Foot and Ankle Conditions in Missoula, MT

Some patients live with chronic pain in the foot that doesn’t improve, even with rest or basic care. This ongoing discomfort can result from old injuries, nerve tissue problems, or structural issues like flatfoot deformity or high arches. Symptoms often include aching, burning pain, stiffness, swelling, and a feeling of instability when walking or standing for long periods.

Fractures and overuse injuries are frequent sources of pain in the foot, ankle, and toes, especially in people who are active or spend a lot of time on their feet. Stress fractures are small cracks in the bone and typically cause sudden sharp pain, swelling, and tenderness in the injured area. Overuse injuries in the foot occur when repeated strain is placed on bones, joints, or soft tissue without enough time for recovery.

Hallux rigidus is a type of arthritis that affects the big toe joint. It causes the joint to become stiff and painful, especially when walking, standing, or bending the toe. This condition develops when the cartilage in the joint wears down, leading to bone-on-bone friction, swelling, and sometimes the formation of bone spurs. People with hallux rigidus often notice persistent pain in the big toe, difficulty wearing certain shoes, and a limited range of motion in the toe.

Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common foot conditions we treat. It occurs when the thick band of tissue that connects your heel bone to the front of your foot (plantar fascia) becomes irritated or inflamed. It can be caused by overuse, having flat feet or high arches, or wearing ill-fitting shoes. People with plantar fasciitis typically feel sharp heel pain, especially with their first steps in the morning or after resting.

Morton’s neuroma is a benign growth of nerve tissue that develops between the third and fourth toes. It’s sometimes called a pinched nerve and causes symptoms like burning pain, tingling, or numbness in the ball of the foot or toes. Many people describe it as feeling like there’s a pebble or wrinkle in their sock. Without proper treatment, it can lead to persistent pain and limit daily activity.

Diabetic ulcers are open sores or wounds that typically form on the bottom of the foot or around pressure points. They occur when high blood sugar levels damage nerve tissue and blood vessels, leading to reduced sensation and poor circulation. As a result, minor cuts or blisters may go unnoticed and fail to heal correctly. These untreated injuries can develop into painful ulcers over time.

A bunion, also called hallux valgus, is a bony bump that forms at the base of the big toe. This occurs when the first metatarsal bone is misaligned, causing the big toe to shift toward the other toes. When left unaddressed, the misalignment can affect the way you walk and put pressure on nearby joints.

Hammertoe is a condition where the second, third, or fourth toe bends abnormally at the middle joint, causing it to curl downward instead of lying flat. Hammertoe can lead to persistent pain, stiffness, and difficulty finding comfortable shoes.

Turf toe is a sprain of the big toe caused by forceful bending, usually during sports injuries. The injury affects the ligaments and small bones under the toe, known as the sesamoids. You might feel swelling, intense pain, or a reduced range of motion at the base of the toe. Sesamoid injuries can also develop gradually from overuse.