Morton’s neuroma is named for a doctor who discovered this condition in 1876. It affects the nerve that runs between the long bones of the foot, commonly the 3rd and 4th metatarsals. The main symptoms of Morton’s neuroma are pain and numbness in the toes above the affected metatarsals. It can produce the same symptoms in the nerve between the 2nd and 3rd metatarsals. Morton’s neuroma usually affects only one foot and rarely affects two nerves of the same foot. The exact cause of Morton’s neuroma is not clear, but it is thought to be the result of a thickening of the nerve. This effect may be produced by chronic compression of the nerves. About three-quarters of people with Morton’s neuroma are women between the ages of 40 and 50. It is believed that tight or poorly fitting shoes greatly contribute to the formation of Morton’s neuroma, and it is common among runners and ballet dancers. Symptoms include pain that starts in the ball of the foot and shoots into the nearby toes. There also may be burning and tingling, along with a feeling of having a small pebble in the shoe. For a diagnosis and treatment options for Morton’s neuroma, it is suggested that you visit a podiatrist. 

Morton’s neuroma is a very uncomfortable condition to live with. If you think you have Morton’s neuroma, contact Steven Black, DPM of California . 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 Lancaster, CA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

As a child grows and matures into a young adult, there are several different foot afflictions that can prevent the child from reaching their full potential to have healthy feet. Juvenile Plantar Dermatosis is one such condition and it is defined as symmetrical and shiny peeling of the skin on the feet in children. The condition can also be defined as a certain kind of fissuring on the feet. Many things about this foot condition remain unclear and unknown. However, it is thought that some combination of moisture and repeated friction is the likely cause. Although each case is different, typically a medical professional will recommend that the patient remedies this condition by controlling the extent to which their feet produce and come into contact with moisture. Take your child to a podiatrist today if they are suffering from Juvenile Plantar Dermatosis.

Making sure that your children maintain good foot health is very important as they grow. If you have any questions, contact Steven Black, DPM of California . Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Keeping Children's Feet Healthy

Having healthy feet during childhood can help prevent medical problems later in life, namely in the back and legs. As children grow, their feet require different types of care. Here are some things to consider...

Although babies do not walk yet, it is still very important to take care of their feet.

Avoid putting tight shoes or socks on his or her feet.

Allow the baby to stretch and kick his or her feet to feel comfortable.

As a toddler, kids are now on the move and begin to develop differently. At this age, toddlers are getting a feel for walking, so don’t be alarmed if your toddler is unsteady or ‘walks funny’. 

As your child gets older, it is important to teach them how to take care of their feet.

Show them proper hygiene to prevent infections such as fungus.

Be watchful for any pain or injury.

Have all injuries checked by a doctor as soon as possible.

Comfortable, protective shoes should always be worn, especially at play.

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

Toenail fungus can be a nuisance. Not only can the development of toenail fungus make the toenails appear brittle and ragged, it can also cause you pain. There are several things that a patient might consider doing to avoid the development of toenail fungus. First, you might try selecting shoes that offer a decent amount of space for the toes. Shoes that have tiny toe boxes can make the toenails rub up against the shoes. Second, you might also try alternating the shoes that you wear from day to day. When an individual wears the same pair of shoes day after day, the shoes can become damp from sweat, which only increases the likelihood that a toenail fungus will take hold. If you are particularly concerned about developing a toenail fungus, contact a podiatrist today. This is a foot specialist who can help you with your concerns.

For more information about treatment, contact Steven Black, DPM of California . Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Toenail Fungus Treatment

Toenail fungus is a condition that affects many people and can be especially hard to get rid of. Fortunately, there are several methods to go about treating and avoiding it.

Antifungals & Deterrence

Oral antifungal medicine has been shown to be effective in many cases. It is important to consult with a podiatrist to determine the proper regiment for you, or potentially explore other options.

Applying foot powder on the feet and shoes helps keep the feet free of moisture and sweat.

Sandals or open toed shoes – Wearing these will allow air movement and help keep feet dry. They also expose your feet to light, which fungus cannot tolerate. Socks with moisture wicking material also help as well.

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

Plantar fasciitis is a form of heel pain that is quite common. It occurs when the plantar fascia tissue that connects the heel with the toes becomes damaged and sometimes torn through overuse. Plantar fasciitis causes pain and swelling in the tissue, which is worse in the morning, because the plantar fascia tissue tightens while you are sleeping. A podiatrist deals with cases of plantar fasciitis every day and has many forms of treatments to alleviate the painful symptoms of this condition. Your podiatrist may tape your foot with a rigid adhesive sports strapping tape to reduce the stretch and strain on your plantar fascia. Foot taping is a very safe treatment method, which sometimes may provide immediate relief. If you have heel pain, get your condition diagnosed by a podiatrist and discuss whether foot taping might be an appropriate treatment method.

Plantar fasciitis can be very painful and inconvenient. If you are experiencing heel pain or symptoms of plantar fasciitis, contact Steven Black, DPM  from California . Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is the inflammation of the thick band of tissue that runs along the bottom of your foot, known as the plantar fascia, and causes mild to severe heel pain.

What Causes Plantar Fasciitis?

