Freiberg’s disease is an uncommon condition that affects the long bones in the ball of the foot, most often the one beneath the second toe. It occurs when the bone loses some of its normal blood supply, leading to pain, stiffness, and swelling during walking or activity. Many people first notice discomfort that feels like pressure under the toe, especially when wearing thinner shoes or standing for long periods. As the condition progresses, the joint may become less flexible, and the pain can begin to interfere with daily movement. Because early symptoms can resemble other forefoot problems, it is easy to overlook or misidentify. A podiatrist can take a closer look through examination and imaging to confirm the diagnosis and recommend treatments that reduce stress on the joint and protect long-term function. If you have persistent pain under the second toe that is not improving, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for proper evaluation.

Some foot conditions may require additional professional care. If you have any concerns, contact Wendy K. Stinson, DPM of New Jersey. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Rare Foot Conditions

The majority of foot conditions are common and can be treated by a podiatrist.  Standard diagnostic procedures are generally used to identify specific conditions and treatment can be rendered. A podiatrist also treats rare foot conditions which can be difficult to diagnose and may need extra attention and care. 

There are many rare foot conditions that can affect children. Some of these can include:

• Freiberg’s disease
• Kohler’s disease
• Maffucci syndrome

Freiberg’s disease - This can be seen as a deterioration and flattening of a metatarsal bone that exists in the ball of the foot. It typically affects pre-teen and teenage girls, but can affect anyone at any age. Symptoms that can accompany this can be swelling, stiffness, and the patient may limp. 

Kohler’s disease - This often targets the bone in the arch of the foot and affects younger boys. It can lead to an interruption of the blood supply which ultimately can lead to bone deterioration. The patient may limp or experience tenderness, swelling, and redness.

Maffucci syndrome - This affects the long bones in a child’s foot leading to the development of abnormal bone lesions. They are benign growths and typically develop in early childhood and the bones may be susceptible to breaking. 

A podiatrist can properly diagnose and treat all types of rare foot conditions. If your child is affected by any of these symptoms or conditions, please don’t hesitate to call our office so the correct treatment method can begin.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Parsippany-Troy Hills, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Morton’s neuroma is a thickening of tissue surrounding a nerve leading to the toes, most often occurring between the third and fourth toes. This nerve irritation typically develops from repeated pressure or compression in the forefoot. Factors contributing to Morton's neuroma include wearing narrow or high-heeled shoes, spending long hours on the feet, structural deformities like flat feet or bunions, and repetitive impact from running or jumping. Symptoms often involve burning or tingling pain in the ball of the foot, numbness between the toes, or the sensation of stepping on a pebble in the shoe. A podiatrist diagnoses Morton’s neuroma through a physical exam that may involve gently pressing the affected area to reproduce symptoms or using imaging like ultrasound to confirm the nerve thickening. Early diagnosis helps prevent long-term nerve damage and persistent pain. If you have symptoms of Morton’s neuroma, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and treatment options.

Morton’s neuroma is a very uncomfortable condition to live with. If you think you have Morton’s neuroma, contact Wendy K. Stinson, DPM of New Jersey. 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 Parsippany-Troy Hills, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Cuboid syndrome is a condition that occurs when the cuboid bone in the foot becomes partially dislocated or misaligned, affecting the surrounding joints and tissues. It is often caused by changes in the cuboid joint structure, overuse, ankle sprains, or repetitive stress during physical activity. Common symptoms include lateral midfoot pain, tenderness, swelling, and discomfort while walking or standing. A podiatrist can accurately diagnose cuboid syndrome through a physical examination and imaging, if needed. Treatment may include manual manipulation, supportive taping, custom orthotics, and targeted exercises to restore alignment and relieve pain. If you have persistent outer foot pain or instability, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who can accurately diagnose and treat what may be going on.

Cuboid syndrome, also known as cuboid subluxation, occurs when the joints and ligaments near the cuboid bone in the foot become torn. If you have cuboid syndrome, consult with Wendy K. Stinson, DPM from New Jersey. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Cuboid syndrome is a common cause of lateral foot pain, which is pain on the outside of the foot. The condition may happen suddenly due to an ankle sprain, or it may develop slowly overtime from repetitive tension through the bone and surrounding structures.

Causes

The most common causes of cuboid syndrome include:

• Injury – The most common cause of this ailment is an ankle sprain.
• Repetitive Strain – Tension placed through the peroneus longus muscle from repetitive activities such as jumping and running may cause excessive traction on the bone causing it to sublux.
• Altered Foot Biomechanics – Most people suffering from cuboid subluxation have flat feet.

Symptoms

A common symptom of cuboid syndrome is pain along the outside of the foot which can be felt in the ankle and toes. This pain may create walking difficulties and may cause those with the condition to walk with a limp.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of cuboid syndrome is often difficult, and it is often misdiagnosed. X-rays, MRIs and CT scans often fail to properly show the cuboid subluxation. Although there isn’t a specific test used to diagnose cuboid syndrome, your podiatrist will usually check if pain is felt while pressing firmly on the cuboid bone of your foot.

Treatment

Just as the range of causes varies widely, so do treatments. Some more common treatments are ice therapy, rest, exercise, taping, and orthotics.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Parsippany-Troy Hills, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Exercises for flat feet can strengthen the muscles that support the arch and improve flexibility. Heel stretches help loosen tight calf muscles by placing your hands on a wall, stepping one foot back, and gently pressing the heel down. Rolling a tennis or golf ball under the arch massages the foot and reduces tension. Arch lifts involve keeping the toes and heel on the ground while raising the arch upward. Additionally, calf raises strengthen lower leg muscles by slowly lifting the heels off the floor and lowering them back down. A podiatrist can assess your foot mechanics, demonstrate proper techniques, and prescribe custom orthotics for added support. If you have any level of pain from flat feet, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can offer effective relief tips.

Exercising your feet regularly with the proper foot wear is a great way to prevent injuries and build strength. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Wendy K. Stinson, DPM from New Jersey. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Exercise for Your Feet

Exercise for your feet can help you gain strength, mobility and flexibility in your feet. They say that strengthening your feet can be just as rewarding as strengthening another part of the body. Your feet are very important, and we often forget about them in our daily tasks. But it is because of our feet that are we able to get going and do what we need to. For those of us fortunate enough to not have any foot problems, it is an important gesture to take care of them to ensure good health in the long run.

Some foot health exercises can include ankle pumps, tip-toeing, toe rises, lifting off the floor doing reps and sets, and flexing the toes. It is best to speak with Our doctor to determine an appropriate regimen for your needs. Everyone’s needs and bodies are different, and the activities required to maintain strength in the feet vary from individual to individual. 

Once you get into a routine of doing regular exercise, you may notice a difference in your feet and how strong they may become.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Parsippany-Troy Hills, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.