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.

Foot fungus and ingrown toenails are among the most common problems treated by podiatrists. If you want to avoid issues like these, then watch this video to learn about the right way to care for your feet and toenails.

Smooth your heels and address calluses by gently rubbing your skin with a wet pumice stone, and you should always push back your cuticles instead of cutting them. When trimming your toenails, cut them straight across and not too short. Finally, use a moisturizer on your skin and keep the areas between your toes dry to help prevent infections.

If your feet aren’t as healthy as you’d like, then consider visiting Family Foot Center. We offer podiatry in Whitestone to help keep your feet at their best. Please call (718) 767-5555 to schedule an appointment with a foot doctor.

Plantar fasciitis is an overuse injury and a common cause of heel pain. If you experience heel discomfort after long periods of rest or when you wake up in the morning, then your podiatrist may diagnose you with plantar fasciitis. Continue reading for tips on managing this condition.

Rest Your Foot

Plantar fasciitis develops when the plantar fascia ligament becomes inflamed due to overuse. For this reason, podiatrists advise patients to rest their foot to avoid aggravating their symptoms and allow the inflammation to subside. Keep weight off your foot and switch to low-impact activities to allow your foot to heal.

Ice Your Foot

Applying cold to the area is an excellent way to address inflammation in the plantar fascia. You can help reduce your pain symptoms and the inflammation by special exercises and applying ice in the form of an ice pack, ice bath, or ice massage 3 to 4 times each day or after activity.

Take Pain Relievers

Your foot doctor may advise you to take over-the-counter non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs) to help you manage your pain and reduce inflammation in the plantar fascia ligament.

Stretch Your Foot

Many patients find that performing stretches for their plantar fascia, Achilles tendon, and calf muscles can help manage their plantar fasciitis symptoms. Speak with your podiatrist about what stretches he suggests for plantar fasciitis.

Strengthen Your Muscles

Increasing the stability of your foot can help reduce the movement that is the cause of your plantar fasciitis. For this reason, you might benefit from performing exercises that strengthen your foot and lower leg muscles.

Wear Custom Orthotics

When the arch of your foot gets plenty of support, this can distribute weight across your foot more evenly and take some of the pressure off your heel. For this reason, wearing orthotic inserts that are custom-made for the shape of your foot and designed to offer the arch support may provide you with relief from plantar fasciitis symptoms.

Are you looking for treatment for plantar fasciitis near Whitestone? If so, then please contact Family Foot Center today by calling (718) 767-5555.