One common cause of the condition known as hammertoe is wearing shoes that don’t fit correctly. When the toes are in a cramped position for an extended period of time, it’s natural for the muscles of the toes to become shorter, causing the toes to lock into a curved position. Patients who have arthritis or diabetes may be prone to developing hammertoe, and those who have a certain inherited gene may also be at risk. Occasionally the toes can be straightened, and in most cases, a splint may be utilized for stretching the toe. However, if the toe is completely locked up, surgery may be necessary. There are muscle strengthening exercises that aid in helping the foot to become stronger, possibly decreasing the discomfort originating from this condition. When the proper shoes are worn, which may make it necessary to increase the size of the shoe, more room is provided for the toes to feel comfortable. Often this is a condition that won’t disappear naturally, and a consultation is strongly advised for proper diagnosis and treatment.

Hammertoe

Hammertoes can be a painful condition to live with. For more information, contact one of our podiatrists from Pennsylvania. 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 one of our offices located in Plymouth Meeting and Ambler, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

If you are experiencing abnormal walking patterns, you may want to consider wearing orthotics. Orthotics are custom-made inserts that are slipped into your shoes. Generally, an impression of your feet is taken to obtain a perfect fit, preventing any feelings of discomfort. The benefits of wearing orthotics may include keeping the foot stable while performing daily activities and helping to correct debilitating pronation. They’re also beneficial in aiding in conditions such as bunions, corns, and heel pain. It may take some time to get used to your new orthotics, since your feet have been functioning in a certain way for years. Therefore, a gradual increase in wearing them may be recommended. Please consider a consultation with a podiatrist for advice on how you can be measured for custom-made orthotics.

If you are having discomfort in your feet and would like to try orthotics, contact one of our podiatrists from Pennsylvania. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Are Orthotics?

Orthotics are inserts you can place into your shoes to help with a variety of foot problems such as flat feet or foot pain. Orthotics provide relief and comfort for minor foot and heel pain but can’t correct serious biomechanical problems in your feet.

Over-the-Counter Inserts

Orthotics come in a wide variety of over-the-counter inserts that are used to treat foot pain, heel pain, and minor problems. For example, arch supports can be inserted into your shoes to help correct overarched or flat feet, while gel insoles are often used because they provide comfort and relief from foot and heel pain by alleviating pressure.

Prescription Orthotics

If over-the-counter inserts don’t work for you or if you have a more severe foot concern, it is possible to have your podiatrist prescribe custom orthotics. These high-quality inserts are designed to treat problems such as abnormal motion, plantar fasciitis, and severe forms of heel pain. They can even be used to help patients suffering from diabetes by treating foot ulcers and painful calluses and are usually molded to your feet individually, which allows them to provide full support and comfort.

If you are experiencing minor to severe foot or heel pain, it’s recommended to speak with your podiatrist about the possibilities of using orthotics. A podiatrist can determine which type of orthotic is right for you and allow you to take the first steps towards being pain-free.

If you have any questions please contact one of our offices located in Plymouth Meeting and Ambler, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

A stress fracture typically occurs in the bottom of the leg or foot, due to repeated pressure incurred on the legs. Several types of athletes may suffer from this condition, although it’s common among long distance runners. Most of the symptoms include general achiness, pain in the affected area, tenderness, and swelling. There are a few different ways to diagnosis a stress fracture, including having an x-ray or bone scan performed. Treatment options include rest, and for severe pain, a plaster cast may be used. When the desired sport is resumed after healing, the legs should be stretched completely to avoid re-injury. If you think you may have a stress fracture in your foot or ankle, please consult with a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and treatment options.

Activities where too much pressure is put on the feet can cause stress fractures. To learn more, contact one of our podiatrists from Pennsylvania. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep your pain free and on your feet.

Dealing with Stress Fractures of the Foot and Ankle

Stress fractures occur in the foot and ankle when muscles in these areas weaken from too much or too little use.  The feet and ankles then lose support when walking or running from the impact of the ground. Since there is no protection, the bones receive the full impact of each step. Stress on the feet can cause cracks to form in the bones, thus creating stress fractures.

What Are Stress Fractures?

Stress fractures occur frequently in individuals whose daily activities cause great impact on the feet and ankles. Stress factors are most common among:

• Runners                                  
• People affected with Osteoporosis
• Tennis or basketball players
• Gymnasts
• High impact workouts

Symptoms

Pain from the fractures occur in the area of the fractures and can be constant or intermittent. It will often cause sharp or dull pain with swelling and tenderness. Engaging in any kind of activity which involves high impact will aggravate pain.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Plymouth Meeting and Ambler, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

If having a bunion is affecting your everyday activities, surgery may be a viable treatment option. The level of pain is generally lessened when the big toe is straightened, and recovery from surgery may involve wearing a surgical shoe for a few weeks. A permanently bent toe, known as hammertoe, can also be helped by surgery. The procedure removes the deformed joint between the toes, thus increasing flexibility. If the joint lining becomes inflamed, which can occur in certain forms of arthritis, surgery may be suggested to make the foot feel more comfortable. Another form of foot surgery is having an ankle fusion performed, in which case the ankle joint is removed and your foot is fused to your leg. Recovery generally involves wearing a cast for 6-12 weeks depending upon the severity of the surgery. It’s likely that normal shoes may be worn after the recovery, and the foot will feel more comfortable.

Foot surgery is sometimes necessary to treat a foot ailment. To learn more, contact one of our podiatrists of Pennsylvania. Our doctors will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.

When Is Surgery Necessary?

Foot and ankle surgery is generally reserved for cases in which less invasive, conservative procedures have failed to alleviate the problem. Some of the cases in which surgery may be necessary include:

• Removing foot deformities like bunions and bone spurs
• Severe arthritis that has caused bone issues
• Cosmetic reconstruction

What Types of Surgery Are There?

The type of surgery you receive will depend on the nature of the problem you have. Some of the possible surgeries include:

• Bunionectomy for painful bunions
• Surgical fusion for realignment of bones
• Neuropathy decompression surgery to treat nerve damage

Benefits of Surgery

Although surgery is usually a last resort, it can provide more complete pain relief compared to non-surgical methods and may allow you to finally resume full activity.

Surgical techniques have also become increasingly sophisticated. Techniques like endoscopic surgery allow for smaller incisions and faster recovery times.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Plymouth Meeting and Ambler, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.