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Corns are small, thickened areas of skin that develop when repeated pressure or friction affects the same spot on the foot. Unlike a callus, which usually covers a larger area, a corn is smaller and has a hard center that can press into deeper tissue. This pressure can make standing, wearing shoes, and walking uncomfortable. Corns frequently develop on the tops or sides of the toes, but they can also form on the bottom of the foot. Pain can become more noticeable when shoes press against the affected area. A podiatrist can determine whether the thickened skin is truly a corn or another condition that requires different treatment.

Repeated rubbing and pressure are the main causes of corns. Wearing shoes that do not fit properly can increase friction between the foot and the shoe. Shoes that lack proper support can place extra pressure on certain parts of the foot while walking. Foot problems like bunions or hammertoes can also change the way weight is distributed across the foot, increasing the chance that corns will develop. A podiatrist performs a careful examination to identify the source of the pressure causing the corn. X-rays are sometimes recommended when a structural foot problem is suspected. Identifying the underlying cause helps guide treatment and reduces repeated irritation.

Treatment focuses on relieving pressure and addressing the condition that caused the corn to develop. A podiatrist can safely remove the thickened skin without damaging the healthy tissue beneath it. Custom orthotics can improve foot alignment and reduce pressure on painful areas. Padding can also help protect the skin from continued friction. When a bunion, hammertoe, or another structural problem causes repeated corns, surgery can correct the deformity and reduce future pressure. Early treatment can improve comfort and make daily activities easier while helping protect the skin from further damage. If you have symptoms of corns, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for diagnosis and treatment.

Corns can make walking very painful and should be treated immediately. If you have questions regarding your feet and ankles, contact Dr. Thomas Madden of Advanced Foot Care Center. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Corns: What Are They? And How Do You Get Rid of Them?
Corns are thickened areas on the skin that can become painful. They are caused by excessive pressure and friction on the skin. Corns press into the deeper layers of the skin and are usually round in shape.

Ways to Prevent Corns
There are many ways to get rid of painful corns such as:

• Wearing properly fitting shoes that have been measured by a professional
• Wearing shoes that are not sharply pointed or have high heels
• Wearing only shoes that offer support

Treating Corns

Although most corns slowly disappear when the friction or pressure stops, this isn’t always the case. Consult with your podiatrist to determine the best treatment option for your case of corns.

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

Morton's neuroma affects the ball of the foot, most commonly between the third and fourth toes. It involves thickening of the tissue surrounding a nerve, often caused by repeated pressure or irritation. This condition is not a true tumor, but rather a response to chronic stress on the nerve. Activities that place strain on the forefoot, such as running or wearing tight footwear, can contribute to its development. Over time, the nerve becomes inflamed and enlarged, leading to discomfort that can interfere with walking and daily activities. Early understanding of this condition helps guide proper care and prevent worsening symptoms.

Symptoms of Morton's neuroma include a sharp or burning pain in the forefoot, numbness, and tingling that may radiate into the toes. Many individuals describe a sensation similar to standing on a small pebble inside the shoe. Pain often increases with activity or when wearing narrow shoes and may improve with rest. Risk factors include wearing high-heeled footwear, repetitive stress from sports, and foot structure issues such as high arches or flat feet. These factors increase pressure on the nerve and contribute to ongoing irritation that leads to symptom progression.

When conservative care does not provide relief, surgical treatment may be considered. Surgical procedures involve making a small, precise cut in the metatarsal bone to relieve pressure on the affected nerve. By redistributing weight across the forefoot, this technique reduces nerve compression while preserving foot function. Compared to traditional surgery, minimally invasive approaches often result in less tissue disruption, reduced pain, and faster recovery. This makes it an appealing option for individuals seeking effective and efficient treatment.

Recovery from Morton's neuroma treatment depends on the severity of the condition and the chosen intervention. Patients are typically guided through a structured plan that includes a gradual return to activity, proper footwear selection, and support for foot alignment. Addressing underlying risk factors is essential to prevent recurrence. With appropriate care, most individuals experience significant relief and improved mobility. If Morton's neuroma is affecting your daily comfort and activity level, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for effective treatment options for lasting relief.

Foot surgery is sometimes necessary to treat a foot ailment. To learn more, contact Dr. Thomas Madden of Advanced Foot Care Center. Our doctor will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.

When Is Surgery Necessary?

Foot and ankle surgery is generally reserved for cases in which less invasive, conservative procedures have failed to alleviate the problem. Some of the cases in which surgery may be necessary include:

• Removing foot deformities like bunions and bone spurs
• Severe arthritis that has caused bone issues
• Cosmetic reconstruction

What Types of Surgery Are There?

The type of surgery you receive will depend on the nature of the problem you have. Some of the possible surgeries include:

• Bunionectomy for painful bunions
• Surgical fusion for realignment of bones
• Neuropathy decompression surgery to treat nerve damage

Benefits of Surgery

Although surgery is usually a last resort, it can provide more complete pain relief compared to non-surgical methods and may allow you to finally resume full activity.

Surgical techniques have also become increasingly sophisticated. Techniques like endoscopic surgery allow for smaller incisions and faster recovery times.

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

Plantar heel pain in athletes is a common overuse condition that affects the bottom of the heel and surrounding soft tissues. It often develops in individuals who participate in running, jumping, or high-impact sports that place repeated stress on the foot. The most common underlying issue associated with plantar heel pain is irritation of the plantar fascia, a thick band of tissue that supports the arch of the foot. In athletic populations, this condition is frequently linked to repetitive strain, improper training techniques, and biomechanical imbalances that increase stress on the heel during movement.

