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Morton’s neuroma is a condition involving inflammation and thickening of tissue surrounding a nerve between the toes, most commonly between the third and fourth toes. Metatarsalgia is an overall term for pain in the ball of the foot and Morton’s neuroma may cause this type of pain. This pressure on the nerve can lead to sharp pain, burning sensations, or the feeling of standing on a pebble. Causes include repeated irritation from wearing high heels or pointed shoes that compress the forefoot. Risk factors include being female, increasing age, and foot abnormalities such as flat feet or high arches. Symptoms may worsen with walking or wearing tight footwear, and improve with rest. A podiatrist can diagnose the condition, recommend footwear changes, provide padding or orthotics, and offer treatment to reduce nerve irritation. If you have pain in this part of your foot, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can accurately diagnose and treat what may be going on.

Morton’s neuroma is a very uncomfortable condition to live with. If you think you have Morton’s neuroma, contact Chukwuma Ukata, DPM of Advanced Carolina Foot and Ankle Center. 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 Garner, NC . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Ankle osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint condition in which the cartilage within the ankle gradually wears down, leading to pain and reduced mobility. This condition often develops after previous injuries, such as fractures or sprains, but it can also result from long-term joint stress or inflammation. Risk factors include aging, excess body weight, repetitive strain, and footwear that fails to support the joint. Common symptoms include stiffness, swelling, tenderness, and difficulty walking or bearing weight. A podiatrist can evaluate joint function, order imaging, and recommend supportive footwear, custom orthotics, and targeted exercises. Early care can slow progression and relieve discomfort. If you have symptoms of ankle arthritis, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can help you to manage this condition, and maintain a healthy lifestyle.

Arthritis can be a difficult condition to live with. If you are seeking treatment, contact Chukwuma Ukata, DPM from Advanced Carolina Foot and Ankle Center. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Arthritic Foot Care  

Arthritis is a joint disorder that involves the inflammation of different joints in your body, such as those in your feet. Arthritis is often caused by a degenerative joint disease and causes mild to severe pain in all affected areas. In addition to this, swelling and stiffness in the affected joints can also be a common symptom of arthritis.

In many cases, wearing ill-fitting shoes can worsen the effects and pain of arthritis. Wearing shoes that have a lower heel and extra room can help your feet feel more comfortable. In cases of rheumatoid arthritis, the arch in your foot may become problematic. Buying shoes with proper arch support that contour to your feet can help immensely.

Alleviating Arthritic Pain

• Exercises that stretch the foot can prevent further pain and injury and increase mobility
• Most of the pain can be alleviated with anti-inflammatory drugs, heat, and topical medications
• Massages can help temporarily alleviate pain.

It is best to see your doctor for the treatment that is right for your needs and symptoms. Conditions vary, and a podiatrist can help you determine the right method of care for your feet.

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

Turf toe is a sprain of the largest joint in the big toe, caused by excessive upward bending during movement. This injury often occurs in athletes who play on firm surfaces and involves damage to the surrounding ligaments. Grades of injury include mild stretching of the tissues with slight discomfort, partial tearing with swelling and limited motion, and more severe injury with significant pain, bruising, and difficulty bearing weight. Risk factors include high-impact sports, improper footwear, and repetitive stress on the forefoot. A podiatrist can help by evaluating the injury, providing treatment to reduce inflammation, and guiding recovery. If you have pain in your big toe, it is  suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can accurately diagnose and treat turf toe.  

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with Chukwuma Ukata, DPM from Advanced Carolina Foot and Ankle Center. 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 Garner, NC . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Ingrown toenails are a common nail disorder in which the edge of the nail grows into the surrounding skin, often affecting young people. In the early stage, inflammation may cause swelling and pain around the nail. As the condition progresses, increased inflammation can lead to more intense pain, a non-healing wound, and oozing. In advanced cases, all of these symptoms may be present along with abscess formation and infection. Risk factors can include improper nail trimming, wearing tight footwear, injury, and genetics. Without proper care, the condition can worsen and become more difficult to treat. A podiatrist can help by relieving pressure, treating infection, and guiding proper nail care. If you or your child has symptoms of an ingrown toenail, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can determine what the best course of treatment is for you.

Ingrown toenails may initially present themselves as a minor discomfort, but they may progress into an infection in the skin without proper treatment. For more information about ingrown toenails, contact Chukwuma Ukata, DPM of Advanced Carolina Foot and Ankle Center. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Ingrown Toenails

Ingrown toenails are caused when the corner or side of a toenail grows into the soft flesh surrounding it. They often result in redness, swelling, pain, and in some cases, infection. This condition typically affects the big toe and may recur if it is not treated properly.

Causes

• Improper toenail trimming
• Genetics
• Improper shoe fitting
• Injury from pedicures or nail picking
• Abnormal gait
• Poor hygiene

You are more likely to develop an ingrown toenail if you are obese, have diabetes, arthritis, or have any fungal infection in your nails. Additionally, people who have foot or toe deformities are at a higher risk of developing an ingrown toenail.

Symptoms

Some symptoms of ingrown toenails are redness, swelling, and pain. In rare cases, there may be a yellowish drainage coming from the nail.

Treatment

Ignoring an ingrown toenail can have serious complications. Infections of the nail border can progress to a deeper soft-tissue infection, which can then turn into a bone infection. You should always speak with your podiatrist if you suspect you have an ingrown toenail, especially if you have diabetes or poor circulation.

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