- Blogs
- November 16, 2023
- Category: Hammertoes
- Tags: Bunions, claw toes, flexible hammertoes, hammertoes, Improper footwear, injuries, mallet, podiatrist, rigid hammertoes, semi-rigid hammertoes, Stiff hammertoes, West Hartford Podiatry, West Hartford Podiatry Associates
As the weather gets chillier and our shoes get heavier, it’s worth mentioning a common and intractable problem that we at West Hartford Podiatry Associates see all too often: hammertoes.
Hammertoes develop from a progression of symptoms and joint abnormalities affecting your toes. Specifically, the term refers to toe joint misalignment and includes mallet and claw toes.
If a hammertoe is left alone too long, you may eventually lose the ability to move the injured toe. So it’s best to stay informed, and we’ve put together a short collection of helpful information to help you do just that.
Hammertoes comes in three varieties:
- Flexible: The toes that are afflicted can still move at the affected joint.
- Semi-rigid: The hammertoe is becoming less flexible.
- Stiff: A rigid hammertoe that is immobile.
This problem can often be traced to more than one cause, and multiple conditions worsen it. If hammertoes get out of hand, surgery is usually required.
Improper footwear
- Toes forced into a cramped position by shoes with a high heel or a toe box that is too small are at risk for hammertoe complications.
- The afflicted toes can eventually lose the ability to straighten themselves, even when supported by better footwear choices or custom orthotics.
Bunions
- Hammertoes are more prevalent among individuals who have bunions.
- Pressure from the big tie is borne by the rest of the toes, causing them to become bent.
Injuries
- A toe that has been stubbed, jammed, or broken may be more likely to develop into a hammertoe.
- Abnormality in the toe muscles and instability resulting from imbalance may cause the toe to curl.
Don’t let a hammertoe slow you down. At West Hartford Podiatry Associates, Dr. Marc Lederman, and Dr. Kurt Rode treat a variety of foot and ankle conditions, such as ankle sprains, fractures, running injuries, sports injuries, pediatric foot care, bunions, heel pain, and neuromas. We provide superior podiatric solutions to patients of all ages in Hartford County. Contact us at 860-236-2564 for all your foot and ankle needs. Our office is at 2531 Albany Ave, West Hartford, CT 06117.
- Blogs
- October 3, 2023
- Category: Pediatric Foot Issues
- Tags: Achilles tendon, Achilles tendonitis, ankle fractures, Ankle Health, ankle sprains, Common Injuries, exercise, feet, foot care, foot fractures, foot health, heel pain, injuries, podiatrist, toe fractures, West Hartford Podiatry Associates
Children’s bones, ligaments, and tendons undergo rapid growth during growth spurts and can be more susceptible to injury and pain during these times. It is good practice to pay attention to how your developing child walks, runs, and moves to notice problems with their feet. We encourage all your parents to have a podiatrist assess any concerns about pediatric foot care. Have your kids see a foot doctor regularly throughout childhood to catch and correct problems as they arise and to prevent unnecessary complications. Here at West Hartford Podiatry Associates, we pride ourselves in offering the best Pediatric Foot care for your child.
Common foot and ankle problems experienced by children usually include one or more of the following:
Sprained and strained ankles: This is one of the most common injuries in children and adults. Ankle sprains in children heal more quickly, but you should always have them treated promptly and properly by your foot doctor to avoid future complications or missed diagnoses, like fractures.
Achilles tendon problems / Heel Pain: The insertion point where the Achilles tendon attaches to the heel is often the site of tendonitis/apophysitis (Sever’s Disease) in children. Heel pain in children often responds well to rest and cold therapy, but if heel pain persists all your foot doctor.
Toe and foot fractures: Acute breaks and stress fractures are more common in kids since their bones are still developing and haven’t reached full strength.
Children often outgrow foot and ankle issues, but to ensure things progress normally, see your podiatrist for the proper diagnosis, advice, and treatment!
At West Hartford Podiatry Associates, Marc Lederman, DPM, and Kurt Rode, DPM, treat a variety of foot and ankle conditions such as ankle sprains, fractures, running injuries, sports injuries, pediatric foot care, bunions, hammertoes, heel pain, and neuromas. We provide the best podiatric solutions to patients of all ages in Hartford County. Contact us for your foot and ankle needs. Our office is at 2531 Albany Ave, West Hartford, CT 06117.
