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Comparing Minimally Invasive and Traditional Hammertoe Surgery

Tuesday, 27 January 2026

Hammertoe correction can be performed using either smaller incision techniques or a more traditional open approach. Minimally invasive procedures use very small openings and specialized instruments to realign the toe. This approach often results in less disruption to surrounding tissue, smaller scars, and a potentially faster return to regular footwear. Swelling and postoperative discomfort may also be reduced for some patients. Open hammertoe correction involves a larger incision that allows direct visualization of bones, tendons, and joints. This method may be preferred for severe deformities or complex cases where greater correction is needed. Both techniques aim to straighten the toe, reduce pressure, and improve comfort. The choice depends on toe stiffness, overall foot structure, health status, and activity level. Recovery plans differ based on the method used. If hammertoe pain or deformity interferes with your daily life, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist to discuss appropriate treatment options.

Hammertoe

Hammertoes can be a painful condition to live with. For more information, contact Dr. Janet Leicht from New Jersey. 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 feel free to contact our office located in Berkeley Heights, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

How to Recognize Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome

Tuesday, 20 January 2026

Tarsal tunnel syndrome involves pressure on a nerve that travels along the inside of the ankle and into the sole of the foot. It is similar to how carpal tunnel syndrome affects a nerve at the wrist. The pain develops when the tibial nerve is squeezed within a narrow space near the ankle, leading to sensory changes in the foot. Warning signs include tingling, numbness, burning, or sharp sensations in the arch, heel, or toes. Discomfort can worsen with walking or standing and continue during rest. Causes include flat feet, swelling after ankle injuries, arthritis-related changes, or soft tissue masses near the nerve. A podiatrist can evaluate foot structure, check nerve response, and confirm the source of compression. If you are experiencing such ankle pain, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and options for treatment.

Ankle pain can have many different causes and the pain may potentially be serious. If you have ankle pain, consult with Dr. Janet Leicht from New Jersey. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Ankle pain is any condition that causes pain in the ankle. Due to the fact that the ankle consists of tendons, muscles, bones, and ligaments, ankle pain can come from a number of different conditions.

Causes

The most common causes of ankle pain include:

Types of arthritis (rheumatoid, osteoarthritis, and gout)
Ankle sprains
Broken ankles
Achilles tendinitis
Achilles tendon rupture
Stress fractures
Tarsal tunnel syndrome
Plantar fasciitis

Symptoms

Symptoms of ankle injury vary based upon the condition. Pain may include general pain and discomfort, swelling, aching, redness, bruising, burning or stabbing sensations, and/or loss of sensation.

Diagnosis

Due to the wide variety of potential causes of ankle pain, podiatrists will utilize a number of different methods to properly diagnose ankle pain. This can include asking for personal and family medical histories and of any recent injuries. Further diagnosis may include sensation tests, a physical examination, and potentially x-rays or other imaging tests.

Treatment

Just as the range of causes varies widely, so do treatments. Some more common treatments are rest, ice packs, keeping pressure off the foot, orthotics and braces, medication for inflammation and pain, and surgery.

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

Risk Factors for Foot Stress Fractures

Tuesday, 13 January 2026

Foot stress fractures are small cracks in the bones of the foot that develop from repetitive force and overuse rather than a single injury. They often occur when the foot is subjected to repeated impact without enough time to recover. Common risk factors include a sudden increase in activity, lack of variety in exercise routines, and challenges with weight management that place extra stress on the bones. Wearing poor footwear and inadequate conditioning may also contribute to these injuries. Early symptoms often include localized pain, swelling, and discomfort that worsens with activity. A podiatrist can diagnose stress fractures through examination and imaging, guide proper rest, recommend supportive footwear or immobilization, and create a safe return to activity. If you have consistent foot pain, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can accurately diagnose what is going on, and offer appropriate treatment solutions.

Activities where too much pressure is put on the feet can cause stress fractures. To learn more, contact Dr. Janet Leicht from New Jersey. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep your pain free and on your feet.

Dealing with Stress Fractures of the Foot and Ankle

Stress fractures occur in the foot and ankle when muscles in these areas weaken from too much or too little use. The feet and ankles then lose support when walking or running from the impact of the ground. Since there is no protection, the bones receive the full impact of each step. Stress on the feet can cause cracks to form in the bones, thus creating stress fractures.

What Are Stress Fractures?

Stress fractures occur frequently in individuals whose daily activities cause great impact on the feet and ankles. Stress factors are most common among:

Runners
People affected with Osteoporosis
Tennis or basketball players
Gymnasts
High impact workouts

Symptoms

Pain from the fractures occur in the area of the fractures and can be constant or intermittent. It will often cause sharp or dull pain with swelling and tenderness. Engaging in any kind of activity which involves high impact will aggravate pain.

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

Wounds That Don't Heal Need to Be Checked

Friday, 09 January 2026

Your feet are covered most of the day. If you're diabetic, periodic screening is important for good health. Numbness is often a sign of diabetic foot and can mask a sore or wound.

Building Strong Feet

Tuesday, 06 January 2026

Keeping the feet strong can improve balance, stability, and overall movement during daily activities. One helpful exercise is a towel scrunch. Place a small towel on the floor, rest your foot on top, and slowly pull the towel toward you by curling your toes. This strengthens the small muscles that support the arch. Another useful exercise is the heel raise. Stand near a counter for support, lift your heels until you are on the balls of your feet, pause briefly, and lower with control. This helps build strength in the calves and improves ankle stability. While these movements support functional fitness, they are most effective when performed correctly and paired with proper footwear and healthy mechanics. A podiatrist can evaluate your foot structure, recommend appropriate exercises, and address any discomfort that limits progress. If foot pain develops during these activities, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for effective relief tips and additional guidance on exercising the feet.

Exercising your feet regularly with the proper foot wear is a great way to prevent injuries and build strength. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Dr. Janet Leicht from New Jersey. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Exercise for Your Feet

Exercise for your feet can help you gain strength, mobility and flexibility in your feet. They say that strengthening your feet can be just as rewarding as strengthening another part of the body. Your feet are very important, and we often forget about them in our daily tasks. But it is because of our feet that are we able to get going and do what we need to. For those of us fortunate enough to not have any foot problems, it is an important gesture to take care of them to ensure good health in the long run.

Some foot health exercises can include ankle pumps, tip-toeing, toe rises, lifting off the floor doing reps and sets, and flexing the toes. It is best to speak with Our doctor to determine an appropriate regimen for your needs. Everyone’s needs and bodies are different, and the activities required to maintain strength in the feet vary from individual to individual.

Once you get into a routine of doing regular exercise, you may notice a difference in your feet and how strong they may become.

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

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