Common Foot Problems

Bunions

A bunion is an enlargement of boney growth or swollen tissue typically located at the base joint of the big toe. The condition is caused by the shifting of the bones in the big toe inward, toward the other toes of the foot. The area around the base of the big toe may become inflamed, red, and painful.

Genetic factors are important in the formation of bunions – people who get bunions are usually genetically predisposed to this bone displacement and may cause its onset by wearing ill-fitting shoes or by running or walking in a way that causes stress to the feet. Another common cause for bunions is wearing high heeled shoes. The weight of the body in these shoes pushes the toes into an unnatural position, possibly causing bone displacement.

A podiatrist who specializes in foot structure and biomechanics can quickly diagnose bunions. Bunions must be distinguished from gout or arthritic conditions, so blood tests may be necessary. The podiatrist may order a radiological exam to provide an image of the bone structure. If the x-ray demonstrates an enlargement of the joint near the base of the toe and a shifting toward the smaller toes, this is indicative of a bunion.

Wearing wider shoes can remove the pressure on the bunion and reduce pain. High heeled shoes should be eliminated for a period of time as this type of shoe generally pushes the big toe outward toward the smaller toes. This may be enough to eliminate the pain associated with bunions; however, if pain persists, anti-inflammatory drugs may be prescribed. Severe pain may require an injection of steroids near the bunion.

Orthotics for shoes may be prescribed which, by altering the pressure on the foot, can be helpful in reducing pain. These do not correct the problem, but by eliminating the pain, they can provide relief.

For cases that do not respond to these methods of treatment, surgery can be done to reposition the toe. A surgeon may do this by either taking out a section of bone or by rearranging the ligaments and tendons in the toe to help keep it properly aligned. It may be necessary even after surgery to wear more comfortable shoes that do not put pressure on the toe as the big toe can easily move back to its orientation toward the smaller toes.

An ingrown toenail is caused when a toenail grows sideways into the bed of the nail, causing pain and swelling. The nail can sometimes exacerbate and become infected, creating serious drainage.

There are many risk factors that can predispose a person to this common condition. Cutting your nails too short, participating in sports, diabetes, being overweight, or having a fungal infection of the toe can all cause an ingrown toenail. The condition can often be related to genetics, as many people are genetically predisposed to ingrown nails. More often than not, the problem can arise from wearing ill-fitting shoes or from shoes that keep the feet slightly damp.

To prevent ingrown toenails, allow your toenails to grow a little longer and avoid cutting them too short. If you do develop an ingrown nail, soaking the toe in hot water will help prevent infection and lessen pain. You may want to add antibiotic soap or Epsom salts to the water, which will provide further protection against infection.

There are many quick treatments available for ingrown toenails that can lessen pain and have you walking with comfort. If your pain is so severe that it keeps you from everyday activities, however, a visit with your podiatrist is necessary.

Heel pain is a stressful condition that affects day to day activities. Stress on the heel is often created from running and walking because the heel hits the ground first and takes on the body’s entire weight.

One of the main causes of heel pain is a condition known as plantar fasciitis. The plantar fascia is a band of tissue that extends along the bottom of the foot, from the toe to the bottom of the heel. A rip or tear in this ligament can cause the inflammation of these tissues, resulting in heel pain. People who do not wear proper fitting shoes are often at risk of developing this condition. Unnecessary stress from ill-fitting shoes, weight change, excessive running, and wearing non-supportive shoes on hard surfaces are all causes of plantar fasciitis.

Achilles tendonitis is another cause of heel pain. Similar to plantar fasciitis, the inflammation of the Achilles tendon can cause heel pain due to muscle tearing. A lack of flexibility of the ankle and heel is an indicator of Achilles tendonitis. If left untreated, this condition can lead to plantar fasciitis and create even more pain in your heel.

