July 2022

For most people, toe deformities show up later in life, often as the result of wearing improper or ill-fitting footwear for many years. These deformities also can be caused by nerve or muscle damage, as well as a number of other conditions. The three most common deformities of the toe joints are similar but not the same: hammertoe, mallet toe, and claw toe. The toes have a number of joints, two in the big toe and three in the other toes. Hammertoe and mallet toe affect one joint. Claw toe affects all three joints. Hammertoe occurs when the middle joint bends down to the floor, causing the other joints to bend up. This results in a bump on the top of the toe. With a mallet toe, most common to the 2nd toe, the end joint flexes permanently, preventing the toe from straightening. Claw toe occurs when the two end joints flex and curl the toe downward. As a result the first joint compensates by hyperextending, resulting in a curled toe that looks like a claw. It often affects the four smaller toes. If you have developed any of these deformities, please consult a podiatrist for an exam and possible treatment options. 

Hammertoe

Hammertoes can be a painful condition to live with. For more information, contact one of our podiatrists from Family Foot Care. Our doctors 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 offices located in Valatie and Albany, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

A bunion, or hallux valgus, is a bony bump on the side and base of the big toe. These develop from pressure put on the big toe joint and causes the toe to move out of place and lean inward toward the second toe. Because the big toe carries a lot of weight in standing, walking, and all activities we do, a bunion can cause pain, stiffness, redness, and swelling. Calluses can also form where the big and second toe rub against each other or on the ball of the foot. Untreated, bunions can become worse, and it may be difficult to wear regular shoes or walk comfortably. They can occur on one or both feet. It is rare but possible that children are born with bunions (known as congenital hallux valgus) or develop them later in childhood (juvenile or adolescent hallux valgus). Most often bunions occur in adulthood. They are more common in women, perhaps because of their unique foot anatomy, footwear choices or genetics. Wearing shoes that are too tight, have high heels, or insufficient room in the toe box, and those with some medical conditions (like rheumatoid arthritis) are more prone to developing bunions as well. If you have a bunion that has become uncomfortable, consult with a podiatrist who can provide remedies to restore you to better functioning. 

If you are suffering from bunion pain, contact one of our podiatrists of Family Foot Care. Our doctors 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

• Genetics – some people inherit feet that are more prone to bunion development
• Inflammatory Conditions - rheumatoid arthritis and polio may cause bunion development

Symptoms

• Redness and inflammation
• Pain and tenderness
• Callus or corns on the bump
• Restricted motion in the big toe

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 offices located in Valatie and Albany, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy (ESWT) is a non-invasive treatment for many painful and chronic conditions such as plantar fasciitis and Achilles tendonitis. This type of treatment is performed outside the body (extracorporeally) and works by targeting the damaged tissue or bone with acoustic shock waves using ultrasound to precisely pinpoint the area. The acoustic sound waves create a controlled reaction within the tissue that ultimately regenerates cells and blood vessels, resulting in repairing the tissue and relieving pain. Unlike surgery, ESWT requires no prolonged recovery time. If you are suffering from plantar fasciitis or a painful Achilles tendon issue, you might benefit from consulting with a podiatrist to discuss whether you are a good candidate for ESWT. 

Shockwave therapy is a treatment commonly used to treat various injuries and conditions, particularly plantar fasciitis in the feet. To learn more, consult with one of our podiatrists from Family Foot Care. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Shockwave Therapy

Shockwave therapy is a new treatment option designed to treat bone conditions such as tennis elbow, shoulder pain, and others. Shockwave therapy uses high intensity sound waves that are directed to the affected tissues of the body with pinpoint accuracy. The effects are very beneficial, leading to a production of collagen fibers, eliminating inflammation.

Who Benefits from Shockwave?

Shockwave is recommended for patients suffering from heel pain and associated problems. Heel pain is a common condition which can be caused by obesity, overexertion, and spending a substantial amount of time on hard floors with your feet exposed and unsupported.

Fast and Easy

The therapy is actually a simple process that can leave patients feeling better the very next day. Shockwave therapy is not as dramatic as it sounds. It enables more blood flow to effected areas, addressing the source of the problem and allowing treatment to last for a long time.

Treatment & Recovery Time

Shockwave treatment will enable your feet to recover quickly. This is especially important since surgery is not required. It is cost effective and does not require the use of anesthesia. This treatment is a better option to surgery, since it is proven safe.

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

Toenails protect the toes. They are made of keratin, which makes them tough and resilient for the daily wear and tear they endure. Various things, including friction from ill-fitting shoes, level of physical activity, some pre-existing health conditions, temperature, and moisture, can affect toenails. Pain, itching, and discoloration are some of the signs of toenail problems. Toenail fungus, or onychomycosis, is a common toenail problem. It is more apt to affect older people, with half of all people over 70 developing a toenail fungal infection. It can also impact those who walk barefoot in public areas, like pool areas or locker rooms (with warm, dark, and damp conditions), and those who get sweaty feet or have diabetes. As the infection makes its way deeper into the toenail, the nail becomes discolored and thickened. The nail may crumble and become jagged at the edge. The infection can spread to other toenails and surrounding skin. If it oozes a foul-smelling pus, the infection is worse. It is important to see a podiatrist if you feel you have toenail fungus or any other troubling issues with your toenails. They can properly diagnose the problem and discern how it should be treated.

If left untreated, toenail fungus may spread to other toenails, skin, or even fingernails. If you suspect you have toenail fungus it is important to seek treatment right away. For more information about treatment, contact one of our podiatrists of Family Foot Care. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Symptoms

• Warped or oddly shaped nails
• Yellowish nails
• Loose/separated nail
• Buildup of bits and pieces of nail fragments under the nail
• Brittle, broken, thickened nail

Treatment

If self-care strategies and over-the-counter medications does not help your fungus, your podiatrist may give you a prescription drug instead. Even if you find relief from your toenail fungus symptoms, you may experience a repeat infection in the future.

Prevention

In order to prevent getting toenail fungus in the future, you should always make sure to wash your feet with soap and water. After washing, it is important to dry your feet thoroughly especially in between the toes. When trimming your toenails, be sure to trim straight across instead of in a rounded shape. It is crucial not to cover up discolored nails with nail polish because that will prevent your nail from being able to “breathe”.

In some cases, surgical procedure may be needed to remove the toenail fungus. Consult with your podiatrist about the best treatment options for your case of toenail fungus.  

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