Morton’s neuroma is a noncancerous swelling along a nerve in the foot that carries sensations to the toes. Once the swelling begins the bones and ligaments nearby put pressure on the nerve causing more irritation and inflammation which in turn causes pain, numbness, tingling, and other abnormal sensations in the toes. Some people feel the sensation of a lump, like a fold in a sock or a pebble between the toes. It usually develops between the 3rd and 4th toes and less often between the 2nd and 3rd toes. It is also rare for Morton’s neuroma to happen in both feet at the same time. While reasons for this condition are unknown, it is more apt to develop in women than men, likely a result of wearing high-heeled, narrow-toed shoes. These shoes shift the bones into an abnormal position. It is also more likely to impact obese people due to the pressure of excess weight put on the foot. Usually, pain can be temporarily relieved by removing shoes, flexing the toes, and rubbing the feet. You may need medical intervention to ease the pain of Morton’s neuroma or it may masquerade as a different condition altogether, such as arthritis, nerve or muscle problems, or previous injury to your foot or leg. It is important to consult with a podiatrist who can properly diagnose the condition and provide treatment options.

Morton’s neuroma is a very uncomfortable condition to live with. If you think you have Morton’s neuroma, contact one of our doctors of Favor Foot Ankle Leg & Wound Center. Our doctors will attend to all of your foot care needs and answer any of your related questions.  

Morton’s Neuroma

Morton's neuroma is a painful foot condition that commonly affects the areas between the second and third or third and fourth toe, although other areas of the foot are also susceptible. Morton’s neuroma is caused by an inflamed nerve in the foot that is being squeezed and aggravated by surrounding bones.

What Increases the Chances of Having Morton’s Neuroma?

• Ill-fitting high heels or shoes that add pressure to the toe or foot
• Jogging, running or any sport that involves constant impact to the foot
• Flat feet, bunions, and any other foot deformities

Morton’s neuroma is a very treatable condition. Orthotics and shoe inserts can often be used to alleviate the pain on the forefront of the feet. In more severe cases, corticosteroids can also be prescribed. In order to figure out the best treatment for your neuroma, it’s recommended to seek the care of a podiatrist who can diagnose your condition and provide different treatment options.

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

There are several different types of foot surgery that have to be performed for permanent relief. A bone spur is a growth on the back of the heel that can develop from wearing shoes that do not fit correctly. The Achilles tendon is often affected by a bone spur, and may have to be repaired following removal of the bone spur. A cast is generally worn for several weeks, and this is helpful as the healing process occurs. The removal of a toe spur can be a reason to have foot surgery. This is a bony growth that develops on the toe, and the surgery is done by making a small cut in the skin surrounding the toe spur. A tool that is referred to as a power rasp is inserted into the small incision, and used to file the spur in addition to smoothing the skin. The majority of patients wear a surgical shoe for several weeks following the surgery. This is helpful in providing stability and protecting the affected toe. If you have developed spurs on your foot, it is strongly advised that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can effectively perform the foot surgery that is needed.

Foot surgery is sometimes necessary to treat a foot ailment. To learn more, contact one of our doctors of Favor Foot Ankle Leg & Wound Center. Our doctors 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 South Amboy, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

An underlying medical condition may cause pain in the big toe. These can consist of arthritis, gout, or an injury that is the result of a fracture. A bunion may cause big toe pain and is generally felt on the bottom of the toe. Additionally, a source of toe pain can come from an ingrown toenail and this may cause difficulty in walking. Intense pain in the toe can be a result of gout, which can develop from excess uric acid in the blood. Crystals can form in the joints of the big toe and this often causes severe pain and discomfort. People who frequently participate in sporting activities may experience turf toe. This comes from being involved in repetitive activities and can cause the big toe to bend in an abnormal position. The sesamoid bones are found inside the muscles and are connected to tendons. Sesamoiditis can develop from inflamed tendons under the big toe as a result of repetitive use. If you have toe pain, please seek the counsel of a podiatrist who can accurately confirm its source, and provide effective treatment methods.

Toe pain can disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, contact one of our doctors of Favor Foot Ankle Leg & Wound Center. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Causes Toe Pain?

Most severe toe pain is caused due to a sports injury, trauma from dropping something heavy on the toe, or bumping into something rigid. Other problems can develop over time for various reasons.

Toe pain can be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

• Trauma
• Sports injury
• Wearing shoes that are too tight
• Arthritis
• Gout
• Corns and calluses
• Hammertoe
• Bunions
• Blisters
• Ingrown toenails
• Sprains
• Fractures (broken bones)
• Dislocations

When to See a Podiatrist

• Severe pain
• Persistent pain that lasts more than a week
• Signs of infection
• Continued swelling
• Pain that prevents walking

Diagnosis

In many cases the cause of toe pain is obvious, but in others, a podiatrist may want to use more advanced methods to determine the problem. These can range from simple visual inspections and sensation tests to X-rays and MRI scans. Prior medical history, family medical history, and any recent physical traumatic events will all be taken into consideration for a proper diagnosis.

Treatment

Treatments for toe pain and injuries vary and may include shoe inserts, padding, taping, medicines, injections, and in some cases, surgery. If you believe that you have broken a toe, please see a podiatrist as soon as possible.

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

The feet carry the weight of the body, and provide the foundation for positive physical and mental health. If the feet are weak, and range of motion is limited, the joints and muscles in the foot may compensate. This can result in foot pain. This can cause an increased risk in falling, and it is helpful for several reasons to maintain foot strength. Additionally, the ankles may work harder than they should to keep the body moving. An effective foot stretch is called the “folded blanket walk.” This is done by placing a blanket on the floor, and beginning to walk on it. This can be beneficial in promoting balance and flexibility. Additionally, a popular foot stretch consists of rolling the sole of the foot from the top to the bottom on a tennis ball while sitting in a chair. This is beneficial in keeping the arch of the foot strong. Toe lifts are done to strengthen the toes, and they are practiced by sitting in a chair, and lifting each toe individually. There are many different types of foot exercises that can be done daily, and if you would like more information about the benefits and how to perform them, please consult with a podiatrist. 

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 one of our doctors from Favor Foot Ankle Leg & Wound Center. Our doctors 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 doctors 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 South Amboy, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.