A third cause of heel pain is a heel spur. A heel spur occurs when the tissues of the plantar fascia undergo a great deal of stress, leading to a separation of the ligament from the heel bone entirely. This separation results in a pointed fragment of bone on the ball of the foot, or a heel spur.

Treatments for heel pain are easy and effective as long as problems are addressed quickly. The most common solution for heel pain is simply taking stress off the feet, particularly off of the heel. This will help ease pain and allow the tendons and ligaments to relax. In the case of both plantar fasciitis and Achilles tendonitis, icing will reduce swelling in any part of the foot. Anti-inflammatory medication is highly recommended. Wearing proper-fitting shoes and heel pads or comfort insoles will also reduce the risk of developing heel pain. Stretching before and after exercises will help the foot muscles prepare for stress and decrease the chances of inflammatory pain. In extreme cases, relieving heel pain might require surgery. Always make sure to discuss these symptoms and treatment options with your podiatrist to keep yourself active and pain free.

A person is standing in their shoe with one foot on the ground.

Ankle/foot orthotics are devices that are inserted into the shoes to protect the foot from a wide range of foot problems. Orthotics are available as prefabricated over-the-counter and through a prescription for custom-made orthotics tailored to the individual.

Although custom-made orthotics are generally more expensive, they may be more efficient in correcting certain foot and ankle ailments. Typically inserts can be made out of pieces of rubber, leather, plastic, or any other type of synthetic material.

Orthotic devices may be used to:

Support the foot or ankle
Align the foot or ankle
Correct/prevent foot deformities
Improve function of the lower extremity

Types of Ankle/Foot Orthotics:

Full contact orthotic
Heel insert

Orthotics have been known to reduce or even remove pain in conditions such as flat feet, Achilles tendonitis, rheumatoid arthritis, plantar fasciitis, bunions and heel pain. If you are experiencing foot pain, your doctor will decide if you are in need of foot orthotics as well as the type of orthotic will be right for your foot type.

A person with yellow nail polish on their finger.

Toenail fungus is a frustrating and embarrassing condition that is common for many people. It typically starts as a tiny white or yellow growth below the tip of the toenail and spreads deeper as the infection worsens, causing the nail to discolor, thicken, or even deteriorate at the edge.

Fungal nails can be identified by thickened or ragged nails that are distorted in shape. They are lacking a shine and tend to be darker in color due to a buildup of debris beneath the nail. Patients are more at risk for developing nail fungus if they wear socks and shoes that do not allow for proper ventilation. Damp communal spaces like gyms, swimming pools, and public showers can also serve as a source of fungus. Those who work in humid environments are also at greater risk.

More severe cases of toenail fungus can be very painful and cause serious damage, so it is important to visit your podiatrist if you suspect you have the condition. At its worst, fungal nails can lead to other infections that can spread beyond the feet. Your podiatrist will most likely examine your nails for fungus. If there is debris under your nail, some of it may be scraped and sent to a lab to identify the fungus causing the problem.

In most cases, toenail fungus can be treated at home. Over-the-counter antifungal creams and ointments can be applied to affected areas. Reduce pressure and pain on the nails by cutting the nails to a shorter length. If home care does not prove effective, your doctor may prescribe you medications such as oral antifungal drugs, medicated nail polish, or medicated nail cream. The use of laser therapy is also an option to treat fungal nails.

Achilles Tendonitis
Ankle Instability
Ankle Sprains
Arthritic Foot & Ankle Care
Athletes Foot
Athletic Injuries
Bunions
Calluses
Corns

Diabetic Foot Care
Diabetic Shoes and Insoles
Flat Feet
Fungus Toenails
Laser Treatment of Fungus nails
Hammertoes
Heel Pain

Ingrown Toenails
Joint Pain
Joint Swelling
Neuromas
Orthotics (Functional and OTC Insoles)
Plantar Fasciitis
Warts

Common Foot Problems

Bunions

Ingrown Toenail

Heel Pain

Orthotics

Fungal Nails

Family Foot Care Offers the following....