Symptoms of plantar heel pain in athletes typically begin gradually and may worsen if not addressed. Early signs include mild discomfort in the heel after physical activity, especially after running or jumping exercises. As the condition progresses, athletes may experience sharp or stabbing pain in the heel, particularly with the first steps in the morning or after periods of rest. Pain may also increase during training sessions and can affect performance, endurance, and overall mobility. Some athletes report tightness in the arch of the foot or a deep aching sensation that persists throughout the day.

Several risk factors contribute to the development of plantar heel pain in athletes. These include high training intensity, sudden increases in activity levels, and inadequate rest between workouts. Footwear that lacks arch support or cushioning can significantly increase stress on the heel. Athletes with flat feet, high arches, or tight calf muscles are also at higher risk due to altered foot mechanics. Running on hard surfaces or uneven terrain may further contribute to repetitive impact and strain on the plantar fascia and heel structures.

The primary causes of plantar heel pain in athletes involve repetitive microtrauma to the soft tissues of the foot. Over time, this repeated stress leads to inflammation, small tears, and irritation of the plantar fascia and surrounding structures. Poor biomechanics, such as overpronation or improper gait patterns, can place additional strain on the heel. Without proper intervention, the condition may become chronic and interfere with athletic performance and daily activities. Early recognition and treatment are essential for preventing long-term damage and maintaining foot health. If you are an athlete with heel pain, it is strongly suggested that you consult a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and treatment. 

Many people suffer from bouts of heel pain. For more information, contact Dr. Thomas Madden of Advanced Foot Care Center. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Causes of Heel Pain

Heel pain is often associated with plantar fasciitis. The plantar fascia is a band of tissues that extends along the bottom of the foot. A rip or tear in this ligament can cause inflammation of the tissue.

Achilles tendonitis is another cause of heel pain. Inflammation of the Achilles tendon will cause pain from fractures and muscle tearing. Lack of flexibility is also another symptom.

Heel spurs are another cause of pain. When the tissues of the plantar fascia undergo a great deal of stress, it can lead to ligament separation from the heel bone, causing heel spurs.

Why Might Heel Pain Occur?

• Wearing ill-fitting shoes                
• Wearing non-supportive shoes
• Weight change           
• Excessive running

Treatments

Heel pain should be treated as soon as possible for immediate results. Keeping your feet in a stress-free environment will help. If you suffer from Achilles tendonitis or plantar fasciitis, applying ice will reduce the swelling. Stretching before an exercise like running will help the muscles. Using all these tips will help make heel pain a condition of the past.

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

A diabetic foot ulcer is an open sore that develops on the foot of a person with diabetes. These wounds commonly form when nerve damage reduces feeling in the feet. A person may not notice a cut, blister, or scrape right away. Poor blood flow can also slow healing and increase the risk of infection. Diabetic foot ulcers are most likely to appear on the bottom of the foot or under pressure points. Symptoms include redness, swelling, drainage, and pain, but some people feel very little discomfort because of nerve damage. Early detection is important because untreated ulcers can become deeper and more difficult to manage.

Proper wound care plays a major role in helping a diabetic foot ulcer heal. A podiatrist carefully examines the wound and looks for signs of infection. Treatment includes cleaning the ulcer and removing dead or damaged tissue. This process is called debridement and helps healthy tissue heal more effectively. Dressings are used to protect the wound and maintain a healthy healing environment. Treatment also includes reducing pressure on the ulcer. This is known as off-loading. Special footwear, a walking boot, or other devices help keep weight away from the injured area while walking.

Managing diabetes is another important part of wound care. Good blood sugar control supports the body's ability to heal. In addition, patients should inspect their feet daily and report changes promptly. Signs of infection include redness, warmth, and drainage. Other signs include swelling, odor, or increasing pain. A podiatrist can monitor healing progress and adjust treatment when necessary. Prompt care lowers the risk of more serious complications, including loss of limb. If you have developed a foot ulcer as a result of diabetes, it is suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can effectively treat foot wounds, and help you to manage this serious condition.

Wound care is an important part in dealing with diabetes. If you have diabetes and a foot wound or would like more information about wound care for diabetics, consult with Dr. Thomas Madden from Advanced Foot Care Center. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

What Is Wound Care?

Wound care is the practice of taking proper care of a wound. This can range from the smallest to the largest of wounds. While everyone can benefit from proper wound care, it is much more important for diabetics. Diabetics often suffer from poor blood circulation which causes wounds to heal much slower than they would in a non-diabetic. 

What Is the Importance of Wound Care?

While it may not seem apparent with small ulcers on the foot, for diabetics, any size ulcer can become infected. Diabetics often also suffer from neuropathy, or nerve loss. This means they might not even feel when they have an ulcer on their foot. If the wound becomes severely infected, amputation may be necessary. Therefore, it is of the upmost importance to properly care for any and all foot wounds.

How to Care for Wounds

The best way to care for foot wounds is to prevent them. For diabetics, this means daily inspections of the feet for any signs of abnormalities or ulcers. It is also recommended to see a podiatrist several times a year for a foot inspection. If you do have an ulcer, run the wound under water to clear dirt from the wound; then apply antibiotic ointment to the wound and cover with a bandage. Bandages should be changed daily and keeping pressure off the wound is smart. It is advised to see a podiatrist, who can keep an eye on it.

If you have any questions please contact our office located in Killeen, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.