Category: Forefoot

Morton’s neuroma

Posted on March 9, 2023 by Steve - Forefoot, M, Neurology

Morton’s neuroma is a painful condition that affects the ball of the foot, usually between the third and fourth toes. It is caused by an enlargement of the nerve that supplies sensation to the toes, which can be due to compression or irritation of the nerve. This can result in symptoms such as pain, burning, tingling, or numbness in the affected area. The exact cause of Morton’s neuroma is not fully understood, but it is thought to be related to the mechanics of the foot and repetitive trauma or pressure to the nerve.

Treatment for Morton’s neuroma may involve conservative measures such as changing footwear, using orthotics or padding to reduce pressure on the nerve, or taking anti-inflammatory medications. In more severe cases, injections of corticosteroids or other medications may be used to reduce pain and inflammation. Surgery may be recommended in rare cases where conservative treatment fails to provide relief.

Intermetatarsal neuroma

Posted on March 8, 2023 by Steve - Forefoot, I, Neurology

Intermetatarsal neuroma, also known as Morton’s neuroma, is a condition in which a nerve in the foot becomes compressed or irritated. This condition commonly affects the nerves between the third and fourth toes, although it can also occur between other toes.

Symptoms of intermetatarsal neuroma include:

Pain in the ball of the foot, particularly between the affected toes
Tingling or numbness in the toes
A feeling of something being caught or bunched up in the ball of the foot

Here are some treatment options for intermetatarsal neuroma:

Wear shoes with a wide toe box and a low heel to reduce pressure on the affected area.
Use arch supports or orthotics to help support the foot and redistribute pressure.
Apply ice to the affected area to help reduce pain and swelling.
Take over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen, to help manage pain.
Your doctor may recommend corticosteroid injections to reduce inflammation and relieve pain.
Physical therapy can help to stretch and strengthen the muscles and ligaments in the foot.
If conservative treatments do not provide relief, surgery may be necessary to remove the affected nerve.

If you are experiencing symptoms of intermetatarsal neuroma, it is important to seek prompt treatment to prevent the condition from worsening. Your podiatrist can help you develop a treatment plan that is tailored to your individual needs.

Hammertoes

Posted on March 8, 2023 by Steve - Forefoot, H

Hammertoes are a common foot condition in which one or more of the toes become bent at the middle joint, causing them to curl downward instead of lying flat. This can cause pain and discomfort when walking, as well as difficulty finding comfortable shoes.

Hammertoes can be caused by a variety of factors, including genetics, wearing poorly fitting shoes, and muscle or nerve damage in the foot. Women and older adults are more likely to develop hammertoes.

Symptoms of hammertoes include:

Toe pain or discomfort
Corns or calluses on the affected toe
Difficulty finding shoes that fit comfortably
Decreased flexibility in the affected toe
Swelling or redness in the affected toe

Treatment for hammertoes depends on the severity of the condition. In mild cases, conservative measures such as wearing properly fitting shoes with a wide toe box, using cushioned insoles or pads to relieve pressure on the toe, and doing toe exercises to stretch and strengthen the toe muscles may be sufficient.

In more severe cases, surgery may be necessary to straighten the toe and restore normal function. Surgery can involve removing part of the bone or releasing the tendons and ligaments that are causing the toe to bend.

If you are experiencing symptoms of hammertoes, it is important to seek medical attention for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment. Early intervention can help prevent the condition from worsening and reduce the risk of complications.

Hallux valgus

Posted on March 8, 2023 by Steve - Forefoot, H

Hallux valgus, also known as a bunion, is a common foot condition in which the big toe points towards the second toe, causing a bony bump to form on the side of the foot at the base of the big toe.

The exact cause of hallux valgus is not known, but it is believed to be related to inherited foot structure, certain medical conditions, or wearing poorly fitting shoes that squeeze the toes together.

Symptoms of hallux valgus include pain, swelling, and inflammation around the big toe joint, as well as difficulty walking or wearing shoes.

Treatment for hallux valgus typically involves conservative measures such as wearing shoes with a wide and deep toe box, using custom orthotics to support the foot and relieve pressure on the bunion, and taking non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs) to reduce pain and inflammation.

In more severe cases where conservative measures are not effective, surgery may be necessary to realign the big toe and remove the bunion. This may involve removing part of the bone, repositioning the bones in the foot, or fusing the joint to stabilise the toe.

Prevention of hallux valgus involves wearing properly fitting shoes that provide ample space for the toes to move freely, avoiding high-heeled shoes that put pressure on the toes, and performing exercises to strengthen the foot and toe muscles.

If you are experiencing symptoms of hallux valgus, it is important to seek medical attention for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment. Early intervention can help prevent the condition from worsening and reduce the risk of complications.

Hallux rigidus

Posted on March 8, 2023 by Steve - Forefoot, H, Rheumatology

Hallux rigidus is a type of arthritis that affects the big toe joint. It occurs when there is damage or degeneration of the cartilage that covers the ends of the bones in the joint, leading to pain, stiffness, and limited range of motion in the big toe.

Symptoms of hallux rigidus include pain and stiffness in the big toe joint, especially during activities such as walking, running, and climbing stairs. There may also be swelling and tenderness in the joint, and the toe may become crooked or appear larger than normal.

