Mercer-Ocean Podiatry, PC

Our feet withstand a lot. They hold up the full weight of our bodies and propel us forward. It’s important that we take care of our feet so that they can last us our lifetimes with little complication. Common toe deformities such as claw toe, hammertoe, and mallet toe can all be prevented if we treat our feet right. We at Mercer-Ocean Podiatry, PC in New Jersey are dedicated to helping our patients find relief and educating them about how they can prevent future toe deformities.    Claw toe, hammertoe, and mallet toe: it almost sounds like we’re going through a toolbox. But the names do lend to the visual abnormality of these deformities, as well as the discomfort. Most of the time, surgery will be required to completely correct these deformities. The tissue will need to be released and tendons will need to be lengthened.    A closer look at the common toe deformities:   - Claw toe: This deformity is caused by one of the tendons in the foot contracting, raising the first bone in the t...

It’s typical for people to assume older individuals are more prone to bunions when in actuality, people of all ages and at any fitness level can develop them. Though, this foot condition is more common in women and, yes, older individuals. Bunions can develop as a result of an inherited defect, stress on the foot, arthritis, or from wearing tight, narrow shoes. Bunions are permanent unless surgically corrected. We at Mercer-Ocean Podiatry, PC want to help our patients alleviate the pain associated with this foot condition. Bunions form when your big toe pushes against the toe next to it, forcing the joint of the big toe to grow and stick out more than normal. This area becomes inflamed, swollen, and radiates persistent or intermittent pain. You should see your New Jersey podiatrist if you experience constant pain in your big toe or foot, or if you notice decreased movement or a visible bump on your big toe joint. If you find it difficult to find shoes that fit correctly because of your...

The toe contains two joints that allow it to bend in the middle and the bottom. When a patient has a hammertoe, a deformity allows the middle joint to become flexed, or bent downward. This can happen to one toe or all of them and usually develops over time due to arthritis, or ill-fitting footwear. Hammertoes may only be reversible by surgery, but Dr. Frank Killian of Mercer-Ocean Podiatry, PC, will explore non-invasive treatment options first. If you feel pain in the toes and have difficulty finding shoes due to hammertoe, have no fear. Common causes of hammertoe include a traumatic toe injury, arthritis, an unusually high foot arch, or wearing shoes that don’t fit properly. Treatment for hammertoe typically involves fitting the patient with soft shoes that have roomy toe boxes. Additionally, Dr. Killian may suggest toe exercises to stretch and strengthen the muscles. If you have questions or concerns regarding hammertoe treatment, please give us a call. To learn about services provid...