Littlestown, PA
(717) 359-5300
(717) 359-5300
Hammertoe deformities are one of the most common issues affecting the lesser toes, typically causing the joint in the middle of the toe to bend downward, resembling a hammer. This condition often results from an imbalance in the muscles, tendons, or ligaments that normally keep the toes straight. Causes include wearing tight or ill-fitting shoes, injuries, or underlying conditions such as arthritis or high arches. Symptoms include pain, stiffness, and difficulty straightening the affected toe. Over time, the deformity can cause friction against shoes, leading to painful corns, calluses, and inflammation. Pain occurs due to increased pressure on the bent joint and surrounding tissues. To relieve discomfort, one can switch to wider shoes with a soft, roomy toe box and use orthotic inserts. In severe cases, surgery may be needed to realign the joint and restore normal toe function. If you have a painful hammertoe, it is suggested that you visit a podiatrist for an exam and treatment.
Hammertoe
Hammertoes can be a painful condition to live with. For more information, contact Dr. Todd Goldberg from Complete Family Foot Care Center. 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
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 Littlestown, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
Plantar warts are small growths that develop on parts of the feet that bear weight. They're typically found on the bottom of the foot. Don't live with plantar warts, and call us today!
Splayfoot is a condition where the metatarsal bones, the long bones in the middle of the foot that connect the ankle to the toes, spread out, causing the forefoot to widen and the arch to flatten. This can lead to discomfort or pain, particularly during walking or standing for long periods of time. The condition often arises from wearing ill-fitting or unsupportive shoes, prolonged standing, or carrying excess weight, and it can be made worse by activities that put repetitive stress on the feet. Splay foot is commonly seen in individuals with jobs that require long hours on their feet, older adults, and those with a genetic predisposition to weaker foot structures. If you suffer from the ill effects of splay foot, it is suggested that you visit a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and treatment.
Some foot conditions may require additional professional care. If you have any concerns, contact Dr. Todd Goldberg of Complete Family Foot Care Center. 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 - 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 office located in Littlestown, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.
Bunions, a bony bump at the base of your big toe, can result from a misalignment of bones and tissues that pushes the toe inward. While surgery is the only way to completely remove a bunion, nonsurgical bunion treatments can effectively manage symptoms and slow progression. Wearing shoes with a wide toe box and low heels can reduce pressure on the bunion. Custom orthotics can help with proper foot alignment. Toe spacers and splints can also relieve discomfort by preventing further misalignment, although they will not permanently correct the bone structure. Stretching exercises may increase flexibility and ease pain, but they will not reverse the bunion itself. If your bunion is causing discomfort, consulting a podiatrist early can lead to treatment options that delay or prevent further complications. If you have pain caused by a bunion, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for guidance.
If you are suffering from bunion pain, contact Dr. Todd Goldberg of Complete Family Foot Care Center. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
What Is a Bunion?
Bunions are painful bony bumps that usually develop on the inside of the foot at the joint of the big toe. As the deformity increases over time, it may become painful to walk and wear shoes. Women are more likely to exacerbate existing bunions since they often wear tight, narrow shoes that shift their toes together. Bunion pain can be relieved by wearing wider shoes with enough room for the toes.
Causes
Symptoms
In order to diagnose your bunion, your podiatrist may ask about your medical history, symptoms, and general health. Your doctor might also order an x-ray to take a closer look at your feet. Nonsurgical treatment options include orthotics, padding, icing, changes in footwear, and medication. If nonsurgical treatments don’t alleviate your bunion pain, surgery may be necessary.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Littlestown, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
