight, protect our feet, and allow us to safely play sports. You should always make sure that the shoes you wear fit you properly in order to avoid injuries and deformities such as: bunions, corns, calluses, hammertoes, plantar fasciitis, stress fractures, and more. It is important to note that although a certain pair of shoes might be a great fit for someone else, that doesn’t mean they will be a great fit for you. This is why you should always try on shoes before buying them to make sure they are worth the investment. Typically, shoes need to be replaced ever six months to one year of regular use.

Tips for Proper Shoe Fitting

• Select a shoe that is shaped like your foot
• Don’t buy shoes that fit too tight, expecting them to stretch to fit
• Make sure there is enough space (3/8” to ½”) for your longest toe at the end of each shoe when you are standing up
• Walk in the shoes to make sure they fit and feel right
• Don’t select shoes by the size marked inside the shoe, but by how the shoe fits your foot

The shoes you buy should always feel as good as they look. Shoes that fit properly will last longer, feel better, and improve your way of life each day.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Fort Lee, NJ and Flushing, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Gout, once considered primarily an adult ailment, is increasingly being diagnosed in children, sparking concerns about its causes and implications. Hyperuricemia, characterized by elevated levels of uric acid in the blood, serves as a primary culprit behind the development of gout in young people. Excess uric acid can crystallize and accumulate in the joints, generally in the big toe, triggering inflammatory responses that manifest as painful gout attacks. In children, hyperuricemia can arise from various factors, including genetic predisposition and dietary habits rich in purine-containing foods like red meat, seafood, and sugary beverages. Additionally, obesity and certain medical conditions, such as metabolic syndrome or kidney disease, may contribute to the onset of gout. Moreover, sedentary behavior and inadequate hydration may increase the risk. Understanding the association between hyperuricemia and gout in children underscores the importance of early detection. If you notice your child has pain in the big toe, making it difficult to walk, gout may be a factor. It is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can effectively diagnose and manage gout and offer treatment.

Gout is a foot condition that requires certain treatment and care. If you are seeking treatment, contact one of our podiatrists from Bergen Foot & Ankle. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Is Gout?

Gout is a type of arthritis caused by a buildup of uric acid in the bloodstream. It often develops in the foot, especially the big toe area, although it can manifest in other parts of the body as well. Gout can make walking and standing very painful and is especially common in diabetics and the obese.

People typically get gout because of a poor diet. Genetic predisposition is also a factor. The children of parents who have had gout frequently have a chance of developing it themselves.

Gout can easily be identified by redness and inflammation of the big toe and the surrounding areas of the foot. Other symptoms include extreme fatigue, joint pain, and running high fevers. Sometimes corticosteroid drugs can be prescribed to treat gout, but the best way to combat this disease is to get more exercise and eat a better diet.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Fort Lee, NJ and Flushing, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.