Morton's Neuroma

Morton’s neuroma is a foot condition in which the nerve tissue between the third and fourth toes thickens. This thickening is typically the result of compression and irritation of the nerve. The nerve becomes larger and causes pain. Left untreated, this could lead to permanent nerve damage. 

The symptoms of a Morton’s neuroma include pain and tingling, burning, or numbness in the affected foot. A Morton’s neuroma can produce a unique sensation similar to something being stuck in the ball of the foot or in your shoe. Morton’s neuroma symptoms often have a gradual onset. Initially, they may occur only while doing specific activities or while wearing shoes with a narrow toe area. However, over time the symptoms worsen and can last for several days or weeks. Without treatment, the symptoms can become increasingly severe and the nerve can become permanently damaged. 

People who often wear high-heeled shoes or shoes with narrow toe boxes and those with certain foot deformities, such as bunions, hammertoes, and flat feet are at an increased risk of developing Morton’s neuroma. Involvement in activities that put repetitive stress on the ball of the foot, such as running or tennis, can also irritate the nerve and lead to Morton’s neuroma. 

This condition is diagnosed through a physical examination. An imaging study, such as an ultrasound, may also be used to confirm the diagnosis and to rule out any other potential causes for your symptoms. Treatment for Morton’s neuroma varies depending on the severity of the neuroma. Padding the affected foot, wearing orthotics, or choosing wider and more comfortable shoes may be suggested to relieve pressure on the affected nerve. Icing the area and taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications can help relieve pain. In very severe cases, surgery may also be an option. To learn more about Morton’s neuroma, please consult with a chiropodist. 

Morton's Neuroma Facts

Morton's neuroma is a painful condition involving the thickening of tissue around a nerve in the foot, most commonly between the third and fourth toes. This pressure on the nerve causes irritation and inflammation. It can develop from wearing tight or high-heeled shoes, repetitive stress from sports, or foot deformities such as bunions or flat feet. Symptoms often include a sharp or burning pain in the ball of the foot, tingling, numbness, or the feeling of standing on a small object. Risk factors include improper footwear, high-impact activities, and abnormal foot structure. A chiropodist can help by performing a physical examination, recommending footwear changes, providing custom orthotics, and offering conservative treatments to relieve pressure, reduce pain, and improve foot function. If you have pain in this part of your foot, it is suggested that you consult a chiropodist for a diagnosis and treatment plan.

Morton's neuroma can be highly uncomfortable. If you are experiencing the symptoms of Morton's neuroma, please consult with one of the specialists from Thornhill Foot Clinic. Our chiropodists will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment. 

What Is a Morton’s Neuroma?

Morton’s neuroma is a condition in which a nerve located in the ball of the foot between the third and fourth toes thickens due to compression or irritation. Common causes of Morton’s neuroma include wearing shoes with high heels or narrow toe boxes, participating in running or court sports, an injury or trauma to the area, or pressure being placed on the nerve from foot deformities such as bunions or hammertoes. Left untreated, Morton's neuroma may result in permanent nerve damage.  

Symptoms

Symptoms of Morton’s neuroma often start gradually and worsen over time. Typical symptoms  include: 

  • Foot pain
  • Tingling, burning, or numbness in the affected foot
  • The unique sensation that something is inside the ball of the foot or that there is something stuck in your shoe while walking

Treatment

Non-surgical treatments for this condition may include padding or icing the affected foot, wearing an orthotic device, modifying activities or shoes to reduce pressure on the foot, and taking medications or getting injections to reduce pain and inflammation. Surgery may be needed if non-surgical treatments are ineffective. 

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

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Do Your Child's Feet Hurt?

Have your child's feet been examined lately? Healthy feet are happy feet. If your child is complaining of foot pain, it may be a sign of underlying problems.

Athlete's Foot

Athlete’s foot, also known as tinea pedis, is a fungal infection of the skin of the feet. The fungus that causes athlete’s foot lives and thrives in warm, moist environments such as public swimming pools, locker rooms, and showers. This fungus can infect the feet through a cut or crack in the skin. Athlete’s foot is also highly contagious, and the fungus can spread from person to person through sharing personal items such as shoes, socks, or towels.

The symptoms of athlete’s foot include itching, stinging, or burning between your toes or on the soles of your feet, itchy foot blisters, and dry, cracked, or peeling skin on the feet. The infection can also spread to your toenails, leading to discoloration, thickening, and crumbling. 

Through a physical examination, athlete’s foot can be diagnosed by your chiropodist based on its symptoms. Sometimes, a skin test may be ordered to confirm the diagnosis. Athlete’s foot can be treated with both oral and topical over-the-counter or prescription medications. You can prevent a fungal infection by maintaining good foot hygiene, wearing shoes when walking in public areas, avoiding sharing personal items with others, and keeping your feet clean and dry. 

