This is a common "over-use injury" caused by increased activity with inadequate support to the arch or plantar fascia. Individuals who are required to stand or walk as part of their occupation, as well as increased use of flip-flops or flat shoes with little or no arch support, and the stress caused by hard floors (tile, concrete) can also create this very painful condition. There are several effective treatment modalities for this condition with a high success rate and this condition rarely requires surgery.
Neuroma:
This condition causes pain (burning, numbness, swelling) in the ball of the foot or between the 2nd, 3rd, 4th toes and is caused by the nerve being pinched between the metatarsals. It is a benign growth of nerve and can be debilitating if not treated.
Fractures, sprains, Tendon injuries:
Dr. Kinley performs in-office X-Rays to evaluate any type of trauma. Treatments can vary from simple splinting to cast immobilization, and surgery if needed.
Arthritis/Joint Pain:
This condition is caused by "wear and tear" of the body, especially common in the foot, which is the foundation of the entire body. Some systemic conditions can cause other types of arthritis/pain of the feet and Dr. Kinley works in conjunction with local rheumatologist in helping her patients to maintain their desired activity level. Often, cortisone injections will relieve the inflammation in specific joints or tendons for long periods of time. Dr. Kinley offers many other types of treatment based on her patient's symptoms and specific situations. She is known for giving "very gentle injections".
Bunions/Hammertoes:
These conditions are often seen in combination, caused either by hereditary factors, long-term poor shoe gear, or other mechanical problems of the foot/ankle. Dr. Kinley's treatments vary from conservative (padding of feet or shoe inserts and liners, trimming callouses and corns, shoe gear modifications, and sometimes Orthotic devices). However, this is also the most common type of surgical procedure performed by Dr. Kinley. Dr. Kinley has extensive surgical experience in treating multiple types of bunion deformities with procedures specific to the deformity. Bunion surgeries can vary in complexity from basic removal of spurs to cutting/shifting/screw fixation for more severe deformities. Patients with these conditions require a detailed examination through X-ray, physical exam, and biomechanical exam of the feet to determine the best treatment. Minor hammertoes and corns caused by bone spurs can be treated with minor office surgery. However, all bunion surgeries require hospital day surgery.