Hammertoe is a common foot condition that can happen from an imbalance of muscles surrounding the toe joints. Hammertoe can be categorized as classic hammertoe, mallet toe, and claw toe. In classic hammertoe, the affected toe will bend down at the joint and resemble a hammer. As toes are important to the balance of the foot and control pressure distribution, hammertoe can cause problems with walking. The affected toe can appear deformed, calluses can form on them, and it may be painful to wear shoes. Relief options for hammertoe pain can include choosing shoes with wide toe boxes, using toe pads, and wearing orthotics. If these conservative options are not successful and pain persists or worsens, surgery may be an option to straighten the toe. If you suffer from a painful hammertoe, it is suggested that you visit a podiatrist for an evaluation and to receive treatment that is personalized to your specific situation.

Hammertoes can be a painful condition to live with. For more information, contact Gary Saphire, DPM of Parkway Podiatry. Our doctor will answer any of your foot- and ankle-related questions.

Hammertoe

Hammertoe is a foot deformity that occurs due to an imbalance in the muscles, tendons, or ligaments that normally hold the toe straight. It can be caused by the type of shoes you wear, your foot structure, trauma, and certain disease processes.

Symptoms

• Painful and/or difficult toe movement
• Swelling
• Joint stiffness
• Calluses/Corns
• Physical deformity

Risk Factors

• Age – The risk of hammertoe increases with age
• Sex – Women are more likely to have hammertoe compared to men
• Toe Length – You are more likely to develop hammertoe if your second toe is longer than your big toe
• Certain Diseases – Arthritis and diabetes may make you more likely to develop hammertoe

Treatment

If you have hammertoe, you should change into a more comfortable shoe that provides enough room for your toes. Exercises such as picking up marbles may strengthen and stretch your toe muscles. Nevertheless, it is important to seek assistance from a podiatrist in order to determine the severity of your hammertoe and see which treatment option will work best for you.

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

The majority of babies are born with flat feet, and the arch generally develops during childhood years. The arch runs lengthwise along the bottom of the foot, and it may not become developed in adults for various reasons. These may include genetic reasons, or it may not form if an injury has occurred. Additionally, there may be existing medical conditions which may cause flat feet, such as rheumatoid arthritis or diabetes. Many people do not have pain with flat feet, and there are some patients who have pain from wearing shoes that do not fit correctly. There may also be changes in the work environment, which may involve standing on different surfaces. There are specific stretches that can be performed which may help people who have flat feet. A calf stretch can be effective in strengthening the lower part of the leg. This is done by standing on a step and lowering one heel at a time until a gentle stretch is felt. If you have flat feet, it is suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can prescribe custom-made orthotics for relief, if needed. 

Flatfoot is a condition many people suffer from. If you have flat feet, contact Gary Saphire, DPM from Parkway Podiatry. Our doctor 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 Brooklyn, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Heel pain is a common foot condition and can be caused by various reasons. Plantar fasciitis is the most common reason patients may have heel pain, followed by Achilles tendonitis and arthritis. When heel pain occurs in physically active children and young adults, it may indicate that Sever’s disease has developed. Heel pain often comes from overuse, or from wearing shoes that do not fit correctly. Additionally, there may be existing medical conditions that can lead to experiencing heel pain, such as flat feet or obesity. A stress fracture of the heel bone will often lead to heel pain, or it can come from osteomyelitis, which is a heel bone infection. Heel pain may be prevented by gently stretching the heel before engaging in running and jumping activities. If you have heel pain, it is strongly suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can determine what the cause is, and offer correct treatment options.

Many people suffer from bouts of heel pain. For more information, contact Gary Saphire, DPM of Parkway Podiatry. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Causes of Heel Pain

Heel pain is often associated with plantar fasciitis. The plantar fascia is a band of tissues that extends along the bottom of the foot. A rip or tear in this ligament can cause inflammation of the tissue.

Achilles tendonitis is another cause of heel pain. Inflammation of the Achilles tendon will cause pain from fractures and muscle tearing. Lack of flexibility is also another symptom.

Heel spurs are another cause of pain. When the tissues of the plantar fascia undergo a great deal of stress, it can lead to ligament separation from the heel bone, causing heel spurs.

Why Might Heel Pain Occur?

• Wearing ill-fitting shoes                
• Wearing non-supportive shoes
• Weight change           
• Excessive running

Treatments

Heel pain should be treated as soon as possible for immediate results. Keeping your feet in a stress-free environment will help. If you suffer from Achilles tendonitis or plantar fasciitis, applying ice will reduce the swelling. Stretching before an exercise like running will help the muscles. Using all these tips will help make heel pain a condition of the past.

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

One of the most important things diabetic patients can do is examine their feet daily. Inspect the feet even when they feel fine to determine if any cuts may have developed. Neuropathy, or nerve damage, is the inability to feel any sores on the feet and this condition often accompanies diabetes. It can become a serious complication for people with diabetes if a cut is left unnoticed, therefore untreated. A small wound on the foot may become infected, leading to a diabetic foot ulcer. A good diabetic foot care routine can begin with washing and drying the feet thoroughly, followed by inspecting the soles. It is important to refrain from walking barefoot, and it can help to wear socks and shoes that fit correctly. If you have diabetes, it is strongly suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can help you to manage this condition. 

Diabetic foot care is important in preventing foot ailments such as ulcers. If you are suffering from diabetes or have any other concerns about your feet, contact Gary Saphire, DPM from Parkway Podiatry. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Diabetic Foot Care

Diabetes affects millions of people every year. The condition can damage blood vessels in many parts of the body, especially the feet. Because of this, taking care of your feet is essential if you have diabetes, and having a podiatrist help monitor your foot health is highly recommended.

The Importance of Caring for Your Feet

• Routinely inspect your feet for bruises or sores.
• Wear socks that fit your feet comfortably.
• Wear comfortable shoes that provide adequate support.

Patients with diabetes should have their doctor monitor their blood levels, as blood sugar levels play such a huge role in diabetic care. Monitoring these levels on a regular basis is highly advised.

It is always best to inform your healthcare professional of any concerns you may have regarding your feet, especially for diabetic patients. Early treatment and routine foot examinations are keys to maintaining proper health, especially because severe complications can arise if proper treatment is not applied.

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