Morton’s neuroma, known as intermetatarsal neuroma, is an inflamed nerve in the ball of the foot, typically behind the third and fourth toes. It can occur from wearing tight shoes or from having foot deformities. Morton’s neuroma presents itself as pain, swelling, numbness, tingling, or burning of the front of the foot. Those who have had this condition liken it to the feeling of walking on a pebble or rolled-up sock. This nerve is sensitive to excessive weight on the foot and scar tissue can form around the nerve and sometimes enlarge it. Those who wear high heels or tight-fitting shoes are susceptible to this condition. Treatments vary by the severity of Morton's neuroma. Resting the foot, cushioning the ball of the foot with padding, and wearing orthotics to take pressure off of the nerve can help. If more conservative treatment does not relieve discomfort, surgery can be performed to remove the inflamed nerve segment. If you are suffering from pain in your midfoot, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and a treatment plan that is customized to your situation.

Morton’s neuroma is a very uncomfortable condition to live with. If you think you have Morton’s neuroma, contact David Carmack, DPM of Texas. 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 Marble Falls, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

There are several symptoms that accompany ankle pain, including stiffness, pain, and swelling. Ankle pain can happen for various reasons, such as a fall, a direct blow to the ankle, or if it suddenly twists beyond its normal range of motion. An existing medical condition can cause the muscles surrounding the ankle joint to weaken, which may lead to having ankle pain. Many people have difficulty walking with ankle pain, and choose to wrap their ankle with an elastic bandage. This is often successful in providing stability as it heals. Relief may be found when the affected foot is frequently elevated, and it is beneficial to avoid standing for long periods of time. If you have ankle pain, it is suggested that you speak with a podiatrist who can determine how severe it is, in addition to offering you correct treatment options.

Ankle pain can be caused by a number of problems and may be potentially serious. If you have ankle pain, consult with David Carmack, DPM from Texas. Our doctor 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 office located in Marble Falls, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

There are various reasons an ingrown toenail can develop. This painful foot condition is defined as the toenail growing into the skin instead of over it. Common reasons for an ingrown toenail to develop are trimming the toenails incorrectly, and wearing shoes that do not fit properly. Additionally, it may happen from having an abnormal foot structure, genetic reasons, or if a toe injury has occurred. Temporary relief may come from soaking the affected foot in warm water, followed by using a small piece of cotton to separate the nail from the skin. It can also help to wear wider shoes that can accommodate the affected toe, and the pain may be eased by taking over-the-counter medication. Permanent relief can be found when a podiatrist is contacted, who can perform minor surgery to correct this condition. If you have developed an ingrown toenail, it is strongly suggested that you speak to this type of doctor who can offer you treatment options that are best for you.

Ingrown toenails can become painful if they are not treated properly. For more information about ingrown toenails, contact David Carmack, DPM of Texas. Our doctor 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 office located in Marble Falls, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Patients who have fibromyalgia can have pain anywhere in their bodies, including the feet. This type of pain can greatly impact the quality of life because walking is such an essential function. Those who have fibromyalgia and foot pain have described it as a burning sensation on the bottom of the feet. It can also be uncomfortable as the shoes touch the soles or tops of the feet. The reason some people with this ailment have foot pain is unknown, but some studies have shown the nerves of the feet may get triggered. Additionally, the inflammation that comes with fibromyalgia can affect the fascia, which is a band of tissue that runs from the heel to the toes. The plantar fascia is on the bottom of the foot and helps to support the arch and the joint just below the ankle. There may also be coexisting conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis or lupus that can exasperate the foot pain felt with fibromyalgia. Left untreated, foot pain and a change in gait can lead to problems in the rest of the body. If you have fibromyalgia and are experiencing foot pain, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist who can provide the best treatment for you.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with David Carmack, DPM from Texas. Our doctor 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 office located in Marble Falls, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Clubfoot is a congenital foot disorder that occurs during the later stages of pregnancy. It is noticeable as the infant’s foot turns inward, which causes the bottom of the foot to face up or to the side. Clubfoot generally falls into one of two categories. Isolated clubfoot is considered to be the most common form of this condition, and it can occur in children where there are no other medical issues. Non-isolated clubfoot occurs along with other health problems, such as include spina bifida. It may be difficult to move the hands and legs, and the joints in the body can be affected. High incidences of clubfoot may occur if the baby is a male, or if there is a family history of clubfoot. If your child is born with this foot condition, it is strongly suggested that you confer with a podiatrist as early as possible so the correct treatment can begin.

Congenital foot problems require immediate attention to avoid future complications. If you have any concerns, contact David Carmack, DPM of Texas. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Congenital foot problems are deformities affecting the feet, toes, and/or ankles that children are born with. Some of these conditions have a genetic cause while others just happen. Some specific foot ailments that children may be born with include clubfeet, polydactyly/macrodactyly, and cleft foot. There are several other foot anomalies that can occur congenitally. What all of these conditions have in common is that a child may experience difficulty walking or performing everyday activities, as well as trouble finding footwear that fits their foot deformity. Some of these conditions are more serious than others. Consulting with a podiatrist as early as possible will help in properly diagnosing a child’s foot condition while getting the necessary treatment underway.

What are Causes of Congenital Foot Problem?

A congenital foot problem is one that happens to a child at birth. These conditions can be caused by a genetic predisposition, developmental or positional abnormalities during gestation, or with no known cause.

What are Symptoms of Congenital Foot Problems?

Symptoms vary by the congenital condition. Symptoms may consist of the following:

• Clubfoot, where tendons are shortened, bones are shaped differently, and the Achilles tendon is tight, causing the foot to point in and down. It is also possible for the soles of the feet to face each other.
• Polydactyly, which usually consists of a nubbin or small lump of tissue without a bone, a toe that is partially formed but has no joints, or an extra toe.
• Vertical talus, where the talus bone forms in the wrong position causing other bones in the foot to line up improperly, the front of the foot to point up, and the bottom of the foot to stiffen, with no arch, and to curve out.
• Tarsal coalition, when there is an abnormal connection of two or more bones in the foot leading to severe, rigid flatfoot.
• Cleft foot, where there are missing toes, a V-shaped cleft, and other anatomical differences.
• Macrodactyly, when the toes are abnormally large due to overgrowth of the underlying bone or soft tissue.

Treatment and Prevention

While there is nothing one can do to prevent congenital foot problems, raising awareness and receiving neonatal screenings are important. Early detection by taking your child to a podiatrist leads to the best outcome possible.

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