The toes significantly contribute to maintaining balance in the body, in addition to how we walk, stand, and run. The foot condition known as hammertoe is a deformity that causes the second and third toes to bend downward at the middle joint, often resembling a hammer. Hammertoes can cause corns to develop on top of the affected toes due to them constantly rubbing against the top of the shoe. Hammertoes are often caused by the type of shoes that are worn, which generally do not have adequate room for the toes to move freely in. This can affect the muscles in the toes and the toes may be unable to stretch and flex normally. The symptoms gradually occur, and the patient may not notice until the joints become stiff. Existing medical conditions like arthritis, bunions, or abnormal arches may increase the risk of hammertoe. Patients can find mild relief when specific stretches are performed that include the toes as well as protective pads on top of the toes. If you have this condition, it is suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can offer you effective treatment options.

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.

Blisters on the feet are pockets of fluid that form beneath the top layer of the skin to protect the lower layers from damage. Blisters on the toes, feet, or heels may be caused by friction, usually from pressure or rubbing against the inside of a shoe. Generally, a blister is filled with clear serum, but sometimes it may be filled with blood, or even pus if it becomes infected. As a rule, a blister will go away on its own in three to seven days. As new skin grows under the blister the serum will be reabsorbed into the body and the outer skin will dry up and flake off. However, it is important to remember that popping a blister can cause infection or inhibit the healing process. Wearing shoes that are comfortable and do not rub against the skin is a sure way of allowing a blister on the foot to heal, or preventing one from occurring in the first place. If you have a particularly painful blister, or one that appears to be infected, please make an appointment with a podiatrist. Antibiotics may be prescribed to ward off the infection, and the podiatrist may safely drain the blister in a sterile setting. 

Blisters are prone to making everyday activities extremely uncomfortable. If your feet are hurting, contact one of our doctors of Favor Foot Ankle Leg & Wound Center. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Foot Blisters

Foot blisters develop as a result of constantly wearing tight or ill-fitting footwear. This happens due to the constant rubbing from the shoe, which can often lead to pain.

What Are Foot Blisters?

A foot blister is a small fluid-filled pocket that forms on the upper-most layer of the skin. Blisters are filled with clear fluid and can lead to blood drainage or pus if the area becomes infected.

How Do Blisters Form?

Blisters on the feet are often the result of constant friction of skin and material, usually by shoe rubbing. Walking in sandals, boots, or shoes that don’t fit properly for long periods of time can result in a blister. Having consistent foot moisture and humidity can easily lead to blister formation.

Prevention & Treatment

It is important to properly care for the affected area in order to prevent infection and ease the pain. Do not lance the blister and use a Band-Aid to provide pain relief. Also, be sure to keep your feet dry and wear proper fitting shoes. If you see blood or pus in a blister, seek assistance from a podiatrist.

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.

Falling can happen to people of all ages, and it is not just limited to seniors. There could be existing medical reasons why people may fall, including muscle weakness, difficulty in walking, and poor balance. The feet are often affected when a fall happens, and it can result in a broken toe or foot. Additionally, there are environmental factors which can cause an individual to fall. When fall prevention methods are practiced, the risk of falling may be greatly reduced. These can include improving lighting in the living area, removing worn rugs from the steps, and ridding existing clutter from the floors. People who have had previous falls may refrain from completing daily activities for fear of falling again. This may be alleviated as the body becomes stronger when a gentle exercise program is performed. Additionally, having regular physical and eye examinations are beneficial in updating existing medications and eyeglasses. Many people find it helpful to install grab bars in the shower and toilet area which help to provide stability. If you would like to know more about effective fall prevention techniques, please confer with a podiatrist who can provide you with accurate information.

Preventing falls among the elderly is very important. If you are older and have fallen or fear that you are prone to falling, consult with one of our doctors from Favor Foot Ankle Leg & Wound Center. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality advice and care.

Every 11 seconds, an elderly American is being treated in an emergency room for a fall related injury. Falls are the leading cause of head and hip injuries for those 65 and older. Due to decreases in strength, balance, senses, and lack of awareness, elderly persons are very susceptible to falling. Thankfully, there are a number of things older persons can do to prevent falls.

How to Prevent Falls

Some effective methods that older persons can do to prevent falls include:

• Enrolling in strength and balance exercise program to increase balance and strength
• Periodically having your sight and hearing checked
• Discuss any medications you have with a doctor to see if it increases the risk of falling
• Clearing the house of falling hazards and installing devices like grab bars and railings
• Utilizing a walker or cane
• Wearing shoes that provide good support and cushioning
• Talking to family members about falling and increasing awareness

Falling can be a traumatic and embarrassing experience for elderly persons; this can make them less willing to leave the house, and less willing to talk to someone about their fears of falling. Doing such things, however, will increase the likelihood of tripping or losing one’s balance. Knowing the causes of falling and how to prevent them is the best way to mitigate the risk of serious injury.  

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.

The cuboid bone is found below the ankle on the inside of the foot and can become forced out of alignment during an injury.  This is known as cuboid syndrome. Common symptoms can include swelling, pain, and inflammation in the ankle, and it can be difficult to walk. The pain from this condition is felt on the outside of the foot, and it may cause the toes to turn toward each other. The discomfort may gradually become worse when activities are pursued, and it can hurt to stand on tiptoes. Cuboid syndrome is diagnosed by having an X-ray taken, in addition to performing a physical examination. Research has indicated that it is beneficial to wear shoes that have adequate support, and enough room for the toes to move freely in. If you have pain in this part of your ankle and foot, it is strongly urged that you contact a podiatrist as quickly as possible so the correct treatment can begin. 

Cuboid syndrome, also known as cuboid subluxation, occurs when the joints and ligaments near the cuboid bone in the foot become torn. If you have cuboid syndrome, 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.

Cuboid syndrome is a common cause of lateral foot pain, which is pain on the outside of the foot. The condition may happen suddenly due to an ankle sprain, or it may develop slowly overtime from repetitive tension through the bone and surrounding structures.

Causes

The most common causes of cuboid syndrome include:

• Injury – The most common cause of this ailment is an ankle sprain.
• Repetitive Strain – Tension placed through the peroneus longus muscle from repetitive activities such as jumping and running may cause excessive traction on the bone causing it to sublux.
• Altered Foot Biomechanics – Most people suffering from cuboid subluxation have flat feet.

Symptoms

A common symptom of cuboid syndrome is pain along the outside of the foot which can be felt in the ankle and toes. This pain may create walking difficulties and may cause those with the condition to walk with a limp.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of cuboid syndrome is often difficult, and it is often misdiagnosed. X-rays, MRIs and CT scans often fail to properly show the cuboid subluxation. Although there isn’t a specific test used to diagnose cuboid syndrome, your podiatrist will usually check if pain is felt while pressing firmly on the cuboid bone of your foot.

Treatment

Just as the range of causes varies widely, so do treatments. Some more common treatments are ice therapy, rest, exercise, taping, and orthotics.

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.