Some foot deformities are present from birth, and some can slowly build up over time, causing pain and discomfort. For milder cases of foot deformities, braces and conservative treatment may be enough to correct the condition. If these methods do not improve your condition, your podiatrist may recommend surgery to get your feet back in good shape.
Common Foot Deformities Seen by Manhattan Podiatrists
1 Bunion
One of the most common foot deformities that we see at Best Foot Doctor in Manhattan is bunions. This very painful condition is often caused by wearing ill-fitting shoes. It is more prevalent in women than in men because of the nature of high heels and fashionable footwear. This causes the bones in the big toe to move around, inflaming the area and causing significant pain and deformity.
Shoe orthotics may be enough to correct bunions on their own, but because of the painful nature of this foot deformity, surgery may be required to fix it.
2 Flat feet
While flat feet are common in children, an adult with this foot deformity may be severely inconvenienced by the condition. The arches in people with flat feet “fall” when they stand, giving the illusion that their feet are flat on the bottom. The arch “reappears” when walking or in other positions.
If flat feet do not resolve on their own, your Manhattan podiatrist may recommend shoe inserts or, in rare cases, surgery to correct this foot deformity.
3 Hammertoe, Claw Toe, and Mallet Toe
Hammertoe, claw toes, and mallet toes are common foot deformities that we treat here in Manhattan. While they are occasionally a symptom of another condition, generally hammertoes and the like are caused by shoes that do not fit correctly. There may be a genetic predisposition to these conditions, but wearing proper footwear and taking care of your overall foot health can help prevent them from arising.
Surgery is a common solution to correct hammertoe, claw toe, and mallet toe foot deformities. If you have questions about these conditions or would like more information, please talk with your podiatrist.
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4 High Arches
The opposite of flat feet, individuals with abnormally high arches may find walking difficult or painful. High arches may be hereditary or a symptom of another underlying condition. In many cases, high arches can be corrected with physical therapy, but in severe cases, surgery may be required.
5 Gout
When uric acid builds up in the joint below the big toe, the crystals that form can be intensely painful, as well as causing a bone-like protrusion at the joint. Gout can be triggered by eating red meat, oysters, or beer. Medications that treat gout help reduce uric acid levels in the body and reduce the inflammation that is a signature of this condition.
Lifestyle changes (like losing weight and avoiding trigger foods) can help reduce the effects of gout. While it typically starts in the feet, gout can spread to other joints.
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Finding a Manhattan Podiatrist for Foot Deformities
If you are located in the Manhattan area of New York City (NYC) and are looking for a podiatrist to help with a foot deformity, Best Foot Doctor in Manhattan is ready to help. Our office is staffed with a high-quality care team that can help you understand your best treatment options and how to keep your feet healthy. Give our offices a call today to schedule an appointment.