Items filtered by date: February 2023

There are nerves in the foot referred to as plantar digital nerves. The foot condition known as Morton’s neuroma affects the nerves that run between the third and fourth toes. This nerve can become compressed from wearing shoes that are tight in the toe area, for example, high heels. Foot deformities such as bunions and hammertoes may also lead to the development of Morton's neuroma. This condition may also occur if there has been a foot or nerve injury, weakness in the foot muscles, or from standing for extended periods. Relief may be found when the pressure that affected the nerve is ceased. This can be accomplished by wearing flat shoes, shoes with a low heel, or cushioned insoles. In severe cases, to eliminate the pain, surgery may be necessary to remove the nerve. If you have Morton’s neuroma, it is strongly suggested that you seek the counsel of a podiatrist who can determine what the best type of treatment is for you.

Morton’s neuroma is a very uncomfortable condition to live with. If you think you have Morton’s neuroma, contact one of our podiatrists of Advanced Ankle & Foot Care. Our practitioners 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 Parma, Cleveland, and Westlake, OH . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Hammertoe is certainly one of the peskiest conditions affecting the feet because it can make wearing shoes more uncomfortable. Hammertoe is defined by the jutting up of the middle joint of the toe, creating a shape that resembles a hammer. Since this creates a deformity in the shape of the shoe, it might be more difficult to wear shoes comfortably. Patients with hammertoe often need the help of a podiatrist in selecting shoes that will not aggravate this condition. Upon examining your specific condition, the podiatrist might recommend to you that you should be wearing shoes with larger toe boxes. By wearing this kind of shoe, the patient will essentially accommodate the peculiar toe shape by providing it with more space in the shoe. It is suggested that you contact a podiatrist and schedule an appointment for more information.

Hammertoe

Hammertoes can be a painful condition to live with. For more information, contact one of our podiatrists from Advanced Ankle & Foot Care. Our practitioners 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 Parma, Cleveland, and Westlake, OH . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Foot massages are a popular form of foot therapy. Many people enjoy the overall well being they feel when foot massages are performed. This can tie in to foot reflexology, as the therapist applies pressure to various areas of the foot. This is referred to as zone therapy, and it can be helpful in improving circulation and stimulating nerves. Foot therapy may provide relief from injuries, and it can help to relieve the aching feeling from daily walking and standing. Additionally, studies have shown the benefits of foot reflexology may boost mood, improve sleep, and sharpen thinking. Some patients have noticed improvement in managing headaches and muscle aches when frequent foot therapy is applied. If you have questions and concerns about various types of foot therapy, it is suggested that you speak with a podiatrist who can provide you with the information you are seeking.

Foot therapy is often necessary for those recovering from either foot deformities or foot injuries. If you have concerns regarding therapy, one of our podiatrists of Advanced Ankle & Foot Care. Our practitioners can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Most Common Injuries

People who are active or athletes are prone to a variety of injuries. Therefore, it is often important to take part in physical therapy in order to quickly get back on the right track. 

What to Do When Injured

Physical Therapy – This specialized treatment will focus on the affected area, speeding up recovery and the overall healing process. It is a proven method that has helped millions of people return from any injury.

During physical therapy you will undergo regimented training to get back into full form. Training is often very difficult, especially at first when the foot feels weak. Physical therapy often involves:

Basic stretching and twisting exercises – getting the feet’s mobility and flexibility up.

Massaging – the therapist will massage the injured area in order to activate the muscles and relax them.

Strengthening Exercises – this allows the muscles in the affected area to regain their full strength, a vital step towards full recovery.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Parma, Cleveland, and Westlake, OH . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Many warts are not painful, and this often depends on where they develop on the foot. A plantar wart grows inward on the sole of the foot, and this happens from the weight the feet must endure. It appears as a thick, rough patch of skin and may have black dots in the center. It is caused by the human papillomavirus, or HPV, and can enter the body through small cracks in the skin. This virus lives in warm environments, such as public swimming pools, locker rooms, and shower room floors. Wearing flip flops or water shoes is recommended while frequenting these types of places, which may help to prevent the virus from invading the skin. A plantar wart may grow in size, and there may be a cluster of them. If you have developed plantar warts, please contact a podiatrist who can choose one of several treatment methods that are correct for you.

Plantar warts can be very uncomfortable. If you need your feet checked, contact one of our podiatrists from Advanced Ankle & Foot Care. Our practitioners will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.

About Plantar Warts

Plantar warts are the result of HPV, or human papillomavirus, getting into open wounds on the feet. They are mostly found on the heels or balls of the feet.

While plantar warts are generally harmless, those experiencing excessive pain or those suffering from diabetes or a compromised immune system require immediate medical care. Plantar warts are easily diagnosed, usually through scraping off a bit of rough skin or by getting a biopsy.

Symptoms

• Lesions on the bottom of your feet, usually rough and grainy
• Hard or thick callused spots
• Wart seeds, which are small clotted blood vessels that look like little black spots
• Pain, discomfort, or tenderness of your feet when walking or standing

Treatment

• Freezing
• Electric tool removal
• Laser Treatment
• Topical Creams (prescription only)
• Over-the-counter medications

To help prevent developing plantar warts, avoid walking barefoot over abrasive surfaces that can cause cuts or wounds for HPV to get into. Avoiding direct contact with other warts, as well as not picking or rubbing existing warts, can help prevent the further spread of plantar warts. However, if you think you have developed plantar warts, speak to your podiatrist. He or she can diagnose the warts on your feet and recommend the appropriate treatment options.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Parma, Cleveland, and Westlake, OH . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.