Why Live with Pain and Numbness in Your Feet?

Suffering from this type of pain? You may have the foot condition known as Morton's neuroma. Morton's neuroma may develop as a result of ill-fitting footwear and existing foot deformities. We can help.

What Is Morton’s Neuroma?

Morton’s neuroma refers to the thickening of the nerve tissue between the third and fourth toes. This thickening is caused by compression and irritation of the nerve. If left untreated, the nerve may become permanently damaged. Morton’s neuroma can develop from wearing shoes that are too tight in the toes and from shoes that have high heels. Running or other activities that involve repetitive irritation to the ball of the foot can also lead to Morton’s neuroma. Symptoms of this condition can include tingling, burning, numbness, and pain in the foot. Some have described the unique sensation of Morton’s neuroma as feeling like a pebble is stuck in the ball of the foot or like there is something stuck in their shoe like a scrunched-up sock. Symptoms typically begin gradually and may worsen over time. For more information about Morton’s neuroma, please consult with a chiropodist. 

Morton's neuroma can be highly uncomfortable. If you are experiencing the symptoms of Morton's neuroma, please consult with one of the chiropodists from The Footcare Centre. 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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What Causes Ingrown Toenails?

Ingrown toenails are a common condition in which the outer edge of a toenail grows into the surrounding skin. This typically occurs on the big toe and can cause pain, swelling, and redness in the affected area. Ingrown toenails can be caused by wearing tight, ill-fitting shoes, shoes with pointed toes, and shoes with high heels, which can compress the toes and force the toenails to curve into the skin. Trimming the toenails improperly can also cause them to grow into the skin. Toenails should be trimmed straight across, without rounding the edges of the nail. Injury to the toenail, fungal infections, taking certain medications, and having an irregular nail shape can also lead to ingrown toenails. If you suffer from painful ingrown toenails or are prone to them, it is recommended that you seek the care of a chiropodist.

Ingrown toenails may require medical attention. If you have significant pain or notice signs of infection from an ingrown toenail, please consult with one of the chiropodists from The Footcare Centre. Our chiropodists will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment. 

What Is an Ingrown Toenail? 

An ingrown toenail occurs when the edges of a toenail grow into the surrounding skin. The toenails of the big toe are usually affected, however, an ingrown toenail can happen on any toe. Sometimes, the area can become infected leading to potentially serious complications. The ingrown toenail may be caused by improper trimming of the toenail, wearing ill-fitting shoes, or injury to the nail.

Symptoms

The symptoms of an ingrown toenail include: 

  • Pain
  • Swelling
  • Redness
  • Warmth
  • Pus or drainage from the affected nail or a fever may indicate an infection of the area. 

Treatment

Treatment depends on the severity of the ingrown toenail. In less severe cases, home treatment may be adequate. Soaking the affected foot in warm water and gently lifting the nail from the skin with a piece of clean cotton can help. In more severe cases, you may need to use topical or oral antibiotics to treat an infection. Surgical removal of the ingrown toenail may be required if more conservative treatments fail. 

Ingrown toenails may be prevented by wearing well-fitted shoes and properly trimming the toenails. Toenails should be trimmed straight across and not too short when using nail clippers. 

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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Are You Suffering From Ingrown Toenails?

If left untreated, an ingrown toenail can lead to more serious concerns, such as an infection. Knowing proper nail care can help in the prevention of an ingrown toenail. Give us a call, and get treated!

Symptoms of Poor Circulation in the Feet

Poor circulation refers to impaired blood flow. This can happen in any part of the body but is particularly common in the feet. If you have poor foot circulation, you may experience a variety of symptoms. These can include cold feet, numbness, tingling or a pins and needles sensation, swelling, skin discoloration, pain or aching, a feeling of heaviness in the feet, and increased fatigue. Poor circulation can have many causes. It becomes more common as we age but can also be brought about by a sedentary lifestyle or obesity. Poor foot circulation is also associated with certain medical conditions, such as diabetes, deep vein thrombosis, atherosclerosis, peripheral artery disease, and venous insufficiency. If you have poor circulation in your feet, a chiropodist can help you manage this condition.

When blood flow to a specific part of the body is reduced, you may experience symptoms of poor circulation. Poor circulation is most common in your extremities, like your legs and feet. Please consult with one of the chiropodists from The Footcare Centre. Our chiropodists will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment. 

Causes

Poor circulation isn’t a condition in itself. Instead, it results from other health issues. Therefore, it’s important to treat the underlying causes:

  • Peripheral artery disease (PAD)
  • Diabetes
  • Blood clots
  • Varicose veins
  • Obesity
  • Raynaud’s disease 

Symptoms

Symptoms of poor circulation may include: 

  • Numbness
  • Tingling
  • Throbbing or stinging pain in limbs
  • Pain
  • Muscle Cramps

Diagnosis

A chiropodist will perform a physical exam to detect pain and swelling, as well as an antibodies blood test to detect inflammatory conditions, such as Raynaud’s disease. It’s important to disclose any known family history of poor circulation and any related diseases. A blood sugar test, blood pressure test, ultrasound, or CT scan may also be performed.

Treatment

Treatments for poor circulation depend on what is causing it. Compression socks may be used to reduce pain and swelling. An exercise program may be recommended to improve circulation. Various medications may be prescribed to manage underlying conditions that may contribute to poor circulation.  

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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