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Morton’s neuroma develops when tissue around a nerve in the ball of the foot becomes thick and irritated. It usually affects the space between the third and fourth toes. Despite its name, it is not a tumor or a form of cancer. Symptoms include burning pain, tingling, or numbness in the forefoot. It may feel as though a pebble is trapped beneath the foot or a fold has formed inside the sock. The discomfort can become sharper when standing, walking, or placing pressure on the affected area.

Pressure on the forefoot can contribute to this nerve problem. Shoes with a narrow toe box or high heels can squeeze the toes and place stress on the ball of the foot. Running and other high-impact activities can also irritate the area through repeated pressure. Certain foot shapes can raise the risk, including flat feet, high arches, and bunions. Hammertoes can also change how weight moves across the forefoot. Because symptoms can resemble a stress fracture or another nerve disorder, an accurate diagnosis is important before treatment begins.

A podiatrist examines the foot, reviews the symptoms, and presses areas to locate the source of pain. X-rays can help rule out bone problems, while an ultrasound can provide a closer view of the irritated nerve. Treatment from a podiatrist includes orthotics that reduce pressure beneath the forefoot. The podiatrist can also recommend shoes with a roomy toe box and proper support. Injections can reduce inflammation around the nerve. When these measures do not provide enough relief, surgery can release pressure on the nerve or remove the damaged portion. The best approach depends on the severity of the symptoms and how long they have been present. Early evaluation can help prevent irritation and make walking more comfortable. If you have pain in this part of your foot, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can accurately diagnose and treat Morton’s neuroma. 

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.

Ankle pain can make every step feel uncertain and can interfere with work, exercise, and daily routines. The discomfort can begin suddenly after a twist or fall, or it can develop from repeated stress on the joint. The ankle is made up of ligaments, tendons, and cartilage that work together to provide strength and movement. Ligaments are strong bands of tissue that connect bones, while tendons connect muscles to bones. When any of these structures become damaged or irritated, pain and swelling can develop. Some people notice stiffness when getting out of bed, while others feel discomfort after spending long periods on their feet. Pain can also affect balance, making it harder to walk with confidence.

Several conditions can lead to ankle pain. An ankle sprain stretches or tears ligaments after the foot twists in an awkward direction. Arthritis causes the joint to become inflamed, leading to pain and reduced movement. Tendon injuries create pain because the tissues that help move the foot become irritated or damaged. Fractures, which are broken bones, also cause severe pain and limit movement. Foot shape, extra body weight, and shoes that lack proper support can place added stress on the ankle. Pain while walking, bruising, and difficulty standing can point to a problem that deserves a careful evaluation. A podiatrist performs a thorough examination, reviews symptoms, and uses imaging studies when appropriate to identify the cause of the discomfort.

Treatment depends on the reason for the ankle pain and the severity of the condition. A podiatrist can recommend custom orthotics to improve foot alignment and reduce stress on the ankle. Bracing can provide added support while injured tissues recover. Physical therapy helps improve strength, flexibility, and balance. Some patients benefit from medication to reduce inflammation. Others require surgery to repair damaged bones, ligaments, or tendons when the injury is severe. Prompt evaluation can reduce the chance of lasting joint problems and help patients return to daily activities with greater comfort and confidence. If you have symptoms of ankle pain, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for diagnosis and treatment.

Ankle pain can be caused by a number of problems and may be potentially serious. If you have ankle pain, 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.

Ankle pain is any condition that causes pain in the ankle. Due to the fact that the ankle consists of tendons, muscles, bones, and ligaments, ankle pain can come from a number of different conditions.

Causes

The most common causes of ankle pain include:

• Types of arthritis (rheumatoid, osteoarthritis, and gout)
• Ankle sprains
• Broken ankles
• Achilles tendonitis
• Achilles tendon rupture
• Stress fractures
• Bursitis
• Tarsal tunnel syndrome
• Plantar fasciitis

Symptoms

Symptoms of ankle injury vary based upon the condition. Pain may include general pain and discomfort, swelling, aching, redness, bruising, burning or stabbing sensations, and/or loss of sensation.

Diagnosis

Due to the wide variety of potential causes of ankle pain, podiatrists will utilize a number of different methods to properly diagnose ankle pain. This can include asking for personal and family medical histories and of any recent injuries. Further diagnosis may include sensation tests, a physical examination, and potentially x-rays or other imaging tests.

Treatment

Just as the range of causes varies widely, so do treatments. Some more common treatments are rest, ice packs, keeping pressure off the foot, orthotics and braces, medication for inflammation and pain, and surgery.

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 tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Plantar warts are rough growths that form on the soles of the feet. They develop when strains of human papillomavirus, or HPV, enter through breaks in the skin. The virus can spread through direct contact or shared areas, like locker rooms, showers, and pool decks. Pressure from standing can push a wart inward beneath a layer of thick skin. This can make the growth look like a callus. Unlike a callus, a plantar wart can interrupt the natural lines of the skin and show tiny black dots.

