Tuesday, 12 November 2024 00:00

Hammertoe is a condition characterized by an abnormal bend in the middle joint of a toe, often caused by imbalanced muscle or tendon forces,  wearing ill-fitting footwear, or underlying conditions like arthritis. Symptoms include pain, swelling, and difficulty wearing shoes, which can lead to corns and calluses. When conservative treatments, such as orthotics or targeted exercises fail, a podiatrist may recommend surgery. Two common types are fusion and tendon transfer. Fusion involves permanently joining the affected joint to correct the toe's position. Tendon transfer repositions the tendon to restore balance and function, allowing for better alignment. Recovery from hammertoe surgery varies, but patients typically need to wear a special boot and limit activity for an extented period of time. A podiatrist can provide a comprehensive evaluation and help determine what the best surgical approach is for each individual case. If you are experiencing symptoms of hammertoe, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for tailored treatment options, which may include surgery for relief.

Foot surgery is sometimes necessary to treat a foot ailment. To learn more, contact one of our doctors of New Jersey and New York. Our doctors will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.

When Is Surgery Necessary?

Foot and ankle surgery is generally reserved for cases in which less invasive, conservative procedures have failed to alleviate the problem. Some of the cases in which surgery may be necessary include:

  • Removing foot deformities like bunions and bone spurs
  • Severe arthritis that has caused bone issues
  • Cosmetic reconstruction

What Types of Surgery Are There?

The type of surgery you receive will depend on the nature of the problem you have. Some of the possible surgeries include:

  • Bunionectomy for painful bunions
  • Surgical fusion for realignment of bones
  • Neuropathy decompression surgery to treat nerve damage

Benefits of Surgery

Although surgery is usually a last resort, it can provide more complete pain relief compared to non-surgical methods and may allow you to finally resume full activity.

Surgical techniques have also become increasingly sophisticated. Techniques like endoscopic surgery allow for smaller incisions and faster recovery times.

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

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Tuesday, 05 November 2024 00:00

Sever's disease, or calcaneal apophysitis, is a common cause of heel pain in growing children, typically between ages eight and 14. It occurs when the growth plate in the heel bone becomes inflamed due to repetitive stress, often from sports or activities that involve running and jumping. Symptoms include heel pain, tenderness, and swelling, particularly after physical activity. The discomfort may worsen when walking or standing on tiptoes. Diagnosis is based on a clinical examination, medical history, and occasionally imaging scans to rule out other causes. Treatment focuses on reducing pain and inflammation through rest and targeted stretching exercises. In some cases, custom orthotics or heel cups may be prescribed by a podiatrist to provide cushioning. Most children recover fully with proper management, and the condition resolves once the heel bone finishes growing. If your child complains of persistent heel pain, is limping, or avoiding walking, it is suggested that you visit a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and relief options.

Sever's disease often occurs in children and teens. If your child is experiencing foot or ankle pain, see one of our doctors from New Jersey and New York. Our doctors can treat your child’s foot and ankle needs.

Sever’s Disease

Sever’s disease is also known as calcaneal apophysitis, which is a medical condition that causes heel pain I none or both feet. The disease is known to affect children between the ages of 8 and 14.

Sever’s disease occurs when part of the child’s heel known as the growth plate (calcaneal epiphysis) is attached to the Achilles tendon. This area can suffer injury when the muscles and tendons of the growing foot do not keep pace with bone growth. Therefore, the constant pain which one experiences at the back of the heel will make the child unable to put any weight on the heel. The child is then forced to walk on their toes.

Symptoms

Acute pain – Pain associated with Sever’s disease is usually felt in the heel when the child engages in physical activity such as walking, jumping and or running.

Highly active – Children who are very active are among the most susceptible in experiencing Sever’s disease, because of the stress and tension placed on their feet.

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

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Tuesday, 29 October 2024 00:00

Osteoarthritis, or OA, is a degenerative joint disease that can increase the risk of falls, especially in older adults. When OA affects the feet, it leads to joint stiffness, pain, and limited mobility, which can make walking and balancing difficult. In the feet, OA commonly affects the ankles and toes, causing discomfort with every step and reducing stability. To prevent falls, people with osteoarthritis should focus on maintaining mobility and strengthening muscles surrounding the affected joints. Wearing well-fitted, supportive shoes and using custom orthotics can improve balance and reduce pain. A podiatrist can provide valuable care by fitting custom orthotics, recommending appropriate footwear, and guiding patients through foot-specific exercises that enhance stability and reduce the risk of falls. If you have osteoarthritis of the feet or ankles, it is suggested that you include a podiatrist on your health care team for routine exams and help with falls prevention.

Preventing falls among the elderly is very important. If you are older and have fallen or fear that you are prone to falling, consult with one of our doctors from New Jersey and New York. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality advice and care.

Every 11 seconds, an elderly American is being treated in an emergency room for a fall related injury. Falls are the leading cause of head and hip injuries for those 65 and older. Due to decreases in strength, balance, senses, and lack of awareness, elderly persons are very susceptible to falling. Thankfully, there are a number of things older persons can do to prevent falls.

How to Prevent Falls

Some effective methods that older persons can do to prevent falls include:

  • Enrolling in strength and balance exercise program to increase balance and strength
  • Periodically having your sight and hearing checked
  • Discuss any medications you have with a doctor to see if it increases the risk of falling
  • Clearing the house of falling hazards and installing devices like grab bars and railings
  • Utilizing a walker or cane
  • Wearing shoes that provide good support and cushioning
  • Talking to family members about falling and increasing awareness

Falling can be a traumatic and embarrassing experience for elderly persons; this can make them less willing to leave the house, and less willing to talk to someone about their fears of falling. Doing such things, however, will increase the likelihood of tripping or losing one’s balance. Knowing the causes of falling and how to prevent them is the best way to mitigate the risk of serious injury.  

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

Read more about Falls Prevention
Thursday, 24 October 2024 00:00

Have you noticed a bony protrusion on the side of your big toe? If so, you may have developed the foot condition known as a bunion. Don't let bunions interfere with your daily activities.

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