June 2022

Corns can develop on the feet below the toenail bed, between toes, on the sides of feet, or on the bottom of the feet. These can develop from wearing shoes that are too tight, from standing or walking for prolonged periods, or from a heavy body weight that constantly puts pressure on the bottom of the feet. It is important to wear properly fitting shoes and socks that do not restrict the feet. Soaking the affected foot, making sure to dry it completely and moisturize it when done can help soften the corn. One can try corn pads to pad the corn and relieve the pressure on it for a better chance of healing. If a corn does not heal with these home treatments, or if it worsens, it is suggested to see a podiatrist who can better and more safely treat a corn by scraping it, shaving it, or cutting away layers, as well as lay out a plan for required treatment and prevention.

Corns can make walking very painful and should be treated immediately. If you have questions regarding your feet and ankles, contact one of our podiatrists of Florida Foot & Ankle Group, P.A.. Our doctors 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 one of our offices located in Apopka, Debary, Lake Mary, Orlando, and Oviedo, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Intermetatarsal neuroma, or Morton’s neuroma, refers to a thickening of nerve tissue surrounding a nerve in the foot that is compressed or irritated. This compression can be the result of wearing high heels or other shoes that force the toes unnaturally into a narrow space. Morton’s neuroma typically occurs between the third and fourth toes. Engaging in certain athletic activities, like court sports or running, can also cause repetitive irritation to the nerves between the toes. Symptoms of Morton’s neuroma include pain, or the sensation of something being under the ball of the foot. There may be numbness, burning, or tingling, or it may feel like there is a bunched up sock or pebble in the front of the shoe. As the neuroma progresses over time, the pain may worsen and permanent nerve damage may occur. That is why it is very important to have your foot examined by a podiatrist if you believe you may have Morton’s neuroma. The earlier the diagnosis, the more likely it is that your podiatrist can treat the issue conservatively, rather than surgically.  

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 Florida Foot & Ankle Group, P.A.. 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 one of our offices located in Apopka, Debary, Lake Mary, Orlando, and Oviedo, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joints connect the long metatarsal bones in the forefoot with the proximal phalanges which form at the base of the toes. Athletes such as football players, soccer players, dancers, basketball players, and gymnasts can place excessive force on the MTP joints by repeatedly pushing off and flexing the big toe on harder, artificial surfaces, by changing direction abruptly, or stopping and starting frequently. This constant type of action can cause the ligament under the big toe to hyperextend and lead to an MTP joint sprain in the big toe, commonly referred to as turf toe. Turf toe symptoms include pain, swelling, instability, stiffness, and limited movement in the big toe that worsens when you put pressure on it or extend it. Turf toe can develop over time or may be the result of a sudden injury—at which point a popping sensation may be felt. If you are experiencing any of the symptoms described here, it is  wise to schedule an appointment with a podiatrist to be properly diagnosed and treated.

Sports related foot and ankle injuries require proper treatment before players can go back to their regular routines. For more information, contact one of our podiatrists of Florida Foot & Ankle Group, P.A.. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Sports Related Foot and Ankle Injuries

Foot and ankle injuries are a common occurrence when it comes to athletes of any sport. While many athletes dismiss the initial aches and pains, the truth is that ignoring potential foot and ankle injuries can lead to serious problems. As athletes continue to place pressure and strain the area further, a mild injury can turn into something as serious as a rupture and may lead to a permanent disability. There are many factors that contribute to sports related foot and ankle injuries, which include failure to warm up properly, not providing support or wearing bad footwear. Common injuries and conditions athletes face, including:

• Plantar Fasciitis
• Plantar Fasciosis
• Achilles Tendinitis
• Achilles Tendon Rupture
• Ankle Sprains

Sports related injuries are commonly treated using the RICE method. This includes rest, applying ice to the injured area, compression and elevating the ankle. More serious sprains and injuries may require surgery, which could include arthroscopic and reconstructive surgery. Rehabilitation and therapy may also be required in order to get any recovering athlete to become fully functional again. Any unusual aches and pains an athlete sustains must be evaluated by a licensed, reputable medical professional.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Apopka, Debary, Lake Mary, Orlando, and Oviedo, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

We use our feet for most of what we do in life and given that each foot is made up of 26 bones, developing various foot problems over our lifetimes is not surprising. One’s feet can get injured, inflamed, or malfunction in a multitude of ways. Wearing improper footwear, having a chronic disease like diabetes, and aging are the major contributors to foot problems. The most common symptom of foot problems is pain—in the ankles, toes, heels, or soles of the feet. Some conditions causing foot pain are discussed here. Athlete’s foot is a contagious fungal infection resulting in itchy, stinging, and burning feet and toes. A bunion is a bump on the side of the big toe causing the toe to bend inward towards the other toes. Corns are round circles of thickened skin on toes or soles of feet that develop to prevent blisters. Plantar Fasciitis is when the plantar fascia ligament running along the bottom of the foot becomes strained or sustains micro tears.  Heel spurs are bony protrusions that grow from calcium deposits between the heel and arch of the foot and appear on the front of the heel. Hammertoes are when toes curve down rather than out. An ingrown toenail is when a toenail grows into the surrounding skin. A plantar wart is a wart on the bottom of the foot that arises from the human papillomavirus. Flat foot is when the arch of the foot collapses. Diabetic neuropathy is when there is damage to the nerves of the feet due to unregulated high blood sugar and one experiences a tingling feeling or loss of feeling in the foot. If you suffer from pain in any part of your foot, consult with a podiatrist for proper diagnosis and a customized treatment plan.

If you have any concerns about your feet, contact one of our podiatrists from Florida Foot & Ankle Group, P.A.. Our doctors 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 one of our offices located in Apopka, Debary, Lake Mary, Orlando, and Oviedo, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.