Pain can become sharper when standing or walking. A wart can also grow larger or form a cluster called a mosaic wart. Because corns and calluses can look similar, an accurate diagnosis matters. A podiatrist can examine the growth, check its texture, and look at the pattern of skin lines. In unusual cases, the doctor can remove a small sample for testing. Patients should seek prompt care when a growth bleeds, changes color, or causes increasing pain. People with diabetes, poor circulation, or a weakened immune system should also have any new foot growth checked promptly.

A podiatrist can recommend treatment based on the wart's size, location, and depth. In-office care can remove layers of thick skin and target the infected tissue. Options include freezing the wart, applying a controlled chemical treatment, or using laser treatment. Several visits can be necessary because plantar warts can be stubborn. For a deep or resistant wart, the podiatrist can discuss other procedures or surgery. Professional care also helps protect nearby healthy skin and reduce pain from pressure. The podiatrist can monitor healing and check whether the wart is returning or spreading. Plantar warts can be painful, and may cause difficulty in completing daily activities. If you have developed this condition, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for effective relief and treatment solutions.

Plantar warts can be very uncomfortable. If you need your feet checked, contact one of our podiatrists from Foot and Ankle Clinics, PA. Our doctors will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.

About Plantar Warts

Plantar warts are the result of HPV, or human papillomavirus, getting into open wounds on the feet. They are mostly found on the heels or balls of the feet.

While plantar warts are generally harmless, those experiencing excessive pain or those suffering from diabetes or a compromised immune system require immediate medical care. Plantar warts are easily diagnosed, usually through scraping off a bit of rough skin or by getting a biopsy.

Symptoms

• Lesions on the bottom of your feet, usually rough and grainy
• Hard or thick callused spots
• Wart seeds, which are small clotted blood vessels that look like little black spots
• Pain, discomfort, or tenderness of your feet when walking or standing

Treatment

• Freezing
• Electric tool removal
• Laser Treatment
• Topical Creams (prescription only)
• Over-the-counter medications

To help prevent developing plantar warts, avoid walking barefoot over abrasive surfaces that can cause cuts or wounds for HPV to get into. Avoiding direct contact with other warts, as well as not picking or rubbing existing warts, can help prevent the further spread of plantar warts. However, if you think you have developed plantar warts, speak to your podiatrist. He or she can diagnose the warts on your feet and recommend the appropriate 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.

Diabetic foot pain is a common complication of diabetes that affects the nerves, blood flow, and overall structure of the feet. It develops when high blood sugar levels begin to damage the nerves and blood vessels that support healthy foot function. This condition is often linked to diabetic neuropathy, where nerve damage leads to reduced sensation and abnormal pain signals. Poor circulation also plays a major role, as it limits the delivery of oxygen and nutrients needed to keep tissues healthy and resilient.

Symptoms of diabetic foot pain vary from mild discomfort to severe and persistent pain that interferes with daily activities. Many individuals experience numbness, tingling, or a burning sensation in the feet. Others may notice stiff joints, reduced flexibility, or sharp pains that occur even while resting. Loss of sensation can make it difficult to detect injuries, which increases the risk of infections, ulcers, and long-term complications. Swelling, dry skin, and slow-healing wounds are also common signs that should not be ignored.

Several underlying causes contribute to diabetic foot pain. High blood sugar levels damage nerves over time, leading to neuropathy and altered pain perception. Poor circulation reduces blood flow to the lower extremities, which can result in tissue breakdown and delayed healing. These combined effects create an environment where even minor foot problems can become serious, if left untreated. Risk factors include long-standing diabetes and poor blood sugar control. Smoking, obesity, and lack of regular foot care are other factors.

Managing diabetic foot pain requires a comprehensive approach that focuses on controlling blood sugar levels and protecting foot health. Wearing supportive footwear, proper hygiene, and regular foot inspections can help reduce complications. A podiatrist can provide advanced care, including custom orthotics, wound management, and guidance on preventing further damage. If you are experiencing foot pain from diabetes, it is strongly suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can help you to manage this serious condition. 

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, 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.

Causes

Foot pain is a very broad condition that could be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

• Bunions
• Hammertoes
• Plantar Fasciitis
• Bone Spurs
• Corns
• Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
• Ingrown Toenails
• Arthritis (such as Gout, Rheumatoid, and Osteoarthritis)
• Flat Feet
• Injury (from stress fractures, broken toe, foot, ankle, Achilles tendon ruptures, and sprains)
• And more

Diagnosis

To figure out the cause of foot pain, podiatrists utilize several different methods. This can range from simple visual inspections and sensation tests to X-rays and MRI scans. Prior medical history, family medical history, and any recent physical traumatic events will all be taken into consideration for a proper diagnosis.

Treatment

Treatment depends upon the cause of the foot pain. Whether it is resting, staying off the foot, or having surgery; podiatrists have a number of treatment options available for foot pain.

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.