Bunions
A bunion is a bony bump that forms on the joint at the base of your big toe. It can develop from an injury, inherited joint imbalance, or excessive chronic stress on your foot.
Corns
Corns are small, thick calluses that usually occur on the feet and on or between toes in weight-bearing areas. They are usually caused by ill-fitting shoes or inadequate cushion on the bottom of the foot. If left untreated, they can cause significant discomfort and can harm the underlying skin.
Calluses
Although many people consider calluses to be a simple skin problem, they are actually a good indicator of the stresses on your feet. Typically forming in areas of high pressure or friction, calluses are typically seen on the heels, balls of feet and on the big toe. Calluses can become thick and painful and sometimes develop blisters under them, causing skin trauma and a risk of infection.
Hammertoes
A hammertoe is a condition where one or multiple toes are bent downward at the middle joint and upward at the base of the toe. Sometimes a hammertoe can ‘float’ and cross over one of the toes next to it. This frequently occurs with a long-standing bunion condition. Hammertoes can be genetic, a sign of an underlying nerve condition, or improperly fitting shoes.
Diabetic Foot Care
There’s a lot to manage if you have diabetes: checking your blood sugar, making healthy food, finding time to be active, taking medicines, going to doctor’s appointments. With all that, your feet might be the last thing on your mind. But daily care is one of the best ways to prevent foot complications.
Warts
Although warts may be painful, they are harmless. Warts are caused by a viral infection which penetrates the skin through tiny or "invisible" cuts/abrasions. If left untreated, warts can grow as large as an inch or more in circumference and even spread out into smaller clusters.
Plantar Fasciitis
Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common causes of heel pain. It is caused by the irritation and inflammation of the large band of tissue that connects your heel bone to your toes (plantar fascia). Some symptoms include stabbing pain that usually occurs in the mornings. As you walk around on the foot the pain normally decreases, but it can return after standing for long periods of time.
Heel Pain
Heel pain is one of the most common complaints in my office. Heel pain on the bottom of the heel is commonly plantar fasciitis. Pain on the back of the heel is usually a bone spur or a chronic injury to the Achilles Tendon.
Ankle Sprain
Ankle sprains occur when the ankle is twisted or forced in a way that stretches or tears one or more ligaments. The severity of the injury depends on if the ligaments are stretched, partially torn, or fully torn. Symptoms of an ankle sprain include pain, bruising, swelling, stiffness, and difficulty walking.
Flat Feet
A common condition of the foot structure, flat feet, is caused by an undeveloped arch of the foot. While infants and toddlers lack arches in their feet, the structure continues to develop through adolescence and is fully formed by adulthood.
Athlete's Foot
Athlete’s foot is a contagious fungal infection that mostly affects the feet, with the potential to spread to toenails and hands. The fungus thrives in warm, humid, and dark environments, which makes athletes more prone to the infection. Communal showers, swimming pools, water parks, and locker rooms are hotbeds for the fungus.
Achilles Tendonitis
The Achilles tendon is the largest tendon in the body, joining the lower portion of the calf to the heel bone. Although it is able to withstand forces of around 1,000 pounds, it is the most frequently ruptured tendon in the body. Typically, injury of the Achilles tendon is caused by athletic activities.
Neuromas
Neuromas are enlarged, benign growth of nerves, typically found between the third and fourth toe. Enlargement is caused by tissue rubbing against the nerves, oftentimes caused by poorly fitting shoes or abnormal bone structure.
Geriatric Foot Care
The American Podiatric Medical Association states that by the time an American reaches the age of 50, on average, he or she has already walked a total of 75,000 miles. This fact sheds some light on the reason seniors frequently suffer with foot disorders that lead to pain. These foot disorders can be painful and reduce a senior’s mobility: Elderly patients who have foot disorders are more likely to need additional assistance from their caregivers.
Toenail Fungus
Fungal nail infections require a process of treatments along with a continual effort to prevent it from recurring. Keeping the infection under control can include thoroughly washing and drying feet, wearing dry cotton socks and changing them often, wearing dry shoes that you disinfect regularly, and using shower sandals in wet, public places.
Neuropathy
Diabetes, traumatic injuries, and exposure to toxins or certain chemicals can result in neuropathy. This condition can cause symptoms like weakness, numbness, burning, and tingling in the hands and feet as well as other parts of the body. People with neuropathy in their feet are at increased risk of developing skin and bone problems.