Morton’s neuroma is a painful nerve problem that commonly develops near the base of the third and fourth toes. The nerve becomes enlarged and inflamed, which can lead to burning pain, tingling, or numbness in the ball of the foot. Some people describe the sensation as feeling like something is stuck beneath the forefoot. Female runners may face an increased risk because running places repeated stress on the front of the foot. Women who regularly wear narrow, pointed-toe shoes or high heels may experience additional pressure that crowds the toes and irritates the nerve.

Active women with flat feet may be particularly prone to developing a neuroma. Symptoms often begin gradually but can become more intense as the nerve continues to enlarge. Running on hard surfaces can repeatedly stress the forefoot, while certain footwear can increase compression around the toes. Morton’s neuroma is not visible on an X-ray, so diagnosis depends largely on symptoms and a physical examination. A podiatrist may press along the affected area or perform a movement that produces a noticeable click. Identifying the problem early is important because continued nerve irritation can eventually cause lasting damage.

A podiatrist can evaluate forefoot pain and determine whether Morton’s neuroma may be causing a runner’s symptoms. Treatment depends on how far the condition has progressed. Professional options include custom orthotics or other supportive devices designed to reduce pressure on the irritated nerve. More advanced cases may require surgery to release or remove the affected nerve. A podiatrist can also evaluate foot structure and determine whether other factors, such as flat feet, are contributing to repeated compression. Persistent burning, tingling, or numbness should not be ignored when it begins interfering with running or daily movement. If you are experiencing ongoing pain in the ball of the foot that may indicate Morton’s neuroma, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for an evaluation and appropriate treatment options.

Morton’s neuroma is a very uncomfortable condition to live with. If you think you have Morton’s neuroma, contact Barbara J. Aung, DPM of Aung Foot Health Clinic . 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 Tuscon, AZ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

A foot corn is a hard, cone-shaped bump of thickened skin that usually develops on the top surface of a smaller toe over a joint. Corns can also form along the pinky toe, especially where footwear creates repeated pressure. The thickened area develops as the skin protects itself from friction and stress. It can become painful when pressure pushes the hardened center into deeper tissue. Symptoms can include tenderness, aching, and pain while walking or wearing shoes.

The main causes of foot corns are repeated friction and pressure. Tight shoes can press against the toes, while a narrow toe box may force smaller toes into an uncomfortable position. Socks that bunch inside shoes can add rubbing. Toe deformities, including hammertoes, can also place a joint against the inside of footwear. The pinky toe is vulnerable because it can rub against the side of a shoe. People who spend long periods standing or walking may experience greater pressure.

A podiatrist can determine whether a corn is causing your discomfort and check for an underlying toe problem. Treatment may begin with gently removing excess thickened skin when appropriate. Your podiatrist may recommend wider shoes, protective padding, or custom orthotics to reduce pressure. Do not try to remove a corn yourself because this can injure healthy skin and cause an infection.

A painful foot corn should not be ignored. Changing footwear can help reduce pressure, but recurring corns may signal a structural issue that needs attention. A podiatrist can explain why the corn developed and create a treatment plan focused on healing and prevention. Properly fitted shoes can make walking easier while protecting your toes. Foot corns can be painful and may cause difficulty in completing daily activities. If you have a foot corn, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for effective relief and treatment solutions.

If you have any concerns regarding your feet and ankles, contact Barbara J. Aung, DPM of Aung Foot Health Clinic . Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Corns: What Are They? and How Do You Get Rid of Them?
Corns can be described as areas of the skin that have thickened to the point of becoming painful or irritating. They are often layers and layers of the skin that have become dry and rough, and are normally smaller than calluses.

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

• Well-fitting socks
• Comfortable shoes that are not tight around your foot
• Shoes that offer support

Treating Corns
Treatment of corns involves removing the dead skin that has built up in the specific area of the foot. Consult with Our doctor 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 Tuscon, AZ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

The heel fat pad is a thick layer of soft tissue beneath the heel bone that cushions each step. Heel fat pad atrophy develops when this protective layer becomes thinner or loses some of its spring. The heel then has less protection from the force created while walking, running, or standing. Aging can contribute to these changes. Repeated impact and an uneven walking pattern can place added strain on the pad. Certain health conditions, including diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, and lupus, can also affect this tissue.

Heel fat pad atrophy causes a deep, bruise-like pain in the center of the heel. The discomfort can become stronger on hard floors or after long periods of standing. Some patients feel pain while resting or when firm pressure is placed on the heel. These symptoms can resemble plantar fasciitis, but the location of the pain is usually different. Plantar fasciitis tends to cause pain closer to the inner front edge of the heel. An accurate diagnosis is important because these two problems require different care. Without proper treatment, heel pain can affect a patient’s walking pattern and increase pressure elsewhere in the foot.

