Morton's neuroma occurs when a tissue next to a nerve that leads to one of the toes gets thicker. The pressure against the nerve irritates it and causes the pain, which will usually show up between the third and fourth toes. Women are more at risk for Morton’s than men are. This is due mainly to the pressure applied to the feet when women wear high heels. There are no visible signs of Morton’s, instead you must go by what you feel to detect it. Some symptoms can include a tingling feeling getting stronger as time goes on, shooting pains around the ball of the foot or the base of the toes, burning and numb feelings in the toes and discomfort that may get worse from walking or wearing shoes that squeeze the feet. Simple precautions to take in preventing Morton’s are buying shoes that are wide enough at the toes so they don’t squeeze, choosing athletic shoes with enough padding in the soles to cushion the feet, and refraining from wearing high heels or tight shoes for long periods of time. If you feel that you may have developed Morton’s Neuroma, consult with a podiatrist for the best treatment options. 

Morton’s neuroma is a very uncomfortable condition to live with. If you think you have Morton’s neuroma, contact Dr. Harry I. Zirna of Lockport Foot Care, PLLC. Dr. Zirna 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 offices located in Lockport, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

One form of inflammatory arthritis is known as gout. This condition often causes severe pain and discomfort in the big toe and surrounding area, and it may be difficult to accomplish daily activities. Many patients experience gout attacks that occur suddenly, and can last for several days. This condition happens as a result of excess uric acid in the bloodstream, and can be caused by a variety of reasons. These can include genetic factors, eating foods that have high purine levels, and being overweight. Some of the symptoms that are associated with this ailment can include debilitating pain and swelling surrounding the big toe, and the impacted area may be red and tender when touched. Gout may be controlled by eating healthy foods, and taking specific medications that may relieve a portion of the pain. If you are afflicted with gout, it is strongly suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist.

Gout is a painful condition that can be treated. If you are seeking treatment, contact Dr. Harry I. Zirna from Lockport Foot Care, PLLC. Dr. Zirna will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Is Gout?

Gout is a form of arthritis that is characterized by sudden, severe attacks of pain, redness, and tenderness in the joints. The condition usually affects the joint at the base of the big toe. A gout attack can occur at any random time, such as the middle of the night while you are asleep.

Symptoms

• Intense Joint Pain - Usually around the large joint of your big toe, and it most severe within the first four to twelve hours
• Lingering Discomfort - Joint discomfort may last from a few days to a few weeks
• Inflammation and Redness -Affected joints may become swollen, tender, warm and red
• Limited Range of Motion - May experience a decrease in joint mobility

Risk Factors

• Genetics - If family members have gout, you’re more likely to have it
• Medications - Diuretic medications can raise uric acid levels
• Gender/Age - Gout is more common in men until the age of 60. It is believed that estrogen protects women until that point
• Diet - Eating red meat and shellfish increases your risk
• Alcohol - Having more than two alcoholic drinks per day increases your risk
• Obesity - Obese people are at a higher risk for gout

Prior to visiting your podiatrist to receive treatment for gout, there are a few things you should do beforehand. If you have gout you should write down your symptoms--including when they started and how often you experience them, important medical information you may have, and any questions you may have. Writing down these three things will help your podiatrist in assessing your specific situation so that he or she may provide the best route of treatment for you.

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

Research has indicated the foot condition, athlete’s foot, is the most common infection of the skin. It is caused by a fungus that typically lives and thrives in moist and warm environments. These areas can include public swimming pools, as well as shower room and locker room floors. This condition is considered to be contagious, so it is beneficial to wear appropriate shoes while in these places. Common symptoms that are associated with athlete’s foot are: severe itchiness between the toes and on the bottom of the feet, cracked skin, and small blisters. Methods that can be implemented to help prevent this condition from developing are: wearing shoes that are made of breathable materials, keeping the feet clean, and using an antifungal powder. If you have athlete’s foot, and would like information about additional treatment options, please consult with a podiatrist.

Athlete’s Foot

Athlete’s foot is often an uncomfortable condition to experience. Thankfully, podiatrists specialize in treating athlete’s foot and offer the best treatment options. If you have any questions about athlete’s foot, consult with Dr. Harry I. Zirna from Lockport Foot Care, PLLC. Dr. Zirna will assess your condition and provide you with quality treatment.

What Is Athlete’s Foot?

Tinea pedis, more commonly known as athlete’s foot, is a non-serious and common fungal infection of the foot. Athlete’s foot is contagious and can be contracted by touching someone who has it or infected surfaces. The most common places contaminated by it are public showers, locker rooms, and swimming pools. Once contracted, it grows on feet that are left inside moist, dark, and warm shoes and socks.