- Blogs
- July 22, 2022
- Category: Foot Health, Podiatry, running
- Tags: Achilles tendonitis, ankle sprains, feet and ankles, feet and ankles injuries, injuries, orthotics, plantar fasciitis, podiatrist, prevention, runner, running, running injuries, treatment
If you’ve been running this summer, then you know the injuries that may come your way. For a runner, these injuries can be discouraging. Depending on the severity of the condition, you can be off the treadmill, road, or track for longer than you’d like. We’re here to help you stay the course this summer. There are things you can do today to protect your feet and ankles. It’s not too late.
The doctors at West Hartford Podiatry Associates know the common problems that can face patients. Even better, they also have prevention tips and treatment options. Of course, we always start with your shoes. Make sure you are training with the proper shoes.
Here are some helpful tips for common injuries:
Ankle sprains
It only takes a twist or a wrong turn for an ankle sprain to become your new reality. This injury is often ignored and undiagnosed. When your ankle moves unnaturally, watch for symptoms like swelling or pain. Ignoring the symptoms can lead to prolonged problems.
Prevention: Choose shoes with ankle support
Treatment: Rest, use ice, apply compression, and elevate your leg; then, contact a podiatrist
Plantar fasciitis
Plantar fasciitis is a form of heel pain. It occurs when we overload our plantar fascia, which also provides arch support. This is a condition that is telling you to let your body rest. Many people will notice pain first thing in the morning.
Prevention: Stretch and slowly increase your intensity
Treatment: More arch support, orthotics, ice, and rest
Achilles tendonitis
We have another overuse injury here, so runners beware. A burst of intensity or sudden pressure can be the cause. For runners, this means sprinting or continued running or training. We know that many runners encounter these scenarios, but there are ways to stay safe.
Prevention: Stretch and take training slowly
Treatment: Rest, begin physical therapy, or consider surgery (only if necessary)
We don’t want your training to take a different turn this season. Take these steps now to protect your feet and ankles.
At West Hartford Podiatry Associates, Harvey Lederman, DPM, Marc Lederman, DPM, and Kurt Rode, DPM treat a variety of foot and ankle conditions such as ankle sprains, fractures, running injuries, pediatric foot care, bunions, hammertoes, heel pain, and neuromas. We provide the best podiatric solutions to patients of all ages in Hartford County. Contact us for your foot and ankle needs. Our office is at 2531 Albany Ave, West Hartford, CT 06117.
- Blogs
- January 20, 2022
- Category: Foot Health, winter foot care
- Tags: dry skin, feet, foot doctor, injuries, podiatrist, shoes, socks, winter
Winter is here, and we have seen some freezing temperatures — literally. As we bundle up and wonder if another round of snow is coming, we can’t put our foot hygiene routine to the side. During the winter, there are a few tips that can make sure your feet will be summer ready. From moisturizing regularly to using caution with heat, we’re sharing 10 tips to carry you through the winter season. Bundle up and take notes.
Throughout the season, the doctors at West Hartford Podiatry Associates have noticed common foot conditions that affect patients. Sometimes, the conditions remain untreated and may worsen over time.
Here are your 10 winter tips:
- Moisturize daily: Wash and dry your feet, but don’t forget to add moisture. Winter weather can bring on dry skin. Ask your doctor if a cream or a lotion is best for your skin.
- Warm with wisdom: Never place your feet near direct heat. While trying to stay warm, dress in layers.
- Keep your feet moving: Don’t forget to exercise! Circulation is important during winter, too.
- Wear clean, dry socks: Who wants stinky feet in the winter? Always wear clean, dry socks and avoid pairs with holes.
- Let your shoes dry: Sweaty shoes? Give them time to dry.
- Don’t dismiss dry, cracked heels: Watch dry skin and address it quickly. Contact your podiatrist.
- Don’t take a break on your podiatry appointments: Don’t reschedule or push appointments to the spring or summer. Stay on top of maintenance.
- Wear the right shoes for the weather: Winter weather can cause injuries. From snow to rain, wear shoes to give you the best traction.
- Watch out for changes: We keep our feet covered often during the winter, but don’t take a break on daily foot inspections.
- Support matters every season: From winter boots to rain boots, shop with comfort and support in mind.
Do you have any winter tips? Share these tips with a friend. We hope these recommendations keep your feet healthy and warm and ready for the warmer seasons ahead. We’re here to help you navigate the winter season.
At West Hartford Podiatry Associates, Harvey Lederman, DPM, Marc Lederman, DPM, and Kurt Rode, DPM treat a variety of foot and ankle conditions such as ankle sprains, fractures, running injuries, sports injuries, pediatric foot care, bunions, hammertoes, heel pain, and neuromas. We provide the best podiatric solutions to patients of all ages in Hartford County. Contact us for your foot and ankle needs. Our office is at 2531 Albany Ave, West Hartford, CT 06117.
injuries
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