Morton's neuroma, a painful foot condition, stems from the compression of the plantar digital nerve, typically between the third and fourth toes. This nerve compression leads to the thickening of the nerve tissue, resulting in sharp, burning pain, tingling sensations, and numbness in the affected toes. Despite its name, Morton's neuroma is not a true neuroma, or tumor, but rather a nerve entrapment or irritation. The precise cause of Morton's neuroma remains unclear, though factors such as repetitive stress, wearing tight or high-heeled shoes, foot deformities, and certain activities that involve pressure on the forefoot are thought to contribute to its development. Diagnosis often involves a thorough examination by a podiatrist, including a physical assessment of the foot. This may include imaging tests like X-rays or MRI scans to confirm the condition. If you are experiencing pain in this part of your foot, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can accurately diagnose and treat Morton’s neuroma.

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 Comprehensive Foot & Ankle 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 offices located in Lehigh Ave and Nazareth Hospital in Philadelphia, Collegeville Darby, and Langhorne, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Early onset gout, a form of inflammatory arthritis, can afflict individuals before the age of 40 typically manifesting as sudden and intense joint pain, commonly in the big toe. This condition arises due to the buildup of uric acid crystals in the joints, leading to inflammation and debilitating discomfort. Several risk factors contribute to the development of early onset gout, including genetics, a diet rich in purines found in red meat and seafood, alcohol consumption, and certain medical conditions like hypertension and hyperlipidemia. Elevated body mass index, or BMI also exacerbates the risk, as obesity often correlates with higher uric acid levels. If you are under 40 and believe you may be suffering from gout, it is strongly suggested that you include a podiatrist on your care team. This foot specialist can offer a range of interventions to alleviate pain and prevent future gout flare-ups.

Gout is a painful condition that can be treated. If you are seeking treatment, contact one of our podiatrists from Comprehensive Foot & Ankle Center. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Is Gout?

Gout is a form of arthritis that is characterized by sudden, severe attacks of pain, redness, and tenderness in the joints. The condition usually affects the joint at the base of the big toe. A gout attack can occur at any random time, such as the middle of the night while you are asleep.

Symptoms

• Intense Joint Pain - Usually around the large joint of your big toe, and it most severe within the first four to twelve hours
• Lingering Discomfort - Joint discomfort may last from a few days to a few weeks
• Inflammation and Redness -Affected joints may become swollen, tender, warm and red
• Limited Range of Motion - May experience a decrease in joint mobility

Risk Factors

• Genetics - If family members have gout, you’re more likely to have it
• Medications - Diuretic medications can raise uric acid levels
• Gender/Age - Gout is more common in men until the age of 60. It is believed that estrogen protects women until that point
• Diet - Eating red meat and shellfish increases your risk
• Alcohol - Having more than two alcoholic drinks per day increases your risk
• Obesity - Obese people are at a higher risk for gout

Prior to visiting your podiatrist to receive treatment for gout, there are a few things you should do beforehand. If you have gout you should write down your symptoms--including when they started and how often you experience them, important medical information you may have, and any questions you may have. Writing down these three things will help your podiatrist in assessing your specific situation so that he or she may provide the best route of treatment for you.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Lehigh Ave and Nazareth Hospital in Philadelphia, Collegeville Darby, and Langhorne, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Caring for children's feet is important for their overall health and well-being, as early attention can prevent future issues as they age. Simple habits like washing feet daily, tending to toenails, and keeping feet warm in appropriate footwear can promote foot health. Regularly checking for problems such as redness, rashes, marks, or unusual odors is essential for early detection and intervention if needed. A podiatrist specializes in foot care and can provide valuable assistance in monitoring and addressing any concerns that arise. From developmental issues to injuries or infections, a podiatrist offers expert diagnosis, treatment, and guidance to ensure optimal foot health for children. If you have any concerns about your child’s feet, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist.

