Neurological

Morton's neuroma is a non-cancerous growth of nerve tissue that develops in the foot, usually between the third and fourth toes. It is a common and painful condition that is due to a swollen interdigital nerve. Patients experience numbness and pain in the affected area. In Morton's neuroma, the tissue around one of the nerves leading to the toes thickens, causing a sharp, burning pain in the ball of the foot or a shooting pain affecting the adjacent sides of two toes. Many patients describe the sensation as a burning pain in the ball of the foot that often radiates to the toes. At Savannah Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle, we will prescribe non-invasive treatments first. However, should the condition be severe, we may recommend operative treatments such as peripheral nerve surgery to address the disorder and pain. Dr. Steven L. Shapiro is a published expert on Morton's neuroma. If you have any acute or persistent foot condition, please contact us immediately so that we can address your pain.

Metatarsalgia, or "stone bruise," is most often localized to the ball of the foot just behind the big toe. This is a common problem that can affect the joints and bones of the metatarsals. Metatarsalgia is caused by the compression of a small nerve between two displaced metatarsal bones. Inflammation occurs when the head of one displaced foot bone presses against another and they catch the nerve between them. With every step, the nerve is pushed together by the bones and then rubbed, pressed again, and irritated without relief. Consequently, the surrounding nerve tissue becomes enlarged, forming a sheath of scar tissue. Savannah Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle is highly adept at diagnosing the cause and precise treatment to address this painful disorder.  

A stroke is when poor blood flow to the brain results in cell death. There are two main types of stroke: ischemic, due to lack of blood flow; and hemorrhagic, due to bleeding. This results in part of the brain not functioning properly. Signs and symptoms of a stroke may include an inability to move or feel on one side of the body which can negatively impact your gait or balance. Other similar conditions such as lateral medullary syndrome, hemi paresis, vascular dementia, and polyneuropathies can all contribute to foot or walking disorders. Call Savannah Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle to discuss the treatment options available for these and other similar conditions.

Cerebral palsy is characterized by abnormal muscle tone, reflexes, or motor development and coordination. There can be joint and bone deformities and/or permanently fixed, tight muscles and joints. The classical symptoms are spasticity, spasms, other involuntary movements, unsteady gait, and problems with balance. Scissor walking (where the knees come in and cross) and toe-in walking are common among people with Cerebral Palsy. Savannah Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle can address these very diverse symptoms and motor dysfunction. Call us to see how Dr. Shapiro can assist your loved one.  

The number of nerve injuries or abnormalities that cause foot disorders are vast, and it takes an expert like Dr. Shapiro to discern between the array of symptoms and diagnoses. Nerve damages can cause complications such as foot drop, innervation, Zenker's paralysis, webbed toes, cerebral palsy, malum perforans, and peripheral neuropathies. Dr. Shapiro has over 41 years experience helping patients with nerve damage affecting the lower legs. Should you be experiencing complications in your foot or ankle, please contact Savannah Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle and set up a consult.

The tarsal tunnel refers to the canal formed between the medial malleolus (the bump on the inside of the ankle) and the flexor retinaculum (a band of ligaments that stretches across the foot). One of the nerves in the tarsal tunnel is the tibial nerve, which provides sensation to the bottom of the foot. When this nerve is compressed, the resulting condition is called tarsal tunnel syndrome. Savannah Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle will prescribe nonsurgical treatment options before surgery is recommended. Possible treatment options may include anti-inflammatory medications or steroid injections into the nerves in the tarsal tunnel to relieve pressure and swelling. Orthosis (e.g., braces, splints, orthotic devices) may be recommended to reduce pressure on the foot and limit movement that could cause compression on the nerve. Depending on the severity of the condition, one of several surgical options may be recommended, to include peripheral nerve surgery for tarsal tunnel release.