- Brachymetatarsia or Short Toe
- Bunions
- Heel Pain or Plantar Fasciitis
- Kids Feet
- Custom Orthotics
- Sports Injuries
- Achilles Tendonitis
- Ankle Pain
- Arthritis
- Corns / Calluses
- Diabetic Foot Care
- Flat Feet
- Ingrown Toenails
- Hammertoes
- Metatarsalgia
- Neuromas
- Neuropathy
- Warts
- Wounds
- Surgical Correction of the Foot
Brachymetatarsia or Short Toe
Brachymetatarsia is a condition in which one of the bones in the front of the foot is significantly shorter than the others. Although it may affect any of the five metatarsals, it most commonly affects the fourth metatarsal. Looking at the foot, it might appear that the fourth toe itself is shorter than the adjacent toes. Sometimes it may even appear as if the fourth toe is raised up, with the third and fifth toes touching each other below it.
Bunions
A bunion is a bony bump that forms on the joint at the base of your big toe. They can develop from an inherited structural defect, excess stress on your foot, or can result from an existing medical condition.
Calluses / Corns
Although many people consider calluses to be a simple skin problem, it is actually an indicator of bone problems. In the foot, calluses are typically seen on the heels, balls of the feet, and on the outer side of the big toe. Corns are small calluses that usually occur on the feet and on or between toes. Corns may be caused by ill-fitting shoes and can become very painful. Sometimes corns and warts may resemble one another and need to be evaluated for a correct treatment plan.
Kids Feet
Children an suffer from any of the conditions that adults can suffer from. Most commonly children may get afflicted with ingrown toenails, warts, have issues with flatfeet or sport's injuries. Sever's Disease is an inflammation of the growth plate in the heel of growing children. The condition presents as pain in the back of the heel and is caused by repetitive stress and is thus particularly common in active children. It usually resolves when the bone has completed growth or activity is lessened. If the pain is severe or impacting activies, we have several treatment options to help.
Hammertoes
Hammertoe is a condition where the second, third, or fourth toe, is bent at the middle joint, overlapping the toe(s) next to it. It is caused by improperly fitting shoes and problems with the toe muscles.
Diabetic Foot Care
Diabetes is a chronic disease causing high blood glucose (sugar) levels. Diabetes also weakens your immune system, making it more difficult for your body to fight off infections, which can, in turn, damage your nervous system. This damage can affect the ability to feel sensations in your feet.
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.
Metatarsalgia
or ball of foot pain is often caused by wearing shoes with thin soles and high heels. This puts extra pressure on the bones in the ball of the foot. Standing or walking on a hard surface for long periods also puts added pressure on the bones, causing pain. Bunions and hammertoes can make the problem worse. Sometimes high arches or arthritis can also cause metatarsalgia. The most common symptom is pain in the ball of the foot. You may benefit from orthotics, ask your foot and ankle specialist today.
Heel Pain
Heel pain is one of the most common complaints from patients. There are several conditions that can cause heel pain, with plantar fascitis being the most common. 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. While heel spurs may or may not show up on an x-ray, the spurs themselves are a result of the actual problem: plantar fasciitis. In children, heel pain is usually caused by Sever's disease.
Ankle Pain
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.
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, applying anti-fungal cream, not sharing nail clippers or shoes/socks, wearing dry cotton socks and changing them often, wearing dry shoes, and using shower sandals in wet, public places.
Arthritis
osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, or gouty arthritis
Feet are especially prone to develop arthritis because they take a lot of pressure. Symptoms include aching or generalized pain in one joint or an entire area of your foot. There are certain types of arthritis which cause more deformity and pain.
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.
Ingrown Toenails
Ingrown Toenail occur when the curvature of the nail pushes down the side of the toe and goes into the skin. This causes pain and discomfort and, in many cases, can result in infection. The leading cause of ingrown toenails is inheritance, although the way the patient trims his or her nails can be a contributing factor. Improper nail spa services can also lead to an ingrown toenail. There are both conservative and permanent methods to help in both treating the current condition and preventing future recurrences.
Neuropathy
As a result of damaged peripheral nerves, peripheral neuropathy can occur causing symptoms like weakness, numbness, burning, and tingling in the hands and feet as well as other parts of the body. Traumatic injuries, diabetes, and even some exposure to toxins can cause peripheral nerve damage.
Achilles Tendinitis
Can cause inflammation and degeneration of the achilles tendon. The pain caused by achilles tendonitis can develop gradually without a history of trauma. Achilles tendonitis is aggravated by activities that repeatedly stress the tendon, causing inflammation.
Custom Orthotics
Custom foot orthotics are designed to align the foot and ankle into the most anatomically efficient position. They look similar to insoles, but are biomedical appliances that are custom made to correct your specific foot imbalance. The plastic body of the custom orthotic helps to re-align the foot while you walk. We understand that everyone is different, which is why custom foot orthotics are made just for you.
Surgical Corrections of Foot Disorders
In most cases, invasive methods are not necessary to correct many foot disorders. Though in more extreme conditions, surgery may be required. The need for surgery will depend on the severity of the condition, the amount of pain the patient is experiencing, and the patient’s past response to various treatments.
Sports Injuries
Below are some of the most common sports and sports-related injuries we see in our office.
- Martial Arts and Kickboxing: Plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendonitis, sesamoiditis, and ankle sprains. Proper stretching is vital to injury prevention, specifically, a minimum of 15 minutes before beginning exercise.
- Aerobics: With impact forces reaching up to six times the force of gravity and 26 bones in the foot, proper shoes are extremely important when participating in aerobics. Shoes must provide shock absorption and proper cushioning, as well as stability.
- Team Sports: Baseball, basketball, soccer, football, field hockey, and lacrosse often lead to foot and ankle injuries. Artificial surfaces, improper footwear, and inadequate stretching are recipes for disaster.
Make sure to wear proper shoes and stretch for at least 15 minutes before playing sports.
Wounds
Ulcers on the foot may not always come with pain, but they are serious conditions that should be evaluated by a medical professional. The symptoms of ulcers may include drainage, or red, inflamed tissue. To properly diagnose and develop a treatment plan x-rays may be ordered.
