Morton's neuroma is a painful condition that affects the ball of the foot, most commonly between the third and fourth toes. It is caused by thickening of the tissue surrounding a nerve that leads to the toes, often due to repetitive stress, wearing tight footwear or high heels. Foot deformities like flat feet or bunions can also be factors. Symptoms may include sharp, burning pain, or the sensation of having a pebble inside the shoe. The pain often worsens with activity or pressure and may subside when the shoes are removed. A podiatrist can diagnose Morton's neuroma through a physical exam, symptom review, and imaging such as ultrasound or an MRI scan. Treatment options include footwear modifications, custom orthotics, anti-inflammatory medications, or, in severe cases, surgical removal of the affected nerve. Early diagnosis can prevent the condition from worsening. If you are experiencing persistent forefoot pain or numbness, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an expert evaluation and relief.

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 Lexington Foot and Ankle Center, PSC. 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 Harrodsburg, Frankfort, Georgetown, and Lexington, KY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Plantar fasciitis is a common cause of heel pain that can make daily movement difficult. Gentle yoga poses can stretch and strengthen the feet to ease discomfort and promote healing. The upward salute lengthens the body while stretching the arches, and is done by standing up straight, pressing the heels into the ground, and raising your arms above your head. Chair pose builds strength in the legs and feet. This is done by turning your palms to face back, followed by sitting down as if you are sitting in a chair. High lunge, also known as Warrior I, improves flexibility in the calves and Achilles tendon, reducing strain on the plantar fascia. This is practiced by standing with one leg bent at the knee, while straightening the other in back, and raising both hands above your head. Such exercises can be a complement to professional treatment offered by a podiatrist in achieving long-term relief. If you are struggling with heel pain, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can diagnose and treat symptoms of plantar fasciitis.

Stretching the feet is a great way to prevent injuries. If you have any concerns with your feet consult with one of our podiatrists from Lexington Foot and Ankle Center, PSC. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Stretching the Feet

Being the backbone of the body, the feet carry your entire weight and can easily become overexerted, causing cramps and pain. As with any body part, stretching your feet can serve many benefits. From increasing flexibility to even providing some pain relief, be sure to give your feet a stretch from time to time. This is especially important for athletes or anyone performing aerobic exercises, but anyone experiencing foot pain or is on their feet constantly should also engage in this practice.

Great ways to stretch your feet:

• Crossing one leg over the others and carefully pull your toes back. Do 10-20 repetitions and repeat the process for each foot
• Face a wall with your arms out and hands flat against the wall. Step back with one foot and keep it flat on the floor while moving the other leg forward. Lean towards the wall until you feel a stretch. Hold for 30 seconds and perform 10 repetitions for each foot
• Be sure not to overextend or push your limbs too hard or you could risk pulling or straining your muscle

Individuals who tend to their feet by regular stretching every day should be able to minimize foot pain and prevent new problems from arising.

If you have any questions please contact our offices located in Harrodsburg, Frankfort, Georgetown, and Lexington, KY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Ingrown toenails occur when the edge of the nail grows into the surrounding skin, causing pain, redness, swelling, and sometimes infection. When conservative treatments fail or the condition is severe or recurrent, ingrown toenail surgery may be needed to remove part or all of the affected nail. This procedure relieves pressure, lowers infection risk, and helps prevent the problem from returning. A podiatrist can determine if surgery is necessary, perform the procedure safely, and provide aftercare instructions to promote healing. They can also offer guidance on proper nail trimming and footwear to reduce recurrence. Ingrown toenails can be painful. If you have this condition, it is suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can offer effective treatment solutions, which may include minor surgery for removal. 

Foot surgery is sometimes necessary to treat a foot ailment. To learn more, contact one of our podiatrists of Lexington Foot and Ankle Center, PSC. Our doctors will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.

When Is Surgery Necessary?

Foot and ankle surgery is generally reserved for cases in which less invasive, conservative procedures have failed to alleviate the problem. Some of the cases in which surgery may be necessary include:

• Removing foot deformities like bunions and bone spurs
• Severe arthritis that has caused bone issues
• Cosmetic reconstruction

What Types of Surgery Are There?

The type of surgery you receive will depend on the nature of the problem you have. Some of the possible surgeries include:

• Bunionectomy for painful bunions
• Surgical fusion for realignment of bones
• Neuropathy decompression surgery to treat nerve damage

Benefits of Surgery

Although surgery is usually a last resort, it can provide more complete pain relief compared to non-surgical methods and may allow you to finally resume full activity.

Surgical techniques have also become increasingly sophisticated. Techniques like endoscopic surgery allow for smaller incisions and faster recovery times.

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

Neuropathy is a condition where the nerves are damaged or not functioning properly, often affecting the feet. This can lead to neuralgia, which is sharp, burning nerve pain, or cause numbness, tingling, and loss of sensation. Feet may feel weak or overly sensitive. Risk factors of neuropathy include diabetes, alcohol use, infections, and certain medications. These symptoms can increase the risk of injury, infection, and balance issues. A podiatrist can help by identifying the type and cause of neuropathy and offering treatment to manage symptoms, protect the feet, and improve quality of life. If you notice unusual sensations or pain in your feet, it is suggested that you contact a podiatrist to begin proper care and prevent further complications.

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 Lexington Foot and Ankle Center, PSC. 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 offices located in Harrodsburg, Frankfort, Georgetown, and Lexington, KY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.