Hammertoe occurs when one or more toes bend into an abnormal position, causing the toe to look raised at the middle joint. The second, third, and fourth toes are frequently affected. This change can cause discomfort in the front of the foot and irritation where the bent toe rubs against a shoe. A thickened area of skin called a callus can also develop from repeated pressure. Hammertoe can affect how the foot moves and places extra pressure on parts of the foot when walking. Several factors can contribute to hammertoe, including changes in toe muscle strength, limited ankle movement, and changes in foot mechanics.

The muscles that move the toes help maintain their normal position. When the muscles that straighten the toes are stronger than the muscles that bend them, an imbalance can develop. This imbalance has been linked with the amount of toe bending seen in hammertoe. Limited upward ankle movement can also be associated with the condition. Reduced movement in another foot joint can contribute as well. These factors can affect how the foot moves and how pressure is placed across the toes. A podiatrist can examine toe position, muscle function, and areas of pressure to better understand the factors affecting a patient.

Treatment depends on the flexibility of the toe, the amount of discomfort, and how the condition affects daily activity. A podiatrist can assess the deformity and recommend appropriate treatment based on the findings. Care can include changes to footwear, treatment for painful calluses, or other measures designed to reduce pressure on the affected toe. A podiatrist can also assess related foot and ankle movement to determine whether these factors are contributing to the condition. If you have developed a hammertoe, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for effective relief and management tips. 

Hammertoe

Hammertoes can be a painful condition to live with. For more information, contact Deborah Rosenfeld from Rosenfeld Podiatry. 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 feel free to contact our office located in Marlton, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Plantar warts are small growths that develop on the bottom of the foot after infection with the human papillomavirus, also called HPV. The virus enters through tiny breaks in the skin and causes the outer layer to thicken. Because plantar warts grow on weight-bearing areas of the foot, they are often pushed inward by the pressure of standing and walking. This can make them painful and uncomfortable during everyday activities. Common symptoms include a rough, grainy area of skin, tenderness, and pain when putting weight on the foot. Some plantar warts also contain tiny black dots, which are small blood vessels. Since other foot conditions can look similar, a podiatric evaluation is important to confirm the diagnosis and recommend the most appropriate treatment.

Plantar warts may appear as a single growth or develop in clusters on the sole of the foot. The discomfort they cause can change the way a person walks, placing additional stress on nearby joints and soft tissues. In some cases, the wart becomes larger or more painful if it is not treated. Although plantar warts are generally not serious, they can interfere with work, exercise, and other daily activities. A thorough podiatry evaluation helps determine the size, location, and severity of the wart while ruling out other causes of foot pain.

A podiatrist specializes in diagnosing and treating plantar warts using methods that are appropriate for each patient's condition. Professional care focuses on removing the wart, relieving discomfort, and reducing the chance of recurrence. A podiatrist also evaluates the surrounding skin to identify any additional concerns that may require treatment. Early podiatry care may help prevent worsening pain and improve comfort during daily activities. If you have a painful growth on the bottom of your foot or think you may have a plantar wart, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for an evaluation and appropriate treatment options.

Plantar warts can be very uncomfortable. If you need your feet checked, contact Deborah Rosenfeld from Rosenfeld Podiatry. 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 Marlton, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Flip-flops are a popular choice for warm weather because they are lightweight and easy to wear. Although they are convenient, they are not designed to provide the same support as well-made walking shoes. Most flip-flops have thin soles and very little arch support. They also require the toes to grip the sandal while walking, which can place extra strain on the muscles and tendons of the foot. Wearing flip-flops for long periods of time can increase the risk of heel pain, arch pain, and tendon irritation. They also provide very little protection from sharp objects or uneven ground. Patients who already have bunions, flat feet, or plantar fasciitis can notice that their symptoms become worse when wearing flip-flops too frequently.

A podiatrist can evaluate foot pain that develops after wearing flip-flops and determine whether another condition is responsible for the discomfort. The examination includes checking foot alignment, flexibility, and muscle strength. The podiatrist also observes how the patient stands and walks to identify movement problems that increase stress on the feet. Shoes that lack proper support can change the way the foot moves and place extra pressure on the heel, arch, and toes. A complete evaluation helps identify the source of the pain and allows the podiatrist to recommend the most appropriate treatment. Early diagnosis can help prevent minor problems from becoming more serious.

