September 2022

Morton’s neuroma can be a painful foot condition that results from inflammation of one of the nerves, which is typically found between the third and fourth toes. People who frequently wear high heels may be at risk of developing this ailment due to inadequate room for the toes to move freely. Additionally, people who participate in high-impact sporting activities, like running and basketball, may be prone to Morton’s neuroma. The common symptoms associated with this condition consist of the sensation of having a pebble in the shoe, as well as a numbing or tingling feeling that spreads to the toes. Relief may come from wearing shoes that fit correctly, and it may help to wear custom-made orthotics. If you are suffering from Morton’s neuroma, please consult with a podiatrist who can offer you various treatment techniques.

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 Preferred Footcare, LLC. 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 office located in Stamford, CT . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

A bunion is a foot deformity that manifests itself as a bony bump near the joint of the big toe. Importantly, bunions might also form at the base of the pinky toe as well, which are known as bunionettes. If you have a bunion, you may experience any number of symptoms, including swelling at the affected joint, redness, and possibly pain. If you have a severe case of bunions that does not respond to other forms of treatment, undergoing a surgical procedure to treat your bunions may possibly be an option. Such a procedure typically requires up to six months of recovery time, and it is primarily concerned with reducing pain and bringing the metatarsophalangeal joint back into alignment. The different types of relevant surgical procedures are known as an osteotomy, arthrodesis, and exostectomy, among others. If you have bunions and think you may be a candidate for bunion surgery, contact a podiatrist today. 

If you are suffering from bunions, contact one of our podiatrists of Preferred Footcare, LLC. Our doctors 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 office located in Stamford, CT . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

The peroneal nerve runs from the outside of the knee, down through the leg, and into the foot. It supplies movement and sensation to the lower leg, foot, and toes. When this nerve is damaged, usually by a direct trauma, it can result in numbness, tingling, or weakness in the foot. This condition is known as peroneal neuropathy. The result is a reduced ability to lift the foot to extend the toes or turn the foot outward, and may cause a kind of slapping gait while walking. This further leads to a tendency to trip, and an increased risk of a sprained ankle. It also can bring on foot drop, causing a need to lift the leg higher than normal, as in marching, to clear the floor or ground when taking a step. A loss of sensation in the sole of the foot is a common symptom. A number of imaging tests may be needed to determine the exact nature and severity of the peroneal neuropathy. Non-surgical treatment includes orthotics, braces or foot splints. In some cases surgery is required. If you are experiencing trouble lifting and moving your foot, it is a good idea to consult with a podiatrist for a full exam and diagnosis. A few neurologic conditions, such as multiple sclerosis and Parkinson’s disease, may cause similar symptoms. 

Neuropathy

Neuropathy can be a potentially serious condition, especially if it is left undiagnosed. If you have any concerns that you may be experiencing nerve loss in your feet, consult with one of our podiatrists from Preferred Footcare, LLC. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment for neuropathy.

What Is Neuropathy?

Neuropathy is a condition that leads to damage to the nerves in the body. Peripheral neuropathy, or neuropathy that affects your peripheral nervous system, usually occurs in the feet. Neuropathy can be triggered by a number of different causes. Such causes include diabetes, infections, cancers, disorders, and toxic substances.

Symptoms of Neuropathy Include:

• Numbness
• Sensation loss
• Prickling and tingling sensations
• Throbbing, freezing, burning pains
• Muscle weakness

Those with diabetes are at serious risk due to being unable to feel an ulcer on their feet. Diabetics usually also suffer from poor blood circulation. This can lead to the wound not healing, infections occurring, and the limb may have to be amputated.

Treatment

To treat neuropathy in the foot, podiatrists will first diagnose the cause of the neuropathy. Figuring out the underlying cause of the neuropathy will allow the podiatrist to prescribe the best treatment, whether it be caused by diabetes, toxic substance exposure, infection, etc. If the nerve has not died, then it’s possible that sensation may be able to return to the foot.

Pain medication may be issued for pain. Electrical nerve stimulation can be used to stimulate nerves. If the neuropathy is caused from pressure on the nerves, then surgery may be necessary.

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

When a child has flat feet, it means that the foot arch is absent. This condition, known as falling arch or pes planus, is common in children until their foot takes shape as they grow up. Kids have loose joint ligaments. At about 2 to 3 years of age, their arch becomes visible and continues developing until a proper arch is formed in adolescence. This problem typically occurs in one foot. After age 3, one can usually recognize that a child has flat feet. If it is hard to see, the foot can be dipped in ink or water and when standing, placed on a piece of paper or some other surface where the impression can be seen. Flat feet can be hereditary, caused by complications in the womb, fused bones, baby fat between the foot bones, injuries, or from the joint between two bones being very loose in small babies. Children usually do not face any problems with this issue. However, if a child has pain or fatigue when taking long walks, or if the child walks with a limp, it is suggested that you contact a podiatrist to have their feet examined and treatment provided.

Flatfoot is a condition many people suffer from. If you have flat feet, contact one of our podiatrists from Preferred Footcare, LLC. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Are Flat Feet?

Flatfoot is a condition in which the arch of the foot is depressed and the sole of the foot is almost completely in contact with the ground. About 20-30% of the population generally has flat feet because their arches never formed during growth.

Conditions & Problems:

Having flat feet makes it difficult to run or walk because of the stress placed on the ankles.

Alignment – The general alignment of your legs can be disrupted, because the ankles move inward which can cause major discomfort.

Knees – If you have complications with your knees, flat feet can be a contributor to arthritis in that area.  

Symptoms

• Pain around the heel or arch area
• Trouble standing on the tip toe
• Swelling around the inside of the ankle
• Flat look to one or both feet
• Having your shoes feel uneven when worn

Treatment

If you are experiencing pain and stress on the foot you may weaken the posterior tibial tendon, which runs around the inside of the ankle. 

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