Conditions We Treat
Common Foot Conditions We Can Help WithPlantar Fasciitis
The leading cause of chronic heel pain, plantar fasciitis occurs when the ligament that connects your toes to you heel bone becomes inflamed. Common symptoms include stiffness, tenderness, swelling, and a stabbing pain near the heel, usually at its worst first thing out of bed in the morning. Although it most often affects middle-aged people, plantar fasciitis can strike young people who are on their feet a lot, such as waiters, soldiers, and athletes.
Metatarsalgia
Metatarsalgia is one of the most common foot conditions that we see in our stores. This is when the ball of the foot becomes painful and inflamed. It may develop from activities like running, walking, or by wearing ill-fitting shoes.
Metatarsalgia is a highly fixable condition with the right custom foot orthotics and footwear.
Arthritis
Arthritis pain in the foot is caused by the breakdown and loss of cartilage in the bones of the feet. Without this cartilage, there is nothing to cushion the bone during movement, making it painful to move the feet.
Calcaneal Apophysitis (Sever's Disease)
Caused by a painful inflammation of the heel’s growth plate, calcaneal apophysitis typically affects children between the ages of 8 and 14. More common in young athletes because they often put more stress on the growing area, it can be successfully treated with the right custom-fit orthotics and footwear.
Calluses and Corns
Calluses and corns are small areas of thick, raised, hardened skin on the foot that cause pain. They develop from excess friction or pressure, often caused by ill-fitting shoes and unsupported feet.
Diabetic Feet
Diabetes can affect the feet by causing nerve damage and poor circulation. A foot care professional can help you develop a care routine that will prevent smaller problems from getting worse.
The Do’s
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The Don’ts
If you notice a problem with your feet, contact your doctor immediately. |
Freiberg’s Infraction
Freiberg’s infraction is an osteochondrosis of the second metatarsal head in the foot. This means that you’ll probably experience pain under the second ball of your foot. There may be a callous in this area as well.
Hallux Valgus (Bunions)
Common deformities of the foot, bunions are often described as a bump on the side of the big toe. This bump reflects changes in the bony framework of the front part of the foot. Bunions throw the bones out of alignment, which causes pain. They’re progressive, and won’t go away with time.
Hammer Toes
Hammer toe is a condition that causes the bending of the toes. A hammer toe is usually caused due to a neurological condition that effects the tendons on the bottom of the toes, causing the tendons to pull the toes down towards the ground. This abnormal bending puts pressure on the toes when wearing shoes, causing developmental problems. They are progressive and need early attention.
Morton’s Neuroma
A Morton’s neuroma usually occurs between the second & third, or third & fourth toes between the metatarsal heads (the “ball” of the foot) and is the infimation of nerve tissue as a result of compression and irritation of the nerve. This compression leads to enlargement of the nerve, which can lead to permanent nerve damage. It will cause pain and a tingling or burning sensation in the foot, primarily when “toeing off” (pushing off the toes when taking a step).
Posterior Tibial Dysfunction aka “Flat Feet”
Posterior tibial tendon dysfunction (PTTD) is a condition caused by changes in this tendon, which is responsible for maintaining the structure of the foot’s arch, impairing its ability to function correctly. This results in flattening of the foot. PTTD is often a progressive condition that worsens over time if not treated in the early stages.
Sesamoiditis
The foot’s sesamoid bones don’t usually get the attention they deserve. These two small bones are the stabilizers of the big toe. And because the big toe is the primary toe used to propel us forward, these two little bones play a primary role in the foot.
Sesamoiditis is a common ailment that causes pain under the ball of the big toe. This condition is typically seen in people that engage in physical activities like running or dancing.
Shin Splints
Shin splint is a term used to describe pain and swelling in the front of the lower legs. It can be aggravated by repetitive activities like running or walking. Common causes are often flat feet, calf tightness, improper training techniques, improper shoes, and walking or running on uneven surfaces.
Stress Fractures
Most common in the weight-bearing bones of the foot, stress fractures are tiny cracks that cause soreness and pain. Without proper treatment, the symptoms of this often-chronic condition typically worsen with time. Switching to more appropriate footwear can expedite healing times and reduce the risk of future injuries.
Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
Similar to carpal tunnel syndrome in the wrist, the tarsal variety in the ankle is caused by compression or squeezing on the posterior tibial nerve. Common symptoms include tingling, numbness, and burning sensations. In extreme cases, tarsal tunnel syndrome may cause chronic soreness and pain, including shooting pain.
Tendonitis
When we force our feet to work too hard for too long, tiny tears in the tough, cord-like connective tissues called tendons may develop. When this happens, the area often becomes inflamed, which almost always causes soreness and pain. Because there are many tendons in the feet, it is relatively easy to strain one through injury or overuse. Custom-fit orthotics and footwear can help prevent re-injury and keep inflammation at bay.
Toe/Partial Foot Amputations
Amputations can occur if foot problems go untreated. Poor circulation and nerve damage can lead to a host of infections and foot deformities that must be treated to avoid amputations.
Turf Toe
Turf toe is the sprain of the big toe joint resulting from a sports injury. It typically results from excessive upward bending of the big toe joint. It is most commonly reported in football, soccer, and basketball players.
Ulcers
Ulcers are open sores in the skin that occur when outer layers are injured, and deeper tissues become exposed. They’re commonly seen in diabetic or bedridden patients.