Items filtered by date: April 2023

Pain in the ball of the foot, sometimes described as having a stone in the bottom of the shoe, is generally a symptom of Morton’s neuroma. This benign condition is the result of extra nerve tissue growing between the third and fourth toes of the foot. Simply putting weight on the foot when standing or walking can set off the nerve pain from Morton’s neuroma. Among the contributing factors leading to Morton’s neuroma are wearing high-heeled shoes with narrow toe boxes and playing sports for extended periods. Not surprisingly, cases of Morton’s neuroma are more likely to be found in women between 40 and 70 years old. On the other hand, most men with this condition are under 30 years old. Symptoms include pain in the ball of the foot, a burning and tingling pain in the nearby toes, and feeling like a sock is bunched up inside the shoe. Changes to footwear and massaging the affected area can help to alleviate the pain. In more severe cases, a surgical solution may be necessary. If you believe you have Morton’s neuroma, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for an exam and diagnosis before deciding on treatment options.

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 Toe-tal Family Footcare Associates. 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 Vista, CA and Las Vegas, NV . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Weak muscles and lack of strength are one of the main causes of falling, especially among seniors whose lifestyle has become more sedentary. One way to prevent falling is to perform exercises that improve foot strength and balance. It’s a good idea to have someone with you while performing such exercises and to do them while lightly touching a wall, countertop, or chairback. Start with a few repetitions and gradually increase them as your muscles and confidence get stronger. Heel raises are specifically designed to build ankle strength, which is essential in keeping your balance. Raise the heels by rising up onto the ball of the feet and hold for a few seconds. Then slowly lower the heels. Repeat. Toe raises help to strengthen the muscles in the front of the foot, which is used when stepping over obstacles. Holding onto the chairback, raise the toes up as far as you can while also standing tall and keeping the stomach muscles tight. Lower and repeat. For more information on exercises to prevent falling, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist.

Preventing falls among the elderly is very important. If you are older and have fallen or fear that you are prone to falling, consult with one of our podiatrists from Toe-tal Family Footcare Associates. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality advice and care.

Every 11 seconds, an elderly American is being treated in an emergency room for a fall related injury. Falls are the leading cause of head and hip injuries for those 65 and older. Due to decreases in strength, balance, senses, and lack of awareness, elderly persons are very susceptible to falling. Thankfully, there are a number of things older persons can do to prevent falls.

How to Prevent Falls

Some effective methods that older persons can do to prevent falls include:

• Enrolling in strength and balance exercise program to increase balance and strength
• Periodically having your sight and hearing checked
• Discuss any medications you have with a doctor to see if it increases the risk of falling
• Clearing the house of falling hazards and installing devices like grab bars and railings
• Utilizing a walker or cane
• Wearing shoes that provide good support and cushioning
• Talking to family members about falling and increasing awareness

Falling can be a traumatic and embarrassing experience for elderly persons; this can make them less willing to leave the house, and less willing to talk to someone about their fears of falling. Doing such things, however, will increase the likelihood of tripping or losing one’s balance. Knowing the causes of falling and how to prevent them is the best way to mitigate the risk of serious injury.  

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

The forefoot is the front part of the foot that contains ligaments, tendons, muscles, nerves, blood vessels, metatarsal bones, and phalanges. The metatarsal bones are the five long bones between the toe bones, the hindfoot, and the midfoot. There are a variety of conditions that can lead to forefoot pain, including Morton’s neuroma, toe pain, and sesamoiditis. The focus here is on sesamoiditis. Most bones are connected to other bones at joints. Sesamoids are bones embedded in muscle and only connected to tendons. On the bottom of the foot, near the big toe, two small sesamoids help with weight bearing and raising the bones of the big toe. Sesamoiditis happens when these tendons become irritated and inflamed. This is common among runners and dancers. If you suffer from pain in your forefoot, it is suggested that you visit a podiatrist to determine the cause of the pain, whether it’s sesamoiditis, and how to treat it best.

Sesamoiditis is an unpleasant foot condition characterized by pain in the balls of the feet. If you think you’re struggling with sesamoiditis, contact one of our podiatrists of Toe-tal Family Footcare Associates. Our doctors will treat your condition thoroughly and effectively.

Sesamoiditis

Sesamoiditis is a condition of the foot that affects the ball of the foot. It is more common in younger people than it is in older people. It can also occur with people who have begun a new exercise program, since their bodies are adjusting to the new physical regimen. Pain may also be caused by the inflammation of tendons surrounding the bones. It is important to seek treatment in its early stages because if you ignore the pain, this condition can lead to more serious problems such as severe irritation and bone fractures.

Causes of Sesamoiditis

• Sudden increase in activity
• Increase in physically strenuous movement without a proper warm up or build up
• Foot structure: those who have smaller, bonier feet or those with a high arch may be more susceptible

Treatment for sesamoiditis is non-invasive and simple. Doctors may recommend a strict rest period where the patient forgoes most physical activity. This will help give the patient time to heal their feet through limited activity. For serious cases, it is best to speak with your doctor to determine a treatment option that will help your specific needs.

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

Though children’s feet may be small, they are complex structures. Taking care of them well early on can set children up for better foot health as they grow older. This is especially important if they play sports. The most important things to tend to in caring for children’s feet are well-fitting footwear, washing and drying feet well, and proper toenail cutting. Shoes that are the right size, comfortable, and appropriate for the activity are crucial to children’s foot health. Similarly, socks should fit well, be made of breathable material, and be changed often. Footwear should not be shared with other children to avoid the spread of infections and viruses that can impact feet, such as athlete’s foot and plantar warts. Kids should be taught to wash their feet thoroughly and dry them well to help prevent fungal and bacterial infections. Kid’s toenails should be cut straight across to ward off ingrown toenails. If you want to set your child up for a lifetime of foot health, particularly if they play sports, it is suggested that you take them to a podiatrist for regular checkups and to learn more about how to properly care for their feet.

The health of a child’s feet is vital to their overall well-being. If you have any questions regarding foot health, contact one of our podiatrists of Toe-tal Family Footcare Associates. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Tips for Keeping Children's Feet Healthy

• Make sure their shoes fit properly
• Look for any signs of in-toeing or out-toeing
• Check to see if they have Clubfoot (condition that affects your child’s foot and ankle, twisting the heel and toes inward) which is one of the most common nonmajor birth defects.
• Lightly cover your baby’s feet (Tight covers may keep your baby from moving their feet freely, and could prevent normal development)
• Allow your toddler to go shoeless (Shoes can be restricting for a young child’s foot)
• Cut toenails straight across to avoid ingrown toenails
• Keep your child’s foot clean and dry
• Cover cuts and scrapes. Wash any scratches with soap and water and cover them with a bandage until they’ve healed.

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