A podiatrist can examine the heel, review the patient’s symptoms, and study how the foot moves. X-rays can help rule out a bone injury or another source of pain. Ultrasound imaging can show the thickness and condition of the heel pad. Once the cause is identified, the podiatrist can recommend treatment based on foot structure and activity level. Treatment can include custom orthotics, cushioned heel cups, or taping to hold the heel pad in a better position. The podiatrist can recommend shoes with proper cushioning and support. Regular evaluations can track changes in the heel and allow the treatment plan to be adjusted. If you have pain, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who can accurately diagnose and treat heel pad atrophy. 

Many people suffer from bouts of heel pain. For more information, contact Barbara J. Aung, DPM of Aung Foot Health Clinic . Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Causes of Heel Pain

Heel pain is often associated with plantar fasciitis. The plantar fascia is a band of tissues that extends along the bottom of the foot. A rip or tear in this ligament can cause inflammation of the tissue.

Achilles tendonitis is another cause of heel pain. Inflammation of the Achilles tendon will cause pain from fractures and muscle tearing. Lack of flexibility is also another symptom.

Heel spurs are another cause of pain. When the tissues of the plantar fascia undergo a great deal of stress, it can lead to ligament separation from the heel bone, causing heel spurs.

Why Might Heel Pain Occur?

• Wearing ill-fitting shoes                
• Wearing non-supportive shoes
• Weight change           
• Excessive running

Treatments

Heel pain should be treated as soon as possible for immediate results. Keeping your feet in a stress-free environment will help. If you suffer from Achilles tendonitis or plantar fasciitis, applying ice will reduce the swelling. Stretching before an exercise like running will help the muscles. Using all these tips will help make heel pain a condition of the past.

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

Sesamoiditis is irritation or inflammation of the small bones beneath the big toe joint called sesamoids. These bones help protect the tendons and absorb pressure as the foot moves. When they experience too much repeated stress, the surrounding tissues can become irritated and painful. Sesamoiditis often affects people who spend a lot of time on their feet or participate in activities that place pressure on the ball of the foot. Recognizing the early signs can help you get comfortable and return to your normal routine.

Physical activity is a common reason sesamoiditis develops. Dancers and soccer players may experience this condition because their activities require frequent pushing off through the toes. Running and jumping can also place repeated pressure beneath the big toe. Suddenly increasing your exercise routine may make the problem more likely. Wearing high heels can shift your body weight toward the front of the foot and increase pressure on the sesamoid bones. Wearing poorly cushioned shoes, prolonged standing, and previous injuries can also contribute.

Sesamoiditis symptoms often develop gradually and may include pain beneath the big toe, swelling, and tenderness. You may notice discomfort when walking, bending the big toe, or participating in favorite activities. A podiatrist can begin by discussing your symptoms, activity level, and footwear. The foot may be examined for tenderness and movement problems. Imaging may also be recommended to rule out a fracture or another condition. Treatment often begins with rest, activity changes, and wearing supportive footwear.

Healing requires giving irritated tissues enough time to recover while reducing pressure on the affected area. A podiatrist may recommend cushioning, padding, or orthotics to help redistribute pressure. More severe cases may require temporary immobilization with a walking boot. Follow-up appointments allow the podiatrist to monitor healing and adjust treatment as needed. If you have symptoms of sesamoiditis, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Sesamoiditis is an unpleasant foot condition characterized by pain in the balls of the feet. If you think you’re struggling with sesamoiditis, contact Barbara J. Aung, DPM of Aung Foot Health Clinic . Our doctor will treat your condition thoroughly and effectively.

Sesamoiditis

Sesamoiditis is a condition of the foot that affects the ball of the foot. It is more common in younger people than it is in older people. It can also occur with people who have begun a new exercise program, since their bodies are adjusting to the new physical regimen. Pain may also be caused by the inflammation of tendons surrounding the bones. It is important to seek treatment in its early stages because if you ignore the pain, this condition can lead to more serious problems such as severe irritation and bone fractures.

Causes of Sesamoiditis

• Sudden increase in activity
• Increase in physically strenuous movement without a proper warm up or build up
• Foot structure: those who have smaller, bonier feet or those with a high arch may be more susceptible

Treatment for sesamoiditis is non-invasive and simple. Doctors may recommend a strict rest period where the patient forgoes most physical activity. This will help give the patient time to heal their feet through limited activity. For serious cases, it is best to speak with your doctor to determine a treatment option that will help your specific needs.

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