Morton’s neuroma is a painful thickening of tissue surrounding a nerve in the ball of the foot. It is benign, meaning it is not cancerous. The condition usually develops between the third and fourth toes, although it can also form between the second and third toes. Pressure on the nerve can cause burning pain, tingling, or numbness. Some patients describe feeling as though a pebble is trapped beneath the foot or a sock is bunched under the toes. Symptoms can spread into nearby toes and become worse with standing or activity.

The exact reason Morton’s neuroma begins is not always clear. Wearing high-heeled shoes that have a narrow toe box can squeeze the front of the foot and increase pressure on the nerve. Running and other high-impact activities can also irritate this area. Certain foot shapes or movement problems may place added stress on the ball of the foot. A podiatrist examines the painful area and gently presses the sides of the foot to check whether this brings on the symptoms. X-rays can rule out a fracture or another bone problem. An ultrasound or MRI scan may be ordered when the diagnosis remains uncertain.

Treatment from a podiatrist focuses on easing pressure and calming nerve irritation. The podiatrist may recommend shoes with a wide toe box, a low heel, and proper support. Custom orthotics can improve how pressure is distributed across the foot. Special padding can also reduce stress near the affected nerve. Depending on the severity of the symptoms, the podiatrist may provide an injection to reduce pain and inflammation. When these treatments do not provide enough relief, surgery may be considered to create more room for the nerve or remove the damaged section. If you have symptoms of Morton's neuroma, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

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 Comprehensive Footcare Clinic - Hawaii. 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 Honolulu, HI . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Foot drop makes it difficult to lift the front of the foot and toes. It usually affects one foot and changes the way a person walks. The toes may drag along the ground, or the knee may rise higher than usual to clear the foot. Some patients also notice weakness, numbness, or tingling. Because the foot does not lift normally, a person may stumble on curbs, rugs, or uneven ground. Foot drop is not a disease itself. It is a sign of a problem affecting the nerves, muscles, or brain.

A frequent cause is damage or pressure on the nerve that controls the muscles used to lift the foot. This nerve can be affected by a sports injury, a slipped disc, or pressure from crossing the legs. Diabetes can also damage nerves and lead to foot drop. Less frequently, the problem is connected to a stroke, multiple sclerosis, or an inherited nerve disorder. A podiatrist can examine the foot and leg, test muscle strength, and watch how the patient walks. Imaging or nerve tests can identify the cause and guide treatment.

A podiatrist focuses on improving safety, supporting the foot, and addressing related foot problems. This foot doctor may recommend a custom brace that holds the foot in a better position while walking. An ankle-foot brace can reduce toe dragging and help the patient take a steadier step. Custom orthotics or shoe modifications can improve stability and distribute pressure more evenly. The podiatrist can also check for calluses, sores, or irritation caused by an altered walking pattern. Regular foot checks are especially important when numbness makes injuries harder to feel. Surgery may be considered when severe nerve or joint damage causes lasting movement problems. If you have symptoms of foot drop, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for effective management solutions.

If you have any concerns about your feet, contact one of our podiatrists from Comprehensive Footcare Clinic - Hawaii. Our doctors 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 Honolulu, HI . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

A broken ankle is a fracture involving one or more bones that form the ankle joint. Symptoms include severe pain, swelling, and difficulty standing or walking. In some cases, the ankle joint may no longer be able to support weight, and movement may become extremely painful or impossible. Prompt evaluation matters because untreated fractures can heal incorrectly and lead to chronic pain, stiffness, or instability.

A broken ankle can happen when the foot or ankle twists suddenly during a fall, sports injury, or misstep. Risk factors include weak bones, previous fractures, and activities that place stress on the ankles. Unstable footwear or uneven surfaces can also contribute to an ankle injury. Severe pain or inability to walk should never be ignored after an accident or injury.

A podiatrist will examine the ankle and assess swelling, tenderness, and movement. Imaging helps determine the fracture location and severity. Treatment depends on the type and position of the break. A timely diagnosis helps in deciding whether additional care or rehabilitation will be needed. A stable fracture may require immobilization with a boot or cast and limits on weight-bearing. Follow-up visits monitor healing and guide a return to activity.

