Items filtered by date: October 2025

When arthritis develops in the toes, the joints can become swollen, achy and less flexible, making everyday movement harder. The condition happens as the smooth cushioning inside the joint wears down, which allows the bones to grind together. This can create discomfort, stiffness, and sometimes visible changes in the way the toes look or bend. Many people find it painful to walk long distances, stand for extended periods of time, or wear certain shoes. Age, past injuries, and inherited traits can all increase the likelihood of arthritis in the toes. While it cannot be cured, there are effective ways to manage it. Wearing supportive footwear, custom orthotics, targeted stretching exercises, anti-inflammatory treatments, and, in some cases, surgery may ease symptoms and improve mobility. If toe pain is limiting your comfort or activity, it is recommended that you visit a podiatrist for a personalized treatment plan.

Arthritis can be a difficult condition to live with. If you are seeking treatment, contact Scott Amoss, DPM from Advanced Foot & Ankle Specialists. our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Arthritic Foot Care  

Arthritis is a joint disorder that involves the inflammation of different joints in your body, such as those in your feet. Arthritis is often caused by a degenerative joint disease and causes mild to severe pain in all affected areas. In addition to this, swelling and stiffness in the affected joints can also be a common symptom of arthritis.

In many cases, wearing ill-fitting shoes can worsen the effects and pain of arthritis. Wearing shoes that have a lower heel and extra room can help your feet feel more comfortable. In cases of rheumatoid arthritis, the arch in your foot may become problematic. Buying shoes with proper arch support that contour to your feet can help immensely.

Alleviating Arthritic Pain

• Exercises that stretch the foot can prevent further pain and injury and increase mobility
• Most of the pain can be alleviated with anti-inflammatory drugs, heat, and topical medications
• Massages can help temporarily alleviate pain.

It is best to see your doctor for the treatment that is right for your needs and symptoms. Conditions vary, and a podiatrist can help you determine the right method of care for your feet.

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

Bunions and bunionettes are deformities of the toes. A bunion occurs as a bony lump on the outside of the big toe. It causes the tip of the toe to excessively angle towards the other toes. A bunionette occurs on the pinky toe. Symptoms of a bunion or bunionette are a bulging bump on the side of the affected toe, swelling or redness around the toe, restricted movement, physical discomfort or pain, numbness, and difficulty walking. Both bunions and bunionettes can be caused or made worse by wearing poorly-fitted, tight, or uncomfortable shoes. Orthotics can help ease the pain associated with bunions and bunionettes by distributing the weight of the body evenly along the surface of the foot and relieving pressure on the affected toes. To find out if orthotics may help you with your bunion pain, please consult with a podiatrist. 

If you are having discomfort in your feet and would like to try orthotics, contact Scott Amoss, DPM from Advanced Foot & Ankle Specialists. our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Are Orthotics?

Orthotics are inserts you can place into your shoes to help with a variety of foot problems such as flat feet or foot pain. Orthotics provide relief and comfort for minor foot and heel pain but can’t correct serious biomechanical problems in your feet.

Over-the-Counter Inserts

Orthotics come in a wide variety of over-the-counter inserts that are used to treat foot pain, heel pain, and minor problems. For example, arch supports can be inserted into your shoes to help correct overarched or flat feet, while gel insoles are often used because they provide comfort and relief from foot and heel pain by alleviating pressure.

Prescription Orthotics

If over-the-counter inserts don’t work for you or if you have a more severe foot concern, it is possible to have your podiatrist prescribe custom orthotics. These high-quality inserts are designed to treat problems such as abnormal motion, plantar fasciitis, and severe forms of heel pain. They can even be used to help patients suffering from diabetes by treating foot ulcers and painful calluses and are usually molded to your feet individually, which allows them to provide full support and comfort.

If you are experiencing minor to severe foot or heel pain, it’s recommended to speak with your podiatrist about the possibilities of using orthotics. A podiatrist can determine which type of orthotic is right for you and allow you to take the first steps towards being pain-free.

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