When it comes to correcting rigid hammertoe deformities, surgery often includes the use of implants to help straighten and stabilize the toe. One important decision in this process is whether to use a permanent implant or one that can be removed later. Permanent implants are designed to stay in place indefinitely, providing long-term support and alignment. They are often chosen for their durability and the convenience of not requiring a second procedure for removal. Removable implants offer flexibility. Once the toe has healed in the proper position, these implants can be taken out, leaving the body free of foreign materials. The choice between permanent and removable implants depends on several factors, including the severity of the deformity, the patient’s lifestyle, and overall health. If you have a painful rigid hammertoe, it is suggested that you obtain a personalized consultation with a podiatrist who will help you determine the most appropriate solution for its correction

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.

Heel pain can be incredibly debilitating, impacting daily activities and mobility. Common causes include plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendonitis, and heel spurs. Symptoms often include sharp or dull pain in the heel or the underside of the foot, particularly after periods of rest. Effective treatment options involve exercises to reduce discomfort and inflammation. Wearing supportive footwear with proper cushioning can also help provide relief. However, obtaining an accurate diagnosis from a podiatrist is essential for a tailored treatment plan. They can recommend specific exercises or, in more severe cases, corticosteroid injections. If heel pain persists or worsens, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist. Their expertise ensures you receive targeted care and a treatment plan that addresses the root cause of your discomfort.

Many people suffer from bouts of heel pain. For more information, contact Jeffrey Rosenblatt, DPM of New York. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Causes of Heel Pain

Heel pain is often associated with plantar fasciitis. The plantar fascia is a band of tissues that extends along the bottom of the foot. A rip or tear in this ligament can cause inflammation of the tissue.

Achilles tendonitis is another cause of heel pain. Inflammation of the Achilles tendon will cause pain from fractures and muscle tearing. Lack of flexibility is also another symptom.

Heel spurs are another cause of pain. When the tissues of the plantar fascia undergo a great deal of stress, it can lead to ligament separation from the heel bone, causing heel spurs.

Why Might Heel Pain Occur?

• Wearing ill-fitting shoes                  
• Wearing non-supportive shoes
• Weight change           
• Excessive running

Treatments

Heel pain should be treated as soon as possible for immediate results. Keeping your feet in a stress-free environment will help. If you suffer from Achilles tendonitis or plantar fasciitis, applying ice will reduce the swelling. Stretching before an exercise like running will help the muscles. Using all these tips will help make heel pain a condition of the past.

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.

Blisters on the feet can develop due to various causes, leading to discomfort and difficulty in walking. Friction from wearing tight or ill-fitting shoes creates repeated rubbing against the skin, resulting in fluid-filled pockets. Excessive heat, such as walking on hot surfaces or prolonged sun exposure, can cause burns that form blisters. Additionally, exposure to extreme cold may lead to frostbite, damaging the skin and leading to blister formation. Chemical irritation from harsh substances or allergic reactions to medications can also contribute to blister development. There are different types of blisters, including those that are clear fluid-filled caused by friction or burns, blood blisters resulting from deeper tissue damage, and infected blisters that appear red, swollen, and filled with pus. Foot blisters can be painful, and may cause difficulty in completing daily activities. If you have a blister on your foot that has become painful, it is suggested that you promptly consult a podiatrist who can offer safe treatment and prevention solutions.

Blisters are prone to making everyday activities extremely uncomfortable. If your feet are hurting, contact Jeffrey Rosenblatt, DPM of New York. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Foot Blisters

Foot blisters develop as a result of constantly wearing tight or ill-fitting footwear. This happens due to the constant rubbing from the shoe, which can often lead to pain.

What Are Foot Blisters?

A foot blister is a small fluid-filled pocket that forms on the upper-most layer of the skin. Blisters are filled with clear fluid and can lead to blood drainage or pus if the area becomes infected.

How Do Blisters Form?

Blisters on the feet are often the result of constant friction of skin and material, usually by shoe rubbing. Walking in sandals, boots, or shoes that don’t fit properly for long periods of time can result in a blister. Having consistent foot moisture and humidity can easily lead to blister formation.

