Morton's Neuroma

A neuroma is a thickening of nerve tissue. A Morton's Neuroma is a common digital nerve in the foot. The most common nerve that is affected is the third common digital nerve. The thickening of this nerve is the most common in the foot because this is where the lateral plantar nerve crosses over and joins with the medial plantar nerve. The thickening of the nerve diameter creates compression of the nerve. The nerve becomes irritated and may eventually lead to nerve damage. Neuroma's are very painful and are accompanied by tingling and burning sensations.

Morton's neuromas are caused by a number of things including poor fitting and tight shoes, and prexisting foot deformities such as bunions, hammertoes, and flat feet. Trauma and repetitive irritation can also contribute to the development of neuromas in the feet.

Treatments of Morton's Neuroma include:

• Padding to support the metatarsal arch, decreasing the pressure applied to the nerve during walking/ running
• Icing to help reduce swelling
• Orthotics to reduce pressure and compression of the nerve
• Anti-inflammatory medications to reduce inflammation and associated pain
• Injection Therapy

What is Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome?

The Tarsal Tunnel is a space in the foot between the bones and the overlying tissue. This space contains muscles from the leg going to the foot, as well as the tibial nerve, posterior tibial artery, and posterior tibial vein. The tarsal tunnel has little room for the expansion of these structures and can lead to tarsal tunnel syndrome when the tibal nerve becomes entrapped as it enters the ankle region.

The entrapment of the tibial nerve makes it difficult for the foot to communicate with the brain, as the nerve impuses are restricted. This causes pain in the sole of the foot along with a burning or tingling sensation.

The tibial nerve can become entrapped for several reasons. Flat feet can put strain on the muscles in the tarsal tunnel region causing them to impinge on the tibial nerve. Trauma to the ankle, such as a fracture or a injury of the tissue in the area, can also compress the tibial nerve.

Treatment options include arch supports or custom orthotics for patients with flat feet. Anti-inflammatory medications and cortisone injections help to reduce any inflammation that may be causing the tibial nerve to become compressed. There is also the option of having the the nerve released surgically.

Having trouble with your achilles tendon?....check this exercise out!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oUOf7fXDRSg&feature=PlayList&p=D09302CDCA5A2D29&playnext=1&index=9

Foot or ankle strain?....check this out!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g6O0PjZzGEo&feature=PlayList&p=D09302CDCA5A2D29&index=13

Bunions

A bunion appears as a bump on the side of the big toe. This bump represents a change in the bone structure of your foot. The bump of a bunion is developed by the progressive angulation of the big toe toward the second toe. Symptoms include pain and inflammation. Treatments for bunions include padding, modifying footwear, pain medications, and orthotic devices. There is also the option of having your bunion surgically corrected.

Warts and your Feet

Warts are caused by a virus that generally enters the body through small nicks or abrasions in the skin. Warts occurring on the soles of your feet are referred to as "plantar warts". Due to the amount of pressure that is put on the feet throughout the course of the day, plantar warts can become quite painful. Teenagers between the ages of 12-16 are most commonly infected by warts, but they can occur at any age. Warts are often contracted by walking barefoot on dirty surfaces or the ground. The viruses thrive in warm, moist environments like showers and swimming pools.

As a licensed podiatrist in Findlay , OH, Dr. Thomas F. Vail believes that patients deserve to have the information needed to make good choices about their foot and ankle care. Our goal is to educate each patient and begin a relevant treatment program with the highest quality of care available. Whatever your foot and ankle trouble, we'll work together to find the answers that will comfort you and bring you relief. We take pride in providing you with a comfortable office experience. Our qualified staff is friendly and will ensure a pleasant visit. Our main office is conveniently located in Findlay , OH at 1725 Western Avenue, Suite C. You can reach our office by calling (419)423-1888 or by sending email to vailmedassist@sbcglobal.net