Morton’s neuroma is a painful condition involving irritation and thickening of a nerve in the foot, most often between the third and fourth toes. It is commonly caused by repetitive pressure from tight shoes, high heels, foot structure, or activities that place stress on the forefoot like running or jumping. Symptoms include burning pain, tingling, numbness, or the sensation of standing on a pebble. The foot may look normal from the outside, but it can feel quite painful, especially when walking or wearing narrow shoes. A podiatrist can help by beginning with a detailed history and physical examination, often supported by imaging to confirm the diagnosis. Treatment may progress to footwear changes, custom orthotics, anti-inflammatory care, and injection therapy when appropriate. Early treatment can reduce nerve irritation and prevent worsening symptoms. If you have Morton’s neuroma, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for appropriate treatment.

Morton’s neuroma is a very uncomfortable condition to live with. If you think you have Morton’s neuroma, contact Jennifer M. Kern, DPM of South Carolina. 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 West Columbia, SC . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Chronic health conditions often show warning signs in the feet. Diabetes can reduce circulation and sensation, increasing the risk of wounds and infection. Arthritis may cause joint stiffness, deformity, and daily pain that alters walking patterns. Autoimmune disorders can lead to inflammation that affects tendons, ligaments, and soft tissue. Heart and kidney disease may contribute to swelling that stresses skin and joints. Additionally, poor nerve function can change balance and increase fall risk. Diagnosis involves reviewing medical history, symptoms, medications, and lifestyle factors. A podiatrist may examine skin integrity, joint movement, circulation, and nerve response. Imaging or lab testing may be used to clarify underlying causes. When chronic illness begins affecting comfort, mobility, or skin health in the feet, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

When dealing with systemic disease of the feet, it is extremely important to check the affected areas routinely so that any additional problems are caught quickly.  If you have any concerns about your feet and ankles contact Jennifer M. Kern, DPM from South Carolina. Our doctor will assist you with all of your podiatric needs.

Systemic Diseases of the Feet

Systemic diseases affect the whole body, and symptoms usually are displayed in the feet. This condition can make a patient’s ability to walk unbearable.  Systemic diseases include gout, diabetes mellitus, neurological disorders, and arthritis.

Gout – is caused by an excess of uric acid in the body. Common symptoms include pain, inflammation, and redness at the metatarsal/phalangeal joint of the base big toe. Gout can be treated by NSAIDs to relieve pain and inflammation, and other drugs that lower the acid levels in the body.

Diabetes mellitus – is an increase in the level of blood sugar that the body cannot counteract with its own insulin. Failure to produce enough insulin is a factor in Diabetes.

Diabetes of the Feet

Diabetic Neuropathy – may lead to damaged nerves and affect the feet through numbness and loss of sensation.

Peripheral Vascular Disease – can restrict the blood flow to the feet, and often times lead to amputation of the feet. 

If you have any questions please contact our office located in West Columbia, SC . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

A metatarsal fracture is a break in one of the long bones across the front of the foot, and it can happen from a sudden injury, twisting the foot, or repetitive stress that gradually weakens the bone. Because these bones help support body weight with each step, even a minor fracture can lead to swelling, bruising, sharp discomfort while walking, or difficulty bearing weight. Some fractures appear suddenly, while others develop slowly in active individuals as a dull ache that becomes harder to ignore. Prompt evaluation is important because each fracture pattern requires a specific approach, ranging from rest and supportive footwear to immobilization or more advanced treatment. Delaying care may affect healing and prolong pain. If you have ongoing pain in the forefoot after an injury or repeated activity, it is suggested tat you see a podiatrist for an accurate diagnosis and a treatment plan that encourages safe, steady healing.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with Jennifer M. Kern, DPM from South Carolina. 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 West Columbia, SC . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Gradual changes in toe position can be an early sign of a hammertoe, where one or more toes bend at the middle joint and no longer rest flat. Common signs include toe stiffness, irritation from footwear, and corns or calluses. As the hammertoe progresses, the toe may become rigid, limiting movement and causing more pain. Muscle imbalance, nerve conditions, injury, and long-term pressure on the toes can all contribute to this toe deformity. A podiatrist can evaluate toe alignment, joint flexibility, and foot structure to confirm the diagnosis and determine treatment. Some cases of hammertoe may require surgery to correct alignment and relieve pain. If you notice changes to the structure of your toes, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam, diagnosis, and treatment.

Hammertoes can be a painful condition to live with. For more information, contact Jennifer M. Kern, DPM of South Carolina. Our doctor 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 office located in West Columbia, SC . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.