 

Facts About Athlete's Foot

Athlete's foot is a fungal infection that affects the skin on the feet, particularly between the toes. It is caused by fungi that thrive in warm, moist environments, such as locker rooms, communal showers, and damp footwear. Symptoms often include itching, redness, peeling skin, and a burning sensation. In more severe cases, the skin may crack or blister. Risk factors include wearing tight or damp shoes, walking barefoot in public places, and having a weakened immune system. A chiropodist can diagnose the condition, recommend antifungal treatments, and provide guidance on preventing recurrence. Proper foot hygiene, drying the feet thoroughly, and wearing breathable footwear are essential steps. If you have any of the above symptoms, it is suggested that you promptly contact a chiropodist who can provide appropriate treatment solutions.

Athlete’s foot can be uncomfortable and unsightly. To learn more about preventing and treating this condition, please consult with one of the specialists from Thornhill Foot Clinic. Our chiropodists will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment. 

What Is Athlete’s Foot? 

Athlete’s foot refers to an infection of the skin on the feet that is caused by a fungus. This fungus is contagious and thrives in warm and moist environments. It is often spread in common areas such as public pools, locker rooms, and showers. It can also spread when sharing personal items, like shoes or towels, with an infected person. 

Symptoms

The symptoms of athlete’s foot may include: 

  • Itching, stinging, or burning of the skin on the feet
  • Cracking or peeling skin, especially between the toes and on the soles of the feet
  • Scaly, red rash on the foot
  • Blisters
  • Foul odor

Treatment

Treatment for athlete’s foot typically involves using over-the-counter topical antifungal medications on the feet. When over-the-counter options are ineffective, you may need to take prescription oral medications or topical antifungal drugs, or a combination of both. 

Prevention

Preventing athlete’s foot places an emphasis on good foot hygiene practices. 

You can prevent athlete’s foot by:

  • Washing and drying your feet thoroughly every day
  • Wearing shoes when walking in public areas
  • Not sharing personal items, like shoes or socks, with others
  • Wearing shoes and socks made out of breathable materials

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

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Degenerative Plantar Fasciitis Can Become a Long Term Issue

Plantar fasciitis often begins as inflammation, but over time, it can shift into a degenerative condition. Instead of temporary irritation, the tissue in the arch begins to break down due to repeated stress and lack of healing. This is known as degenerative plantar fasciitis, and it tends to cause more chronic, deep heel pain. The discomfort is often worse in the morning or after long periods of rest. Unlike early-stage plantar fasciitis, inflammation is no longer the main issue, so typical treatments like rest may offer limited relief. Exercises focused on strengthening, stretching, and improving blood flow become more important. Advanced cases may benefit from wearing specialized footwear, custom orthotics, or regenerative exercise. If heel pain is ongoing and not responding to basic care, it is suggested that you see a chiropodist for advanced treatment.

Plantar fasciitis can be painful and interfere with your daily activities. If you are experiencing foot or heel pain and believe you may be afflicted with plantar fasciitis, please consult with one of the specialists from Thornhill Foot Clinic. Our chiropodists will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment. 

What Is Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis refers to the inflammation of the plantar fascia, a ligament that runs along the bottom of the foot and connects the heel bone to the toes. Repetitive activities, such as running or jumping, can injure the plantar fascia over time. Plantar fasciitis can also be caused by flat feet, high arches, pregnancy, and activities that put excessive pressure on your feet, like standing all day for work. When the plantar fascia becomes inflamed, it causes pain and discomfort. 

Symptoms

Typical symptoms of plantar fasciitis include:

  • Stabbing pain near the heel
  • Pain that is worst in the morning or after a period of rest
  • Pain that increases after exercising
  • Swelling
  • Tightness in the Achilles tendon

Diagnosis

Plantar fasciitis is typically diagnosed via medical history and physical examination. 

Treatment

Treatments for plantar fasciitis include resting and icing the affected foot, stretching the foot, taking medications to reduce inflammation, and wearing orthotics. In severe cases where pain does not improve with conservative treatments, injections or surgery may be recommended. 

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

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Plantar Fasciitis

The plantar fascia is a thick ligament that runs along the bottom of your foot and connects the heel bone to the toes. When the plantar fascia becomes inflamed, typically due to overuse, it can cause a condition called plantar fasciitis. Plantar fasciitis is characterized by a sharp, stabbing heel pain, arch pain, and pain that is at its worst when taking your first steps after a long resting period, such as when you first wake up in the morning. You may also notice swelling on the bottom of the heel. 

Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common foot ailments, and one of the most common causes of heel pain. Besides overuse from activities such as running or jumping, wearing shoes that do not have adequate cushioning and support, standing for prolonged periods of time, being obese, or having flat feet can all increase your risk of developing plantar fasciitis. 

Fortunately, there are many treatments for this condition. Your chiropodist may recommend stretching exercises, activity and footwear changes, and icing the affected foot to help relieve pain. If pain persists after several weeks, your chiropodist may prescribe custom orthotics, pad, tape, strap, or immobilize the affected foot, or inject a corticosteroid into the area to reduce pain. 

For more information about plantar fasciitis, please consult with a chiropodist. 

