Pins and needles in the feet, medically known as paresthesia, can arise from a variety of causes that often involve the nerves in the feet, toes, or ankles. Diabetes and alcohol abuse frequently lead to peripheral neuropathy, where prolonged high blood sugar levels damage the nerves, resulting in tingling or numbness. Tarsal tunnel syndrome, caused by compression of the tibial nerve in the ankle, is another possible cause of burning and tingling pain. Vitamin deficiencies, particularly B12, may also contribute to nerve dysfunction, resulting in tingling sensations. Inherited conditions like Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease can weaken the peripheral nerves and cause persistent tingling and numbness. Exposure to certain toxins or medications can similarly affect nerve health. A podiatrist can evaluate your symptoms through a physical exam, diagnostic tests, and a review of your medical history to determine the underlying cause. If you frequently experience a feeling of pins and needles in your feet, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a thorough exam.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with Dr. Richard Silverstein from Union Foot Care. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Causes

Foot pain is a very broad condition that could be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

• Bunions
• Hammertoes
• Plantar Fasciitis
• Bone Spurs
• Corns
• Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
• Ingrown Toenails
• Arthritis (such as Gout, Rheumatoid, and Osteoarthritis)
• Flat Feet
• Injury (from stress fractures, broken toe, foot, ankle, Achilles tendon ruptures, and sprains)
• And more

Diagnosis

To figure out the cause of foot pain, podiatrists utilize several different methods. This can range from simple visual inspections and sensation tests to X-rays and MRI scans. Prior medical history, family medical history, and any recent physical traumatic events will all be taken into consideration for a proper diagnosis.

Treatment

Treatment depends upon the cause of the foot pain. Whether it is resting, staying off the foot, or having surgery; podiatrists have a number of treatment options available for foot pain.

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

Gout is a form of arthritis caused by the buildup of uric acid crystals in the joints, leading to sudden, intense pain, redness, and swelling, often in the big toe. The primary cause of gout is high levels of uric acid in the blood, which can result from certain foods, alcohol, or dehydration. To avoid flare-ups, it is important to limit foods that increase uric acid levels, such as red meat, shellfish, organ meats, sugary drinks, and alcohol, especially beer. Instead, focus on eating more fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, and drink plenty of water to help flush uric acid from the body.  A podiatrist can help manage gout by diagnosing flare-ups, providing anti-inflammatory treatments, and recommending lifestyle changes, including dietary adjustments. In some cases, this type of doctor may prescribe medications to lower uric acid levels or prevent future attacks. If you have gout, it is suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can help you to manage this painful condition.
 

Gout is a foot condition that requires certain treatment and care. If you are seeking treatment, contact Dr. Richard Silverstein from Union Foot Care. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Is Gout?

Gout is a type of arthritis caused by a buildup of uric acid in the bloodstream. It often develops in the foot, especially the big toe area, although it can manifest in other parts of the body as well. Gout can make walking and standing very painful and is especially common in diabetics and the obese.

People typically get gout because of a poor diet. Genetic predisposition is also a factor. The children of parents who have had gout frequently have a chance of developing it themselves.

Gout can easily be identified by redness and inflammation of the big toe and the surrounding areas of the foot. Other symptoms include extreme fatigue, joint pain, and running high fevers. Sometimes corticosteroid drugs can be prescribed to treat gout, but the best way to combat this disease is to get more exercise and eat a better diet.

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

Ingrown toenails occur when the edges or corners of a toenail grow into the surrounding skin, causing pain, redness, and swelling. There are different types of ingrown toenails, including curled, spoon, and pincer-shaped nails. Curled toenails grow inward due to their natural shape, often causing pressure on the skin. Spoon nails, which are concave and curved upward, can cause the edges of the toenail to dig into the skin. Pincer nails, where the toenail is excessively curved inward from both sides, can lead to more severe irritation and pain. Common causes of ingrown toenails include improper nail trimming, wearing tight shoes, injury, or genetic predisposition. If left untreated, ingrown toenails can become infected and lead to more serious complications. A podiatrist can accurately diagnose and treat ingrown toenails, providing pain relief, infection management, and guidance on proper nail care to prevent recurrence. If you are struggling with an ingrown toenail, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist.

