May 2023

Nerve tissue that forms in a specific part of the foot may indicate Morton’s neuroma has developed. This is a condition that affects the area between the third and fourth toes, and despite how painful it can be, it is generally a benign growth. It happens when this area becomes irritated or compressed, and a common cause can be from wearing shoes that do not have enough room for the toes to move freely in. High heels fit into this category, and this may be a reason why women are more affected by Morton’s neuroma than men. The discomfort that is felt from this condition is in the ball of the foot. Many patients report the pain is likened to having a small pebble in their shoe or sock and often look to feel better. There are specific stretches that can be performed which may help to find moderate relief, in addition to having regular foot massages done. If you have pain in this part of your foot, it is suggested that you consult with a podiatrist who can diagnose Morton’s neuroma, and offer you correct treatment solutions.

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 Canonsburg Podiatry 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 Canonsburg and McMurray, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

There are several symptoms that accompany ankle pain, including stiffness, pain, and swelling. Ankle pain can happen for various reasons, such as a fall, a direct blow to the ankle, or if it suddenly twists beyond its normal range of motion. An existing medical condition can cause the muscles surrounding the ankle joint to weaken, which may lead to having ankle pain. Many people have difficulty walking with ankle pain, and choose to wrap their ankle with an elastic bandage. This is often successful in providing stability as it heals. Relief may be found when the affected foot is frequently elevated, and it is beneficial to avoid standing for long periods of time. If you have ankle pain, it is suggested that you speak with a podiatrist who can determine how severe it is, in addition to offering you correct treatment options.

Ankle pain can have many different causes and the pain may potentially be serious. If you have ankle pain, consult with one of our podiatrists from Canonsburg Podiatry Associates. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Ankle pain is any condition that causes pain in the ankle. Due to the fact that the ankle consists of tendons, muscles, bones, and ligaments, ankle pain can come from a number of different conditions.

Causes

The most common causes of ankle pain include:

• Types of arthritis (rheumatoid, osteoarthritis, and gout)
• Ankle sprains
• Broken ankles
• Achilles tendinitis
• Achilles tendon rupture
• Stress fractures
• Tarsal tunnel syndrome
• Plantar fasciitis

Symptoms

Symptoms of ankle injury vary based upon the condition. Pain may include general pain and discomfort, swelling, aching, redness, bruising, burning or stabbing sensations, and/or loss of sensation.

Diagnosis

Due to the wide variety of potential causes of ankle pain, podiatrists will utilize a number of different methods to properly diagnose ankle pain. This can include asking for personal and family medical histories and of any recent injuries. Further diagnosis may include sensation tests, a physical examination, and potentially x-rays or other imaging tests.

Treatment

Just as the range of causes varies widely, so do treatments. Some more common treatments are rest, ice packs, keeping pressure off the foot, orthotics and braces, medication for inflammation and pain, and surgery.

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

A broken toe can easily happen as a result of being located at the end of the body. Broken toes may occur if a heavy object drops on them, or if the toe is stubbed into a piece of furniture. Broken or fractured toes are easy to notice because swelling and bruising occurs immediately. It is a painful injury and an X-ray is often taken which can determine the severity of the fracture. Additional symptoms can include a popping sound at the time of injury and it is often difficult to walk. A mild break can be treated by using the buddy taping method, which is done by taping the affected toe to the toe next to it. Buddy taping is often successful in providing the necessary stability as the healing process takes place. For severely broken toes, surgery may be necessary to replace any protruding bones in addition to realigning the toes to their normal position. If you have broken your toe, it is suggested that you speak with a podiatrist who can help you with the treatment that is best for you.

A broken toe can be very painful and lead to complications if not properly fixed. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact one of our podiatrists from Canonsburg Podiatry Associates. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What to Know About a Broken Toe

Although most people try to avoid foot trauma such as banging, stubbing, or dropping heavy objects on their feet, the unfortunate fact is that it is a common occurrence. Given the fact that toes are positioned in front of the feet, they typically sustain the brunt of such trauma. When trauma occurs to a toe, the result can be a painful break (fracture).

