Morton’s neuroma develops when a nerve between the toes, most often the third and fourth, becomes thickened and irritated. This condition can cause sharp or burning pain in the ball of the foot, often described as standing on a pebble or having a wrinkle in the sock. Wearing tight shoes, high heels, or repetitive stress from running or other impact activities can worsen the problem. Relief often begins with simple changes such as wearing wider shoes, avoiding high heels, and using cushioned pads or orthotics to reduce pressure on the affected nerve. When discomfort persists, treatments like anti-inflammatory therapy, corticosteroid injections, or specialized procedures may be used to ease pain and restore comfort. If you frequently experience tingling, numbness, or pain in the front of your foot, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an evaluation and appropriate treatment.

Morton’s neuroma is a very uncomfortable condition to live with. If you think you have Morton’s neuroma, contact Mark Co, DPM of California. Our practitioner 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 office located in San Francisco, CA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

A bunion is a bony bump that forms at the base of the big toe, as the top of the toe angles inward toward the lesser toes. This deformity can lead to pain, swelling, and redness surrounding the joint, making it difficult to find comfortable shoes. As the bunion grows, it can cause the other toes to become misaligned, leading to additional discomfort and potential problems with walking. The primary cause of bunions is often hereditary, but wearing tight, narrow shoes, especially high heels, can make the condition worse. Foot deformities, such as flat feet, can also increase the risk. A podiatrist can help diagnose and manage bunions. Conservative treatments include custom orthotics, padding, or recommending footwear changes to reduce pressure. In more severe cases, a podiatrist may suggest surgery to realign the joint and alleviate pain. If you have a bunion, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for appropriate treatment.

If you are suffering from bunions, contact Mark Co, DPM of California. Our practitioner can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is a Bunion?

A bunion is formed of swollen tissue or an enlargement of boney growth, usually located at the base joint of the toe that connects to the foot. The swelling occurs due to the bones in the big toe shifting inward, which impacts the other toes of the foot. This causes the area around the base of the big toe to become inflamed and painful.

Why Do Bunions Form?

Genetics – Susceptibility to bunions are often hereditary

Stress on the feet – Poorly fitted and uncomfortable footwear that places stress on feet, such as heels, can worsen existing bunions

How Are Bunions Diagnosed?

Doctors often perform two tests – blood tests and x-rays – when trying to diagnose bunions, especially in the early stages of development. Blood tests help determine if the foot pain is being caused by something else, such as arthritis, while x-rays provide a clear picture of your bone structure to your doctor.

How Are Bunions Treated?

• Refrain from wearing heels or similar shoes that cause discomfort
• Select wider shoes that can provide more comfort and reduce pain
• Anti-inflammatory and pain management drugs
• Orthotics or foot inserts
• Surgery

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

Wearing high heels often leads to blisters due to friction, pressure, and lack of cushioning. Wearing tight or poorly fitted shoes can rub against the skin, creating irritation and fluid-filled pockets that cause discomfort. High heels also force the foot into unnatural positions, increasing strain on certain areas. To prevent blisters, consider buying heels a size larger for extra space, choosing wedges for better balance, and alternating shoes to reduce pressure points. Moisture-wicking socks or hosiery and protective pads can also help. A podiatrist can safely treat existing blisters, recommend proper footwear, and offer advice to prevent future irritation. If you have blisters from wearing high heels, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can treat various foot conditions, and guide you on better high heel options.

Blisters are prone to making everyday activities extremely uncomfortable. If your feet are hurting, contact Mark Co, DPM of California. Our practitioner 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 office located in San Francisco, CA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

The foot and ankle bones work in harmony to create balance, stability, and graceful movement while dancing. Each step involves coordinated motion through stages of flexion, extension, and rotation supported by muscles and tendons that control strength and precision. Dancers rely heavily on these structures, making them prone to injuries such as sprains, tendonitis, and stress fractures from repetitive strain or overuse. Proper foot alignment and strength are essential for safe and fluid motion. A podiatrist can assess foot mechanics, treat injuries, and recommend exercises or custom orthotics to enhance performance and prevent future issues. If pain or instability is affecting your dance practice, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can treat various foot conditions, and guide you on effective dance injury prevention tips.

If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Mark Co, DPM from California. Our practitioner can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Biomechanics in Podiatry

Podiatric biomechanics is a particular sector of specialty podiatry with licensed practitioners who are trained to diagnose and treat conditions affecting the foot, ankle and lower leg. Biomechanics deals with the forces that act against the body, causing an interference with the biological structures. It focuses on the movement of the ankle, the foot and the forces that interact with them.

A History of Biomechanics

• Biomechanics dates back to the BC era in Egypt where evidence of professional foot care has been recorded.
• In 1974, biomechanics gained a higher profile from the studies of Merton Root, who claimed that by changing or controlling the forces between the ankle and the foot, corrections or conditions could be implemented to gain strength and coordination in the area.

Modern technological improvements are based on past theories and therapeutic processes that provide a better understanding of podiatric concepts for biomechanics. Computers can provide accurate information about the forces and patterns of the feet and lower legs.

Understanding biomechanics of the feet can help improve and eliminate pain, stopping further stress to the foot.

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