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Bunions, Toes & Forefoot Conditions · Nashville

Freiberg's Disease & Intractable Plantar Keratosis treatment in Nashville, TN

Expert care for Freiberg's disease and intractable plantar keratosis at our Nashville clinic, 300 20th Avenue North, Suite 103.

Part of Bunions, Toes & Forefoot Conditions

Understanding Freiberg's disease and intractable plantar keratosis, and how we help in Nashville.

Looking for help with Freiberg's disease and intractable plantar keratosis in Nashville? Our Nashville clinic at 300 20th Avenue North, Suite 103 offers exams, treatment, and follow up close to home.

Freiberg's disease happens when the head of a metatarsal bone, most often the second, loses blood supply and collapses a little. Intractable plantar keratosis (IPK) is a deep, painful callus under the ball of the foot that keeps coming back. Both cause pain when the front of the foot takes weight.

Freiberg's is seen mostly in teens and young women. IPK can affect many adults. Care often begins with simple pressure relief.

Also called: IPK

Request an appointmentCall 615-220-8788
Freiberg's Disease & Intractable Plantar Keratosis care in Nashville

Symptoms

Signs of Freiberg's disease and intractable plantar keratosis.

If you notice these signs and live near Nashville, an exam can give you clear answers.

  • 01

    Deep, aching pain at the base of a toe

  • 02

    Swelling and stiffness in the toe joint

  • 03

    A hard, painful spot under the ball of the foot

  • 04

    Pain that returns even after the callus is trimmed

Why it happens

What can cause Freiberg's disease and intractable plantar keratosis.

  • 01

    Repeated stress on a metatarsal bone during growth

  • 02

    A long metatarsal that carries extra load

  • 03

    A bone that sits lower than its neighbors

  • 04

    Past injury to the forefoot

Care groupBunions, Toes & Forefoot Conditions

Diagnosis and care

How we treat Freiberg's disease and intractable plantar keratosis in Nashville.

Step 1 · Diagnosis

We examine the sore area and trim any callus to see what is underneath. X-rays can show flattening of the bone in Freiberg's disease or a low bone head in IPK. MRI may be used to check bone health in early Freiberg's.

Step 2 · Treatment

Offloading is the main goal. A stiff-soled shoe, a walking boot for a short time, and custom orthotics with padding around the sore area can lower pressure. For IPK, we can safely shave the callus in the office to ease pain. Rest from high-impact sports helps Freiberg's settle.

When pain continues, surgery can smooth the bone, remove damaged joint surface, or shift the bone to relieve pressure. The choice depends on the age of the patient and the condition of the joint.

Your visit

What to expect at our Nashville clinic.

Your visit for Freiberg's disease and intractable plantar keratosis in Nashville is simple and friendly.

  1. 1

    Talk and exam

    We listen first, then examine your feet and how you walk at our Nashville clinic.

  2. 2

    Clear answers

    X-rays or other imaging when needed, so you leave knowing what is wrong.

  3. 3

    A plan for you

    We begin with gentle options that work, with follow ups close to home in Nashville.

Recovery

What to expect over time.

Many people feel better after a few months of offloading, though the joint may stay a bit stiff. Recovery after surgery is often two to four months.

When to book

Do not wait it out in Nashville.

Come in if forefoot pain lasts more than a few weeks, especially in a teen. Also see us if a callus keeps coming back or hurts to walk on.

Call 615-220-8788

Related care

More in Bunions, Toes & Forefoot Conditions.

FAQ

Your questions answered.

Why does my callus keep returning?

A callus grows back when the same spot keeps taking too much pressure. Padding and orthotics aim to fix the cause, not just the skin.

Is Freiberg's disease permanent?

The bone changes may stay, but pain can often be controlled with care.

Do you treat Freiberg's disease and intractable plantar keratosis in Nashville, TN?

Yes. Our Nashville clinic at 300 20th Avenue North, Suite 103, Nashville, TN 37203 treats Freiberg's disease and intractable plantar keratosis in children and adults. Call 615-220-8788 to book a visit.

How soon can I be seen for Freiberg's disease and intractable plantar keratosis in Nashville?

Call the Nashville clinic at 615-220-8788 or send a request online. Tell us about your pain and we will find the earliest time that works for you.

Nashville clinic

Get help with Freiberg's disease and intractable plantar keratosis in Nashville.

300 20th Avenue North, Suite 103, Nashville, TN 37203

Visit the Nashville clinic page
Request an appointmentCall 615-220-8788Get directions

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