Items filtered by date: June 2023

Morton’s neuroma is a foot condition that affects the nerves between the third and fourth toes. It generally happens from weaning shoes that do not have enough room for the toes to move freely in. This condition can develop in people who frequently wear high heels, and the nerve can become irritated or damaged. Common symptoms many patients experience can consist of having a burning pain in this area, and it can feel as if a small stone is in the shoe or sock. Mild relief can be found when the offending pair of shoes is not worn, and the affected foot is elevated. It is beneficial to wear wide, comfortable shoes that have a soft sole and low heel, and it may help to lose weight if needed. If there is a pain in this part of your foot, and simple relief tactics are ineffective, it is strongly suggested that you seek the counsel of a podiatrist who can effectively diagnose Morton’s neuroma, and guide you toward permanent relief methods.

Morton’s neuroma is a very uncomfortable condition to live with. If you think you have Morton’s neuroma, contact Dr. Eddy Caldwell of Foot Care of Northeast Arkansas, P.A.. 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 Jonesboro, AR . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Sever’s disease, or calcaneal apophysis, is a common cause of heel pain in active children ages 8 to 15. It is often described as an overuse injury from running and jumping activities that cause repetitive stress and pressure on the calcaneal growth plate. When adolescents have a growth spurt, their bone may exceed the growth of this muscle-tendon unit. This can cause the inability to stretch and maintain flexibility, as well as irritation, inflammation, and pain to ensue. This condition is diagnosed by an examination of the heel and a positive squeeze test that replicates the pain. Radiographic imaging can exclude other possible causes of such pain. Some treatment options for Sever’s disease consist of resting, stretching exercises, and wearing orthotics. If your child has Sever’s disease and is not responding to rest, it is suggested that you set up an appointment with a podiatrist for an accurate diagnosis and a treatment plan.

Sever's disease often occurs in children and teens. If your child is experiencing foot or ankle pain, see Dr. Eddy Caldwell from Foot Care of Northeast Arkansas, P.A.. Our doctor can treat your child’s foot and ankle needs.

Sever’s Disease

Sever’s disease is also known as calcaneal apophysitis, which is a medical condition that causes heel pain I none or both feet. The disease is known to affect children between the ages of 8 and 14.

Sever’s disease occurs when part of the child’s heel known as the growth plate (calcaneal epiphysis) is attached to the Achilles tendon. This area can suffer injury when the muscles and tendons of the growing foot do not keep pace with bone growth. Therefore, the constant pain which one experiences at the back of the heel will make the child unable to put any weight on the heel. The child is then forced to walk on their toes.

Symptoms

Acute pain – Pain associated with Sever’s disease is usually felt in the heel when the child engages in physical activity such as walking, jumping and or running.

Highly active – Children who are very active are among the most susceptible in experiencing Sever’s disease, because of the stress and tension placed on their feet.

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

A small, thickened area of skin on the foot may be a corn. It can cause severe pain, despite its small size. A corn develops as a result of excess friction that generally comes from wearing socks or shoes that are too tight. Frequent rubbing against the shoe can cause a corn to form on the pinky toe or top of the toes. Many people who have a corn notice their walking style shifts to accommodate for the discomfort felt. In addition to wearing shoes and socks that do not fit well, a corn can happen if the toe is deformed or if there is poor bone alignment. Mild relief may be found when the foot is soaked in warm water as this may help to soften the corn. At this point, a pumice stone may be used to gently file the corn down, although this is a temporary solution. If you have a corn on your foot, it is suggested that you visit a podiatrist who can remove it and provide methods to prevent future corns from developing.

Corns can make walking very painful and should be treated immediately. If you have questions regarding your feet and ankles, contact Dr. Eddy Caldwell of Foot Care of Northeast Arkansas, P.A.. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Corns: What Are They? And How Do You Get Rid of Them?
Corns are thickened areas on the skin that can become painful. They are caused by excessive pressure and friction on the skin. Corns press into the deeper layers of the skin and are usually round in shape.

Ways to Prevent Corns
There are many ways to get rid of painful corns such as:

• Wearing properly fitting shoes that have been measured by a professional
• Wearing shoes that are not sharply pointed or have high heels
• Wearing only shoes that offer support

Treating Corns

Although most corns slowly disappear when the friction or pressure stops, this isn’t always the case. Consult with your podiatrist to determine the best treatment option for your case of corns.

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

Learning about the biomechanics of the feet can be useful for anyone concerned with maintaining the health of their feet. For instance, the ball of the foot is a critical part of the foot that serves many important functions. The ball of the foot is located near the front of the foot just underneath the toes. This area of the foot can be susceptible to pain for many different reasons. Specifically, pain in the ball of the feet may be caused by stress fractures, being overweight, or from wearing high heels. If nothing is done to address pain that is felt in the ball of the feet, it is possible that this might ultimately alter one’s natural gait. Upon seeking medical attention, you might be instructed by a podiatrist to do any number of different things to treat the pain. Your podiatrist might recommend that you rest or wear better-fitting shoes for instance. If you are someone that is experiencing pain in the ball of your feet, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist today.

If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Dr. Eddy Caldwell from Foot Care of Northeast Arkansas, P.A.. Our doctor 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 Jonesboro, AR . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.