Peripheral neuropathy is damage to the nerves that are located outside of the brain and spinal cord, preventing communication with the extremities. Diabetes often causes peripheral neuropathy. However, it can also occur due to genetics, infections, injuries, hormonal imbalances, or other medical conditions. Peripheral neuropathy may cause numbness, weakness, muscle twitching, or cramps in the feet. It may also cause changes in nails, skin, and hair, and often results in a pins-and-needles sensation in the legs and feet. Peripheral neuropathy may affect the balance and prevent your ability to recognize temperature changes or pain. You may also experience disturbances in your emotions and sleep patterns. If you have any of these symptoms, it is suggested you contact a podiatrist. They can help diagnose peripheral neuropathy and manage its symptoms with oral medications, orthotic devices, regular checkups, and advice on proper foot care.

Neuropathy

Neuropathy can be a potentially serious condition, especially if it is left undiagnosed. If you have any concerns that you may be experiencing nerve loss in your feet, consult with one of our podiatrists from Prince William Foot & Ankle Center, PC. Our practitioners will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment for neuropathy.

What Is Neuropathy?

Neuropathy is a condition that leads to damage to the nerves in the body. Peripheral neuropathy, or neuropathy that affects your peripheral nervous system, usually occurs in the feet. Neuropathy can be triggered by a number of different causes. Such causes include diabetes, infections, cancers, disorders, and toxic substances.

Symptoms of Neuropathy Include:

• Numbness
• Sensation loss
• Prickling and tingling sensations
• Throbbing, freezing, burning pains
• Muscle weakness

Those with diabetes are at serious risk due to being unable to feel an ulcer on their feet. Diabetics usually also suffer from poor blood circulation. This can lead to the wound not healing, infections occurring, and the limb may have to be amputated.

Treatment

To treat neuropathy in the foot, podiatrists will first diagnose the cause of the neuropathy. Figuring out the underlying cause of the neuropathy will allow the podiatrist to prescribe the best treatment, whether it be caused by diabetes, toxic substance exposure, infection, etc. If the nerve has not died, then it’s possible that sensation may be able to return to the foot.

Pain medication may be issued for pain. Electrical nerve stimulation can be used to stimulate nerves. If the neuropathy is caused from pressure on the nerves, then surgery may be necessary.

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

Foot stress fractures are tiny cracks in the bones that develop over time, often due to repetitive force or overuse, and are common to runners and other athletes. One of the main symptoms of a foot stress fracture is tenderness, where the injured bone feels painful to touch. Known as pinpoint pain, this can be accompanied by deep, dull pain that seems to originate from within the foot or toes. You may also experience weakness in the affected area, leading to reduced performance in daily activities. Intermittent pain is typical, intensifying during weight-bearing activities, like walking or running, and diminishing with rest. Swelling is another sign of stress fractures, usually visible on the top portion of the foot due to injury to a metatarsal bone. Changes in biomechanics, such as altered walking or running patterns to avoid pressure on the painful area, may also occur. Sharp, localized pain might be felt when putting weight on the foot, particularly in more severe injuries, and bruising may be present, causing reddish, bluish, or purplish discoloration. A podiatrist specializes in diagnosing and treating foot stress fractures, which can be difficult to detect through an X-ray alone. Digital imaging tests, such as an MRI scan may be required. If you believe you may have a foot stress fracture, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam, diagnosis, and treatment.

Activities where too much pressure is put on the feet can cause stress fractures. To learn more, contact one of our podiatrists from Prince William Foot & Ankle Center, PC. Our practitioners can provide the care you need to keep your pain free and on your feet.

Dealing with Stress Fractures of the Foot and Ankle

Stress fractures occur in the foot and ankle when muscles in these areas weaken from too much or too little use.  The feet and ankles then lose support when walking or running from the impact of the ground. Since there is no protection, the bones receive the full impact of each step. Stress on the feet can cause cracks to form in the bones, thus creating stress fractures.

What Are Stress Fractures?

Stress fractures occur frequently in individuals whose daily activities cause great impact on the feet and ankles. Stress factors are most common among:

• Runners                                  
• People affected with Osteoporosis
• Tennis or basketball players
• Gymnasts
• High impact workouts

Symptoms

Pain from the fractures occur in the area of the fractures and can be constant or intermittent. It will often cause sharp or dull pain with swelling and tenderness. Engaging in any kind of activity which involves high impact will aggravate pain.

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

Morton's neuroma is a compressive neuropathy of the forefoot interdigital nerve, that results in a thickening of tissue surrounding the nerves leading to the toes. It typically affects the nerves between the third and fourth toes. This condition causes pain, numbness, or a burning sensation in the ball of the foot, often worsened by wearing narrow shoes or high heels that squeeze the toes together. Relief methods focus on alleviating pressure on the affected nerve, such as wearing shoes with a wide toe box to reduce compression. Padded inserts or orthotics can help to distribute weight evenly and support the arch, relieving strain on the forefoot. Massaging the area can reduce inflammation and provide temporary relief. In severe cases, corticosteroid injections or surgical removal of the neuroma may be considered to alleviate persistent symptoms and restore comfort and function to the foot. If you have pain in this part of your foot, it is suggested that you promptly schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who can successfully diagnose and treat Morton’s neuroma.

Morton’s neuroma is a very uncomfortable condition to live with. If you think you have Morton’s neuroma, contact one of our podiatrists of Prince William Foot & Ankle Center, PC. Our practitioners 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 Gainesville and Dulles, VA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.