Pain in the Fore-Foot Treatment | Gatineau Podiatrist

Morton’s Neuroma

“Morton’s Neuroma” is an excessive irritation and compression at the nerve level between the 3rd and 4th toes leading to acute or chronic inflammation. The pain is mainly under the forefoot and can spread over the entire width of the foot. A sensation of numbness, tingling or electric shock can be present at the toes.

Some patients imply they feel a “bump” (small stone) or are standing on a “crease in a sock” under the foot. The pain can be accentuated by the wearing of shoes which are too narrow, too tight or ill fitting; depending of course, on the morphology of the patient’s foot. The wearing of high heels or engaging in sports which utilize the forefoot, such as dancing, are significant risk factors in contracting Morton’s Neuroma.

Improper alignment of the foot can create extreme pressure, whether in a flat foot or a hollow foot, bringing twinges ( sudden or sharp pain) in the affected nerve between the toes.

Services

Biomechanical examination with analysis of posture and walking
Evaluation and the consideration of performing radiographic imaging
Evaluation and the consideration of performing laser therapy
Evaluation and the consideration of taping / strapping the foot
Evaluation and the consideration of orthotic treatments
Evaluation and the consideration of the injection of cortisone
Evaluation and the consideration of immobilisation
Analysis and evaluation of running technique (racing)
Evaluation and the consideration of surgery
Footwear evaluation
Advice

Metatarsalgia

“Metatarsalgia” is swelling, and redness with forefoot pain. The pain in the sole of the foot is usually the result of excessive pressure over an extended period of time. This is common with women who wear restrictive shoes such as high heels or tight dress shoes. Runners also experience this painful pathology because the forefoot absorbs much of the cumulative force as it pushes off the hard surface with aging, the adipose (fatty) tissue beneath the toes becomes thinner, which exposes the bones more, increasing the pressure and precipitates pain.

Sesamoiditis

“Sesamoiditis” is a pain associated with inflammation of two small bones under base of the big toe, more specifically in the sesamoid bones. When pushing forward to walk, or during physical activities, pressure is exerted on the sesamoid bones and thus may be irritated or even fractured. Running, aerobics and activities which require leaning such as cross-country skiing may be the cause.

A bony foot or lack of sufficient adipose tissue decreases the protection and absorption of shocks in the sesamoids. Sometimes a trauma can also initiate this symptom.

Bunion

A “bunion” or hallux abducto-valgus is a deviation in articulation of the big toe. The bunion can be caused by genetic factors, wearing ill-fitting shoes, misalignment of the foot, systemic diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis or by certain neurological conditions. A flat foot may also be the cause of the bunion.

The two bones of this joint take on opposite directions forming a bump on the inner side of the big toe; a deformation that can remain stable or progress over the years. Pain in the big toe is increased by wearing high heels which create stress under the forefoot.

When not taken care of in time, it can give rise to permanent deformity and gradually increase to constant pain during an activity or when resting.

Hammer toe

A “hammer toe” is a gradual deformation of a toe in a flexed position that becomes rigid over time. It is often due to a weakness in the foot; such as “flat foot”. This condition is intimately linked with the formation of bunions. Constant plantar pressure on the forefoot can lead to structural ruptures under the foot putting pressure on the muscles and tendons thus aggravating the pathology.

Pain in the fore-foot