Items filtered by date: June 2023

A burning pain in the ball of the foot and the feeling of having a small pebble under your foot are signs that you may have Morton’s neuroma. This condition involves a thickening of the tissue across the metatarsal nerves, causing pressure and pain. It is generally felt in the space between the third and fourth toes, and may be connected to the type of shoes that are worn. High heels with pointed toes and shoes that are too tight can cause pressure on the metatarsal joints by pushing the weight onto the ball of the foot. Certain foot deformities, such as hammertoes or bunions, can cause the weight of the body to shift onto the ball of the foot. High impact sporting activities, such as tennis and running, can place increased stress in the area. Additionally, rock climbers and snow skiers may develop Morton’s neuroma, as a result of a combination of wearing tight shoes that can exert pressure on the toes. For a diagnosis and treatment options, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist.

Morton’s neuroma is a very uncomfortable condition to live with. If you think you have Morton’s neuroma, contact Dr. Thomas E. Silver of Westwood Foot Clinic. 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 Golden Valley, MN . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

A feeling of numbness in the toes may be nothing more than the result of wearing shoes that do not fit properly. For instance, high heeled shoes with a narrow and pointy toe box can be the direct cause of this phenomenon. In those cases, removing the shoes may fix the problem. However, if numbness in the toes is frequent, or even chronic, an underlying cause may be indicated. One major cause of numbness in the feet and toes can be from diabetes. Damage to the peripheral nerves from high levels of blood sugar can block feeling in the toes. A condition called Morton’s neuroma, which is a thickening of the nerve tissues near the ball of the foot can also cause numbness that affects the toes. Among the other medical conditions that can result in numbness of the toes are gout, arthritis, and hammertoe. If numb toes becomes a frequent problem, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for a full exam and diagnosis. 

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 Dr. Thomas E. Silver from Westwood Foot Clinic. Our doctor 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 Golden Valley, MN . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

As an individual gets older, they may notice foot pain has increased. Sixty-plus years of walking can take a toll on the feet. To deal with foot pain, it is important to pay attention to the signals your feet may be giving you. The feet naturally flatten and widen with aging. The natural cushion of the ball of the foot also erodes over time. Muscle cramps can become more common. Some things to consider are whether your shoes are the right size and how supportive and comfortable they are. Some older people are less attuned to how their shoes fit and feel. It is important for seniors to have their feet measured periodically, especially when they purchase new shoes. Shoes that fit well will provide more comfort, help prevent falls, and allow continued mobility and independence as the individual becomes older. Wearing shoes with heels may create hammertoes, arch pain, or bunions. Things that may help your aging feet include wearing orthotic inserts and practicing good foot care. If you are over 60 and are experiencing foot pain, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist.

Proper foot care is something many older adults forget to consider. If you have any concerns about your feet and ankles, contact Dr. Thomas E. Silver from Westwood Foot Clinic. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

The Elderly and Their Feet

As we age we start to notice many changes in our body, but the elder population may not notice them right away. Medical conditions may prevent the elderly to take notice of their foot health right away. Poor vision is a lead contributor to not taking action for the elderly.

Common Conditions 

• Neuropathy – can reduce feeling in the feet and can hide many life-threatening medical conditions.
• Reduced flexibility – prevents the ability of proper toenail trimming, and foot cleaning. If left untreated, it may lead to further medical issues.
• Foot sores – amongst the older population can be serious before they are discovered. Some of the problematic conditions they may face are:
• Gouging toenails affecting nearby toe
• Shoes that don’t fit properly
• Pressure sores
• Loss of circulation in legs & feet
• Edema & swelling of feet and ankles

Susceptible Infections

Diabetes and poor circulation can cause general loss of sensitivity over the years, turning a simple cut into a serious issue.

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

Many parts of the human body may be prone to twitching or temporary, involuntary movement. The toes are certainly also susceptible to twitching. There are several different important reasons why the toes might twitch. For example, your toes might be twitching because you are receiving poor blood circulation to the toes. Also, your toes might be twitching because of a deficiency in vitamin B-12. Alternatively, your toes might be twitching from nerve damage or muscle weakness. This twitching may even be pronounced at night time. If you are someone who is struggling with the twitching of the toes, it is suggested that you contact a podiatrist today for an evaluation and treatment options.

If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Dr. Thomas E. Silver from Westwood Foot Clinic. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Biomechanics in Podiatry

Podiatric biomechanics is a particular sector of specialty podiatry with licensed practitioners who are trained to diagnose and treat conditions affecting the foot, ankle and lower leg. Biomechanics deals with the forces that act against the body, causing an interference with the biological structures. It focuses on the movement of the ankle, the foot and the forces that interact with them.

A History of Biomechanics

• Biomechanics dates back to the BC era in Egypt where evidence of professional foot care has been recorded.
• In 1974, biomechanics gained a higher profile from the studies of Merton Root, who claimed that by changing or controlling the forces between the ankle and the foot, corrections or conditions could be implemented to gain strength and coordination in the area.

Modern technological improvements are based on past theories and therapeutic processes that provide a better understanding of podiatric concepts for biomechanics. Computers can provide accurate information about the forces and patterns of the feet and lower legs.

Understanding biomechanics of the feet can help improve and eliminate pain, stopping further stress to the foot.

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