March 2025

Morton’s neuroma affects the ball of the foot, often occurring between the third and fourth toes. Morton’s neuroma develops when the plantar digital nerve becomes compressed. This leads to thickened tissue and causes sharp or burning pain, numbness, or the sensation of a pebble inside the shoe. Exercises can help by improving foot strength, flexibility, and alignment to reduce pressure on the nerve. Toe-spreading exercises encourage natural toe positioning, while stretching the big toe and calf muscles can relieve tension in the forefoot. Strengthening exercises, such as towel curls and single-leg balance drills, help stabilize the foot and distribute weight more evenly during movement. Rolling a ball under the arch of the foot may also aid in reducing discomfort. While these exercises may provide relief, persistent symptoms should not be ignored. A podiatrist can evaluate your symptoms, recommend orthotic support if necessary, and determine whether additional treatment is required. If you have symptoms of Morton's neuroma, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam, diagnosis, and treatment options.

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 Foot and Ankle Clinics, PA. 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 offices located in Woodbury, West St. Paul, and Edina, MN . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Walking barefoot on the beach feels refreshing, but it can take a toll on your feet in ways you might not expect. Known as beach feet, this condition refers to the stress and strain caused by prolonged barefoot walking on sand. While sand provides a natural exfoliation, it also lacks support, forcing the foot muscles and tendons to work harder, which can lead to soreness, fatigue, and even arch pain. Hot sand can burn the soles, while tiny shell fragments and rough grains may cause cuts, blisters, or abrasions. Walking unevenly on soft sand can also contribute to instability, potentially aggravating conditions like plantar fasciitis or hammertoes. To protect your feet, wear supportive water shoes when needed, moisturize after exposure, and check for injuries. If pain or discomfort persists, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who can help prevent further issues.

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 one of our podiatrists from Foot and Ankle Clinics, PA. Our doctors 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 offices located in Woodbury, West St. Paul, and Edina, MN . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Ingrown toenails occur when the edges or corners of a toenail grow into the surrounding skin, causing pain, swelling, and sometimes infection. This condition commonly affects the big toe and can result from improper nail trimming, tight shoes, or injury. Symptoms of ingrown toenails include redness, tenderness, swelling, and sometimes a discharge of pus if an infection develops. The pain can range from mild to severe, making it difficult to wear shoes or walk comfortably. A podiatrist can help treat ingrown toenails by removing the affected portion of the nail or, in more severe cases, performing a minor surgical procedure to prevent it from recurring. They can also provide advice on proper nail care and footwear to prevent future issues. If you are dealing with ingrown toenails, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist.

Ingrown toenails can become painful if they are not treated properly. For more information about ingrown toenails, contact one of our podiatrists of Foot and Ankle Clinics, PA. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Ingrown Toenails

Ingrown toenails occur when a toenail grows sideways into the bed of the nail, causing pain, swelling, and possibly infection.

Causes

• Bacterial infections
• Improper nail cutting such as cutting it too short or not straight across
• Trauma to the toe, such as stubbing, which causes the nail to grow back irregularly
• Ill-fitting shoes that bunch the toes too close together
• Genetic predisposition

Prevention

Because ingrown toenails are not something found outside of shoe-wearing cultures, going barefoot as often as possible will decrease the likeliness of developing ingrown toenails. Wearing proper fitting shoes and using proper cutting techniques will also help decrease your risk of developing ingrown toenails.

Treatment

Ingrown toenails are a very treatable foot condition. In minor cases, soaking the affected area in salt or antibacterial soaps will not only help with the ingrown nail itself, but also help prevent any infections from occurring. In more severe cases, surgery is an option. In either case, speaking to your podiatrist about this condition will help you get a better understanding of specific treatment options that are right for you.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Woodbury, West St. Paul, and Edina, MN . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Hammertoe is a deformity of the toes where one or more toes become bent at the middle joint, resembling a hammer shape. This condition typically affects the second, third, or fourth toes and can cause significant discomfort. The most common cause of hammertoe is wearing tight or ill-fitting shoes, which put pressure on the toes and cause them to bend abnormally. Other factors include muscle imbalances, arthritis, or genetic predisposition. Symptoms of hammertoe include pain or irritation in the affected toe, swelling, and difficulty walking or wearing shoes comfortably. Over time, the condition can worsen, leading to more pronounced deformities. Treatment options range from wearing properly fitting shoes to corrective surgery, depending on the severity of the condition. If you have developed hammertoe, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can offer effective treatment solutions. 

Hammertoes can be a painful condition to live with. For more information, contact one of our podiatrists of Foot and Ankle Clinics, PA. Our doctors will answer any of your foot- and ankle-related questions.

Hammertoe

Hammertoe is a foot deformity that occurs due to an imbalance in the muscles, tendons, or ligaments that normally hold the toe straight. It can be caused by the type of shoes you wear, your foot structure, trauma, and certain disease processes.

Symptoms

• Painful and/or difficult toe movement
• Swelling
• Joint stiffness
• Calluses/Corns
• Physical deformity

Risk Factors

• Age – The risk of hammertoe increases with age
• Sex – Women are more likely to have hammertoe compared to men
• Toe Length – You are more likely to develop hammertoe if your second toe is longer than your big toe
• Certain Diseases – Arthritis and diabetes may make you more likely to develop hammertoe

Treatment

If you have hammertoe, you should change into a more comfortable shoe that provides enough room for your toes. Exercises such as picking up marbles may strengthen and stretch your toe muscles. Nevertheless, it is important to seek assistance from a podiatrist in order to determine the severity of your hammertoe and see which treatment option will work best for you.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Woodbury, West St. Paul, and Edina, MN . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.