Biomechanical Problems
To help control discomfort in your feet, your podiatrist may prescribe Orthoses or Orthotics (custom molded shoe inserts). The orthotic may relieve your symptoms, simply by controlling the way your feet move, stopping strain. By limiting the swing of your heel, orthoses control the amount your foot flattens. The stress of weight bearing is better distributed throughout your foot, reducing strain on soft tissue and joints. Existing bone or soft tissue changes may not disappear, but orthotics can help reduce or eliminate your foot pain. Unlike shoe inserts bought in a store, prescription orthoses are built to meet the unique needs of your feet.
Morton's Neuroma
A neuroma displays a very classic set of symptoms. The patient will describe a "sharp burning pain which shoots into my toes." These symptoms almost always occur while wearing shoes and are so severe that the patient is forced to remove the shoe and massage the area.
The cause of these symptoms is an injury to one of the small nerves that lie on the bottom of the foot. The nerve covering becomes bruised and swollen. If the swelling persists, the enlarged covering of the nerve becomes hardened and begins to slowly grow. This growth "pinches" the nerve and causes the symptoms.
In very early stages, the nerve can be injected with cortisone which shrinks the swollen covering of the nerve. Once this covering becomes hardened or scarred, the cortisone will only give temporary relief. At this point, the best treatment is to remove the neuroma, to permanently relieve the pain. Following this procedure, the patient can return to a comfortable shoe and then resume normal activity.
Hammer Toes
Before Surgery - A hammertoe is a deformity resulting in a buckled look of a toe. Hammer Toes often begin from a muscle imbalance. This can be inherited, the result of an injury, or ill-fitting shoes. Initially the toe is flexible, but as time passes, adaptation of the joint occurs and the toe will remain in the still, bent position. A corn (build-up of dead skin) my form over the joint.
After Surgery - In the very early stages where the toe is flexible, the deformity can be corrected by relaxing the tendons. This is done through a small incision, which often doesn't require a stitch. If the hammertoe is still, an incision is made on the top of the toe and a small portion of the bone is removed. This allows the toe to relax and assume a straighter position. Following this procedure, the patient can return to comfortable shoes and resume normal activity.