Items filtered by date: August 2024

Hammertoe is a deformity where one of the smaller toes becomes bent at the middle joint, causing the toe to arch upward instead of lying flat. This misalignment often affects the second, third, or fourth toe and can lead to discomfort, especially when wearing shoes with a narrow or low toe box. Common symptoms of hammertoe can include corns, open sores, and pain in the ball of the foot. Various factors can contribute to a hammertoe, including having an unusually long toe, muscle weakness, or rheumatoid arthritis. Injuries, pressure from bunions, and wearing improperly fitting shoes can also result in hammertoe formation. A podiatrist can diagnose hammertoe through a physical examination of the foot and recommend treatment options such as wearing wider shoes, using toe pads, or performing specific foot exercises. In more severe cases, surgery may be required to correct the deformity. If you have a painful hammertoe, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam and treatment.

Hammertoes can be a painful condition to live with. For more information, contact Mital Patel, DPM of South Shore Podiatry. Our doctor will answer any of your foot- and ankle-related questions.

Hammertoe

Hammertoe is a foot deformity that occurs due to an imbalance in the muscles, tendons, or ligaments that normally hold the toe straight. It can be caused by the type of shoes you wear, your foot structure, trauma, and certain disease processes.

Symptoms

• Painful and/or difficult toe movement
• Swelling
• Joint stiffness
• Calluses/Corns
• Physical deformity

Risk Factors

• Age – The risk of hammertoe increases with age
• Sex – Women are more likely to have hammertoe compared to men
• Toe Length – You are more likely to develop hammertoe if your second toe is longer than your big toe
• Certain Diseases – Arthritis and diabetes may make you more likely to develop hammertoe

Treatment

If you have hammertoe, you should change into a more comfortable shoe that provides enough room for your toes. Exercises such as picking up marbles may strengthen and stretch your toe muscles. Nevertheless, it is important to seek assistance from a podiatrist in order to determine the severity of your hammertoe and see which treatment option will work best for you.

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

Cuboid syndrome is a condition where the cuboid bone, located on the outer side of the foot, becomes misaligned, causing pain and difficulty in movement. This syndrome often results from repetitive stress or trauma, leading to discomfort and instability in the foot. The cuboid whip is a manual therapy technique used to address this issue. During the procedure, a podiatrist applies a specific, quick, and controlled thrust to the cuboid bone, aiming to realign it and restore proper foot function. This adjustment can help to alleviate pain, improve mobility, and address any associated discomfort. If you have pain in this part of your foot, it is suggested that you contact a podiatrist who can accurately diagnose if it is cuboid syndrome, and treat it accordingly.

Cuboid syndrome, also known as cuboid subluxation, occurs when the joints and ligaments near the cuboid bone in the foot become torn. If you have cuboid syndrome, consult with Mital Patel, DPM from South Shore Podiatry. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Cuboid syndrome is a common cause of lateral foot pain, which is pain on the outside of the foot. The condition may happen suddenly due to an ankle sprain, or it may develop slowly overtime from repetitive tension through the bone and surrounding structures.

Causes

The most common causes of cuboid syndrome include:

• Injury – The most common cause of this ailment is an ankle sprain.
• Repetitive Strain – Tension placed through the peroneus longus muscle from repetitive activities such as jumping and running may cause excessive traction on the bone causing it to sublux.
• Altered Foot Biomechanics – Most people suffering from cuboid subluxation have flat feet.

Symptoms

A common symptom of cuboid syndrome is pain along the outside of the foot which can be felt in the ankle and toes. This pain may create walking difficulties and may cause those with the condition to walk with a limp.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of cuboid syndrome is often difficult, and it is often misdiagnosed. X-rays, MRIs and CT scans often fail to properly show the cuboid subluxation. Although there isn’t a specific test used to diagnose cuboid syndrome, your podiatrist will usually check if pain is felt while pressing firmly on the cuboid bone of your foot.

