Items filtered by date: January 2018

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 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.

A plantar wart is caused by one of many types of a very common virus. It appears as a thick, callused spot on the sole of the foot and may vary in size, ranging from small to possibly covering most of the sole. The human papillomavirus (HPV) that causes plantar warts is known to be contagious and can also spread to other parts of the body. Although anyone is susceptible to this virus, it’s most prevalent in teenagers or those individuals with weakened immune systems. Many of these warts will disappear on their own, making it unnecessary to treat this condition. However, if the wart becomes painful and interferes with daily activities, there are various treatments available. A consultation with a podiatrist is suggested to learn about effective methods designed for the removal of plantar warts.

Plantar warts can be very uncomfortable. If you need your feet checked, contact Harvey Jacobs, DPM from Quality Foot Care Center. Our doctor will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.

About Plantar Warts

Plantar warts are the result of HPV, or human papillomavirus, getting into open wounds on the feet. They are mostly found on the heels or balls of the feet.

While plantar warts are generally harmless, those experiencing excessive pain or those suffering from diabetes or a compromised immune system require immediate medical care. Plantar warts are easily diagnosed, usually through scraping off a bit of rough skin or by getting a biopsy.

Symptoms

• Lesions on the bottom of your feet, usually rough and grainy
• Hard or thick callused spots
• Wart seeds, which are small clotted blood vessels that look like little black spots
• Pain, discomfort, or tenderness of your feet when walking or standing

Treatment

• Freezing
• Electric tool removal
• Laser Treatment
• Topical Creams (prescription only)
• Over-the-counter medications

To help prevent developing plantar warts, avoid walking barefoot over abrasive surfaces that can cause cuts or wounds for HPV to get into. Avoiding direct contact with other warts, as well as not picking or rubbing existing warts, can help prevent the further spread of plantar warts. However, if you think you have developed plantar warts, speak to your podiatrist. He or she can diagnose the warts on your feet and recommend the appropriate treatment options.

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.

There are many types of heel pain, some of which are gradually felt, and some that are acute, typically caused by an injury. If pain under the heel is experienced, it may be a common condition referred to as plantar fasciitis. The pain is generally worse in the morning and may travel further down the foot. Having a bruised heel will begin as gradual pain occurring over a period of time, often affecting athletes due to the overuse of the plantar fascia tendon. Sever’s disease is characterized by pain in the back of the heel, often felt by young athletes. Swollen heels are another cause of heel pain and may be indicative of Achilles bursitis. A fracture may be possible if a fall was involved, often causing severe pain and making it difficult to walk. A consultation with a podiatrist is recommended if swelling, pain, or a "pins and needles" sensation is experienced in or around your feet.

Many people suffer from bouts of heel pain. 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.

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 contact our office located in Somerset, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

A growth on the heel that appears to have a bony texture is commonly known as a heel spur. Pain and tenderness often occur mainly because of the weight placed on the heel while walking. Obesity, poor walking and running habits, and possible hereditary conditions may be common causes of this condition, in addition to repetitive trauma inflicted on the heel. There are a few treatment options, and a crucial one is to rest the foot. Cold therapy may be another beneficial way to treat heel spurs, along with anti-inflammatory medicine. It’s important to keep the foot and ankle strong by performing specific stretches that aid in retaining mobility. An effective exercise that will help to stretch the bottom of the foot is done by pulling up on the toes and feet with your hands, then holding this position for 30 seconds. This is a beneficial treatment when repeated regularly, although it may be painful at first to perform. If you think you may have a heel spur, please consult with a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis.

Heel spurs can be incredibly painful and sometimes may make you unable to participate in physical activities. To get medical care for your heel spurs, contact Harvey Jacobs, DPM from Quality Foot Care Center. Our doctor will do everything possible to treat your condition.

Heels Spurs

Heel spurs are formed by calcium deposits on the back of the foot where the heel is. This can also be caused by small fragments of bone breaking off one section of the foot, attaching onto the back of the foot. Heel spurs can also be bone growth on the back of the foot and may grow in the direction of the arch of the foot.

Older individuals usually suffer from heel spurs and pain sometimes intensifies with age. One of the main condition's spurs are related to is plantar fasciitis.

Pain

The pain associated with spurs is often because of weight placed on the feet. When someone is walking, their entire weight is concentrated on the feet. Bone spurs then have the tendency to affect other bones and tissues around the foot. As the pain continues, the feet will become tender and sensitive over time.

Treatments

There are many ways to treat heel spurs. If one is suffering from heel spurs in conjunction with pain, there are several methods for healing. Medication, surgery, and herbal care are some options.

If you have any questions feel free to contact our office located in Somerset, NJ . We offer the latest in diagnostic and treatment technology to meet your needs.

Standing on your feet all or most of the day often triggers foot pain. An effective way to treat this type of pain may be to incorporate foot exercises into your daily routine. There are a few optimal stretches that can be performed, such as pointing and flexing the toes. If heel pain is present, possibly rolling a ball under the foot while applying light pressure may be helpful. Relaxing the feet in a warm bath and foot massages can be useful in helping the feet feel better. Cramps in the toes may cause foot pain, and an effective stretch may be to raise the heels, repeating this a few times. Strengthening the toes is important to do if you have hammertoe, and a practical way to accomplish this is to squeeze the toes using toe separators. Before you establish a routine, consult with a podiatrist for proper foot exercises.

Exercising your feet regularly with the proper foot wear is a great way to prevent injuries and build strength. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Harvey Jacobs, DPM from Quality Foot Care Center. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Exercise for Your Feet

Exercise for your feet can help you gain strength, mobility and flexibility in your feet. They say that strengthening your feet can be just as rewarding as strengthening another part of the body. Your feet are very important, and we often forget about them in our daily tasks. But it is because of our feet that are we able to get going and do what we need to. For those of us fortunate enough to not have any foot problems, it is an important gesture to take care of them to ensure good health in the long run.

Some foot health exercises can include ankle pumps, tip-toeing, toe rises, lifting off the floor doing reps and sets, and flexing the toes. It is best to speak with Our doctor to determine an appropriate regimen for your needs. Everyone’s needs and bodies are different, and the activities required to maintain strength in the feet vary from individual to individual. 

Once you get into a routine of doing regular exercise, you may notice a difference in your feet and how strong they may become.

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.