Items filtered by date: May 2020

Morton’s neuroma is a foot condition caused by an enlarged nerve or thickening of tissue surrounding a nerve, most commonly between the third and fourth toes. Those who have experienced this condition often relay feeling pain in the ball of their foot. Common symptoms that can accompany Morton’s neuroma include burning in the ball of your foot that can also be reached in the toes, a numbing or tingling sensation felt in the toes, and feeling as if a pebble is stuck inside your shoe. To help relieve the discomfort of Morton’s neuroma, patients have found custom orthotics and acupuncture to be beneficial. In order to properly diagnose this condition and to receive prompt treatment, it’s suggested that you speak with a podiatrist for professional care and attention.

Morton’s neuroma is a very uncomfortable condition to live with. If you think you have Morton’s neuroma, contact Jim Maxka, DPM of South Penn Foot & Ankle Associates. 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 office located in Hanover, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Many women choose to wear high heels for several reasons, despite knowing they may hurt their feet. These types of shoes can be stylish, and can accentuate a particular clothing style, in addition to making the legs appear slender. It is important to purchase the right size shoes, which may help to ensure maximum comfort. The toes may benefit when there is adequate room for them to move freely, and this can be accomplished by choosing shoes that have a round toe area. The feet may need to rest after wearing high heels, and it is recommended to alternate with shoes that have a lower heel. Foot conditions that may develop from frequently wearing high heels can consist of bunions, hammertoe, corns, and blisters. If you would like additional information about how high heels can impact the feet, it is suggested that you confer with a podiatrist.

High heels have a history of causing foot and ankle problems. If you have any concerns about your feet or ankles, contact Jim Maxka, DPM from South Penn Foot & Ankle Associates. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Effects of High Heels on the Feet

High heels are popular shoes among women because of their many styles and societal appeal.  Despite this, high heels can still cause many health problems if worn too frequently.

Which Parts of My Body Will Be Affected by High Heels?

• Ankle Joints
• Achilles Tendon – May shorten and stiffen with prolonged wear
• Balls of the Feet
• Knees – Heels cause the knees to bend constantly, creating stress on them
• Back – They decrease the spine’s ability to absorb shock, which may lead to back pain.  The vertebrae of the lower back may compress.

What Kinds of Foot Problems Can Develop from Wearing High Heels?

• Corns
• Calluses
• Hammertoe
• Bunions
• Morton’s Neuroma
• Plantar Fasciitis

How Can I Still Wear High Heels and Maintain Foot Health?

If you want to wear high heeled shoes, make sure that you are not wearing them every day, as this will help prevent long term physical problems.  Try wearing thicker heels as opposed to stilettos to distribute weight more evenly across the feet.  Always make sure you are wearing the proper shoes for the right occasion, such as sneakers for exercising.  If you walk to work, try carrying your heels with you and changing into them once you arrive at work.  Adding inserts to your heels can help cushion your feet and absorb shock. Full foot inserts or metatarsal pads are available. 

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

Patients who are diabetic may be prone to developing blisters on their feet. This may be a result of the inability to feel if the skin has become damaged due to friction. Blisters are the body’s natural method of protecting raw skin by forming a protective bubble over it. This is filled with fluid that will gradually drain as new skin develops. It may develop from wearing shoes that do not fit correctly, or possibly from having elevated blood sugar levels. It is important to ensure the blister is properly covered, which can help to prevent premature drainage. Diabetic patients are suggested to be under the care of a podiatrist who can effectively treat blisters on the feet.

Blisters may appear as a single bubble or in a cluster. They can cause a lot of pain and may be filled with pus, blood, or watery serum. If your feet are hurting, contact Jim Maxka, DPM of South Penn Foot & Ankle Associates. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Foot Blisters

Foot blisters are often the result of friction. This happens due to the constant rubbing from shoes, which can lead to pain.

What Are Foot Blisters?

A foot blister is a small fluid-filled pocket that forms on the upper-most layer of the skin. Blisters are filled with clear fluid and can lead to blood drainage or pus if the area becomes infected.

Symptoms

(Blister symptoms may vary depending on what is causing them)

• Bubble of skin filled with fluid
• Redness
• Moderate to severe pain
• Itching

Prevention & Treatment

In order to prevent blisters, you should be sure to wear comfortable shoes with socks that cushion your feet and absorb sweat. Breaking a blister open may increase your chances of developing an infection. However, if your blister breaks, you should wash the area with soap and water immediately and then apply a bandage to the affected area. If your blisters cause severe pain it is important that you call your podiatrist right away.

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

The uncomfortable foot condition that is known as a hammertoe is considered to be a foot deformity. It can occur from genetic factors, or from wearing shoes that do not have adequate room for the toes to move freely in. The joints in the middle toes are typically affected, and can bend downward, which may resemble a hammer. Some patients have calluses that develop on top of the toes, and this may be a result of the toes rubbing against the top of the shoe. It may be beneficial to cease wearing pointed shoes such as high heels. Additionally, mild relief may be found when a protective pad is worn on the impacted toe. Severe hammertoes may cause pain and discomfort, and surgery may be a viable option to permanently straighten the toes. If you are afflicted with a hammertoe, it is suggested that you consult with a podiatrist as quickly as possible who can guide you toward the treatment that is best for you.

Hammertoes can be a painful condition to live with. For more information, contact Jim Maxka, DPM of South Penn Foot & Ankle Associates. Our doctor will answer any of your foot- and ankle-related questions.

Hammertoe

Hammertoe is a foot deformity that occurs due to an imbalance in the muscles, tendons, or ligaments that normally hold the toe straight. It can be caused by the type of shoes you wear, your foot structure, trauma, and certain disease processes.

Symptoms

• Painful and/or difficult toe movement
• Swelling
• Joint stiffness
• Calluses/Corns
• Physical deformity

Risk Factors

• Age – The risk of hammertoe increases with age
• Sex – Women are more likely to have hammertoe compared to men
• Toe Length – You are more likely to develop hammertoe if your second toe is longer than your big toe
• Certain Diseases – Arthritis and diabetes may make you more likely to develop hammertoe

Treatment

If you have hammertoe, you should change into a more comfortable shoe that provides enough room for your toes. Exercises such as picking up marbles may strengthen and stretch your toe muscles. Nevertheless, it is important to seek assistance from a podiatrist in order to determine the severity of your hammertoe and see which treatment option will work best for you.

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