Prevention

The most effective ways to prevent athlete’s foot include:

• Thoroughly washing and drying feet
• Avoid going barefoot in locker rooms and public showers
• Using shower shoes in public showers
• Wearing socks that allow the feet to breathe
• Changing socks and shoes frequently if you sweat a lot

Symptoms

Athlete’s foot initially occurs as a rash between the toes. However, if left undiagnosed, it can spread to the sides and bottom of the feet, toenails, and if touched by hand, the hands themselves. Symptoms include:

• Redness
• Burning
• Itching
• Scaly and peeling skin

Diagnosis and Treatment

Diagnosis is quick and easy. Skin samples will be taken and either viewed under a microscope or sent to a lab for testing. Sometimes, a podiatrist can diagnose it based on simply looking at it. Once confirmed, treatment options include oral and topical antifungal medications.

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

The healing time for blisters that develop on the feet is approximately one week. They can form as the body naturally heals the skin that has become damaged. A small bubble that is filled with fluid will form on the exposed skin. This protects the skin as the healing process occurs, and new skin forms. The most common reason why blisters develop is from excessive friction, which may come from wearing shoes that do not fit correctly. Additional reasons can include having feet that sweat for the majority of the day, or from medical conditions that can consist of psoriasis and eczema. It is beneficial to cover the blister with an elastic bandage, as this may help to protect it from draining prematurely. If you have a blister on your foot, please consider consulting with a podiatrist who can help you avoid an infection.

Blisters are prone to making everyday activities extremely uncomfortable. If your feet are hurting, contact Dr. Harry I. Zirna of Lockport Foot Care, PLLC. Dr. Zirna can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Foot Blisters

Foot blisters develop as a result of constantly wearing tight or ill-fitting footwear. This happens due to the constant rubbing from the shoe, which can often lead to pain.

What Are Foot Blisters?

A foot blister is a small fluid-filled pocket that forms on the upper-most layer of the skin. Blisters are filled with clear fluid and can lead to blood drainage or pus if the area becomes infected.

How Do Blisters Form?

Blisters on the feet are often the result of constant friction of skin and material, usually by shoe rubbing. Walking in sandals, boots, or shoes that don’t fit properly for long periods of time can result in a blister. Having consistent foot moisture and humidity can easily lead to blister formation.

Prevention & Treatment

It is important to properly care for the affected area in order to prevent infection and ease the pain. Do not lance the blister and use a Band-Aid to provide pain relief. Also, be sure to keep your feet dry and wear proper fitting shoes. If you see blood or pus in a blister, seek assistance from a podiatrist.

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

An ingrown toenail is an uncomfortable foot condition that is common among many people. It occurs as a result of the toenail on the big toe growing into the outer edges of the sides of the toe, and this often produces pain and discomfort. There are various reasons why this condition may occur. These can consist of cutting the toenails improperly, wearing shoes that do not fit correctly, or it can be the result of a toenail injury. Additionally, this may be a common ailment among people who have poor foot hygiene, or from genetic factors that produce irregular and curved toenails. Participating in certain sporting activities that include football and soccer may lead to the development of ingrown toenails. The common symptoms that are associated with this condition often consist of red and inflamed skin surrounding the affected nail, and there may be a discharge that comes from an infected ingrown toenail. If you notice any of these symptoms, it is suggested that you consult with a podiatrist who can help you with correct treatment techniques.

Ingrown toenails can become painful if they are not treated properly. For more information about ingrown toenails, contact Dr. Harry I. Zirna of Lockport Foot Care, PLLC. Dr. Zirna can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Ingrown Toenails

Ingrown toenails occur when a toenail grows sideways into the bed of the nail, causing pain, swelling, and possibly infection.

Causes

• Bacterial infections
• Improper nail cutting such as cutting it too short or not straight across
• Trauma to the toe, such as stubbing, which causes the nail to grow back irregularly
• Ill-fitting shoes that bunch the toes too close together
• Genetic predisposition

Prevention

Because ingrown toenails are not something found outside of shoe-wearing cultures, going barefoot as often as possible will decrease the likeliness of developing ingrown toenails. Wearing proper fitting shoes and using proper cutting techniques will also help decrease your risk of developing ingrown toenails.

Treatment

Ingrown toenails are a very treatable foot condition. In minor cases, soaking the affected area in salt or antibacterial soaps will not only help with the ingrown nail itself, but also help prevent any infections from occurring. In more severe cases, surgery is an option. In either case, speaking to your podiatrist about this condition will help you get a better understanding of specific treatment options that are right for you.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Lockport, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.