Items filtered by date: February 2024

Pain in the big toe joint is a common source of discomfort that affects mobility and overall quality of life for many individuals. Whether stemming from age-related wear and tear, conditions like bunions, or physical injuries, understanding the underlying causes is vital for effective management. Hallux rigidus, characterized by joint degeneration and restricted movement, often accompanies osteoarthritis and may require surgical intervention in severe cases. Bunions are bony protrusions that often necessitate changes in footwear and orthotic support, with surgery as a potential solution for more severe cases. Physical injuries to the big toe joint can lead to swelling, pain, and an increased risk of developing arthritis or other joint-related issues. When conservative treatments fail to provide adequate relief, surgical options such as bunionectomy, joint realignment, or fusion may be needed. If you have persistent pain in the big toe, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam and a diagnosis, before deciding on the right treatment. 

Toe pain can disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, contact one of our doctors of Godoy Foot and Ankle Center. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Causes Toe Pain?

Most severe toe pain is caused due to a sports injury, trauma from dropping something heavy on the toe, or bumping into something rigid. Other problems can develop over time for various reasons.

Toe pain can be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

• Trauma
• Sports injury
• Wearing shoes that are too tight
• Arthritis
• Gout
• Corns and calluses
• Hammertoe
• Bunions
• Blisters
• Ingrown toenails
• Sprains
• Fractures (broken bones)
• Dislocations

When to See a Podiatrist

• Severe pain
• Persistent pain that lasts more than a week
• Signs of infection
• Continued swelling
• Pain that prevents walking

Diagnosis

In many cases the cause of toe pain is obvious, but in others, a podiatrist may want to use more advanced methods to determine the problem. These can range from simple visual inspections and sensation tests to X-rays and MRI scans. Prior medical history, family medical history, and any recent physical traumatic events will all be taken into consideration for a proper diagnosis.

Treatment

Treatments for toe pain and injuries vary and may include shoe inserts, padding, taping, medicines, injections, and in some cases, surgery. If you believe that you have broken a toe, please see a podiatrist as soon as possible.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Wayne, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Heel spur surgery, a medical intervention aimed at addressing persistent heel pain caused by calcium deposits on the underside of the heel bone, is often considered when conservative treatments fail to provide relief. The surgical procedure involves the removal of the bony protrusion, known as a heel spur, and sometimes the release of the plantar fascia ligament to alleviate tension and discomfort. Before surgery, patients undergo thorough evaluation and diagnostic tests to confirm the presence of a heel spur and rule out other potential causes of heel pain. During the surgical procedure, the surgeon makes an incision near the heel and carefully removes the bony growth using specialized instruments. Following surgery, patients typically undergo a period of rehabilitation to restore strength, flexibility, and mobility in the affected foot. While heel spur surgery can offer significant relief for individuals suffering from chronic heel pain, it's essential to discuss the risks, benefits, and potential outcomes with a podiatrist to make informed treatment decisions. If you have a heel spur and are considering surgery for relief, it is suggested that you seek counsel from this type of doctor who can help you make the decision that is right for you.

Foot surgery is sometimes necessary to treat a foot ailment. To learn more, contact one of our doctors of Godoy Foot and Ankle Center. Our doctors will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.

When Is Surgery Necessary?

Foot and ankle surgery is generally reserved for cases in which less invasive, conservative procedures have failed to alleviate the problem. Some of the cases in which surgery may be necessary include:

• Removing foot deformities like bunions and bone spurs
• Severe arthritis that has caused bone issues
• Cosmetic reconstruction

What Types of Surgery Are There?

The type of surgery you receive will depend on the nature of the problem you have. Some of the possible surgeries include:

• Bunionectomy for painful bunions
• Surgical fusion for realignment of bones
• Neuropathy decompression surgery to treat nerve damage

Benefits of Surgery

Although surgery is usually a last resort, it can provide more complete pain relief compared to non-surgical methods and may allow you to finally resume full activity.

Surgical techniques have also become increasingly sophisticated. Techniques like endoscopic surgery allow for smaller incisions and faster recovery times.

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

The human foot, with its intricate network of bones, is organized into two arches, one running the length of the foot and other the width. The arches are supported by ligaments, muscles, and the plantar fascia, which runs beneath the foot. They function as a shock absorbing system during walking. Foot pain can be felt in the arches, including muscle strain, ligament sprains, fractures, poor alignment, or tightness within the foot's structures. Inflammation of the plantar fascia, often due to injury or repetitive stress, commonly leads to discomfort and restricted mobility. Symptoms of arch pain can include a dull ache in the bottom of the foot, a sign of plantar fasciitis, or specific joint tenderness or swelling, which may indicate a sprain or fracture, necessitating prompt medical attention. Conditions such as arthritis or stress fractures can also result from repetitive stress or trauma to the foot muscles or bones. A physical examination by a podiatrist, imaging tests, and gait analysis may be needed. If you are suffering from arch pain, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for treatment options.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with one of our doctors from Godoy Foot and Ankle Center. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Causes

Foot pain is a very broad condition that could be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

• Bunions
• Hammertoes
• Plantar Fasciitis
• Bone Spurs
• Corns
• Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
• Ingrown Toenails
• Arthritis (such as Gout, Rheumatoid, and Osteoarthritis)
• Flat Feet
• Injury (from stress fractures, broken toe, foot, ankle, Achilles tendon ruptures, and sprains)
• And more

Diagnosis

To figure out the cause of foot pain, podiatrists utilize several different methods. This can range from simple visual inspections and sensation tests to X-rays and MRI scans. Prior medical history, family medical history, and any recent physical traumatic events will all be taken into consideration for a proper diagnosis.

Treatment

Treatment depends upon the cause of the foot pain. Whether it is resting, staying off the foot, or having surgery; podiatrists have a number of treatment options available for foot pain.

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

Understanding the difference between tennis shoes and running shoes is necessary to improve performance and prevent injuries. While both types of shoes are commonly referred to as sneakers, they differ in several ways. Tennis shoes prioritize lateral stability and traction to accommodate the directional changes inherent in tennis. Running shoes focus on cushioning and support for forward motion, facilitating a smooth heel to toe transition. This discrepancy is evident in the midsole construction. Running shoes feature thicker midsoles for impact absorption and arch support, while tennis shoes have thinner midsoles to enhance lateral support. In addition, the lifespan of each shoe type varies. Running shoes typically require replacement every 350 to 500 miles due to midsole wear. With tennis shoes, the integrity of the outsole tread dictates their longevity.  If you are experiencing foot pain that may be related to your choice of footwear, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam, diagnosis, and treatment. 

You should always make sure your running shoes fit properly in order to avoid injury. For more information, contact one of our doctors from Godoy Foot and Ankle Center. 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

Improper shoe sizing can cause a myriad of problems for your feet. Shoes that don’t fit you properly can lead to muscular imbalances in your body, which can result in foot, knee, and hip injuries.

Tips for Finding the Right Running Shoe

• Make sure you have a thumb’s width of wiggle room between the end of your longest toe and the front of the shoe.
• There should be little to no slipping at the heel
• Don’t assume your size in one shoe brand will be your size in another
• Do not lace up your shoes too tightly
• Walk around in the store with your new shoes before you buy them

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