Understanding Sever’s Disease in Your Child

Sever’s disease, also called calcaneal apophysitis, is a common cause of heel pain in adolescent children, especially those involved in sports like football, basketball, or gymnastics. Sever’s disease occurs when the heel bone grows faster than the muscles and tendons around it. This leads to increased tension and inflammation at the growth plate where the Achilles tendon attaches. This condition tends to affect children during growth spurts and is more common in boys. Symptoms include heel pain, swelling, tenderness, and discomfort that worsens with activity and improves with rest. Some children may walk on their toes to avoid putting pressure on the heel. Diagnosis is typically based on a physical exam, often by gently squeezing the sides of the heel to check for pain. A chiropodist can assess your child’s foot structure, recommend footwear, provide orthotic inserts, and guide a safe return to activity. If your child complains of heel pain after sports activities, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a chiropodist for guidance.

Sever’s disease typically affects young children and teenagers. If your child complains of foot pain, please consult with one of the specialists from Thornhill Foot Clinic. Our chiropodists will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment. 

What Is Sever’s Disease? 

Sever’s disease, also known as calcaneal apophysitis, is an inflammation of the growth plate in the heel bone. It is typically caused by overuse due to repetitive activities such as running, jumping, and playing certain sports. This condition most frequently affects children between the ages of 8 and 14. 

Symptoms

Symptoms of Sever’s disease include: 

  • Pain in the back or bottom of the heel
  • Pain when the sides of the heel are squeezed
  • Limping or walking on tiptoes to avoid putting pressure on the heel
  • Difficulty running, jumping, or participating in usual activities
  • Fatigue 

Diagnosis

Sever’s disease is diagnosed by taking a thorough medical history and performing a physical examination. Imaging studies, such as an X-ray, can help rule out other injuries like a fracture. 

Treatment

Sever’s disease typically heals without any long-term complications. Treatment involves resting the affected foot by reducing typical activities, wearing orthotics to support the foot, immobilizing the affected foot, taking medications to reduce pain and inflammation, and stretching the foot. 

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

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Sever's Disease

Sever’s disease, also known as calcaneal apophysitis, is a foot condition that occurs in children. Sever’s disease is not truly a disease, but rather an overuse injury. It is common among active children between the ages of 8 and 14. Young, growing children have a growth plate in their heels, where new bone is forming. When too much stress is put on the heel, the growth plate can become inflamed, leading to heel pain. 

Children who participate in activities that put repetitive stress on the heel bone are most at risk of developing Sever’s disease. These activities include playing soccer or basketball, running track, or any other sport or activity that involves running, jogging, or jumping. Children who are obese, have tight Achilles tendons, biomechanical problems, flat feet, or fallen arches are also at risk. 

The symptoms of Sever’s disease include pain in the back or bottom of the heel, pain when the sides of the heel are squeezed, and fatigue. The pain may lead to difficulties walking or bearing weight on the affected foot, and you may notice your child limping or walking on their toes to avoid putting pressure on the heel. A chiropodist can diagnose Sever’s disease by taking a medical history and performing a physical examination. Imaging studies such as X-rays may also be ordered. 

Sever’s disease is generally treated by resting the affected foot, wearing shoes or orthotics that support the heel, and taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications to reduce pain and inflammation. In severe cases of heel pain, the affected foot may need to be immobilized with a cast while it heals. If your child is complaining of heel pain, please consult with a chiropodist. 

Symptoms of Peripheral Neuropathy in the Feet

Peripheral neuropathy is a condition that results from damage to the peripheral nerves, often causing a range of unsettling symptoms. Individuals may experience tingling, burning, or prickling sensations, often beginning in the feet and gradually spreading upward. Numbness and a reduced ability to feel pain or temperature changes are also common. Some people report a sensation similar to wearing gloves or socks when they are not. Muscle weakness, cramping, and difficulty with coordination can make simple movements challenging. In some cases, sharp, jabbing, or throbbing pain may occur, especially at night. Sensitivity to touch may increase, and even light contact can feel uncomfortable. If you have symptoms of neuropathy in your feet, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a chiropodist who can offer effective relief and treatment solutions.

Neuropathy can cause permanent nerve damage if left untreated. If you are experiencing the symptoms of peripheral neuropathy, please consult with one of the specialists from Thornhill Foot Clinic. Our chiropodists will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment. 

What Is Peripheral Neuropathy?

Peripheral neuropathy is a condition that damages the nerves of the peripheral nervous system, which provide sensation to the limbs. The feet are often affected. Peripheral neuropathy can have many different causes, but it is most commonly associated with diabetes.

Symptoms

Common symptoms of peripheral neuropathy include:

  • Pain
  • Numbness or tingling sensation
  • Burning sensations
  • Weakness
  • Loss of balance

Diagnosis

Peripheral neuropathy is diagnosed based on medical history and physical examination. Various tests performed during physical examinations can help determine the type of peripheral neuropathy you may have and what is causing it. 

Treatment

Treatment for peripheral neuropathy will depend on what is causing it. For example, if your peripheral neuropathy is caused by diabetes, then managing your blood sugar, exercising regularly to strengthen the legs and feet, and taking pain medications may be recommended as treatments. 

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

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