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 office located in Brooklyn, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

One of the benefits of getting regular foot massages is the overall feeling it can have on the body. It is known to promote blood circulation which may help prevent unwanted foot conditions. Additionally, there are pressure points in the feet that are connected to specific organs in the body, and this can be beneficial in relaxing the muscles and reducing stress. There are various categories of foot massages. A deep tissue massage is done by applying forceful pressure that can reach the muscle layers and connective tissue. This may help people who have endured an injury or who may have painful joints. Diabetic patients can often benefit from having a Thai foot massage performed which may help to increase their range of motion in addition to improving balance. The most common form of massage is known as the Swedish foot massage and the feet can become energized. If you are interested in foot massages and would like to know which one is best for you, please consult with a podiatrist who can answer any questions you may have.

Foot therapy is often necessary for those recovering from either foot deformities or foot injuries. If you have concerns regarding therapy, consult with Jeffrey Rosenblatt, DPM from New York. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Most Common Injuries

People who are active or athletes are prone to a variety of injuries. Therefore, it is often important to take part in physical therapy in order to quickly get back on the right track. 

What to Do When Injured

Physical Therapy – This specialized treatment will focus on the affected area, speeding up recovery and the overall healing process. It is a proven method that has helped millions of people return from any injury.

During physical therapy you will undergo regimented training to get back into full form. Training is often very difficult, especially at first when the foot feels weak. Physical therapy often involves:

Basic stretching and twisting exercises – getting the feet’s mobility and flexibility up.

Massaging – the therapist will massage the injured area in order to activate the muscles and relax them.

Strengthening Exercises – this allows the muscles in the affected area to regain their full strength, a vital step towards full recovery.

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

There is a nerve that stretches from the back of the leg to the inner ankle, and this is known as the tibial nerve. When this becomes pinched as a result of an injury, it may lead to tarsal tunnel syndrome. Additionally, this condition may occur in people who have flat feet or who have an existing tissue mass or cyst. It is helpful to rest the affected foot as often as possible as this may reduce some of the associated swelling. In severe cases, anti-inflammatory medications may be prescribed, and it can be beneficial to wear custom-made orthotics. Numbness and a tingling sensation are symptoms that people can experience when they have this condition, and it can be quite uncomfortable. If you are afflicted with tarsal tunnel syndrome, it is strongly urged that you consult with a podiatrist who can effectively determine the cause, as well as implement the correct treatment methods.

Tarsal tunnel syndrome can be very uncomfortable to live with. If you are experiencing tarsal tunnel syndrome, contact Jeffrey Rosenblatt, DPM of New York. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome

Tarsal tunnel syndrome, which can also be called tibial nerve dysfunction, is an uncommon condition of misfiring peripheral nerves in the foot. The tibial nerve is the peripheral nerve in the leg responsible for sensation and movement of the foot and calf muscles. In tarsal tunnel syndrome, the tibial nerve is damaged, causing problems with movement and feeling in the foot of the affected leg.

Common Cause of Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome

• Involves pressure or an injury, direct pressure on the tibial nerve for an extended period of time, sometimes caused by other body structures close by or near the knee.
• Diseases that damage nerves, including diabetes, may cause tarsal tunnel syndrome.
• At times, tarsal tunnel syndrome can appear without an obvious cause in some cases.

The Effects of Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome

• Different sensations, an afflicted person may experience pain, tingling, burning or other unusual sensations in the foot of the affected leg.
• The foot muscles, toes and ankle become weaker, and curling your toes or flexing your foot can become difficult.
• If condition worsens, infections and ulcers may develop on the foot that is experiencing the syndrome.

A physical exam of the leg can help identify the presence of tarsal tunnel syndrome. Medical tests, such as a nerve biopsy, are also used to diagnose the condition. Patients may receive physical therapy and prescriptive medication. In extreme cases, some may require surgery.

