Items filtered by date: February 2022

Hammertoe is a common foot deformity in which one or more of the smaller toes bend downward at the middle joint. Over time, the affected joints become stiff and difficult or even impossible to move. The tops of the affected toes can develop corns, blisters, and calluses from rubbing up against your shoes, causing pain and making it difficult to find proper footwear. Hammertoe is progressive, meaning it gets worse over time when it is left untreated. When caught in its earlier stages, hammertoe can be treated with conservative methods. These include wearing comfortable, properly fitted shoes, wearing orthotic inserts, and padding the affected toes to prevent skin irritation. For more information about hammertoe, please consult with a podiatrist. 

Hammertoe

Hammertoes can be a painful condition to live with. For more information, contact one of our podiatrists from Nassau Foot & Ankle. 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 Oceanside, Franklin Square, and East Norwich, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Onychomycosis, more commonly known as toenail fungus, is an  infection of the toenails. There are a variety of treatment options available to clear up the fungus, including oral antifungal medications, topical ointments, and laser therapy. While oral antifungals are considered to be very effective, they are not the right treatment option for everyone. Oral antifungals can cause unwanted side effects and may interact with other drugs that you are taking. Topical treatments are applied directly to the nail. Recent advances in topical medications have made them more effective than they once were, with new formulas having more success penetrating the nail bed to cure the fungus. To learn more about topical treatments for toenail fungus, please consult with a podiatrist. 

For more information about treatment, contact one of our podiatrists of Nassau Foot & Ankle. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Toenail Fungus Treatment

Toenail fungus is a condition that affects many people and can be especially hard to get rid of. Fortunately, there are several methods to go about treating and avoiding it.

Antifungals & Deterrence

Oral antifungal medicine has been shown to be effective in many cases. It is important to consult with a podiatrist to determine the proper regiment for you, or potentially explore other options.

Applying foot powder on the feet and shoes helps keep the feet free of moisture and sweat.

Sandals or open toed shoes – Wearing these will allow air movement and help keep feet dry. They also expose your feet to light, which fungus cannot tolerate. Socks with moisture wicking material also help as well.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Oceanside, Franklin Square, and East Norwich, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Cuboid syndrome is a condition that is caused by a partial dislocation of the cuboid bone, located in the center of the foot. When this bone is knocked out of place during an injury, it can cause symptoms such as pain along the outside of the foot, swelling, sensitivity, difficulty walking, and a reduced range of motion. Cuboid syndrome is most frequently caused by repetitive overuse during athletic activities, like tennis, basketball, or dancing. When excessive stress is placed on the feet over and over, cuboid syndrome is more likely to occur. This condition is often associated with sprained ankles. Having altered foot biomechanics, a pronated gait,or a tendency to wear ill-fitting shoes can also increase your risk of injuring the cuboid bone. If you are experiencing the symptoms of cuboid syndrome, it is suggested that you seek the care of a podiatrist.  

Cuboid syndrome, also known as cuboid subluxation, occurs when the joints and ligaments near the cuboid bone in the foot become torn. If you have cuboid syndrome, consult with one of our podiatrists from Nassau Foot & Ankle. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Cuboid syndrome is a common cause of lateral foot pain, which is pain on the outside of the foot. The condition may happen suddenly due to an ankle sprain, or it may develop slowly overtime from repetitive tension through the bone and surrounding structures.

Causes

The most common causes of cuboid syndrome include:

• Injury – The most common cause of this ailment is an ankle sprain.
• Repetitive Strain – Tension placed through the peroneus longus muscle from repetitive activities such as jumping and running may cause excessive traction on the bone causing it to sublux.
• Altered Foot Biomechanics – Most people suffering from cuboid subluxation have flat feet.

Symptoms

A common symptom of cuboid syndrome is pain along the outside of the foot which can be felt in the ankle and toes. This pain may create walking difficulties and may cause those with the condition to walk with a limp.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of cuboid syndrome is often difficult, and it is often misdiagnosed. X-rays, MRIs and CT scans often fail to properly show the cuboid subluxation. Although there isn’t a specific test used to diagnose cuboid syndrome, your podiatrist will usually check if pain is felt while pressing firmly on the cuboid bone of your foot.

Treatment

Just as the range of causes varies widely, so do treatments. Some more common treatments are ice therapy, rest, exercise, taping, and orthotics.

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