Bunions
"Bunion" is a lay term
describing a painful swelling of the soft tissue overlying the big toe
of the foot. The deformity arises when a progressive dislocation
of the joint causes the big toe to drift toward the second toe.
Simultaneously, the first metatarsal bone separates or spreads in the
opposite direction, creating a bony enlargement on the inside of the
foot. The pain and swelling you experience with a bunion are a
result of shoe pressure against the bony prominence.
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Illustration
shows a foot with
both a bunion and hammertoe. |
There are two ways to treat
bunions, live with the problem and avoid excessive shoe pressure or correct the problem with surgery. Bunion surgery is categorized
into three category types which depends upon the type of bunion
deformity. Surgery is performed as an outpatient procedure.
Most patients will be able to wear comfortable fitting shoes within
three weeks, but a return to full activity might take up to three
months.
For more information on Bunions, contact us
Hammertoes
A hammertoe is a term used to
describe a crooked, deviated, or contracted toe. Although the
condition usually stems from muscle imbalance, it is often aggravated by
poor-fitting shoes or socks that cramp the toes. Over a period of
years, the tendons that move the toe up and down begin to pull the toe
with unequal tension, and the toe then begins to buckle or become
contracted. Normally hammertoes by themselves are not painful, but
with foot wear the prominent knuckle of the toe rubs the shoe, producing
an area of irritation which eventually forms a corn.
Hammertoes can be treated with
protective pads, orthotic devices, specially fitted shoes, medication
and also surgically.
For more information on Hammertoes, contact us
Plantar Fasciitis/Heel Pain
There is a ligament along the bottom of the foot called the plantar fascia that stretches from the heel to the base of the toes. If the ligament is forced to stretch beyond its limit, it may become inflamed and result in heel pain. This condition is called plantar fasciitis. Patients often complain of discomfort in the heel, the arch of the foot, or the back of the leg when walking. The pain is usually worst when getting up after sitting or lying down for a while.
Bone spurs are a common complication of plantar fasciitis. These bony calcium growths on the bottom of the heel form where the plantar fascia pulls on the heel bone. Spurs don't usually cause pain themselves, but they are often a good indicator of the severity and age of the underlying problem.
Risk factors for developing plantar fasciitis and heel spurs include overuse during exercise, standing or walking for many hours a day, having naturally tight calf muscles, wearing shoes with high heels, and having flat feet or very high arches.
For more information on Heel Pain, contact us
Fractures
A fracture (break) of your ankle
usually happens due to a fall, an accident or hard blow. There are
different types of fractures that occur depending upon the severity of
the injury. Spiral, hairline, open, crushed bones are names used
to describe fractures.
Our doctors are experts in
fracture care and will perform x-rays to determine the type fracture you
have. We sometimes need to realign the bones, this is done
through a process called reduction. Casting of the fracture, a
walking boot, brace or splint are used to hold the bone in place during
healing.
For more information on Fractures, contact us
Sprains
If an injury to your ankle
doesn't result in a fracture, then it is likely sprained. An ankle
sprain is a common injury, especially during sporting activities, and
results in the stretching or tearing of the ligaments in the
ankle. Usually all sprains occur on the outside of the ankle
joints. Ankle sprains commonly happen from twisting your ankle,
but some people are more prone to them due to their bone structure.
Our doctors will examine your
ankle and x-rays might be taken to see if their might be other injuries
or problems with your ankle.
For more information on Sprains, contact us
Neuromas
Commonly called a Morton's neuroma, this
problem begins when the outer coating of a nerve in your foot thickens.
This condition has a number of different symptoms and side
effects. The most common symptoms are:
- Burning and stinging between the toes
radiating toward the ball of the foot
- An acute stabbing pain in the foot
that comes and goes
- Numbness and tingling of the toes
- Sudden cramps or pain in the forefoot
Some of the side symptoms associated with
these neuromas are leg aches, low back pain with muscle spasm, chronic
fatigue, a feeling of nervous tension, and cramps in the arch.
Although medication, physical therapy,
injections, and arch supports may offer a temporary decrease in
symptoms, the only permanent relief is minor outpatient surgery.
For more information on Neuromas, contact us
Diabetes
Diabetes is a disturbance in the
utilization and storage of the dextrose (sugar) molecule by the body.
The importance to the feet is this: body resistance is lowered and the
circulation is affected, causing tissues to heal less rapidly. For
people with diabetes, a lot of attention is focused on foot care.
If you have diabetes, you must take
special care of your feet because they are susceptible to infection
which can lead to serious foot problems including possible
amputation. For those with diabetes, please follow these
suggestions:
- Proper washing
/ drying of feet
(blot, not rub), paying particular attention between toes
- Use of an approved powder after
bathing
- Proper trimming of the nails
- Application of mild soaps and oils
- Soft comfortable shoes and stockings
- Regular physical checkups by your
primary
physician
- Routine visits to
our office
For more information on Foot Diabetes, contact us
Arthritis
Arthritis is a condition that causes the
inflammation and swelling of your cartilage and lining of the
joints. Since your foot is composed of 33 joints, arthritis tends
to start in your feet first. This condition is common in people
over the age of 50, but has started at earlier ages.
The type of treatment for arthritis in
your feet varies depending upon the severity of the condition.
Some treatment options include medication, physical therapy, special
shoes and inserts.
For more information on Arthritis, contact us
Corns
& Calluses
Painful corns have probably caused more
foot pain and misery than any other single problem. The cause is usually
a bone enlargement or a spur. Sometimes the toe will not lie down
because of a contracted tendon: this is known as hammertoe. The shoe
cannot fit comfortably over the toe and the patient suffers the agony of
a viselike squeeze of the skin between a prominent bone and the shoe.
Calluses spread across your foot or along
the outer edge of the heal or big toe. Treatment for these two
conditions usually requires a change of shoes and/or use of orthotics,
which cushion these problems. Surgery is another alternative if
corns or calluses become too severe.
For more information on Corns and Calluses, contact us
Ingrown
Nails
Ingrown toenails are quite common
in all age groups. It is a result of a nail growing into the skin
that surrounds it. The improper trimming of the nails, tight shoes, or injury to
the nail can cause ingrown toenails. Often they seem to occur for no
reason at all.
If they become infected, you should soak them in warm
water and Epsom salts, apply an antibiotic ointment and make an
appointment to have them treated. Treatment is simple and painless
in most situations. You can resume normal daily activities within
a day.
For more information on Ingrown Nails, contact us
Fungal
Nails
Fungal toenails are toenails that
have become infected with one of a group of microorganisms we call
fungus. This fungus is similar to the organism that causes
athlete's foot. As the fungus invades the nail and the nail bed, it may go
unnoticed for a period of time because it is rarely painful. It usually
appears at the nail edge and works its way under the nail, progressing
back to the root of the toenail. Once it invades the root it
begins to distort the way the nail grows and becomes more difficult to
treat.
Treatment if performed early might simply
be to clip away the problem portion of the nail and apply an antifungal
cream. Once the conditioned has progressed,
oral medications may be used with or without nail removal.
For more information on Fungal Nails, contact us
Other
Foot Problems
The Center For Podiatric Care and Sports
Medicine also treats many other foot problems:
- Athlete's
Foot
- Black-And-Blue
Nails
- Tendonitis
- Thickened
Nails
- Plantar Warts
- Pressure
Ulcers
