Tuesday, 14 January 2025 00:00

Morton’s neuroma is a condition that causes pain in the ball of the foot. The sensation is often described as stepping on a pebble or experiencing a burning feeling. Morton’s neuroma arises when tissue surrounding a nerve thickens due to irritation or compression. It frequently affects the area between the third and fourth toes. A podiatrist can assess your symptoms and may recommend orthotics to redistribute pressure, reducing nerve irritation. For more persistent pain, corticosteroid or anesthetic injections might provide relief by addressing inflammation or numbing the affected area. In severe cases, surgical options, such as neurectomy or decompression, may be considered to alleviate pain and restore mobility. These procedures aim to remove the affected nerve tissue or reduce surrounding pressure. A podiatrist can conduct a thorough evaluation and determine the best way to confront Morton’s neuroma. If you have pain in the ball of your foot, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam, diagnosis, and treatment.

Morton’s neuroma is a very uncomfortable condition to live with. If you think you have Morton’s neuroma, contact Robert Dunne, DPM of Lake Washington Foot and Ankle Center. Our doctor 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 offices located in Melbourne and Palm Bay, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

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Tuesday, 07 January 2025 00:00

Foot and ankle injuries are common among skateboarders due to the high-impact and dynamic movements involved in the sport. One major cause of injury is inversion sprains, where the foot rolls outward, and eversion sprains, where the foot rolls inward. These sprains can vary in severity, ranging from grade 1, which involves mild stretching of ligaments, to grade 2, where ligaments are partially torn, and grade 3, which involves a complete ligament rupture. In addition to sprains, overuse injuries can occur from repetitive motions, such as pushing off or landing incorrectly, leading to stress fractures or tendinitis. Skateboarders may also suffer from ankle instability, which can increase the likelihood of sprains. If you enjoy skateboarding and have endured an injury, it is suggested that you contact a podiatrist who can offer effective treatment solutions and injury prevention tips.

Sports related foot and ankle injuries require proper treatment before players can go back to their regular routines. For more information, contact Robert Dunne, DPM of Lake Washington Foot and Ankle Center. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Sports Related Foot and Ankle Injuries

Foot and ankle injuries are a common occurrence when it comes to athletes of any sport. While many athletes dismiss the initial aches and pains, the truth is that ignoring potential foot and ankle injuries can lead to serious problems. As athletes continue to place pressure and strain the area further, a mild injury can turn into something as serious as a rupture and may lead to a permanent disability. There are many factors that contribute to sports related foot and ankle injuries, which include failure to warm up properly, not providing support or wearing bad footwear. Common injuries and conditions athletes face, including:

  • Plantar Fasciitis
  • Plantar Fasciosis
  • Achilles Tendinitis
  • Achilles Tendon Rupture
  • Ankle Sprains

Sports related injuries are commonly treated using the RICE method. This includes rest, applying ice to the injured area, compression and elevating the ankle. More serious sprains and injuries may require surgery, which could include arthroscopic and reconstructive surgery. Rehabilitation and therapy may also be required in order to get any recovering athlete to become fully functional again. Any unusual aches and pains an athlete sustains must be evaluated by a licensed, reputable medical professional.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Melbourne and Palm Bay, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

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Tuesday, 31 December 2024 00:00

Hammertoes, a deformity where the toe bends upward at the middle toe joint, can cause significant discomfort. When conservative treatments fail, surgery may provide lasting relief. Several surgical options are based on the flexibility of the affected joint, often in the second toe. Tendon transfer surgery is often used for a flexible hammertoe, where tendons are repositioned to straighten the toe and restore balance. For rigid hammertoes, surgery involves cutting tendons and ligaments, sometimes removing part of the bone, and stabilizing the toe with temporary pins. Fusion surgery may also be performed, which removes parts of the joint to allow bones to fuse together, resulting in a straighter, more stable toe. In severe cases, amputation may be considered, but this is rare and typically reserved for extreme pain when no other treatments work. A podiatrist can assess the type and severity of a hammertoe to determine the most appropriate surgical approach to relieve pain and restore foot function. If you are experiencing pain from a hammertoe, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam and treatment options.

Hammertoe

Hammertoes can be a painful condition to live with. For more information, contact Robert Dunne, DPM from Lake Washington Foot and Ankle Center. 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 contact our offices located in Melbourne and Palm Bay, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Read more about What Are Hammertoes?
Thursday, 26 December 2024 00:00

Have you noticed discoloration of your toenails? Have they become thickened or brittle? If so, you may be experiencing symptoms of a fungal nail infection. For some, having a fungal nail can be embarrassing. Overcome your embarrassment, and get treated.

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