Symptoms of a Broken Toe

• Throbbing pain
• Swelling
• Bruising on the skin and toenail
• The inability to move the toe
• Toe appears crooked or disfigured
• Tingling or numbness in the toe

Generally, it is best to stay off of the injured toe with the affected foot elevated.

Severe toe fractures may be treated with a splint, cast, and in some cases, minor surgery. Due to its position and the pressure it endures with daily activity, future complications can occur if the big toe is not properly treated.

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

A small calcium deposit that forms between the heel and the arch of the foot may indicate a heel spur. It may happen as a result of an underlying health condition or possibly from wearing shoes that do not fit correctly. A heel spur can vary in shape, including pointed, hooked, or shelf-like, and can be up to a half-inch long. It can extend to the middle of the foot and cause the plantar fascia to become painful. A heel spur may occur from the natural aging process when the heel pads do not provide adequate shock absorption as they wear down. The symptoms include sharp heel pain, which may be more prominent in the morning, and the heel may be swollen and inflamed. An X-ray is generally performed that can provide an accurate diagnosis, and this can be followed by beginning treatment. If you have a heel spur, it is suggested that you confer with a podiatrist who can offer you relief options.

Heel spurs can be incredibly painful and sometimes may make you unable to participate in physical activities. To get medical care for your heel spurs, contact one of our podiatrists from Canonsburg Podiatry Associates. Our doctors will do everything possible to treat your condition.

Heels Spurs

Heel spurs are formed by calcium deposits on the back of the foot where the heel is. This can also be caused by small fragments of bone breaking off one section of the foot, attaching onto the back of the foot. Heel spurs can also be bone growth on the back of the foot and may grow in the direction of the arch of the foot.

Older individuals usually suffer from heel spurs and pain sometimes intensifies with age. One of the main condition's spurs are related to is plantar fasciitis.

Pain

The pain associated with spurs is often because of weight placed on the feet. When someone is walking, their entire weight is concentrated on the feet. Bone spurs then have the tendency to affect other bones and tissues around the foot. As the pain continues, the feet will become tender and sensitive over time.

Treatments

There are many ways to treat heel spurs. If one is suffering from heel spurs in conjunction with pain, there are several methods for healing. Medication, surgery, and herbal care are some options.

If you have any questions feel free to contact our office located in Canonsburg and McMurray, PA . We offer the latest in diagnostic and treatment technology to meet your needs.

A seed wart can result when an individual comes into direct contact with the human papillomavirus, or HPV. This skin growth can be quite unsightly and typically forms on the bottom, or sole, of the foot. They are characterized by the presence of very small black dots, known as seeds, in the center of the wart. Interestingly, these seeds are not really seeds in the traditional use of the word. Rather, these seeds are actually just tiny blood vessels that have become clotted. Therefore, although these tiny dots might look like seeds, they are in fact just blood vessels. The virus that causes seed warts is extremely contagious and can be spread by skin-to-skin contact and by other means. If you are someone that may have a seed wart, it is strongly suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist as quickly as possible who can analyze and address your foot problem.

Plantar warts can be very uncomfortable. If you need your feet checked, contact one of our podiatrists from Canonsburg Podiatry Associates. Our doctors will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.

About Plantar Warts

Plantar warts are the result of HPV, or human papillomavirus, getting into open wounds on the feet. They are mostly found on the heels or balls of the feet.

While plantar warts are generally harmless, those experiencing excessive pain or those suffering from diabetes or a compromised immune system require immediate medical care. Plantar warts are easily diagnosed, usually through scraping off a bit of rough skin or by getting a biopsy.

Symptoms

• Lesions on the bottom of your feet, usually rough and grainy
• Hard or thick callused spots
• Wart seeds, which are small clotted blood vessels that look like little black spots
• Pain, discomfort, or tenderness of your feet when walking or standing

Treatment

• Freezing
• Electric tool removal
• Laser Treatment
• Topical Creams (prescription only)
• Over-the-counter medications

To help prevent developing plantar warts, avoid walking barefoot over abrasive surfaces that can cause cuts or wounds for HPV to get into. Avoiding direct contact with other warts, as well as not picking or rubbing existing warts, can help prevent the further spread of plantar warts. However, if you think you have developed plantar warts, speak to your podiatrist. He or she can diagnose the warts on your feet and recommend the appropriate treatment options.

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