Treatment for hallux rigidus depends on the severity of the condition and may include conservative measures such as wearing shoes with a wide toe box and cushioned soles, using custom orthotics to support the foot and reduce pressure on the joint, and taking non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs) to relieve pain and reduce inflammation.

If conservative measures are not effective, surgery may be necessary to remove bone spurs, replace or fuse the joint, or realign the toe. In severe cases where joint replacement or fusion is required, physical therapy and rehabilitation may be necessary to help restore function and mobility.

Early diagnosis and treatment are important for preventing the progression of hallux rigidus and preserving joint function. If you are experiencing symptoms of hallux rigidus, it is important to seek medical attention for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Capsulitis of the second toe

Posted on March 8, 2023 by Steve - C, Forefoot, Rheumatology

Capsulitis of the second toe is a condition in which the ligaments surrounding the joint at the base of the second toe become inflamed and weakened. This can cause the toe to shift downward and lead to pain, swelling, and difficulty walking or standing for long periods of time.

The exact cause of capsulitis of the second toe is not always clear, but it is often associated with wearing tight or narrow shoes, repetitive stress or overuse, or a structural abnormality in the foot that puts excess pressure on the second toe. It is also more common in women than men and may be more prevalent in those with a high arch or a long second toe.

Treatment for capsulitis of the second toe typically involves conservative measures such as rest, ice, elevation, and anti-inflammatory medications to reduce pain and swelling. Wearing shoes with a wider toe box and low heels, as well as using metatarsal pads or custom orthotics, can help to redistribute pressure on the foot and relieve symptoms. In more severe cases, a walking cast or immobilisation boot may be necessary to allow the ligaments to heal.

If left untreated, capsulitis of the second toe can lead to progressive deformity and a more severe condition known as a hammertoe. It is important to seek prompt medical attention if you experience persistent pain or swelling in the second toe or any other foot or ankle problems.

Bursitis

Posted on March 8, 2023 by Steve - B, Forefoot, Hindfoot, Midfoot

Bursitis in the foot refers to inflammation of the bursae, which are small, fluid-filled sacs that cushion the joints and help reduce friction between bones, tendons, and muscles.

Symptoms of bursitis in the foot may include:

Pain and tenderness around the affected joint
Swelling and redness in the area
Limited movement or stiffness in the joint
Warmth or a feeling of heat in the area
A popping or clicking sensation in the joint

Bursitis can be caused by a variety of factors, including overuse, injury, and certain medical conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis. It is most commonly seen in the heel or ball of the foot.

Treatment for bursitis in the foot involves resting and protecting the affected area, applying ice to reduce swelling, and taking over-the-counter pain relievers to manage pain. In some cases, physical therapy or corticosteroid injections may be recommended to reduce inflammation and improve range of motion.

Preventing bursitis in the foot involves wearing properly fitting shoes that provide adequate support and cushioning, gradually increasing activity levels to avoid overuse injuries, and maintaining a healthy weight to reduce stress on the joints.

Bunions

Posted on March 8, 2023 by Steve - B, Forefoot

A bunion is a bony bump that forms at the base of the big toe, where it meets the foot. It occurs when the joint at the base of the big toe becomes misaligned, causing the toe to push against the other toes.

Symptoms of a bunion may include:

Pain or tenderness at the base of the big toe
Swelling or inflammation around the joint
Redness or irritation of the skin over the bump
Corns or calluses on the affected area
Restricted movement of the big toe

Bunions can be caused by a variety of factors, including genetics, wearing tight or ill-fitting shoes, and certain foot conditions such as flat feet or arthritis.

Treatment for a bunion depends on the severity of the condition. In mild cases, wearing wider shoes or padding the affected area may help alleviate pain and prevent further damage. In more severe cases, surgery may be necessary to realign the bones and reduce the size of the bunion.

Preventing bunions involves wearing properly fitting shoes that provide adequate support and avoiding high heels or shoes with narrow toe boxes. Maintaining a healthy weight and regularly stretching and strengthening the feet and toes can also help prevent the development of bunions.

Brachymetatarsia

Posted on March 8, 2023 by Steve - B, Forefoot

Brachymetatarsia is a condition in which one of the bones in the foot, typically the fourth metatarsal bone, is shorter than the others. This can cause the affected toe to appear shorter than the others and can also lead to pain and discomfort.

The exact cause of brachymetatarsia is not known, but it is thought to be due to a congenital abnormality or a developmental defect. It can also be caused by trauma or injury to the foot.

Symptoms of brachymetatarsia may include:

Shortened toe
Pain and discomfort in the affected foot
Difficulty wearing shoes
Calluses or corns on the bottom of the affected foot

Treatment for brachymetatarsia depends on the severity of the condition and the symptoms. Non-surgical treatment options may include using shoe inserts or pads to relieve pressure on the affected area, physical therapy to strengthen the muscles in the foot, or wearing shoes with a larger toe box. In some cases, surgery may be recommended to lengthen the affected bone or to fuse it with adjacent bones.

It’s important to seek medical attention if you suspect that you have brachymetatarsia or are experiencing foot pain or discomfort. A healthcare professional can perform a physical examination and order imaging tests to confirm the diagnosis and develop a personalised treatment plan.