September 2024

Hammertoe is a deformity where one of the toes, often the second, becomes bent in a fixed Z-shaped position. This causes discomfort and difficulty in wearing certain types of shoes and walking. Hammertoe is often the result of tendon imbalances, long metatarsal bones, and poor joint alignment. Rheumatoid arthritis, genetics, or prolonged wearing of ill-fitting shoes are other factors. The bent position of the toe can lead to excessive friction, which can result in painful calluses, corns, and even open sores on top of the affected toe. Treatment options typically involve wearing shoes with a wider toe box to reduce irritation, using orthotic devices to alleviate pain in the ball of the foot, and taping or splinting the toe to provide temporary relief. In more severe cases, where the toe is rigidly fixed and pain persists, surgery may be required to straighten the toe. If you have a painful hammertoe, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and treatment options.

Hammertoe

Hammertoes can be a painful condition to live with. For more information, contact Dr. Robert Marcus from Foot & Ankle Center of Teaneck. 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 Teaneck, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Erythromelalgia is a rare condition resulting in intense burning pain, redness, and warmth in the feet, often triggered by heat, exercise, or stress. This condition occurs due to abnormal blood flow and increased skin temperature in the affected areas, which leads to discomfort that can be severe and debilitating. The exact cause of erythromelalgia is not always clear, but it may be linked to nerve damage or blood vessel abnormalities. In some cases, it is associated with other medical conditions, such as autoimmune disorders or blood diseases. Symptoms include episodes of severe burning pain, redness, and swelling in the feet, which may last from minutes to hours. These episodes can be unpredictable, causing significant disruption to daily life. Diagnosis is usually made based on symptoms and clinical examination, sometimes supported by tests to rule out other conditions. Treatment focuses on managing symptoms, often through cooling measures, medications, and in some cases, addressing underlying conditions. If you are suffering from any of the symptoms described, it is strongly suggested that you visit a podiatrist for care.

When dealing with systemic disease of the feet, it is extremely important to check the affected areas routinely so that any additional problems are caught quickly.  If you have any concerns about your feet and ankles contact Dr. Robert Marcus from Foot & Ankle Center of Teaneck. Our doctor will assist you with all of your podiatric needs.

Systemic Diseases of the Feet

Systemic diseases affect the whole body, and symptoms usually are displayed in the feet. This condition can make a patient’s ability to walk unbearable.  Systemic diseases include gout, diabetes mellitus, neurological disorders, and arthritis.

Gout – is caused by an excess of uric acid in the body. Common symptoms include pain, inflammation, and redness at the metatarsal/phalangeal joint of the base big toe. Gout can be treated by NSAIDs to relieve pain and inflammation, and other drugs that lower the acid levels in the body.

Diabetes mellitus – is an increase in the level of blood sugar that the body cannot counteract with its own insulin. Failure to produce enough insulin is a factor in Diabetes.

Diabetes of the Feet

Diabetic Neuropathy – may lead to damaged nerves and affect the feet through numbness and loss of sensation.

Peripheral Vascular Disease – can restrict the blood flow to the feet, and often times lead to amputation of the feet. 

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