
Bunions, Toes & Forefoot Conditions · Pulaski
Freiberg's Disease & Intractable Plantar Keratosis treatment in Pulaski, TN
Expert care for Freiberg's disease and intractable plantar keratosis at our Pulaski clinic, 306 South 7th Street.
Understanding Freiberg's disease and intractable plantar keratosis, and how we help in Pulaski.
Looking for help with Freiberg's disease and intractable plantar keratosis in Pulaski? Our Pulaski clinic at 306 South 7th Street 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


Symptoms
Signs of Freiberg's disease and intractable plantar keratosis.
If you notice these signs and live near Pulaski, 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
Diagnosis and care
How we treat Freiberg's disease and intractable plantar keratosis in Pulaski.
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 Pulaski clinic.
Your visit for Freiberg's disease and intractable plantar keratosis in Pulaski is simple and friendly.
- 1
Talk and exam
We listen first, then examine your feet and how you walk at our Pulaski clinic.
- 2
Clear answers
X-rays or other imaging when needed, so you leave knowing what is wrong.
- 3
A plan for you
We begin with gentle options that work, with follow ups close to home in Pulaski.
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 Pulaski.
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 615-220-8788Related care
More in Bunions, Toes & Forefoot Conditions.
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- Hallux Limitus, Hallux Rigidus & Big Toe Arthritis in Pulaski
- Hallux Varus in Pulaski
- Sesamoiditis, Sesamoid Fractures & AVN in Pulaski
- Tailor's Bunion in Pulaski
- Hammertoes, Mallet Toes, Claw Toes & Curly Toes in Pulaski
- Overlapping, Underlapping & Joint Contractures in Pulaski
- Ball-of-Foot Pain, Metatarsalgia & Forefoot Overload in Pulaski
- Capsulitis & Plantar Plate Injuries and Tears in Pulaski
- Morton's Neuroma in Pulaski
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 Pulaski, TN?
Yes. Our Pulaski clinic at 306 South 7th Street, Pulaski, TN 38478 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 Pulaski?
Call the Pulaski 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.
Pulaski clinic
Get help with Freiberg's disease and intractable plantar keratosis in Pulaski.
306 South 7th Street, Pulaski, TN 38478
Visit the Pulaski clinic pageNearby clinics
Freiberg's Disease & Intractable Plantar Keratosis care near Pulaski.
- ColumbiaAbout 30 miles away
- ShelbyvilleAbout 39 miles away
- BrentwoodAbout 57 miles away
- MurfreesboroAbout 58 miles away