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

Plantar fasciitis is a very common foot condition that affects a wide variety of individuals across the country. This condition occurs when the plantar fascia, which is the band of tissue that runs along the arch of the foot, becomes aggravated and inflamed due to repeated pressure and strain. Although plantar fasciitis causes pain that is primarily in the arch and heel of the foot, pain can sometimes feel like it is emanating to other areas such as the ankle. Plantar fasciitis can be confused with a ruptured plantar fascia. Although both conditions involve the plantar fascia, plantar fasciitis is defined by micro-tears to this band of tissue, as opposed to the more significant tears involved in a ruptured plantar fascia. Additionally, plantar fasciitis is often confused with the entrapment of the nerves. For example, when the tibial nerve becomes pinched, sensations of pain can be felt in the soles of the feet in a way that is similar to plantar fasciitis. One of the distinguishing factors, however, is that tingling and numbness can be felt in the soles of the feet with a pinched tibial nerve. If you are having difficulty determining whether or not your pain is due to plantar fasciitis or another condition, contact a podiatrist who can perform a proper diagnosis.

Plantar fasciitis can be very painful and inconvenient. If you are experiencing heel pain or symptoms of plantar fasciitis, contact Jeffrey Rosenblatt, DPM  from New York. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is the inflammation of the thick band of tissue that runs along the bottom of your foot, known as the plantar fascia, and causes mild to severe heel pain.

What Causes Plantar Fasciitis?

• Excessive running
• Non-supportive shoes
• Overpronation
• Repeated stretching and tearing of the plantar fascia

How Can It Be Treated?

• Conservative measures – anti-inflammatories, ice packs, stretching exercises, physical therapy, orthotic devices
• Shockwave therapy – sound waves are sent to the affected area to facilitate healing and are usually used for chronic cases of plantar fasciitis
• Surgery – usually only used as a last resort when all else fails. The plantar fascia can be surgically detached from the heel

While very treatable, plantar fasciitis is definitely not something that should be ignored. Especially in severe cases, speaking to your doctor right away is highly recommended to avoid complications and severe heel pain. Your podiatrist can work with you to provide the appropriate treatment options tailored to your condition.

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

The foot condition known as plantar fibromatosis can also be referred to as Ledderhose disease. It is a rare condition where a nodule is embedded in the arch of the foot. It is often benign despite the pain and discomfort associated with it. One noticeable symptom of a plantar fibroma includes a firm lump in the arch of the foot, which may gradually increase in size. It can be caused by enduring a foot injury, frequently participating in running and jumping activities, or from taking certain medications. Having an MRI taken is often successful in diagnosing this condition and a biopsy may need to be performed. The pain may diminish when anti-inflammatory medications are taken as well as when orthotics are worn as they distribute the body’s weight more evenly. In severe cases when the plantar fibroma has significantly grown, surgery may be an option for permanent removal. If you suffer from this condition, it is advised that you seek the counsel of a podiatrist who can effectively guide you toward correct treatment techniques.

A plantar fibroma may disrupt your daily activities. 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.

Plantar Fibroma

A plantar fibroma is a fibrous knot in the arch of the foot. It is embedded in the plantar fascia which is a band of tissue that extends from the heel to the toes along the bottom of the foot. There can be multiple plantar fibromas in the feet at the same time. There are no known causes for this condition. If you have a plantar fibroma, there will be a bump in the arch of your foot that cannot be missed. Any associated pain is most often due to a shoe rubbing against the nodule. Non-surgical options, such as steroid injections, physical therapy, and orthotics should be tried first. Surgery is a last resort and is the only thing that will remove a plantar fibroma entirely. Consult with a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and to determine the treatment regimen that is right for you.

What Causes a Plantar Fibroma?

While there are no specific causes identified, a plantar fibroma can possibly come from genetic predisposition or the formation of scar tissue that forms from healing the tears in the plantar fascia.

What Are the Symptoms of a Plantar Fibroma?

There will be a noticeable lump in the arch of the foot that may or may not cause pain. If pain is felt, it is typically because a shoe is rubbing up against the lump or when walking or standing barefoot.

Treatment and Prevention

A plantar fibroma will not disappear without treatment, but it can get smaller and be a non-issue. If pain persists, a podiatrist examines the foot and when the arch of the foot is pressed, pain can be felt down to the toes. An MRI or biopsy might be performed to help diagnose or evaluate the plantar fibroma. The following non-surgical options are generally enough to reduce the size and pain of these nodules:

• Steroid injections
• Orthotics
• Physical therapy to help apply anti-inflammatory creams on the bump 

Surgery is considered if the mass increases in size and the patient continues to feel pain after non-surgical methods are tried.

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