Treatment depends on the patient's symptoms and the condition affecting the foot. A podiatrist can recommend shoes that provide better support for daily activities while reducing unnecessary strain on the feet. Care also includes custom orthotics that improve foot alignment and distribute pressure more evenly. Patients with ongoing pain can benefit from stretching and strengthening exercises that improve stability and flexibility. In rare cases, severe damage to tendons or joints can require surgery to restore normal foot function. If you have foot pain related to wearing flip-flops, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Flip-flops can cause a lot of problems for your feet. If you have any concerns about your feet or ankles, contact Deborah Rosenfeld from Rosenfeld Podiatry. Our doctor will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.

Flip-Flops and Feet

Flip-flops have managed to become a summer essential for a lot of people. While the shoes may be stylish and easy to slip on and off, they can be dangerous to those who wear them too often. These shoes might protect you from fungal infections such as athlete’s foot, but they can also give you foot pain and sprained ankles if you trip while wearing them.

When Are They Okay to Wear?

Flip-flops should only be worn for very short periods of time. They can help protect your feet in places that are crawling with fungi, such as gym locker rooms. Athlete’s foot and plantar warts are two common fungi that flip-flops may help protect your feet against.

Why Are They Bad for My Feet?

These shoes do not offer any arch support, so they are not ideal for everyday use. They also do not provide shock absorption or heel cushioning which can be problematic for your feet. Additionally, you may suffer from glass cuts, puncture wounds, and stubbed toes since they offer little protection for your feet.

More Reasons Why They Are Bad for Your Feet

• They Slow You Down
• May Cause Blisters and Calluses
• Expose Your Feet to Bacteria

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

Achilles tendon bursitis develops when a bursa becomes irritated near the back of the heel where the tendon attaches. The bursa, a small sac of fluid, helps reduce friction between the tendon and nearby tissues. When it becomes inflamed, pain and swelling can make walking and wearing shoes uncomfortable. Posterior Achilles tendon bursitis affects young women more frequently than other groups. One important risk factor is wearing high-heeled shoes. Another is a Haglund deformity, which is a bony bump on the back of the heel bone. Repeated rubbing between this bony area and the back of a shoe can irritate the bursa and lead to ongoing inflammation. Symptoms include redness, warmth, and tenderness near the back of the heel. 

A podiatrist diagnoses Achilles tendon bursitis by discussing symptoms and examining the back of the heel. The location of the pain and the presence of the tender lump help confirm the diagnosis. Imaging tests also help identify a Haglund deformity or rule out other causes of heel pain. Conditions affecting the Achilles tendon can cause similar discomfort, but they usually do not produce the soft lump that develops with bursitis. An accurate diagnosis is important because treatment depends on identifying the exact source of the pain.

Treatment focuses on reducing irritation surrounding the inflamed bursa and preventing further pressure against the heel. A podiatrist recommends shoes that fit properly and have lower heels. Custom orthotics can improve foot stability and reduce stress on the back of the heel while walking. Protective padding also helps reduce rubbing between the shoe and the irritated area. When symptoms continue despite conservative care, surgery to remove the bony prominence or inflamed tissue can be recommended. If you have Achilles tendon pain, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Achilles tendon injuries need immediate attention to avoid future complications. If you have any concerns, contact Deborah Rosenfeld of Rosenfeld Podiatry. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is the Achilles Tendon?

The Achilles tendon is a tendon that connects the lower leg muscles and calf to the heel of the foot. It is the strongest tendon in the human body and is essential for making movement possible. Because this tendon is such an integral part of the body, any injuries to it can create immense difficulties and should immediately be presented to a doctor.

What Are the Symptoms of an Achilles Tendon Injury?

There are various types of injuries that can affect the Achilles tendon. The two most common injuries are Achilles tendinitis and ruptures of the tendon.

Achilles Tendinitis Symptoms

• Inflammation
• Dull to severe pain
• Increased blood flow to the tendon
• Thickening of the tendon

Rupture Symptoms

• Extreme pain and swelling in the foot
• Total immobility

Treatment and Prevention

Achilles tendon injuries are diagnosed by a thorough physical evaluation, which can include an MRI. Treatment involves rest, physical therapy, and in some cases, surgery. However, various preventative measures can be taken to avoid these injuries, such as:

• Thorough stretching of the tendon before and after exercise
• Strengthening exercises like calf raises, squats, leg curls, leg extensions, leg raises, lunges, and leg presses

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Marlton, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.