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Hammertoe is a toe deformity in which one or more toes bend abnormally at the middle joint, causing a claw-like appearance. The condition often develops due to wearing shoes that are too tight, narrow, or high-heeled, which forces the toes into a bent position over time. Women are particularly prone to developing hammertoes because of fashionable footwear choices. Symptoms may include pain, corns or calluses on the top of the bent toe, swelling, redness, and difficulty walking or fitting into shoes comfortably. Risk factors include genetics, age, diabetes, and previous foot injuries. A podiatrist can provide evaluation, custom orthotics, footwear recommendations, and treatment options. If you have symptoms of hammertoe, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist to restore comfort and proper toe alignment.

Hammertoes can be a painful condition to live with. For more information, contact one of our podiatrists of Livingston Footcare. 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 North Brunswick, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

The right pair of running shoes can make every step feel easier, lighter, and more stable. Since feet vary widely in shape, flexibility, and arch height, the shoe that works for someone else may not be the best match for you. A good fit begins with understanding how your foot moves. Some runners roll inward, others outward, and many stay fairly centered, and each pattern benefits from different levels of support. Cushioning also matters because it absorbs repetitive impact and helps protect the heel and forefoot during longer distances. Trying on shoes later in the day, when your feet are slightly larger, often leads to a more accurate fit. There should be enough room in the toe box for natural movement without slipping at the heel. If you are dealing with discomfort, recurring injuries, or unsure of which type of shoe can keep you comfortable and efficient, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for expert guidance.

If you are a runner, wearing the right running shoe is essential. For more information, contact one of our podiatrists from Livingston Footcare. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Choosing the Right Running Shoe for Your Foot Type

To increase performance and avoid the risk of injury, it is important to choose the right running shoe based on your foot type. The general design of running shoes revolves around pronation, which is how the ankle rolls from outside to inside when the foot strikes the ground.

• Neutral runners are able to choose from a wide variety of shoes, including minimalist shoes or even going barefoot.
• Runners who overpronate, or experience an over-abundance of ankle rolling, should choose shoes that provide extra motion control and stability.
• Runners who underpronate, or supinate, have feet that have high arches and lack flexibility, preventing shock absorption. They require shoes with more flexibility and cushion.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in North Brunswick, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Poor circulation occurs when blood flow through the vessels is reduced, limiting the delivery of oxygen and nutrients to tissues. In the feet, this can lead to slow healing, skin changes, and increased risk of infection. Common symptoms include numbness and tingling, cold hands and feet, swelling, muscle cramps, and the appearance of varicose veins. Causes may include peripheral artery disease, diabetes, and habits such as standing or sitting for prolonged periods of time, which restrict healthy blood flow. Reduced circulation can lead to serious complications, if left untreated. If you have symptoms of poor foot circulation, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can assess circulation, monitor foot health, and recommend appropriate care and lifestyle guidance. 

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 podiatrists of Livingston Footcare. 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 North Brunswick, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

The complex structure of the foot is designed to support body weight and allow smooth movement while standing and walking. It contains 26 bones that work together to provide strength, balance, and flexibility. The tarsal bones form the rearfoot and ankle, creating a stable foundation, and help to absorb impact. The metatarsals make up the midfoot and act as supportive beams that distribute weight across the foot during standing and motion. Additionally, the phalanges are the toe bones, which assist with balance and push off during walking. When these bones are not functioning properly, pain and instability can occur. A podiatrist can evaluate foot anatomy, diagnose problems, and create treatment plans to restore proper function. If you have foot pain, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can provide an accurate diagnosis and proper treatment.

If you have any concerns about your feet, contact one of our podiatrists from Livingston Footcare. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Biomechanics in Podiatry

Podiatric biomechanics is a particular sector of specialty podiatry with licensed practitioners who are trained to diagnose and treat conditions affecting the foot, ankle and lower leg. Biomechanics deals with the forces that act against the body, causing an interference with the biological structures. It focuses on the movement of the ankle, the foot and the forces that interact with them.

A History of Biomechanics

• Biomechanics dates back to the BC era in Egypt where evidence of professional foot care has been recorded.
• In 1974, biomechanics gained a higher profile from the studies of Merton Root, who claimed that by changing or controlling the forces between the ankle and the foot, corrections or conditions could be implemented to gain strength and coordination in the area.

Modern technological improvements are based on past theories and therapeutic processes that provide a better understanding of podiatric concepts for biomechanics. Computers can provide accurate information about the forces and patterns of the feet and lower legs.

Understanding biomechanics of the feet can help improve and eliminate pain, stopping further stress to the foot.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in North Brunswick, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.