Items filtered by date: October 2022

Bunions can develop in an individual when the big toe joint shifts out of alignment causing a bony protrusion to grow at the big toe base. Alternatively, smaller bunions, called bunionettes, may form on the side of the pinky-toe base. If you have developed bunions, a medical professional might recommend that you begin wearing shoes that are more bunion friendly. For example, instead of wearing tight, restrictive shoes, you might wear shoes with more space. Sometimes, an individual with bunions will purchase a shoe size that is a half-size larger than what they would normally wear to provide the toes with extra space and breathability. This added space might even allow the patient to wear certain orthotics. If you have a bunion, contact a podiatrist today for more information about the right footwear you should be wearing, as well as the different treatments available, to ward off this painful ailment.

If you are suffering from bunions, contact Jeffrey Rosenblatt, DPM of New York. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is a Bunion?

A bunion is formed of swollen tissue or an enlargement of boney growth, usually located at the base joint of the toe that connects to the foot. The swelling occurs due to the bones in the big toe shifting inward, which impacts the other toes of the foot. This causes the area around the base of the big toe to become inflamed and painful.

Why Do Bunions Form?

Genetics – Susceptibility to bunions are often hereditary

Stress on the feet – Poorly fitted and uncomfortable footwear that places stress on feet, such as heels, can worsen existing bunions

How Are Bunions Diagnosed?

Doctors often perform two tests – blood tests and x-rays – when trying to diagnose bunions, especially in the early stages of development. Blood tests help determine if the foot pain is being caused by something else, such as arthritis, while x-rays provide a clear picture of your bone structure to your doctor.

How Are Bunions Treated?

• Refrain from wearing heels or similar shoes that cause discomfort
• Select wider shoes that can provide more comfort and reduce pain
• Anti-inflammatory and pain management drugs
• Orthotics or foot inserts
• Surgery

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

The function of the feet is to provide balance and mobility to the body. This may be compromised when there are existing foot deformities. When the feet are positioned incorrectly, it may cause the body to move out of alignment and prompt medical attention is often sought. Incorrect foot positioning may be one of the first signs that specific foot conditions are developing and many of them have to do with an abnormal arch. Skew foot can happen when the arch loses its original position and this can occur from having unstable tendons and ligaments. Flat feet, which are also known as fallen arches, can produce pain and discomfort. It is noticeable as the inside of the foot is lower than the rest of the foot. Additionally, many children are pigeon-toed which forces the feet to point inward. Research has shown this condition is typically easy to correct. If you would like more information about various rare foot conditions, please consult with a podiatrist who can provide you with the information you seek.

Some foot conditions may require additional professional care. If you have any concerns, contact Jeffrey Rosenblatt, DPM of New York. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Rare Foot Conditions

The majority of foot conditions are common and can be treated by a podiatrist.  Standard diagnostic procedures are generally used to identify specific conditions and treatment can be rendered. A podiatrist also treats rare foot conditions which can be difficult to diagnose and may need extra attention and care. 

There are many rare foot conditions that can affect children. Some of these can include:

• Freiberg’s disease
• Kohler’s disease
• Maffucci syndrome

Freiberg’s disease - This can be seen as a deterioration and flattening of a metatarsal bone that exists in the ball of the foot. It typically affects pre-teen and teenage girls, but can affect anyone at any age. Symptoms that can accompany this can be swelling, stiffness, and the patient may limp. 

Kohler’s disease - This often targets the bone in the arch of the foot and affects younger boys. It can lead to an interruption of the blood supply which ultimately can lead to bone deterioration. The patient may limp or experience tenderness, swelling, and redness.

Maffucci syndrome - This affects the long bones in a child’s foot leading to the development of abnormal bone lesions. They are benign growths and typically develop in early childhood and the bones may be susceptible to breaking. 

A podiatrist can properly diagnose and treat all types of rare foot conditions. If your child is affected by any of these symptoms or conditions, please don’t hesitate to call our office so the correct treatment method can begin.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Brooklyn and New York City, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.
 

When uric acid amounts in the blood rise to an elevated level, it may produce a foot condition that is known as gout. It can develop into crystals that lodge in the joints of the big toe, and can cause debilitating pain. Gout is considered to be a form of arthritis, and swelling, heat, and redness can be symptoms that can accompany this foot condition. It can be caused by genetics or from eating foods that have large amounts of purines. These can include shellfish, red meat, and drinks that are made with excessive amounts of sugar. Most gout patients are under the care of a podiatrist who can extract a sample of the crystals that lie in the joints to obtain a proper diagnosis. Some patients need to have an X-ray or a CT scan performed to confirm the findings. Effective methods that may help to prevent gout can include consuming a healthy diet daily, drinking plenty of water, and engaging in an exercise routine. Gout attacks can happen frequently, and it is strongly advised that a podiatrist be contacted as quickly as possible who can help you to manage this uncomfortable foot condition. 

Gout is a foot condition that requires certain treatment and care. If you are seeking treatment, contact Jeffrey Rosenblatt, DPM from New York. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Is Gout?

Gout is a type of arthritis caused by a buildup of uric acid in the bloodstream. It often develops in the foot, especially the big toe area, although it can manifest in other parts of the body as well. Gout can make walking and standing very painful and is especially common in diabetics and the obese.

People typically get gout because of a poor diet. Genetic predisposition is also a factor. The children of parents who have had gout frequently have a chance of developing it themselves.

Gout can easily be identified by redness and inflammation of the big toe and the surrounding areas of the foot. Other symptoms include extreme fatigue, joint pain, and running high fevers. Sometimes corticosteroid drugs can be prescribed to treat gout, but the best way to combat this disease is to get more exercise and eat a better diet.

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

A hammertoe gets its name from a deformity of the toe that has the appearance of a hammer. The deformed toe gets curled because of a bend that occurs in the middle joint of the affected toe. This often happens due to wearing improperly fitting footwear, such as high heels or shoes that do not have sufficient room in the toe box. The toes are forced to move into a space that is too small or that does not allow for them to lie flat comfortably. This process causes the muscles to tighten and tendons to contract. Other factors that can cause hammertoes include genetics, a broken toe, a sedentary lifestyle, and diseases that inhibit blood flow to the foot. The affected toe(s) may become painful to move and, due to their odd positions, might rub against the inside of shoes causing corns and calluses to form. Often changing footwear and getting orthotics is enough to relieve pain, but if that does not help or the toe has become inflexible or rigid, surgery might be required. Risks of hammertoe surgery include pain and swelling at the site of the operation. If the pain radiates to other parts of the foot, the surgery may have caused nerve damage. Other complications can be numbness, limited range of motion, and infection. The surgery and side effects often depend on the severity of the condition. If you have a hammertoe, it is advised that you see a podiatrist as soon as possible. Tending to this early may help prevent the need for surgery and any complications that could arise.

Hammertoe

Hammertoes can be a painful condition to live with. For more information, contact Jeffrey Rosenblatt, DPM from New York. 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 contact our offices located in Brooklyn and New York City, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.