Metatarsal stress fractures are tiny breaks that develop in the long bones of the foot, usually from repetitive impact rather than a single injury. Unlike sudden fractures, these small cracks build over time, often starting as a mild ache that worsens with activity. Runners, dancers, and athletes who spend hours on their feet are especially vulnerable, but anyone who suddenly increases activity or wears shoes lacking adequate support can be at risk. Because the pain often begins subtly, many people mistake it for a bruise or simple soreness. Left untreated, stress fractures can progress into more serious injuries that take longer to heal. Rest, wearing protective footwear, and sometimes immobilization are key to recovery. Gradual return to activity under a podiatrist’s guidance helps ensure proper healing and prevents re-injury. If you have foot pain, it is suggested that you visit a podiatrist when it first starts for a diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Stress fractures occur when there is a tiny crack within a bone. To learn more, contact Edward Orman, DPM from Honeygo Podiatry. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain free and on your feet.

How Are They Caused?

Stress fractures are the result of repetitive force being placed on the bone. Since the lower leg and feet often carry most of the body’s weight, stress fractures are likely to occur in these areas. If you rush into a new exercise, you are more likely to develop a stress fracture since you are starting too much, too soon.  Pain resulting from stress fractures may go unnoticed at first, however it may start to worsen over time.

Risk Factors

• Gender – They are more commonly found in women compared to men.
• Foot Problems – People with unusual arches in their feet are more likely to develop stress fractures.
• Certain Sports – Dancers, gymnasts, tennis players, runners, and basketball players are more likely to develop stress fractures.
• Lack of Nutrients – A lack of vitamin D and calcium may weaken the bones and make you more prone to stress fractures
• Weak Bones – Osteoporosis can weaken the bones therefore resulting in stress fractures

Stress fractures do not always heal properly, so it is important that you seek help from a podiatrist if you suspect you may have one. Ignoring your stress fracture may cause it to worsen, and you may develop chronic pain as well as additional fractures.

If you have any questions please contact our offices located in Perry Hall, and Fallston, MD . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

An ankle fracture can leave lasting effects on the way a person walks, even after the bone has healed. Limited joint movement, lingering stiffness, and changes in muscle strength may cause the body to adapt in ways that alter natural stride patterns. Some individuals shorten their steps, place less weight on the injured side, or roll the foot differently to avoid discomfort. These adjustments can strain other joints, such as the knees, hips, and lower back, over time. Restoring a balanced gait often involves targeted exercises to improve flexibility, rebuild strength, and retrain walking mechanics. Wearing supportive footwear or orthotics may also help distribute pressure more evenly across the foot. Addressing gait changes early can prevent secondary problems and improve long-term mobility. If walking feels awkward or uncomfortable after an ankle fracture, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for evaluation and guidance.

Broken ankles need immediate treatment. If you are seeking treatment, contact Edward Orman, DPM from Honeygo Podiatry. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet. 

Broken Ankles
A broken ankle is experienced when a person fractures their tibia or fibula in the lower leg and ankle area. Both of these bones are attached at the bottom of the leg and combine to form what we know to be our ankle.

When a physician is referring to a break of the ankle, he or she is usually referring to a break in the area where the tibia and fibula are joined to create our ankle joint. Ankles are more prone to fractures because the ankle is an area that suffers a lot of pressure and stress. There are some obvious signs when a person experiences a fractured ankle, and the following symptoms may be present.

Symptoms of a Fractured Ankle

• Excessive pain when the area is touched or when any pressure is placed on the ankle
• Swelling around the area
• Bruising of the area
• Area appears to be deformed

If you suspect an ankle fracture, it is recommended to seek treatment as soon as possible. The sooner you have your podiatrist diagnose the fracture, the quicker you’ll be on the way towards recovery.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Perry Hall, and Fallston, MD . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Heel fat pad syndrome occurs when the thick, protective layer of fatty tissue beneath the heel becomes thinned, displaced, or inflamed. This heel fat pad, known as the corpus adiposum, normally cushions the heel bone and helps absorb the force of impact during walking or running. When the fat pad loses its elasticity or volume, it can no longer protect the heel effectively. This results in a deep, bruise-like pain in the center of the heel, especially when walking barefoot or on hard surfaces. Common causes include repetitive impact from sports, prolonged standing, walking on hard floors, gait abnormalities, and age-related tissue breakdown. Excess body weight and medical conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis or diabetes, may also contribute. The heel pain typically worsens with activity and improves with rest. A podiatrist can evaluate heel structure, identify fat pad atrophy through a physical exam or imaging, and recommend methods to reduce discomfort and protect the heel. If your heels hurt during everyday activities, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam and appropriate treatment options.

Many people suffer from bouts of heel pain. For more information, contact Edward Orman, DPM of Honeygo Podiatry. 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 offices located in Perry Hall, and Fallston, MD . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

An ingrown toenail happens when the edge of the nail presses into the surrounding skin, often causing pain and swelling. If bacteria enters the broken skin, the area can become infected. Signs of infection include redness, warmth, pus, and increased tenderness. Wearing tight shoes, improper nail trimming, or injury can increase the risk. Infections can spread if not treated promptly, sometimes leading to more serious problems. A podiatrist can safely remove the ingrown portion of the nail, clean the area, and recommend antibiotics, if necessary. For recurring cases, a minor procedure may be suggested to stop part of the nail from growing back. If your toe is painful, swollen, or shows signs of infection, it is suggested you visit a podiatrist for proper treatment.

Ingrown toenails can become painful if they are not treated properly. For more information about ingrown toenails, contact Edward Orman, DPM of Honeygo Podiatry. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Ingrown Toenails

Ingrown toenails occur when a toenail grows sideways into the bed of the nail, causing pain, swelling, and possibly infection.

Causes

• Bacterial infections
• Improper nail cutting such as cutting it too short or not straight across
• Trauma to the toe, such as stubbing, which causes the nail to grow back irregularly
• Ill-fitting shoes that bunch the toes too close together
• Genetic predisposition

Prevention

Because ingrown toenails are not something found outside of shoe-wearing cultures, going barefoot as often as possible will decrease the likeliness of developing ingrown toenails. Wearing proper fitting shoes and using proper cutting techniques will also help decrease your risk of developing ingrown toenails.

Treatment

Ingrown toenails are a very treatable foot condition. In minor cases, soaking the affected area in salt or antibacterial soaps will not only help with the ingrown nail itself, but also help prevent any infections from occurring. In more severe cases, surgery is an option. In either case, speaking to your podiatrist about this condition will help you get a better understanding of specific treatment options that are right for you.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Perry Hall, and Fallston, MD . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.