Common Foot Issues You Can Prevent By Finding The Perfect Pair

If you are experiencing pain in your feet you may want to consider switching your shoes. The most common causes of stiff, claw-like feet are due to wearing shoes that are too short and too narrow for your feet. The constant movement, either from walking, running, dancing, or another physical activity helps to push all of your stress and weight onto your toes, also known as digits. These regularly performed movements in a shoe that's improperly fit can result in stiffness and rigidity so remember whenever you're searching for the perfect heels, sandals, sneakers, or boots, go with a wide toe box that will give you at least a 1/2 inch between the end of your longest toe and the inside of the tip of the shoe. 

Dr. Ayan Goswami is a board-certified podiatrist and fellowship-trained in foot and ankle reconstructive trauma surgery. Dr. Goswami, who also treats patients from the New York Dance Academy and New York Ballet, explains in the video below common foot injuries, other related causes of these injuries, and potential treatment options you and your physician may want to consider.

WHAT ARE HAMMERTOES?

A hammertoe is a contracted digital deformity. This means that your toes, previously referred to as digits, become permanently frozen in a bent position that is similar in shape to the letter "C". Once these bones are rigid they start to become arthritic, unnaturally forcing the bone on your toes to press upward and against the top of your shoe which results in a lot of friction. This can lead your foot to form a callus and, as they mature, can become extremely painful. Before the pain severely matures, it is important to contact your local physician and seek the best treatment options so you can get you back up and on your feet comfortably.

If the callus formation was to be exposed it could create a lesion, once it has turned into a wound, it can cause osteomyelitis. Osteomyelitis is a bone infection that is caused by germs commonly found on the skin. Although some cases can become severe, there are many measures one can take to repair the hammertoe early on in order to avoid the bones in your foot from needing serious treatment.

Treatment Options for Hammertoes

If your hammertoe is mild to moderate, you may consider performing foot exercises such as extending and curling your toes or moving them individually to help further the digital contracture. Another technique you may use to help prevent a severe hammertoe from forming is by taping or splinting your toe in a straight corrective position. Don't forget that finding and wearing shoes that fit properly and are not narrow will keep your future self happy and ready to do the things you love most.

However, if you are still experiencing pain there are surgical techniques that treat hammertoes before they become even more painful. One of those methods is a simple arthroplasty. Arthroplasty is when you shorten the bone by surgically shaving down your proximal phalanx.

Another treatment option is to implant as they allow the toes to be sustained in a corrective manner, making the whole foot more stable and painless to move around on. The beauty of hammertoe corrections is that the implants act almost at the joint itself so after your surgical recovery you can get back to moving and feeling your best.

If you have any questions or concerns, call us today at 561-544-5501 and let us help you take your first step towards healing.