If you suspect a broken ankle, avoid putting weight on it until you receive guidance from a podiatrist. Seek prompt care when pain is severe, walking is impossible, or the ankle appears deformed. Protecting the injury from further stress can help prevent additional damage while waiting for professional care. Treatment can help bones heal in alignment and restore comfortable movement, strength, and stability. If you have broken your ankle, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for effective relief and treatment solutions.

Broken ankles need immediate treatment. If you are seeking treatment, contact one of our podiatrists from Comprehensive Footcare Clinic - Hawaii. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet. 

Broken Ankles
A broken ankle is experienced when a person fractures their tibia or fibula in the lower leg and ankle area. Both of these bones are attached at the bottom of the leg and combine to form what we know to be our ankle.

When a physician is referring to a break of the ankle, he or she is usually referring to a break in the area where the tibia and fibula are joined to create our ankle joint. Ankles are more prone to fractures because the ankle is an area that suffers a lot of pressure and stress. There are some obvious signs when a person experiences a fractured ankle, and the following symptoms may be present.

Symptoms of a Fractured Ankle

• Excessive pain when the area is touched or when any pressure is placed on the ankle
• Swelling around the area
• Bruising of the area
• Area appears to be deformed

If you suspect an ankle fracture, it is recommended to seek treatment as soon as possible. The sooner you have your podiatrist diagnose the fracture, the quicker you’ll be on the way towards recovery.

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

Psoriatic arthritis is an inflammatory disease that affects the joints and areas where tendons attach to bones. It develops in some people with psoriasis, a condition that causes thick, scaly patches of skin. However, joint symptoms can appear before these skin changes. In the feet, inflammation can cause pain, stiffness, and swelling. The toes may become swollen along their full length, creating a sausage-like appearance. Heel pain can develop where the Achilles tendon joins the heel bone or where the plantar fascia connects beneath the heel. Some patients also feel tenderness in the ankles or pain across the ball of the foot. These symptoms can make standing, climbing stairs, and walking difficult.

Foot problems can vary among patients. Joint swelling can reduce movement and change how weight passes through the foot. This altered pressure can lead to calluses, balance problems, or discomfort in nearby joints. Inflammation may also affect the toenails. Signs include pitting, thickening, and separation from the nail bed. Because these changes can resemble other foot conditions, an accurate diagnosis is important. A podiatrist can examine the feet, review the symptoms, and assess joint movement. The evaluation can also identify areas of abnormal pressure and rule out injuries or other causes of pain.

A podiatrist can help protect foot function and make daily movement more comfortable. Treatment includes custom orthotics to improve support, padding to reduce pressure, and recommendations for properly fitted shoes. A podiatrist can also provide professional care for painful nails or calluses. When inflammation changes the shape or movement of a joint, braces or other supportive devices help improve stability. Regular foot examinations help track joint problems and identify skin or nail concerns before they become harder to manage. If you have foot pain related to psoriatic arthritis, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for effective relief and management solutions.

Arthritis can be a difficult condition to live with. If you are seeking treatment, contact one of our podiatrists from Comprehensive Footcare Clinic - Hawaii. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Arthritic Foot Care  

Arthritis is a term that is commonly used to describe joint pain.  The condition itself can occur to anyone of any age, race, or gender, and there are over 100 types of it.  Nevertheless, arthritis is more commonly found in women compared to men, and it is also more prevalent in those who are overweight. The causes of arthritis vary depending on which type of arthritis you have. Osteoarthritis for example, is often caused by injury, while rheumatoid arthritis is caused by a misdirected immune system.

Symptoms

• Swelling
• Pain
• Stiffness
• Decreased Range of Motion

Arthritic symptoms range in severity, and they may come and go. Some symptoms stay the same for several years but could potentially get worse with time. Severe cases of arthritis can prevent its sufferers from performing daily activities and make walking difficult.

Risk Factors

• Occupation – Occupations requiring repetitive knee movements have been linked to osteoarthritis
• Obesity – Excess weight can contribute to osteoarthritis development
• Infection – Microbial agents can infect the joints and trigger arthritis
• Joint Injuries – Damage to joints may lead to osteoarthritis
• Age – Risk increases with age
• Gender –Most types are more common in women
• Genetics – Arthritis can be hereditary

If you suspect your arthritis is affecting your feet, it is crucial that you see a podiatrist immediately. Your doctor will be able to address your specific case and help you decide which treatment method is best for you.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Honolulu, HI . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.