Committed to the health of your foot, podiatric medicine focuses on diagnosing, treating and preventing foot and ankle problems, such has neuromas and plantar fasciitis.

Neuromas

Commonly called Morton's neuroma, this problem begins when the outer coating of a nerve in your foot thickens. This thickening is usually caused by irritation that results when two bones repeatedly rub together (often due to ill-fitting shoes or abnormal bone movement). The area between the third and fourth toes is the most commonly affected; the area between the second and third toes is another common irritation point. Nerve problems due to diabetes or alcoholism may also cause neuroma-like symptoms.

Symptoms

The pain from neuromas may start gradually, causing burning, tingling, cramping or numbness. Symptoms often occur after you've been walking or standing for a period of time. It might feel like you're stepping on a lamp cord. You may need to take your shoe off and rub your foot. In some cases, the pain radiates from the tip of the toes to the ankle.

How does my podiatrist treat neuromas?

After your evaluation, your podiatrist will talk with you about the most appropriate care for your neuroma. Nonsurgical treatment methods may include orthotics, medication, ultrasound, or shoe adjustments.

Nonsurgical Care

• Orthotics - Custom shoe inserts adjust the structural support of your foot, helping to prevent irritation to the nerve.
• Physical Therapy - may help reduce swelling around the neuroma.
• Medications - Anti-inflammatory injections or other medications can relieve pain and swelling in the nerve.
• Shoe Changes - Pads can cushion and support the parts of your foot that are vulnerable. Roomy, supportive shoes can help prevent irritation.

Will I need surgery?

If nonsurgical care does not help, surgery may be necessary to remove the neuroma. A local anesthetic may be used for this procedure. The surgery may be done in your podiatrist's office, a surgical center, or a hospital.

What can I do about neuromas?

Shoes can make all the difference. Be sure they're supportive and roomy enough for your toes to wiggle. Avoid certain movements, such as squatting and knee-bending, which can irritate the nerve. See your podiatrist if your symptoms continue or other foot problems arise.

Plantar Fasciitis

The plantar fascia is a ligament-like band running from your heel to the ball of your foot. This band pulls on the heel bone, raising the arch of your foot moves incorrectly, the plantar fascia may become strained. The fascia may swell and its tiny fibers may begin to fray, causing plantar fasciitis.

Causes

Plantar fasciitis is often caused by poor foot mechanics. If your foot flattens too much, the fascia may ache from being pulled too tight.

Symptoms

With plantar fasciitis, the bottom of your foot may hurt while you stand, especially first thing in the morning. Pain usually occurs on the inside of the foot, near the spot where your heel and arch meet. Pain may lessen after a few steps, but it comes back after rest or with prolonged movement.

Related Problems

A heel spur is extra bone that may grow near the spot where the plantar fascia attaches to the heel. The heel spur may form in response to the plantar fascia's tug on the heel bone.

Can my podiatrist help?

Reducing symptoms is your podiatrist's first goal. Then he or she works to correct the cause of your problem. If your pain is due to poor foot mechanics, custom-made shoe inserts (orthotics) may help.

Reduce Symptoms

• To relieve mild symptoms, try aspirin, ibuprofen, or other medications as directed. Rubbing ice on the affected area may also help.
• To reduce severe pain and swelling, your podiatrist may prescribe pills or injections. Physical therapy, such as ultrasound or stretching exercises, may also be recommended.
• To reduce symptoms caused by poor foot mechanics, your foot may be taped. This supports the arch and temporarily controls movement. Night splints may also help by stretching the fascia.

Control Movement

If taping helps, your podiatrist may prescribe orthoses. Built from plaster casts of your feet, these inserts control the way your foot moves. As a result, your symptoms should go away.

If Surgery Is Needed

Your podiatrist may consider surgery if other types of treatment don't control your pain. During surgery, the plantar fascia is partially cut to release tension. As you heal, fibrous tissue fills the space between the heel bone and the plantar fascia

TOPAZ MicroDebridement 

Your podiatrist may consider TOPAZ if your heel pain does not resolve with conservative treatment.  TOPAZ is a new minimally invasive procedure to treat heel pain without many of the risks associated with open surgery and without any time off your feet.