Items filtered by date: December 2020

The toes can have a variety of issues that may require surgery. These issues include deformities, pain in the joints, and pain in the ball of the foot. When the tendons that help the toes move get too tight or out of balance, or when there is arthritis in the toes, they can move out of position and deform. Alternatives to surgery for toe related issues include wearing orthotics, strapping and padding the toes, and wearing comfortable shoes with a wide toe box. Surgery will help straighten out the toes. Depending on the cause of your problem, your surgeon’s options to straighten out the toes include releasing or lengthening tendons, putting joints back in place, removing bone, stiffening joints or realigning the toes. If you have any issues with your toes that you believe may require surgery, consulting with a podiatrist to find the correct treatment options is highly recommended.

Foot surgery is sometimes necessary to treat a foot ailment. To learn more, contact Dr. Richard Silverstein of Union Foot Care. Our doctor 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 Havre de Grace, MD . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

The joint that is affected by a bunion is located on the side of the big toe. A bunion appears as a large, bony protrusion, and it can occur for different reasons. These can consist of genetic factors, or from wearing shoes that do not have adequate room for the toes to move freely in. Common symptoms that are typically associated with bunions can include swelling, redness, and toe pain. Many patients notice that there are corns and calluses that form on top of the bunion. This can be a result of excess friction that is caused by shoes rubbing against the bunion. It is beneficial to wear larger shoes that can accommodate the bunion, as this may provide mild relief. If you notice an abnormal bump on your big toe, please consult with a podiatrist who can properly diagnose this ailment and offer you treatment options.

If you are suffering from bunion pain, contact Dr. Richard Silverstein of Union Foot Care. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is a Bunion?

Bunions are painful bony bumps that usually develop on the inside of the foot at the joint of the big toe. As the deformity increases over time, it may become painful to walk and wear shoes. Women are more likely to exacerbate existing bunions since they often wear tight, narrow shoes that shift their toes together. Bunion pain can be relieved by wearing wider shoes with enough room for the toes.

Causes

• Genetics – some people inherit feet that are more prone to bunion development
• Inflammatory Conditions - rheumatoid arthritis and polio may cause bunion development

Symptoms

• Redness and inflammation
• Pain and tenderness
• Callus or corns on the bump
• Restricted motion in the big toe

In order to diagnose your bunion, your podiatrist may ask about your medical history, symptoms, and general health. Your doctor might also order an x-ray to take a closer look at your feet. Nonsurgical treatment options include orthotics, padding, icing, changes in footwear, and medication. If nonsurgical treatments don’t alleviate your bunion pain, surgery may be necessary.

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

The joint that is affected by a bunion is located on the side of the big toe. A bunion appears as a large, bony protrusion, and it can occur for different reasons. These can consist of genetic factors, or from wearing shoes that do not have adequate room for the toes to move freely in. Common symptoms that are typically associated with bunions can include swelling, redness, and toe pain. Many patients notice that there are corns and calluses that form on top of the bunion. This can be a result of excess friction that is caused by shoes rubbing against the bunion. It is beneficial to wear larger shoes that can accommodate the bunion, as this may provide mild relief. If you notice an abnormal bump on your big toe, please consult with a podiatrist who can properly diagnose this ailment and offer you treatment options.

If you are suffering from bunion pain, contact Dr. Richard Silverstein of Union Foot Care. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is a Bunion?

Bunions are painful bony bumps that usually develop on the inside of the foot at the joint of the big toe. As the deformity increases over time, it may become painful to walk and wear shoes. Women are more likely to exacerbate existing bunions since they often wear tight, narrow shoes that shift their toes together. Bunion pain can be relieved by wearing wider shoes with enough room for the toes.

Causes

• Genetics – some people inherit feet that are more prone to bunion development
• Inflammatory Conditions - rheumatoid arthritis and polio may cause bunion development

Symptoms

• Redness and inflammation
• Pain and tenderness
• Callus or corns on the bump
• Restricted motion in the big toe

In order to diagnose your bunion, your podiatrist may ask about your medical history, symptoms, and general health. Your doctor might also order an x-ray to take a closer look at your feet. Nonsurgical treatment options include orthotics, padding, icing, changes in footwear, and medication. If nonsurgical treatments don’t alleviate your bunion pain, surgery may be necessary.

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

A sprained toe is a very common foot injury that can affect anyone at any time. The more frequent causes tend to be stubbing the toe or injuring it during a sporting activity. A sprained toe means torn ligaments, and this can hinder completing daily activities, not to mention the pain and discomfort that often coincides. Sprained toes are classified into three categories and the healing time is governed by which area they fall into. A mild sprain takes the least amount of time to heal, and the patient may be fully recovered within two weeks. The ligaments may be partially torn in a moderate sprain, and the toe may be unstable. The healing time with this type of sprain can extend to up to five weeks. The full healing time with a severe sprain can take six weeks or longer, and can require the most amount of care. If you have a sprained toe it is advised that you consult with a podiatrist who can properly diagnose the severity of your injury and guide you toward proper treatment techniques.

