Crofton Office

1657 Crofton Blvd, Suite 201

Crofton, MD 21114

(410) 721-4505

(410) 721-2394

Woodbridge Office

14010 Smoketown Rd., Suite 103

Woodbridge, VA 22192

(703) 583-5959

(703) 890-4970

Chantilly Office

3914 Centreville Road, Suite 200

Chantilly, VA 20151

(703) 490-5599

(703) 583-5995

Sterling Office

46440 Benedict Dr., Suite 111

Sterling, VA 20164

(703) 444-9555

Boston Strong despite Podiatric Wrongs

Recently Laura Caradonna-Dubiel completed her fifth Boston Marathon, each with times within the seven minute miles.  While this would be impressive for most people, what makes it even more impressive is that she had to miss the last two marathons due to a Morton’s Neuroma. “My feet were cramping up” she said in an interview, but “I was determined to finish. I kept think ‘Boston Strong’”.

A Morton’s Neuroma (or a plantar neuroma) is a condition that involves the nerves of the feet.  The term ‘neuroma’ refers to a benign growth that occurs around our nerves, causing the tissues around the nerves to become thickened and painful.  Typically, I see patients present with a neuroma between the third and fourth toes. 

Neuromas are thought to be the result of injury, pressure or persistent irritation.  This is why we mainly see them on the bottom of the foot, where the constant pressure from each step may contribute to their development.  Most of the time, no lump will be felt in the bottom of the foot, but instead, patients often tell me at my podiatry clinic in Crofton, Maryland that they feel a sort of burning pain in the ball of their foot.  Oftentimes, this is accompanies with tingling or numbness, especially when wearing shoes with a very narrow or tight toe box.  As the condition progresses, patients will typically experience more pain and tingling, increasing in severity over time.

An experienced podiatric specialist will be able to quickly discern whether your pain is from a Morton’s Neuroma, or from any of a multitude of causes.  The earlier a foot is examined, the greater the chance for intervention without the need for surgery.  This is why I strongly suggest we strongly suggest that anyone with foot pain see a podiatrist immediately, before conditions are exacerbated.  Additionally, people who have a previous history of bunion, flat foot or other biomechanical changes are at an increased risk for developing a neuroma.

Below are the tricks that I tell my patients to best prevent a painful neuroma:

  • Have your feet sized by a professional.
  • Wear shoes that are right for your feet!
  • See your foot care specialist immediately if are experiencing persistent pain (and if you’re in the area, come check us out at Crofton Podiatry).
  • Seek guidance on modifications to your workout routine to minimize forceful impacts.

 

By Brad Toll.

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Office Hours

(We have new hours as below!)

Crofton Podiatry

Monday:

9:00 am-5:00 pm

Tuesday:

9:00 am-5:00 pm

Wednesday:

9:00 am-5:00 pm

Thursday:

7:30 am-3:30 pm

Friday:

By Appointment Only

Saturday:

Closed

Sunday:

Closed