A hammertoe is a common deformity where a toe bends upward at the middle joint and gets stuck in that position. The top of the toe bends forward so it looks like a hammer. As time passes, the joint may get more rigidly bent and it can be painful and possibly lead to difficulty in walking and maintaining balance. Hammertoes can be inherited, with those with flatter feet and longer metatarsals (or middle bones of the feet) being more at risk. They can also be associated with a medical condition, such as diabetes. However, most often hammertoes develop from an imbalance within the toe structure. Usually something that forces extra weight to be put on the forefoot and toes (like tight shoes or high heels) can lead to hammertoes. The small muscles on the bottom of the foot get weaker than the larger muscles on the top of the foot and the toe does not bend or flex. Early detection and conservative treatment can help prevent the need for hammertoe surgery. Such intervention can be as simple as changing footwear to providing extra room for the toes, avoiding narrow, tight, and heeled shoes, using custom orthotics to off-load extra weight and strain towards the forefoot.  If you suffer from a hammertoe, it is suggested you consult with a podiatrist to find the best treatment plan. 

Hammertoes can be a painful condition to live with. For more information, contact one of our doctors of Favor Foot Ankle Leg & Wound Center. Our doctors 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 South Amboy, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

There are several reasons why people can break their foot. These can include enduring an injury, falling off a curb, or having something heavy drop on the foot. Common symptoms that many patients can experience include severe pain, swelling, bruising, and difficulty walking. Additionally, some people experience numbness in their toes and there may be cracking sounds when the foot is moved. A proper diagnosis consists of having an X-ray performed, and this is generally accurate in determining the severity of the fracture. The average foot fracture is treated by wearing a boot or a cast. A cast can be helpful in providing the stability that is needed during the healing process. A severely broken foot can be deformed and surgery may be a necessary option for permanent relief. If you have fractured your foot, it is strongly suggested that you consult with a podiatrist who can choose the correct form of treatment for you.

A broken foot requires immediate medical attention and treatment. If you need your feet checked, contact one of our doctors from Favor Foot Ankle Leg & Wound Center. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Broken Foot Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

A broken foot is caused by one of the bones in the foot typically breaking when bended, crushed, or stretched beyond its natural capabilities. Usually the location of the fracture indicates how the break occurred, whether it was through an object, fall, or any other type of injury. 

Common Symptoms of Broken Feet:

• Bruising
• Pain
• Redness
• Swelling
• Blue in color
• Numbness
• Cold
• Misshapen
• Cuts
• Deformities

Those that suspect they have a broken foot shoot seek urgent medical attention where a medical professional could diagnose the severity.

Treatment for broken bones varies depending on the cause, severity and location. Some will require the use of splints, casts or crutches while others could even involve surgery to repair the broken bones. Personal care includes the use of ice and keeping the foot stabilized and elevated.

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

Many people have stubbed their toe by hitting it or dropping something heavy on it, felt pain, and wondered if it was broken. It might be a sprain but it is important to know if the toe is broken because if left untreated, a broken toe can lead to problems in movement and later down the road, potential for osteoarthritis or nerve damage. If you hear a bone break, feel intense pain and the toe swells, see discoloration, or have trouble putting weight on it, the toe might be broken. With a bad break, there can be a dislocation and the toe will look like it is at an odd angle. With a sprained toe, all the same symptoms may be present but the toe should not look dislocated and it should feel better sooner than a broken toe. Also, with a break, the pain is often felt right where the fracture has taken place versus being more generalized around the toe with a sprain. Prevent such injuries to your toes by refraining from going barefoot, especially in the dark and in unfamiliar areas. If symptoms do not get better in a few days, it is suggested to see a podiatrist who will take X-rays and provide you with a definitive diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Broken toes may cause a lot of pain and should be treated as soon as possible. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact one of our doctors from Favor Foot Ankle Leg & Wound Center. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Is a Broken Toe?

A broken toe occurs when one or more of the toe bones of the foot are broken after an injury. Injuries such as stubbing your toe or dropping a heavy object on it may cause a toe fracture.

Symptoms of a Broken Toe

• Swelling
• Pain (with/without wearing shoes)
• Stiffness
• Nail Injury

Although the injured toe should be monitored daily, it is especially important to have a podiatrist look at your toe if you have severe symptoms. Some of these symptoms include worsening or new pain that is not relieved with medication, sores, redness, or open wounds near the toe.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in South Amboy, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Tendonitis, or inflammation of a tendon, is common among runners as well as others who do a lot of running during sports activities. A particular brand of tendonitis that occurs across the top of the foot is typical of overuse. It is known as extensor tendonitis, and affects the three tendons that connect the leg bones to the bones in the feet that allow you to walk and run. Symptoms include aching pain that worsens through activity. Some swelling may occur, and curling the toes usually adds to the pain as the tendons are stretched. Besides overuse, other factors to address include your footwear and training regime. Running shoes that fit poorly and are tied too tightly contribute to the pressure on the top of the foot. Also, changing your training program to include running up and down hills can negatively affect the extensor tendons. The first action to take against extensor tendonitis is to stop the activity. For other treatment options, it is wise to see a podiatrist who will be able to evaluate the severity of your condition and provide the appropriate solutions.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with one of our doctors from Favor Foot Ankle Leg & Wound Center. Our doctors 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 South Amboy, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.