Items filtered by date: September 2024

Morton’s neuroma is a painful condition affecting the nerves in the ball of the foot, typically between the third and fourth toes. This condition occurs when the tissue around the nerve thickens due to irritation or pressure, often from wearing tight or high-heeled shoes. Symptoms of Morton's neuroma include sharp pain, burning, or a sensation like stepping on a small stone. Numbness or tingling in the toes can also be experienced. Risk factors include wearing narrow footwear, having foot conditions like flat feet or bunions, or engaging in high-impact sports. A podiatrist can provide custom orthotics, lifestyle modifications, or non-invasive therapies to alleviate discomfort and prevent long-term damage. If left untreated, Morton’s neuroma can lead to chronic pain and permanent nerve damage, like numbness in the toes. If you have pain in the ball of the foot that may be from Morton’s neuroma, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam, diagnosis, and treatment options.

Morton’s neuroma is a very uncomfortable condition to live with. If you think you have Morton’s neuroma, contact Gabrielle Clark, DPM of LA Feet Foot & Ankle Center, Inc. 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 New Orleans, and Metairie, LA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Hammertoe is a condition where one or more toes become bent at the middle joint, causing them to curl down instead of pointing forward. This abnormal position can lead to pain and discomfort not only in the toes but also throughout the lower legs. The altered foot mechanics can strain the muscles, tendons, and ligaments in the feet and legs, potentially leading to issues like plantar fasciitis. Plantar fasciitis is a painful condition affecting the thick band of tissue that runs along the bottom of your foot. If left untreated, hammertoe can make walking difficult and worsen plantar fasciitis symptoms. That is why It is important to take care of hammertoe early on to prevent further complications in your lower extremities. If you have a hammertoe, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist to maintain foot health and avoid long-term damage.

Hammertoe

Hammertoes can be a painful condition to live with. For more information, contact Gabrielle Clark, DPM from LA Feet Foot & Ankle Center, Inc. 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 New Orleans, and Metairie, LA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Bunions are a common foot deformity where the joint at the base of the big toe becomes enlarged and misaligned, causing the toe to angle inward. This can lead to pain, swelling, and difficulty in finding comfortable shoes. The condition often develops due to genetic factors, wearing ill-fitting footwear, or arthritis. If you have bunions, it is essential to take proactive steps to manage the discomfort and prevent further progression. Start by wearing shoes with a wide-toe box, low heels, and good arch support. Regularly performing foot exercises to strengthen the muscles around the joint can also provide relief. If these conservative measures do not help, or if the bunion becomes severely painful, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist. In some cases, surgery may be recommended to correct the deformity and restore foot function.

If you are suffering from bunions, contact Gabrielle Clark, DPM of LA Feet Foot & Ankle Center, Inc. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is a Bunion?

A bunion is formed of swollen tissue or an enlargement of boney growth, usually located at the base joint of the toe that connects to the foot. The swelling occurs due to the bones in the big toe shifting inward, which impacts the other toes of the foot. This causes the area around the base of the big toe to become inflamed and painful.

Why Do Bunions Form?

Genetics – Susceptibility to bunions are often hereditary

Stress on the feet – Poorly fitted and uncomfortable footwear that places stress on feet, such as heels, can worsen existing bunions

How Are Bunions Diagnosed?

Doctors often perform two tests – blood tests and x-rays – when trying to diagnose bunions, especially in the early stages of development. Blood tests help determine if the foot pain is being caused by something else, such as arthritis, while x-rays provide a clear picture of your bone structure to your doctor.

How Are Bunions Treated?

• Refrain from wearing heels or similar shoes that cause discomfort
• Select wider shoes that can provide more comfort and reduce pain
• Anti-inflammatory and pain management drugs
• Orthotics or foot inserts
• Surgery

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

Sesamoiditis is a condition that affects the sesamoid bones, which are small, rounded bones located beneath the big toe joint. This ailment is a frequent contributor to metatarsalgia, a type of foot pain that occurs in the ball of the foot. Symptoms of sesamoiditis typically include pain and swelling surrounding the big toe joint, especially when engaging in activities that place pressure on the forefoot, such as dancing or jogging. Those who are at higher risk include dancers, who often perform on the balls of their feet, and joggers, who may experience repeated stress in this area. Wearing proper footwear, rest, and medical evaluation from a podiatrist is essential for managing this condition and alleviating discomfort. If you have pain in this part of your foot, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who can offer you effective treatment solutions.

Sesamoiditis is an unpleasant foot condition characterized by pain in the balls of the feet. If you think you’re struggling with sesamoiditis, contact Gabrielle Clark, DPM of LA Feet Foot & Ankle Center, Inc. Our doctor will treat your condition thoroughly and effectively.

Sesamoiditis

Sesamoiditis is a condition of the foot that affects the ball of the foot. It is more common in younger people than it is in older people. It can also occur with people who have begun a new exercise program, since their bodies are adjusting to the new physical regimen. Pain may also be caused by the inflammation of tendons surrounding the bones. It is important to seek treatment in its early stages because if you ignore the pain, this condition can lead to more serious problems such as severe irritation and bone fractures.

Causes of Sesamoiditis

• Sudden increase in activity
• Increase in physically strenuous movement without a proper warm up or build up
• Foot structure: those who have smaller, bonier feet or those with a high arch may be more susceptible

Treatment for sesamoiditis is non-invasive and simple. Doctors may recommend a strict rest period where the patient forgoes most physical activity. This will help give the patient time to heal their feet through limited activity. For serious cases, it is best to speak with your doctor to determine a treatment option that will help your specific needs.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in New Orleans, and Metairie, LA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.