• Excessive running
• Non-supportive shoes
• Overpronation
• Repeated stretching and tearing of the plantar fascia

How Can It Be Treated?

• Conservative measures – anti-inflammatories, ice packs, stretching exercises, physical therapy, orthotic devices
• Shockwave therapy – sound waves are sent to the affected area to facilitate healing and are usually used for chronic cases of plantar fasciitis
• Surgery – usually only used as a last resort when all else fails. The plantar fascia can be surgically detached from the heel

While very treatable, plantar fasciitis is definitely not something that should be ignored. Especially in severe cases, speaking to your doctor right away is highly recommended to avoid complications and severe heel pain. Your podiatrist can work with you to provide the appropriate treatment options tailored to your condition.

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

People who have swollen feet and ankles are generally aware of how uncomfortable they can be. There are various reasons why this can occur, including eating foods that have high levels of sodium, and taking certain medications. Additionally, pregnant women and people who are overweight may notice their feet are swollen, or it may happen as an allergic reaction from an insect bite. Mild relief can be found when salt intake is reduced in the diet, starting a gentle exercise routine, and frequently elevating the feet. It is beneficial to refrain from sitting or standing for long periods of time, in addition to wearing socks and shoes that are too tight. It can help to wear shoes that fit properly, and have a low heel and soft sole. Shiny skin on the feet can be a sign of edema, which is the medical term for swollen feet. Some people may experience a skin color change on their feet, and this may be a symptom of edema. If you have this condition, and you fail to find relief with the above suggestions, please consult with a podiatrist who can provide an examination and conclude with a proper diagnosis and treatment.

Swollen feet can be a sign of an underlying condition. If you have any concerns, contact Steven Black, DPM of California . Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Swollen feet are a common ailment among pregnant women and people who stand or sit for extended periods. Aging may increase the possibility of swollen feet and patients who are obese often notice when their feet are swelling too. There may be medical reasons why swollen feet occur:

• Phlebitis - A condition that causes the veins to become inflamed and can also cause leg pain.
• Liver disease - This may lead to low blood levels of albumin which is a protein. This can cause fluid in the blood to pass into the tissues and several areas of the body can become swollen.
• Heart failure - When the heart doesn’t pump properly the blood that is normally pumped back to the heart can pool in the veins of the legs causing swollen feet.
• Kidney disease - One of the main functions of the kidneys is releasing excess fluid in the body. This type of condition can make it difficult for the kidneys to function properly, and as a result the feet may become swollen.
• Deep-vein thrombosis (DVT)- This is a serious condition where blood clots form in the veins of the legs. They can block the return of blood from the legs to the heart which may cause the feet to swell. It is important to be treated by a podiatrist if this condition is present.

Swollen feet can also be caused by bone and tendon conditions, including fractures, arthritis, and tendinitis. Additionally, there may be skin and toenail conditions and an infection may cause the feet to swell. Patients who take medicine to treat high blood pressure may be prone to getting swollen feet. 

Many patients elevate their feet to help relieve the swelling and this is generally a temporary remedy. When a podiatrist is consulted the reason behind the swelling can be uncovered and subsequently treated.

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

Ice skating requires balance, flexibility, strength, and power. In the 1990s, patterns that generated shapes like circles and figure eights were replaced with more physically demanding jumps and spins. As expected, skating can stress the muscles, bones, and joints of the feet and ankles. Injuries in skating often happen from falls. A skater’s feet are tightly bound in leather or synthetic composite boots so the feet and ankles bear the brunt of various motions performed. Problems can arise from repetitive stretching of the Achilles tendon, located at the heel of the foot, and a skater can get Achilles tendinopathy, tendonitis in the ankle, plantar fasciitis, bunions, calluses, hammertoes, or other foot and ankle problems. Skaters should warm up and stretch before skating to loosen stiff muscles and wear properly fitting boots. If you are a skater and have sports-related pain in your feet or ankles that is not relieved with rest, see a podiatrist for proper diagnosis and treatment.

Ankle and foot injuries are common among athletes and in many sports. They can be caused by several problems and may be potentially serious. If you are feeling pain or think you were injured in a sporting event or when exercising, consult with Steven Black, DPM from California . Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Common Injuries

The most common injuries that occur in sporting activities include:

• Achilles Tendonitis
• Achilles Tendon Rupture
• Ankle Sprains
• Broken Foot
• Plantar Fasciitis
• Stress Fractures
• Turf Toe

Symptoms

Symptoms vary depending upon the injury and in some cases, there may be no symptoms at all. However, in most cases, some form of symptom is experienced. Pain, aching, burning, bruising, tenderness, tightness or stiffness, sensation loss, difficulty moving, and swelling are the most common symptoms.

Treatment

Just as symptoms vary depending upon the injury, so do treatment options. A common treatment method is known as the RICE method. This method involves rest, applying ice, compression and elevating the afflicted foot or ankle. If the injury appears to be more serious, surgery might be required, such as arthroscopic or reconstructive surgery. Lastly, rehabilitation or therapy might be needed to gain full functionality in the afflicted area. Any discomfort experienced by an athlete must be evaluated by a licensed, reputable medical professional.  

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