Hammertoe is a particular kind of affliction of the feet which primarily impacts the joints of the toes. An individual living with hammertoe will notice that the joint of their toe sticks up while the rest of the toe points downward. Many patients often confuse this condition with another known as claw toe. Claw toe is different and distinct from hammertoe in that patients with claw toe have unnatural bends in the last two joints of the toe. As a result, the entire toe curls downward. Therefore, hammertoe and claw toe create different shapes in the toes. If you are interested in preventing the onset of these different foot conditions, it is suggested that you contact a podiatrist immediately for any possible advice or treatment.

Hammertoe

Hammertoes can be a painful condition to live with. For more information, contact one of our podiatrists from Footcare Now. Our doctors 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 offices located in Elmhurst Jackson Heights, Astoria, NY, and Rego Park, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

In most cases, having cold feet may simply be an indication to put on heavy socks and turn up the thermostat. But sometimes the sensation of having cold feet can indicate underlying health conditions that should not be ignored. Cold feet can be a sign that blood flow to the lower extremities is compromised, a condition common to those with high cholesterol. Another cause of cold feet may be due to nerve damage, such as peripheral neuropathy, which is a sign frequently experienced by diabetics. Cold feet also may indicate liver or kidney disease. Cold feet may be the result of a sedentary lifestyle that includes long periods of sitting with few periods of exercise. Smoking is another factor that can lead to cold feet, as certain chemicals in cigarettes can cause blood vessels to become irritated and inflamed, thereby restricting blood flow. Cold feet can also be caused by an underactive thyroid gland, anemia, stress, and anxiety. If you frequently experience the sensation of cold feet, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam and diagnosis.

Everyday foot care is very important to prevent infection and other foot ailments. If you need your feet checked, contact one of our podiatrists from Footcare Now. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Everyday Foot Care

Often, people take care of their bodies, face and hair more so than they do for their feet. But the feet are a very important aspect of our bodies, and one that we should pay more attention to. Without our feet, we would not be able to perform most daily tasks.

It is best to check your feet regularly to make sure there are no new bruises or cuts that you may not have noticed before. For dry feet, moisturizer can easily be a remedy and can be applied as often as necessary to the affected areas. Wearing shoes that fit well can also help you maintain good foot health, as well as making it easier to walk and do daily activities without the stress or pain of ill-fitting shoes, high heels, or even flip flops. Wearing clean socks with closed shoes is important to ensure that sweat and bacteria do not accumulate within the shoe. Clean socks help to prevent Athlete’s foot, fungi problems, bad odors, and can absorb sweat.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Elmhurst Jackson Heights, Astoria, NY, and Rego Park, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Given the many sources of pain and tightness our feet can endure in life, it behooves us to take regular care of our feet, including stretching them. Moving around in daily life, airplane flights, long car rides, and vigorous exercise can all impact the comfort of our feet. Painful, swollen feet can lead to pain above the feet as well, including the ankles, knees, hips, and back. Stretches can be performed to soothe the feet, improve flexibility, and help with circulation. A few examples of foot stretches include the point and flex exercise, the foot prayer, and the inner ankle stretch. The point and flex exercise is done while sitting on the floor or a workout bench with the feet pointed out in front of you. From this position, point and flex the feet and toes repeatedly. The foot prayer consists of sitting in the same position and then rotating the feet inward, bringing the soles of the feet together. Hold for three seconds before straightening the legs out and repeating. The inner ankle stretch also starts with the feet pointed out in front of you and the feet flexed. The feet should then be rotated outward until a gentle stretch is felt in the inner ankle and foot. As with the prior exercise, stretching should be held for three seconds and repeated. If you regularly suffer from foot pain or tightness and want more information on stretches you can do for your feet, it is suggested that you consult with a podiatrist for further discussion on this issue.

Stretching the feet is a great way to prevent injuries. If you have any concerns with your feet consult with one of our podiatrists from Footcare Now. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Stretching the Feet

Being the backbone of the body, the feet carry your entire weight and can easily become overexerted, causing cramps and pain. As with any body part, stretching your feet can serve many benefits. From increasing flexibility to even providing some pain relief, be sure to give your feet a stretch from time to time. This is especially important for athletes or anyone performing aerobic exercises, but anyone experiencing foot pain or is on their feet constantly should also engage in this practice.

Great ways to stretch your feet:

• Crossing one leg over the others and carefully pull your toes back. Do 10-20 repetitions and repeat the process for each foot
• Face a wall with your arms out and hands flat against the wall. Step back with one foot and keep it flat on the floor while moving the other leg forward. Lean towards the wall until you feel a stretch. Hold for 30 seconds and perform 10 repetitions for each foot
• Be sure not to overextend or push your limbs too hard or you could risk pulling or straining your muscle

Individuals who tend to their feet by regular stretching every day should be able to minimize foot pain and prevent new problems from arising.

If you have any questions please contact our offices located in Elmhurst Jackson Heights, Astoria, NY, and Rego Park, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Ingrown toenails are a foot condition that develops when the toenails essentially grow inward into the skin surrounding the nail. Due to this nail growth, pain, irritation, and redness may result. New parents ought to be aware of this condition because it is possible for babies to suffer from ingrown toenails. Sometimes a baby can develop ingrown toenails if their nails are cut too short, as this can facilitate inward growth of the nail. Parents can prevent the growth of ingrown toenails by being sure not to cut the baby’s toenails in such a way that looks curved in shape. If you think that your baby might be suffering from an ingrown toenail, it is suggested that you make an appointment to see a podiatrist. This foot specialist can examine your baby's feet and provide any treatment that might be necessary to care for the condition.

Ingrown toenails can become painful if they are not treated properly. For more information about ingrown toenails, contact one of our podiatrists of Footcare Now. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Ingrown Toenails

Ingrown toenails occur when a toenail grows sideways into the bed of the nail, causing pain, swelling, and possibly infection.

Causes

• Bacterial infections
• Improper nail cutting such as cutting it too short or not straight across
• Trauma to the toe, such as stubbing, which causes the nail to grow back irregularly
• Ill-fitting shoes that bunch the toes too close together
• Genetic predisposition

Prevention

Because ingrown toenails are not something found outside of shoe-wearing cultures, going barefoot as often as possible will decrease the likeliness of developing ingrown toenails. Wearing proper fitting shoes and using proper cutting techniques will also help decrease your risk of developing ingrown toenails.

Treatment

Ingrown toenails are a very treatable foot condition. In minor cases, soaking the affected area in salt or antibacterial soaps will not only help with the ingrown nail itself, but also help prevent any infections from occurring. In more severe cases, surgery is an option. In either case, speaking to your podiatrist about this condition will help you get a better understanding of specific treatment options that are right for you.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Elmhurst Jackson Heights, Astoria, NY, and Rego Park, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.