Ingrown toenails may initially present themselves as a minor discomfort, but they may progress into an infection in the skin without proper treatment. For more information about ingrown toenails, contact Dr. Richard Silverstein of Union Foot Care. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Ingrown Toenails

Ingrown toenails are caused when the corner or side of a toenail grows into the soft flesh surrounding it. They often result in redness, swelling, pain, and in some cases, infection. This condition typically affects the big toe and may recur if it is not treated properly.

Causes

• Improper toenail trimming
• Genetics
• Improper shoe fitting
• Injury from pedicures or nail picking
• Abnormal gait
• Poor hygiene

You are more likely to develop an ingrown toenail if you are obese, have diabetes, arthritis, or have any fungal infection in your nails. Additionally, people who have foot or toe deformities are at a higher risk of developing an ingrown toenail.

Symptoms

Some symptoms of ingrown toenails are redness, swelling, and pain. In rare cases, there may be a yellowish drainage coming from the nail.

Treatment

Ignoring an ingrown toenail can have serious complications. Infections of the nail border can progress to a deeper soft-tissue infection, which can then turn into a bone infection. You should always speak with your podiatrist if you suspect you have an ingrown toenail, especially if you have diabetes or poor circulation.

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

Morton's neuroma, also known as interdigital neuroma, is a painful condition that affects the nerves between the toes, most commonly between the third and fourth toes. Named after Dr. Thomas George Morton, this condition causes sharp, burning pain, tingling, or a feeling of having a lump in the ball of the foot. The pain often worsens when wearing tight shoes or during activities like walking or running. The cause of Morton's neuroma is usually excessive pressure on the nerve, often due to wearing ill-fitting shoes, high heels, or repetitive stress from activities. Risk factors include foot deformities like bunions or flat feet. Treatment typically starts with conservative measures, such as wearing adequately cushioned shoes, and using orthotics, or corticosteroid injections. If these do not relieve symptoms, surgical excision of the neuroma has shown promising long-term results in reducing pain and improving function. If you are experiencing symptoms of Morton's neuroma, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for proper diagnosis and treatment.

Morton’s neuroma is a very uncomfortable condition to live with. If you think you have Morton’s neuroma, contact Dr. Richard Silverstein of Union Foot Care. Our doctor 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 Havre de Grace, MD . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Hallux rigidus is a form of arthritis affecting the big toe joint, causing stiffness, pain, and limited motion. Over time, everyday activities like walking or wearing shoes can become difficult. It develops when the joint cartilage wears down, often due to overuse, injury, or abnormal foot structure, leading to inflammation and bone spurs. Risk factors include repetitive stress on the toe, family history, or conditions like gout. A podiatrist diagnoses hallux rigidus through a physical exam and imaging tests like X-rays to assess joint damage. Early stages can be managed with shoe modifications, custom orthotics, and anti-inflammatory medications. Severe cases might require corticosteroid injections or surgery, such as joint fusion or reconstruction. Preventing further damage involves wearing proper footwear and avoiding high-impact activities. If you have big toe pain, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and treatment.

Toe pain can disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, contact Dr. Richard Silverstein of Union Foot Care. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Causes Toe Pain?

Most severe toe pain is caused due to a sports injury, trauma from dropping something heavy on the toe, or bumping into something rigid. Other problems can develop over time for various reasons.

Toe pain can be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

• Trauma
• Sports injury
• Wearing shoes that are too tight
• Arthritis
• Gout
• Corns and calluses
• Hammertoe
• Bunions
• Blisters
• Ingrown toenails
• Sprains
• Fractures (broken bones)
• Dislocations

When to See a Podiatrist

• Severe pain
• Persistent pain that lasts more than a week
• Signs of infection
• Continued swelling
• Pain that prevents walking

Diagnosis

In many cases the cause of toe pain is obvious, but in others, a podiatrist may want to use more advanced methods to determine the problem. These can range from simple visual inspections and sensation tests to X-rays and MRI scans. Prior medical history, family medical history, and any recent physical traumatic events will all be taken into consideration for a proper diagnosis.

Treatment

Treatments for toe pain and injuries vary and may include shoe inserts, padding, taping, medicines, injections, and in some cases, surgery. If you believe that you have broken a toe, please see a podiatrist as soon as possible.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Havre de Grace, MD . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.