The shoes you purchase already come with insoles, but they might not be enough to support your foot health. Your podiatrist may recommend that you use over-the-counter (OTC) or custom orthotic inserts. Orthotics give your feet superior cushioning and support exactly where you need it most, such as under a high foot arch or a painful heel. Orthotics are also a good choice for people who are prone to plantar fasciitis.

Watch this featured video for an in-depth look at custom orthotics. It explains that orthotics can help relieve painful symptoms that affect your feet, knees, hips, and back. They’re also a good choice for patients with foot arthritis and neuromas.

Family Foot Center in Whitestone is pleased to offer a full range of foot health services, including thorough assessments and orthotics. You can call us at (718) 767-5555 to request an appointment with our podiatrist.

Hammertoes are deformities that can affect one or both joints of the little toes. This condition involves the abnormal bending of the toes. If you suspect you have hammertoes, it’s essential to see a podiatrist right away. Hammertoes are much more easily treated when they are detected early. Otherwise, a foot surgeon may need to correct the problem. The most obvious sign that you could have hammertoes is the visible deformity of the toes. The joint of the toe will be bent upwards. In the early stages, it’s still possible to move the toe back into its proper position, although the toe may be stiff and it may hurt when you move it.

Other possible signs of hammertoes include pain at the top of the toes when you put on shoes. It may become difficult to find shoes that fit comfortably. The area at the top of the toes may also develop corns and calluses.

If you think you might have hammertoes and you live near Whitestone, you can find the effective solutions you need at Family Foot Center. Give us a call today at (718) 767-5555 and we’ll get to work reclaiming your foot health.

If you have pain in the ball of your foot, a podiatrist might diagnose you with metatarsalgia. Metatarsalgia is a repetitive strain injury that involves inflammation in the area. This isn’t typically a serious condition, although it may require that you refrain from physical activities for a while.

Signs and Symptoms

The hallmark symptom of metatarsalgia is pain that is localized to the ball of the foot. The pain will usually become more severe during weight-bearing activities, such as walking and jogging. Prolonged standing might also aggravate the area. Some patients notice that the pain worsens when they walk barefoot, particularly on hard surfaces like tile floors compared to soft surfaces like carpeting. The pain of metatarsalgia may be described as a burning, aching, or sharp sensation. Numbness and tingling in the toes may occur. You might also feel as though you have a small pebble in your shoe.

Causes and Risk Factors

It’s common for multiple causes and risk factors to contribute to a patient’s foot pain. Metatarsalgia often affects athletes who train at a high intensity and who participate in high-impact sports. Wearing worn out or poorly fitted shoes, and wearing high heels can contribute. Some people suffer from metatarsalgia because of the structure of their feet. A very high arch and a second toe that is longer than the big toe are both structural problems that can lead to metatarsalgia. Other causes and risk factors include the following:

• Overweight and obesity
• Morton’s neuroma
• Stress fractures
• Hammertoes
• Bunions
• Inflammatory arthritis

Treatment Options

After diagnosing you with metatarsalgia, your podiatrist will likely recommend that you keep weight off the affected foot for a while. The regular application of cold packs and the use of a pressure bandage can help relieve the pain. Your podiatrist might also recommend the following:

• Change in footwear
• Orthotics
• Metatarsal pads
• Passive range of motion stretches

For all of your foot health concerns, you can put your trust in Family Foot Center in Whitestone. Our podiatrist maintains an uncompromising commitment to healthcare excellence. Call us at (718) 767-5555 and let us know how we can help you feel better.

When it comes to promoting the health and comfort of your feet, your podiatrist will tell you that the shoes you choose matter. If you want to avoid foot pain and conditions, then you should select shoes that support your feet and that fit well. Unfortunately, high heels are not supportive and cause you to walk and stand in a way that is unnatural.

Wearing high heels can affect your balance and place excess pressure on certain parts of your feet, and wearing this type of shoe regularly may cause metatarsalgia, Haglund’s deformity, hammertoes, Morton’s neuromas, and bunions. Also, high heel wearers can suffer from shortened calf muscles, bad posture, knee joint problems, and an increased risk of ankle injuries. If you aren’t ready to give up your high heels, then podiatrists recommend that you wear them less often and choose pairs that have shorter heels, which can lessen their negative impact on your health.

Are you suffering from foot pain in Whitestone? If so, then come and see us at Family Foot Center. Please call (718) 767-5555 to schedule your appointment.