Morton's neuroma is a common problem that we see at our clinic. Morton's neuromas are located between the third and fourth metatarsals in the forefoot. It is also possible to get a neuroma between the second and third metatarsals. Treatment for both of these conditions is quite similar. We often recommend special prescription orthotics and also have special shoe recommendations. There are cortisone injections and dehydrated alcohol injections. In addition, there is also the option of surgery. The typical surgery involves resection of the nerve. If the neuroma is not particularly large (you can determine this with an MRI) then another toned down surgical option is to simply release the deep transverse intermetatarsal ligament rather than resect the nerve.

In many ways this is a way to provide relief without "burning any bridges". In some ways this is similar to doing tarsal tunnel surgery or the primary procedures just to "decompress the nerve". If you have a neuroma or believe you may have a neuroma we would be happy to see you.  If you believe you may need an injection but are reluctant to have this our clinic specializes in a technique for a much more comfortable injection. My partner Dr. Brandon Nelson and myself Dr. Timothy Young, both provide all of these treatment options, and we would be happy to see you in consultation.

Achilles tendinitis can be one of the more stubborn conditions that we treat. We have come up with very effective protocols to treat this. We do like to follow-up and make certain that our patients are getting better. And I like to check that the symptoms are progressively improving and in most cases completely resolving. There are several different "layers" of treatment. There is what I consider the core treatments. Most of these treatments are mechanical in nature as is the case with many foot and ankle problems. But some of the adjunctive treatments also address the underlying inflammatory or in some cases degenerative processes that can occur.

The core treatments: special prescription orthotics, special Achilles exercises, a night splint, and a special Achilles daytime and exercise brace. Note, many clinics do not know the most effective orthotics or the best braces for this condition. The secondary additional options include: shockwave treatment, cortisone injections, PRP (platelet rich plasma), gastroc recession procedure, and Achilles surgical procedures. Again, many clinics do not have experience with these advanced treatment options.

It is important to include all of the core treatments to help this problem resolve and keep it from coming back. Once the core treatments have been provided, if there are still symptoms then there is the option of the adjunctive treatments which can be especially helpful for the stubborn cases. We provide all of these treatments at our clinic. Some of our patients come in and have had only minor improvement with their Achilles problems. They come to our clinic  for these other options. However, it always surprises me when a new patient comes in and they do not want any of the newer treatment options. They only want to do the same treatments that were done before at other clinics that did not work. And, surprise they still have their Achilles problems!

What do they say? “Insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results"!

We offer all of these treatments that I mention at our clinic. The treatments that are not being provided may be holding up your progress! Give us a call at 425-391-8666 or make an appointment online today to see a foot and ankle specialist.

One of the most exciting new technologies available for shin splints is platelet rich plasma therapy. Shin splints can be a large source of frustration for avid exercisers or runners. We see quite a few patients that have had increased pain and discomfort daily with running and have tried multiple treatment modalities all to no avail. Patients have often tried changing shoes, physical therapy, stretching, icing and anti-inflammatories and have had to stop running or change training techniques to try to help with their shin splints.

Research has shown for decades that shin splints are caused by inflammation. Treating the root cause of the inflammation with platelet rich plasma therapy has shown extremely promising results. Platelet rich plasma therapy involves using your own body's naturally healing enzymes at the site of an inflammatory pain to stop the process altogether. The procedure itself can be performed in the office. We're excited to be able offer this to patients who have suffered from shin splints and want to return to activities. If you suffer from shin splints we can fix it. Give our office a call today at 425-391-8666 or make an appointment online.