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March 2020

Monday, 30 March 2020 00:00

What Is a Hammertoe?

There are many types of deformities that can happen to the feet. One of these is referred to as a hammertoe, which can cause the toe to bend downward instead of naturally pointing forward. It can develop gradually due to genetic reasons, or from wearing shoes that do not have adequate room for the toes to move freely in. Additional reasons why this ailment may occur can include an injury to the toe, or medical conditions such as arthritis or nerve damage. Common side effects of hammertoe may consist of corns or calluses, they can form on top of the affected toe, and it may be difficult to walk and flex your foot. Patients may find mild relief when insoles are worn in the shoes, and surgery may be a necessary option to correct severe hammertoe. If you are afflicted with this ailment, it’s suggested that you consult with a podiatrist as quickly as possible for proper treatment to begin.

Hammertoes can be a painful condition to live with. For more information, contact Massimo Pietrantoni, DPM of Rochester Podiatry, LLP. Our doctor 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 one of our offices located in Brighton and Greece of Rochester, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Read more about Hammertoe

If you are suffering from tenderness, pain, or stiffness in the joints of your feet or ankles, call us to schedule an appointment.

Monday, 16 March 2020 00:00

Do I Have a Heel Spur?

The medical condition that is known as a heel spur typically develops from inflammation that happens to the plantar fascia. It is defined as a bony growth that forms on the heel, and can cause pain and discomfort. Some of the reasons why this condition may develop can include sudden weight gain, wearing shoes that do not have adequate cushioning, or existing conditions that may include flat feet. The symptoms that patients experience can consist of pain in the heel and surrounding areas, and the foot may feel stiff upon arising in the morning. Research has indicated that mild relief may be found when orthotics are worn in the shoes, as this may be helpful in reducing pressure on the heel. If you have developed a heel spur, it is suggested that you consult with a podiatrist who can offer you correct treatment options.

Heel spurs can be incredibly painful and sometimes may make you unable to participate in physical activities. To get medical care for your heel spurs, contact Massimo Pietrantoni, DPM from Rochester Podiatry, LLP. Our doctor will do everything possible to treat your condition.

Heels Spurs

Heel spurs are formed by calcium deposits on the back of the foot where the heel is. This can also be caused by small fragments of bone breaking off one section of the foot, attaching onto the back of the foot. Heel spurs can also be bone growth on the back of the foot and may grow in the direction of the arch of the foot.

Older individuals usually suffer from heel spurs and pain sometimes intensifies with age. One of the main condition's spurs are related to is plantar fasciitis.

Pain

The pain associated with spurs is often because of weight placed on the feet. When someone is walking, their entire weight is concentrated on the feet. Bone spurs then have the tendency to affect other bones and tissues around the foot. As the pain continues, the feet will become tender and sensitive over time.

Treatments

There are many ways to treat heel spurs. If one is suffering from heel spurs in conjunction with pain, there are several methods for healing. Medication, surgery, and herbal care are some options.

If you have any questions feel free to contact one of our offices located in Brighton and Greece of Rochester, NY . We offer the latest in diagnostic and treatment technology to meet your needs.

Read more about How to Treat Heel Spurs

Our feet provide support for the overall body. When the feet are properly taken care of, daily activities may easily be completed. The feet may feel better when your shoes fit correctly, and your toenails are frequently trimmed. Many patients find it relaxing to wash and dry their feet daily, followed by using a good moisturizer. This may help to maintain soft skin, which may possibly prevent cracked heels. It is suggested to patients who prefer to get pedicures to ensure that the salon is using clean and sterile instruments. If you would like additional information about the importance of everyday foot care, please consult with a podiatrist.

Everyday foot care is very important to prevent infection and other foot ailments. If you need your feet checked, contact Massimo Pietrantoni, DPM from Rochester Podiatry, LLP. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Everyday Foot Care

Often, people take care of their bodies, face and hair more so than they do for their feet. But the feet are a very important aspect of our bodies, and one that we should pay more attention to. Without our feet, we would not be able to perform most daily tasks.

It is best to check your feet regularly to make sure there are no new bruises or cuts that you may not have noticed before. For dry feet, moisturizer can easily be a remedy and can be applied as often as necessary to the affected areas. Wearing shoes that fit well can also help you maintain good foot health, as well as making it easier to walk and do daily activities without the stress or pain of ill-fitting shoes, high heels, or even flip flops. Wearing clean socks with closed shoes is important to ensure that sweat and bacteria do not accumulate within the shoe. Clean socks help to prevent Athlete’s foot, fungi problems, bad odors, and can absorb sweat.

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

Read more about Everyday Foot Care
Monday, 02 March 2020 00:00

Who Does Sever’s Disease Affect?

The medical condition that is known as Sever’s disease can generally affect adolescents who participate in running and jumping activities. This ailment impacts the growth plate, and may occur as a result of the heel bone and surrounding muscles growing at different rates. There may be existing medical conditions that precede the onset of Sever’s disease. These can include flat feet, high arches, obesity, or having one leg that is shorter than the other. Some of the symptoms that are associated with this condition can consist of red skin around the affected area, swelling, and difficulty walking. Mild relief may be found when supportive shoes are worn, and gentle exercises are performed that may strengthen the foot. If you think your child may have Sever’s disease, it is strongly advised that you consult with a podiatrist for professional care and treatment.

Sever's disease often occurs in children and teens. If your child is experiencing foot or ankle pain, see Massimo Pietrantoni, DPM from Rochester Podiatry, LLP. Our doctor 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 one of our offices located in Brighton and Greece of Rochester, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle injuries.

Read more about Sever's Disease
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