The health of a child’s feet is vital to their overall well-being. If you have any questions regarding foot health, contact one of our podiatrists of Comprehensive Foot & Ankle Center. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Tips for Keeping Children's Feet Healthy

• Make sure their shoes fit properly
• Look for any signs of in-toeing or out-toeing
• Check to see if they have Clubfoot (condition that affects your child’s foot and ankle, twisting the heel and toes inward) which is one of the most common nonmajor birth defects.
• Lightly cover your baby’s feet (Tight covers may keep your baby from moving their feet freely, and could prevent normal development)
• Allow your toddler to go shoeless (Shoes can be restricting for a young child’s foot)
• Cut toenails straight across to avoid ingrown toenails
• Keep your child’s foot clean and dry
• Cover cuts and scrapes. Wash any scratches with soap and water and cover them with a bandage until they’ve healed.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Lehigh Ave and Nazareth Hospital in Philadelphia, Collegeville Darby, and Langhorne, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Your feet endure daily strain, often leading to soreness and discomfort. Home remedies like foot baths with Epsom salts, stretching exercises, and massages can offer temporary relief. In addition, strengthening routines, and wearing properly fitting footwear can help alleviate symptoms. However, if foot pain persists or worsens, or if you experience symptoms such as swelling, numbness, or difficulty walking, it may be time to consult a podiatrist. Individuals with diabetes should be particularly vigilant, as any foot pain or abnormalities may indicate serious complications that require immediate medical attention. Furthermore, if you have flu-like symptoms in combination with foot pain, an open wound in the foot, or suspect a broken bone, seeking help is essential. A podiatrist can accurately diagnose and treat underlying conditions, such as plantar fasciitis, neuropathy, or stress fractures. They also can provide personalized treatment plans, including custom orthotics for optimal support and alignment. By seeking timely professional help, you can address the root cause of your foot pain and prevent future discomfort. If your sore feet worsen, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with one of our podiatrists from Comprehensive Foot & Ankle Center. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Causes

Foot pain is a very broad condition that could be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

• Bunions
• Hammertoes
• Plantar Fasciitis
• Bone Spurs
• Corns
• Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
• Ingrown Toenails
• Arthritis (such as Gout, Rheumatoid, and Osteoarthritis)
• Flat Feet
• Injury (from stress fractures, broken toe, foot, ankle, Achilles tendon ruptures, and sprains)
• And more

Diagnosis

To figure out the cause of foot pain, podiatrists utilize several different methods. This 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

Treatment depends upon the cause of the foot pain. Whether it is resting, staying off the foot, or having surgery; podiatrists have a number of treatment options available for foot pain.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Lehigh Ave and Nazareth Hospital in Philadelphia, Collegeville Darby, and Langhorne, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Multiple sclerosis, or MS, is a chronic autoimmune disease affecting the central nervous system, disrupting communication between the brain and the rest of the body. It occurs when the immune system mistakenly attacks the protective myelin sheath surrounding nerve fibers, leading to inflammation, scarring, and nerve damage. MS can cause a wide range of symptoms, including fatigue, weakness, numbness, coordination difficulties, and cognitive impairment, significantly impacting quality of life. Foot symptoms such as numbness, tingling, weakness, or difficulty in walking are common manifestations of MS. If you have MS and are experiencing foot symptoms, it is strongly suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who can provide personalized care to help you maintain optimal foot health and overall well-being.

When dealing with systemic disease of the feet, it is extremely important to check the affected areas routinely so that any additional problems are caught quickly.  If you have any concerns about your feet and ankles contact one of our podiatrists from Comprehensive Foot & Ankle Center. Our doctors will assist you with all of your podiatric needs.

Systemic Diseases of the Feet

Systemic diseases affect the whole body, and symptoms usually are displayed in the feet. This condition can make a patient’s ability to walk unbearable.  Systemic diseases include gout, diabetes mellitus, neurological disorders, and arthritis.

Gout – is caused by an excess of uric acid in the body. Common symptoms include pain, inflammation, and redness at the metatarsal/phalangeal joint of the base big toe. Gout can be treated by NSAIDs to relieve pain and inflammation, and other drugs that lower the acid levels in the body.

Diabetes mellitus – is an increase in the level of blood sugar that the body cannot counteract with its own insulin. Failure to produce enough insulin is a factor in Diabetes.

Diabetes of the Feet

Diabetic Neuropathy – may lead to damaged nerves and affect the feet through numbness and loss of sensation.

Peripheral Vascular Disease – can restrict the blood flow to the feet, and often times lead to amputation of the feet. 

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Lehigh Ave and Nazareth Hospital in Philadelphia, Collegeville Darby, and Langhorne, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.