Items filtered by date: March 2018

A permanently bent toe typically signifies a condition known as hammertoe. Severe pain may accompany this condition and may result in other foot ailments. The most common reason behind hammertoe development is poorly fitting shoes that squeeze the toe into a smaller than adequate area. It's suggested to keep the toes as flat as possible to avoid corns and blisters from developing. Additional causes may include having a predisposed inherited gene, diabetes, and arthritis. Severe injuries, such as stubbing your toe, may change the structure of the toe and may possibly cause this condition. In addition to noticing the bent toe, there are other symptoms that are indicative of hammertoes. These include the toe becoming red and swollen and limited movement caused by intense pain. Please schedule a consultation with a podiatrist for more information and treatment options, which may include surgery.

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.

Permanent damage to your feet may be a result of wearing high heels frequently and throughout the day. There are several parts of the feet that may suffer afflictions, starting with the toes. You may see a deformity that may gradually develop, due to the feet being in an environment that’s too small. Additionally, calf muscles may shorten because the stride is not as long as it would be with flatter shoes. Hammertoes, bunions, or sprained ankles are among the many ailments that can develop from wearing high heels daily, and if severe enough, may require surgery. If you do choose to wear high heels, try to limit the length of the heel and select a shoe with a wide area for the toes.

High heels have a history of causing foot and ankle problems. If you have any concerns about your feet or ankles, 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.

Effects of High Heels on the Feet

High heels are popular shoes among women because of their many styles and societal appeal.  Despite this, high heels can still cause many health problems if worn too frequently.

Which Parts of My Body Will Be Affected by High Heels?

• Ankle Joints
• Achilles Tendon – May shorten and stiffen with prolonged wear
• Balls of the Feet
• Knees – Heels cause the knees to bend constantly, creating stress on them
• Back – They decrease the spine’s ability to absorb shock, which may lead to back pain.  The vertebrae of the lower back may compress.

What Kinds of Foot Problems Can Develop from Wearing High Heels?

• Corns
• Calluses
• Hammertoe
• Bunions
• Morton’s Neuroma
• Plantar Fasciitis

How Can I Still Wear High Heels and Maintain Foot Health?

If you want to wear high heeled shoes, make sure that you are not wearing them every day, as this will help prevent long term physical problems.  Try wearing thicker heels as opposed to stilettos to distribute weight more evenly across the feet.  Always make sure you are wearing the proper shoes for the right occasion, such as sneakers for exercising.  If you walk to work, try carrying your heels with you and changing into them once you arrive at work.  Adding inserts to your heels can help cushion your feet and absorb shock. Full foot inserts or metatarsal pads are available. 

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 numerous sweat glands in the body, also known as eccrine glands. When these glands are overactive, excessive sweating can come from the feet, which is a condition known as plantar hyperhidrosis. Numerous side effects may often accompany this ailment because the skin is consistently moist. These may include scaling of the feet, especially in between the toes. Additionally, inflammation of the skin, blisters, and itchy feet are among the many conditions that can occur from hyperhidrosis. If the type of footwear that is worn includes insulated or waterproof shoes, the feet can produce an abnormal amount of sweat resulting in discomfort. It’s important to choose shoes that allows the feet to breath, and this will generally help to control any excessive sweating that may occur. A consultation with a podiatrist may be suggested for information and advice on how to control plantar hyperhidrosis.

If you are suffering from hyperhidrosis contact Harvey Jacobs, DPM of Quality Foot Care Center. Our doctor can provide the care you need to attend to all of your foot and ankle needs.

Hyperhidrosis of the Feet

Hyperhidrosis is a rare disorder that can cause people to have excessive sweating of their feet. This can usually occur all on its own without rigorous activity involved. People who suffer from hyperhidrosis may also experience sweaty palms.

Although it is said that sweating is a healthy process meant to cool down the body temperature and to maintain a proper internal temperature, hyperhidrosis may prove to be a huge hindrance on a person’s everyday life.

Plantar hyperhidrosis is considered to be the main form of hyperhidrosis. Secondary hyperhidrosis can refer to sweating that occurs in areas other than the feet or hands and armpits. Often this may be a sign of it being related to another medical condition such as menopause, hyperthyroidism and even Parkinson’s disease.

In order to alleviate this condition, it is important to see your doctor so that they may prescribe the necessary medications so that you can begin to live a normal life again. If this is left untreated, it is said that it will persist throughout an individual’s life.

A last resort approach would be surgery, but it is best to speak with your doctor to find out what may be the best treatment for you.

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.

It’s important to properly measure your feet for the correct size before choosing shoes to purchase. Self-serve shoe stores may have a fitting device, where the length and width of the feet can be measured correctly. Measuring both feet is beneficial as the feet may differ in size and there may possibly be foot conditions that are on one foot and not the other. Typically, it’s suggested to wear the socks that are usually worn while making a decision to purchase shoes. This will aid in the correct fit. The overall health and general comfort of the feet and body consist of a proper fit that includes the top of the feet, toes, and the arch. If you experience any pain or discomfort while trying shoes on, the shoes may be fitting incorrectly for your feet.

Finding a properly-fitting shoe is important in reducing injuries and preventing foot problems. For more information about treatment, contact Harvey Jacobs, DPM from Quality Foot Care Center. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Proper Shoe Fitting

A common concern when it comes to foot health, having properly fitted shoes can help prevent injuries to the foot. Out feet affect our posture and gait, which in turn affects the biomechanics and overall bodily structure. With 33 joints, 26 bones, and over 100 ligaments, the potential for serious injury is much greater than one realizes. Although the feet cease growth in adulthood, they still change shape as they mature. Here are some factors to consider when it comes to investing in proper fitting shoes:

• Be sure the shoes fit correctly right away
• Ensure the ball of your foot fits comfortably in the widest portion of the shoes
• Even though they may look fashionable, improper fitting shoes can either create adverse conditions or exacerbate existing ones you may already have
• Walk along a carpeted surface to ensure the shoes comfortably fit during normal activity

Keeping in mind how shoes fit the biomechanics of your body, properly-fitting shoes are vitally important. Fortunately, it is not difficult to acquire footwear that fits correctly. Be sure to wear shoes that support the overall structure of your body. Do your feet a favor and invest in several pairs of well-fitted shoes today.

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.