Prevention & Treatment

It is important to properly care for the affected area in order to prevent infection and ease the pain. Do not lance the blister and use a Band-Aid to provide pain relief. Also, be sure to keep your feet dry and wear proper fitting shoes. If you see blood or pus in a blister, seek assistance from a podiatrist.

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 care needs.

Foot drop occurs when patients find it difficult to lift the front portion of their foot, resulting in dragging or slapping of the foot while walking. Known as steppage gait, this walking pattern involves raising the leg higher than usual to prevent the toes from catching on the ground. Foot drop may affect one or both feet, causing sensations of tingling, numbness, or weakness in the ankle, toes, or top of the foot. Several conditions can cause foot drop, including peripheral neuropathy, muscular dystrophy, nerve injury, diabetes, and neurological issues like stroke or multiple sclerosis. A podiatrist can assess symptoms through a physical examination, checking for muscle weakness or loss of function, and by performing nerve conduction studies, ultrasounds, or imaging tests to rule out other causes. Treatment of foot drop often involves nerve stimulation, or wearing braces or orthotics to support proper foot positioning. In some cases, surgery may be needed to repair nerve damage or reposition tendons. If you have trouble lifting your feet when walking, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam, diagnosis, and treatment.

If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Jeffrey Rosenblatt, DPM from New York. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Biomechanics in Podiatry

Podiatric biomechanics is a particular sector of specialty podiatry with licensed practitioners who are trained to diagnose and treat conditions affecting the foot, ankle and lower leg. Biomechanics deals with the forces that act against the body, causing an interference with the biological structures. It focuses on the movement of the ankle, the foot and the forces that interact with them.

A History of Biomechanics

• Biomechanics dates back to the BC era in Egypt where evidence of professional foot care has been recorded.
• In 1974, biomechanics gained a higher profile from the studies of Merton Root, who claimed that by changing or controlling the forces between the ankle and the foot, corrections or conditions could be implemented to gain strength and coordination in the area.

Modern technological improvements are based on past theories and therapeutic processes that provide a better understanding of podiatric concepts for biomechanics. Computers can provide accurate information about the forces and patterns of the feet and lower legs.

Understanding biomechanics of the feet can help improve and eliminate pain, stopping further stress to the foot.

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 results when the thick band of tissue along the sole of the foot becomes inflamed, leading to heel pain and stiffness. Stretching exercises can help relieve this discomfort by improving flexibility and reducing strain on the plantar fascia. A calf stretch can be done by placing both hands against a wall, stepping one foot back, and pressing the heel into the ground while bending the front knee. Holding this position helps lengthen the Achilles tendon and ease tension in the foot. A stair stretch involves standing on a step with the heels hanging off the edge, then gently lowering them to stretch the back of the foot and ankle. A seated foot stretch can be performed by grasping the toes and pulling them toward the shin, which targets the arch directly. Using a towel or resistance band around the toes while pulling upward can also stretch the bottom of the foot. If you are experiencing pain in the heel or on the bottom of your foot, it may be a sign of plantar fasciitis, and it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam, diagnosis, and treatment options.

Plantar fasciitis is a common foot condition that is often caused by a strain injury. 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 one of the most common causes of heel pain. The plantar fascia is a ligament that connects your heel to the front of your foot. When this ligament becomes inflamed, plantar fasciitis is the result. If you have plantar fasciitis you will have a stabbing pain that usually occurs with your first steps in the morning. As the day progresses and you walk around more, this pain will start to disappear, but it will return after long periods of standing or sitting.

What Causes Plantar Fasciitis?

• Excessive running
• Having high arches in your feet
• Other foot issues such as flat feet
• Pregnancy (due to the sudden weight gain)
• Being on your feet very often

There are some risk factors that may make you more likely to develop plantar fasciitis compared to others. The condition most commonly affects adults between the ages of 40 and 60. It also tends to affect people who are obese because the extra pounds result in extra stress being placed on the plantar fascia.

Prevention

• Take good care of your feet – Wear shoes that have good arch support and heel cushioning.
• Maintain a healthy weight
• If you are a runner, alternate running with other sports that won’t cause heel pain

There are a variety of treatment options available for plantar fasciitis along with the pain that accompanies it. Additionally, physical therapy is a very important component in the treatment process. It is important that you meet with your podiatrist to determine which treatment option is best for you.

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 care needs.