Treatment

Just as the range of causes varies widely, so do treatments. Some more common treatments are ice therapy, rest, exercise, taping, and orthotics.

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

Foot arthritis often presents with early signs that can be essential for timely management. Pain is a common initial symptom, usually felt in the joints of the feet, and may worsen with activity or after periods of rest. Swelling surrounding the affected areas is another indicator of arthritis, causing discomfort and sometimes making the foot appear puffy. Stiffness, particularly in the morning or after periods of inactivity, can limit the range of motion and make walking challenging. These symptoms, while sometimes subtle, are important to recognize early. If experienced, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment. 

Arthritis can be a difficult condition to live with. If you are seeking treatment, contact Mital Patel, DPM from South Shore Podiatry. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Arthritic Foot Care  

Arthritis is a term that is commonly used to describe joint pain.  The condition itself can occur to anyone of any age, race, or gender, and there are over 100 types of it.  Nevertheless, arthritis is more commonly found in women compared to men, and it is also more prevalent in those who are overweight. The causes of arthritis vary depending on which type of arthritis you have. Osteoarthritis for example, is often caused by injury, while rheumatoid arthritis is caused by a misdirected immune system.

Symptoms

• Swelling
• Pain
• Stiffness
• Decreased Range of Motion

Arthritic symptoms range in severity, and they may come and go. Some symptoms stay the same for several years but could potentially get worse with time. Severe cases of arthritis can prevent its sufferers from performing daily activities and make walking difficult.

Risk Factors

• Occupation – Occupations requiring repetitive knee movements have been linked to osteoarthritis
• Obesity – Excess weight can contribute to osteoarthritis development
• Infection – Microbial agents can infect the joints and trigger arthritis
• Joint Injuries – Damage to joints may lead to osteoarthritis
• Age – Risk increases with age
• Gender –Most types are more common in women
• Genetics – Arthritis can be hereditary

If you suspect your arthritis is affecting your feet, it is crucial that you see a podiatrist immediately. Your doctor will be able to address your specific case and help you decide which treatment method is best for you.

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

Foot, ankle, or toe pain can significantly impact your daily life, making even simple tasks challenging. For instance, runners often experience stress fractures or Achilles tendon pain, which a podiatrist can treat through diagnostic testing and appropriate treatment. Arthritis in the feet and ankles can cause swelling, stiffness, and pain, but a podiatrist can suggest treatments to maintain joint health and improve mobility. Diabetic patients should see a podiatrist regularly to manage foot health and prevent serious complications. Persistent heel pain, whether from heel spurs or plantar fasciitis, requires professional diagnosis and treatment to restore comfort and function. Ingrown toenails, if left untreated, can lead to painful infections that a podiatrist can effectively address. Injuries like sprains, strains, or fractures also necessitate a visit to a podiatrist for an accurate diagnosis. Conditions such as corns, calluses, bunions, and athlete’s foot can be managed with the expertise of a podiatrist, relieving pain and preventing further problems. If you are experiencing foot, ankle, or toe pain, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam, diagnosis, and treatment options.

If you are experiencing pain in the feet or ankles, don’t join the stubborn majority refusing treatment. Feel free to contact Mital Patel, DPM from South Shore Podiatry. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is a Podiatrist?

Someone would seek the care of a podiatrist if they have suffered a foot injury or have common foot ailments such as heal spurs, bunions, arch problems, deformities, ingrown toenails, corns, foot and ankle problems, etc.

Podiatric Treatment

A podiatrist will treat the problematic areas of the feet, ankle or lower leg by prescribing the following:

• Physical therapy
• Drugs
• Orthotic inserts or soles
• Surgery on lower extremity fractures

A common podiatric procedure a podiatrist will use is a scanner or force plate which will allow the podiatrist to know the designs of orthotics. Patients are then told to follow a series of tasks to complete the treatment. The computer will scan the foot a see which areas show weight distribution and pressure points. The podiatrist will read the analysis and then determine which treatment plans are available.

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