A hammertoe is a deformity that affects the first joint of the 2nd, 3rd, or 4th toe, medically known as the proximal interphalangeal joint. This joint forms a peak rather than lying flat, and is generally believed to be caused by a muscle imbalance from wearing ill-fitting shoes. A weakened muscle can put pressure on a tendon, resulting in a lifting of the joint. The top of the joint then rubs against the inside of the shoe, causing pain. In some cases, only surgery can correct a hammertoe.  Among the surgical options available are tendon transfer, joint resection, and fusion. During a tendon transfer, a nearby tendon is pulled across the joint, causing it to become straighter. This is used with a flexible hammertoe, one that still can be pushed flat manually. Joint resection involves cutting tendons and ligaments in a fixed hammertoe to straighten the joint and removing a portion of the bone. Pins may be put in place to keep the joint stable for a few weeks and then removed. Fusion calls for removing part of the joint to let the bones grow together. If you have a painful hammertoe, it is a good idea to consult a podiatrist for an examination and treatment options. 

Hammertoe

Hammertoes can be a painful condition to live with. For more information, contact one of our podiatrists from David A. Scalzo, DPM, PC and Associates. 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 feel free to contact our office located in Duryea, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Jumping rope is an excellent cardiovascular exercise. It helps with endurance and agility, and can even strengthen the calves and supporting muscles. Despite these benefits, some people who jump rope complain of having foot pain when jumping. Reasons for this might include the arches of the feet having dropped from the feet not supporting weight properly. If shoes are worn while jumping, they might be ill-fitting, or the insoles might need to include additional arch support. If shoes are not worn, it might help to wear them, again paying attention to having supportive insoles. A condition known as plantar fasciitis, inflammation of the arch-supporting ligaments that extend from the heel to the back of the foot, might have developed and pain might be felt in the heel area. Making sure to rest and stretch between workouts is important. Paying attention to good form through weight and balance distribution will help. If you jump rope for fun or exercise and you are experiencing foot pain, see a podiatrist today.

Sports related foot and ankle injuries require proper treatment before players can go back to their regular routines. For more information, contact one of our podiatrists of David A. Scalzo, DPM, PC and Associates. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Sports Related Foot and Ankle Injuries

Foot and ankle injuries are a common occurrence when it comes to athletes of any sport. While many athletes dismiss the initial aches and pains, the truth is that ignoring potential foot and ankle injuries can lead to serious problems. As athletes continue to place pressure and strain the area further, a mild injury can turn into something as serious as a rupture and may lead to a permanent disability. There are many factors that contribute to sports related foot and ankle injuries, which include failure to warm up properly, not providing support or wearing bad footwear. Common injuries and conditions athletes face, including:

• Plantar Fasciitis
• Achilles Tendinitis
• Achilles Tendon Rupture
• Ankle Sprains

Sports related injuries are commonly treated using the RICE method. This includes rest, applying ice to the injured area, compression and elevating the ankle. More serious sprains and injuries may require surgery, which could include arthroscopic and reconstructive surgery. Rehabilitation and therapy may also be required in order to get any recovering athlete to become fully functional again. Any unusual aches and pains an athlete sustains must be evaluated by a licensed, reputable medical professional.

If you have any questions please contact our office located in Duryea, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Heel spurs are small, bony growths caused by excessive calcium deposits forming on the heel of the foot. These can grow on the bottom of the heel or the heel bone where the plantar fascia ligament attaches the heel to the toes. This connective tissue keeps the foot in a comfortable arch position, but a heel spur can damage the fibrous tissue and it will not be able to perform its job. In addition to causing every step one takes to be painful, heel spurs can cause long-term foot problems. Trying to purchase shoes that accommodate heel spurs can be an overwhelming task, yet it is imperative to wear proper footwear. When choosing footwear to alleviate pain and prevent further damage from heel spurs, it is crucial to look for shoes with firm rearfoots or backs of shoes. These are less apt to bend during movement and thus provide more support to the heel. Shoes should also have additional cushioning and a flexible forefoot that bends and stretches easily with movement. If you suffer from heel spurs, consult with a podiatrist who can help you with treating this condition, as well as suggest the best footwear to help with pain and prevention.

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 one of our podiatrists from David A. Scalzo, DPM, PC and Associates. Our doctors 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, please feel free to contact our office located in Duryea, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Some people use the terms corns and calluses interchangeably, but they are different. A corn is a small, well-defined area of thickened skin that has a hard center core and is surrounded by inflamed skin. It can develop on various parts of the foot, from the sole to the pinky toe, tops of the toes, and between toes. Corns typically develop to protect the skin from excess pressure or friction, often from ill-fitting shoes. Usually, a corn is painful when pressed. A callus is generally not painful when pressed and covers a wider area developing where the feet bear a lot of weight, like the soles. It consists of thick, hard skin throughout the affected area and may not have a defined shape. If you have corns or calluses, it is a good idea to consult with a podiatrist who can provide treatment options for both conditions.

If you have any concerns regarding your feet and ankles, contact one of our podiatrists of David A. Scalzo, DPM, PC and Associates. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Corns: What Are They? and How Do You Get Rid of Them?
Corns can be described as areas of the skin that have thickened to the point of becoming painful or irritating. They are often layers and layers of the skin that have become dry and rough, and are normally smaller than calluses.

Ways to Prevent Corns
There are many ways to get rid of painful corns such as wearing:

• Well-fitting socks
• Comfortable shoes that are not tight around your foot
• Shoes that offer support

Treating Corns
Treatment of corns involves removing the dead skin that has built up in the specific area of the foot. Consult with Our doctors to determine the best treatment option for your case of corns.

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