Items filtered by date: July 2022

For most people, toe deformities show up later in life, often as the result of wearing improper or ill-fitting footwear for many years. These deformities also can be caused by nerve or muscle damage, as well as a number of other conditions. The three most common deformities of the toe joints are similar but not the same: hammertoe, mallet toe, and claw toe. The toes have a number of joints, two in the big toe and three in the other toes. Hammertoe and mallet toe affect one joint. Claw toe affects all three joints. Hammertoe occurs when the middle joint bends down to the floor, causing the other joints to bend up. This results in a bump on the top of the toe. With a mallet toe, most common to the 2nd toe, the end joint flexes permanently, preventing the toe from straightening. Claw toe occurs when the two end joints flex and curl the toe downward. As a result the first joint compensates by hyperextending, resulting in a curled toe that looks like a claw. It often affects the four smaller toes. If you have developed any of these deformities, please consult a podiatrist for an exam and possible treatment options. 

Hammertoe

Hammertoes can be a painful condition to live with. For more information, contact Harvey Jacobs, DPM from Quality Foot Care 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 contact our office located in Somerset, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

The most common method of differentiating between a broken toe and a bruised toe is to have an X-ray taken. They both can cause severe pain and discomfort. A severely broken toe can look deformed, and the bone can protrude from the toe at an abnormal angle. The symptoms that are associated with both of these types of injuries can include swelling, bruising, and difficulty walking. The buddy taping system for a bruised toe can cause the affected toe to feel better, as a result of the stability it provides. This is done by taping the toe to the toe next to it, and having it remain that way for several days. The buddy taping method works well for broken toes, as it causes the injured toe to remain still as the healing process occurs. In both scenarios, it is suggested to refrain from putting weight on the foot, which gives the broken or bruised toe ample time to heal. If you think you have broken or bruised your toe, it is advised to have it checked by a podiatrist who can guide you toward the proper 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 Harvey Jacobs, DPM from Quality Foot Care Center. Our doctor 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 Somerset, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

When blood circulation to the feet becomes impaired, an individual may suffer a variety of negative consequences. For example, when circulation slows, the feet can become numb, discolored, and cold. In some cases, poor circulation might even cause hair loss below the knees and cracked skin on the feet. Pregnant women and individuals suffering from diabetes are at a particular risk of suffering from poor circulation. However, there are several steps that you can take to improve and promote blood circulation to your feet. First, you might consider purchasing a pair of compression socks, which exert pressure on your feet, effectively encouraging circulation by forcing blood vessels to travel up to the heart. To promote better circulation, you might also try simply adding more physical activity to your daily routine if you are someone who spends a significant part of your day at rest. By increasing movement, you can effectively loosen arteries and facilitate blood circulation. Lastly, you might try massaging your feet to jump start blood circulation throughout the feet. Contacting a podiatrist may help you better understand ways that you can increase blood circulation in your feet.

While poor circulation itself isn’t a condition; it is a symptom of another underlying health condition you may have. If you have any concerns with poor circulation in your feet contact Harvey Jacobs, DPM of Quality Foot Care Center. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Poor Circulation in the Feet

Peripheral artery disease (PAD) can potentially lead to poor circulation in the lower extremities. PAD is a condition that causes the blood vessels and arteries to narrow. In a linked condition called atherosclerosis, the arteries stiffen up due to a buildup of plaque in the arteries and blood vessels. These two conditions can cause a decrease in the amount of blood that flows to your extremities, therefore resulting in pain.

Symptoms

Some of the most common symptoms of poor circulation are:

• Numbness
• Tingling
• Throbbing or stinging pain in limbs
• Pain
• Muscle Cramps

Treatment for poor circulation often depends on the underlying condition that causes it. Methods for treatment may include insulin for diabetes, special exercise programs, surgery for varicose veins, or compression socks for swollen legs.

As always, see a podiatrist as he or she will assist in finding a regimen that suits you. A podiatrist can also prescribe you any needed medication. 

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

Running is generally thought to be good for overall physical fitness, especially as it applies to cardiovascular health. It also leaves the runner open to several injuries, including plantar fasciitis, bruised heel, and a stress fracture of the heel bone. Other common foot problems associated with running are bunions, ingrown toenails, blisters, and metatarsal stress fractures. These foot conditions can further contribute to pain and discomfort in other body parts like the ankles, legs, knees, and back. Dealing with injuries from running becomes part of a runner’s life and paying attention to your feet is paramount in maintaining a healthy body. Establishing an ongoing relationship with a podiatrist is a wise choice for anyone who intends to make running a part of their life. Signs that it may be time to make an appointment include severe pain when walking, apparent swelling or bruising, and a feeling of numbness or tingling. A podiatrist can examine your feet to determine the cause of your symptoms and offer appropriate treatment plans.

Sports related foot and ankle injuries require proper treatment before players can go back to their regular routines. For more information, contact Harvey Jacobs, DPM of Quality Foot Care Center. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Sports Related Foot and Ankle Injuries

Foot and ankle injuries are a common occurrence when it comes to athletes of any sport. While many athletes dismiss the initial aches and pains, the truth is that ignoring potential foot and ankle injuries can lead to serious problems. As athletes continue to place pressure and strain the area further, a mild injury can turn into something as serious as a rupture and may lead to a permanent disability. There are many factors that contribute to sports related foot and ankle injuries, which include failure to warm up properly, not providing support or wearing bad footwear. Common injuries and conditions athletes face, including:

• Plantar Fasciitis
• Plantar Fasciosis
• Achilles Tendinitis
• Achilles Tendon Rupture
• Ankle Sprains

Sports related injuries are commonly treated using the RICE method. This includes rest, applying ice to the injured area, compression and elevating the ankle. More serious sprains and injuries may require surgery, which could include arthroscopic and reconstructive surgery. Rehabilitation and therapy may also be required in order to get any recovering athlete to become fully functional again. Any unusual aches and pains an athlete sustains must be evaluated by a licensed, reputable medical professional.

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