Items filtered by date: February 2025

Hammertoe is a foot deformity where one or more toes bend abnormally at the middle joint, often leading to pain, stiffness, and difficulty wearing shoes. Older women are more likely to develop hammertoes due to years of wearing high heels, narrow-toed shoes, and unsupportive footwear that force the toes into unnatural positions. Over time, the muscles and tendons in the toes tighten, making the deformity permanent. Genetics, foot structure, and biomechanics also play a role, with women more prone to bunions and flat feet, both of which increase hammertoe risk. The condition often worsens with age, often leading to corns, calluses, and joint pain. Preventative measures include wearing roomier shoes with proper arch support and performing toe-stretching exercises. If you have a hammertoe and it becomes painful or rigid, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for appropriate treatment.

Hammertoes can be a painful condition to live with. For more information, contact one of our doctors of Elite Podiatry. Our doctors will answer any of your foot- and ankle-related questions.

Hammertoe

Hammertoe is a foot deformity that occurs due to an imbalance in the muscles, tendons, or ligaments that normally hold the toe straight. It can be caused by the type of shoes you wear, your foot structure, trauma, and certain disease processes.

Symptoms

• Painful and/or difficult toe movement
• Swelling
• Joint stiffness
• Calluses/Corns
• Physical deformity

Risk Factors

• Age – The risk of hammertoe increases with age
• Sex – Women are more likely to have hammertoe compared to men
• Toe Length – You are more likely to develop hammertoe if your second toe is longer than your big toe
• Certain Diseases – Arthritis and diabetes may make you more likely to develop hammertoe

Treatment

If you have hammertoe, you should change into a more comfortable shoe that provides enough room for your toes. Exercises such as picking up marbles may strengthen and stretch your toe muscles. Nevertheless, it is important to seek assistance from a podiatrist in order to determine the severity of your hammertoe and see which treatment option will work best for you.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in (Holiday City) Toms River, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Foot pain at night can stem from several causes, disrupting your rest and comfort. Common reasons include plantar fasciitis, where the band of tissue supporting your arch becomes inflamed, leading to throbbing pain. Neuropathy, often linked to diabetes, can cause burning or tingling sensations due to nerve damage. Poor circulation, as seen in peripheral artery disease, may also lead to nighttime discomfort. Other factors include overuse from standing or walking during the day, wearing poorly fitted shoes, or arthritis, which causes joint inflammation and stiffness. Restless leg syndrome, a condition causing unpleasant sensations in the legs and feet, may also contribute to nighttime discomfort. If you have persistent or worsening foot pain at night, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist to identify the cause, and explore effective treatment options.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with one of our doctors from Elite Podiatry. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Causes

Foot pain is a very broad condition that could be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

• Bunions
• Hammertoes
• Plantar Fasciitis
• Bone Spurs
• Corns
• Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
• Ingrown Toenails
• Arthritis (such as Gout, Rheumatoid, and Osteoarthritis)
• Flat Feet
• Injury (from stress fractures, broken toe, foot, ankle, Achilles tendon ruptures, and sprains)
• And more

Diagnosis

To figure out the cause of foot pain, podiatrists utilize several different methods. This can range from simple visual inspections and sensation tests to X-rays and MRI scans. Prior medical history, family medical history, and any recent physical traumatic events will all be taken into consideration for a proper diagnosis.

Treatment

Treatment depends upon the cause of the foot pain. Whether it is resting, staying off the foot, or having surgery; podiatrists have a number of treatment options available for foot pain.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in (Holiday City) Toms River, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Smoking can have a significant negative impact on foot health by reducing circulation, leading to various conditions. One of the most common problems associated with smoking is poor foot circulation, which occurs due to narrowed blood vessels. This can result in peripheral artery disease, PAD, a condition where the blood flow to the feet is limited, causing pain, numbness, and in severe cases, tissue damage. Smokers are also at a higher risk of developing Buerger’s disease, a rare but serious condition that causes blood vessels in the toes to become inflamed, leading to reduced blood flow and potential tissue death. Symptoms of these conditions include cramping in the legs, cold or discolored feet, slow-healing wounds, and hair loss on the feet or legs. If you have symptoms of poor foot circulation, it is suggested that you confer with a podiatrist who can offer effective treatment methods, and, if necessary, guide you on smoking cessation techniques.

While poor circulation itself isn’t a condition; it is a symptom of another underlying health condition you may have. If you have any concerns with poor circulation in your feet contact one of our doctors of Elite Podiatry. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Poor Circulation in the Feet

Peripheral artery disease (PAD) can potentially lead to poor circulation in the lower extremities. PAD is a condition that causes the blood vessels and arteries to narrow. In a linked condition called atherosclerosis, the arteries stiffen up due to a buildup of plaque in the arteries and blood vessels. These two conditions can cause a decrease in the amount of blood that flows to your extremities, therefore resulting in pain.

Symptoms

Some of the most common symptoms of poor circulation are:

• Numbness
• Tingling
• Throbbing or stinging pain in limbs
• Pain
• Muscle Cramps

Treatment for poor circulation often depends on the underlying condition that causes it. Methods for treatment may include insulin for diabetes, special exercise programs, surgery for varicose veins, or compression socks for swollen legs.

As always, see a podiatrist as he or she will assist in finding a regimen that suits you. A podiatrist can also prescribe you any needed medication. 

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in (Holiday City) Toms River, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.