A broken toe can be very painful and lead to complications if not properly fixed. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Dr. Richard Silverstein from Union Foot Care. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What to Know About a Broken Toe

Although most people try to avoid foot trauma such as banging, stubbing, or dropping heavy objects on their feet, the unfortunate fact is that it is a common occurrence. Given the fact that toes are positioned in front of the feet, they typically sustain the brunt of such trauma. When trauma occurs to a toe, the result can be a painful break (fracture).

Symptoms of a Broken Toe

• Throbbing pain
• Swelling
• Bruising on the skin and toenail
• The inability to move the toe
• Toe appears crooked or disfigured
• Tingling or numbness in the toe

Generally, it is best to stay off of the injured toe with the affected foot elevated.

Severe toe fractures may be treated with a splint, cast, and in some cases, minor surgery. Due to its position and the pressure it endures with daily activity, future complications can occur if the big toe is not properly treated.

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

A sprained toe is a very common foot injury that can affect anyone at any time. The more frequent causes tend to be stubbing the toe or injuring it during a sporting activity. A sprained toe means torn ligaments, and this can hinder completing daily activities, not to mention the pain and discomfort that often coincides. Sprained toes are classified into three categories and the healing time is governed by which area they fall into. A mild sprain takes the least amount of time to heal, and the patient may be fully recovered within two weeks. The ligaments may be partially torn in a moderate sprain, and the toe may be unstable. The healing time with this type of sprain can extend to up to five weeks. The full healing time with a severe sprain can take six weeks or longer, and can require the most amount of care. If you have a sprained toe it is advised that you consult with a podiatrist who can properly diagnose the severity of your injury and guide you toward proper treatment techniques.

A broken toe can be very painful and lead to complications if not properly fixed. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Dr. Richard Silverstein from Union Foot Care. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What to Know About a Broken Toe

Although most people try to avoid foot trauma such as banging, stubbing, or dropping heavy objects on their feet, the unfortunate fact is that it is a common occurrence. Given the fact that toes are positioned in front of the feet, they typically sustain the brunt of such trauma. When trauma occurs to a toe, the result can be a painful break (fracture).

Symptoms of a Broken Toe

• Throbbing pain
• Swelling
• Bruising on the skin and toenail
• The inability to move the toe
• Toe appears crooked or disfigured
• Tingling or numbness in the toe

Generally, it is best to stay off of the injured toe with the affected foot elevated.

Severe toe fractures may be treated with a splint, cast, and in some cases, minor surgery. Due to its position and the pressure it endures with daily activity, future complications can occur if the big toe is not properly treated.

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

Hammertoes are a type of toe deformity that cause the ends of the affected toes to bend downward at the middle joint. At first, the affected toes may be flexible, but over time, the joints can become stiff, leaving the toes stuck in a claw-like position. The most common cause of hammertoes is wearing shoes that are too narrow and tight, which cause the toes to bend upward. Muscles and tendons within the affected toes become tighter and shorter, causing the toe to remain in a bent position long after you have taken off the shoes. Risk factors that increase your risk of developing hammertoes also include having longer toes, bunions, or rheumatoid arthritis. Hammertoes can cause pain and discomfort, make it difficult to wear shoes, and increase your chances of getting corns, calluses, and blisters on your toes. If you have hammertoes, it is suggested that you seek the care of a podiatrist.

Hammertoe

Hammertoes can be a painful condition to live with. For more information, contact Dr. Richard Silverstein from Union Foot Care. Our doctor 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 office located in Havre de Grace, MD . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Hammertoes are a type of toe deformity that cause the ends of the affected toes to bend downward at the middle joint. At first, the affected toes may be flexible, but over time, the joints can become stiff, leaving the toes stuck in a claw-like position. The most common cause of hammertoes is wearing shoes that are too narrow and tight, which cause the toes to bend upward. Muscles and tendons within the affected toes become tighter and shorter, causing the toe to remain in a bent position long after you have taken off the shoes. Risk factors that increase your risk of developing hammertoes also include having longer toes, bunions, or rheumatoid arthritis. Hammertoes can cause pain and discomfort, make it difficult to wear shoes, and increase your chances of getting corns, calluses, and blisters on your toes. If you have hammertoes, it is suggested that you seek the care of a podiatrist.

Hammertoe

Hammertoes can be a painful condition to live with. For more information, contact Dr. Richard Silverstein from Union Foot Care. Our doctor 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 office located in Havre de Grace, MD . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.