Foot & Ankle Conditions We Treat

Nearly three-quarters of Americans will suffer from foot health problems at some point in their lives. Some common foot problems we treat include:

• Corns and Calluses – Corns and calluses form when there is constant friction between a bony part of the foot and your shoe. This makes your skin thicken and harden in a specific spot, which can cause discomfort, and may quickly worsen for patients with diabetes.
• Blisters – Another form of injury caused by friction are blisters. This happens when a softer part of your feet starts rubbing against your shoes. A soft, raised bubble of fluid forms underneath the skin and it is best not to attempt to pop or burst these blisters.
• Gout – This is a type of arthritis or inflammation of the joints caused by a buildup of uric acid crystals. It can cause intense pain, redness, and swelling in the feet, most often in the big toe. Even the pressure of a bedsheet on the toes can be extremely painful for someone with gout.

A bunion is a bony bump that appears on the side of your big toe, usually at its base, where it connects to your midfoot region. People with a family history of bunions, we well as those who wear ill-fitting shoes, have a low arch or uneven gait have an increased risk of developing bunions.

Bunions can cause redness, swelling, and pain.

Plantar fasciitis is a common foot problem. Its tell-tale symptom is heel pain. People who spend the majority of their time on their feet, and athletes, are at the highest risk for plantar fasciitis and heel pain.

The plantar fascia is a thick band of tissue that connects your heel bone to your toes. When this tissue is overused, it can swell and tighten, result the heel pain of plantar fasciitis.

Plantar fasciitis is most commonly caused by repetitive stress, such as repeated pounding on the feet during walking, running, or playing sports. The injury can also arise from regularly wearing high heels or shoes that don't provide adequate arch support.

Certain in-office treatments, such as EPAT (shockwave therapy), can effectively heal patients suffering from plantar fasciitis. Orthotics can also be used to relieve the symptoms of plantar fasciitis. In some cases, surgery may be warranted.

Having diabetes can predispose you to develop nonhealing wounds on the feet as well as infections that can quickly lead to tissue death (gangrene) and may require amputation to stop its spread.

Nonhealing wounds often appear on the bottom of a patient’s foot. The ulcer may be crater-like and surrounded by red, inflamed skin. People with diabetes are more susceptible to developing nonhealing wounds due to poor circulation and peripheral neuropathy.

People with diabetes need to be regularly seen by a healthcare provider to prevent these types of problems – and as soon as possible when foot problems appear. In addition, diabetic shoe fitting can ensure your feet are protected to help prevent foot wounds from occurring in the first place.

Ingrown nails occur when the nail grows into the softer tissue on the side of the toe. This usually occurs on the big toe on your feet.

Here are some signs and symptoms that indicate you may have an ingrown toenail:

• Persistent pain
• Inflammation in skin
• Swelling

At times, the skin of your toe pierced by the toenail may become infected. If you start seeing pus or the inflammation appears to be spreading, you should see your podiatrist as soon as possible.

Trauma to the hard and soft tissue of your feet can cause excruciating pain. In fact, sprains and strains and fractures are among some of the most common injuries we see in podiatry.

Here are signs and symptoms that may indicate a need to see a podiatrist or other healthcare provider immediately:

• Open wounds on the feet
• Pus seeps from a wound
• Foot pain or other problems leading to difficulty walking
• Severe bleeding from the feet
• Lightheadedness or confusion
• Exposed broken bones in the feet

Plantar warts are small growths found on the underside of the foot, which also happens to be the place on the foot that bears the most weight. This includes the balls and heels of our feet. The wart may appear on the ball, heel, or elsewhere on the foot and it grows inward, which causes pain.

You may have a plantar wart if the growth feels:

• Hard
• Grainy or fleshy
• Very painful

Plantar warts are the result of a human papilloma virus (HPV) infection. This can occur when the virus enters the body through small cuts on the bottom of your feet.

Arthritis an inflammation of the joints, which can cause pain and stiffness. There are many different types of arthritis, but the most common is osteoarthritis, which is a degenerative joint disease. Other types of arthritis include rheumatoid arthritis and psoriatic arthritis.

Arthritis may affect any joint in the body, including the joints in the feet. Foot arthritis is a common problem, and it can make it difficult to walk or stand for long periods of time. There are several different types of arthritis that can affect the feet, and treatment will vary depending on the type of arthritis you have. Foot Arthritis can cause:

• Persistent pain
• Stiffness in the foot
• Swelling
• Inflammation
• Decreased range of motion

Having certain behaviors or lifestyle can increase your risk of developing arthritis. Some risk factors for arthritis include:

• Obesity
• Infection
• Joint Injuries
• Occupations that are physically exhausting
• Smoking

Arthritis can make it difficult to walk or stand and can significantly reduce quality of life. Although there is no one cure for foot arthritis, there are treatments that can help reduce symptoms. These include pain relief medications, orthotics, and physical therapy.

Tendonitis is a condition that results in inflammation of one or more tendons. This inflammation can cause:

• Pain
• Swelling
• Stiffness in the affected area

Tendonitis often affects the foot, especially around the ankle joint. Symptoms of tendonitis include foot pain, tenderness, and swelling. The condition can usually be treated with rest, ice, and over-the-counter pain medications.

In more severe cases, surgery may be necessary to repair the tendon. Anyone experiencing foot pain, swelling, or stiffness should consult a doctor to determine if they have tendonitis. Early diagnosis and treatment are key to preventing further damage to the tendon.

An Achilles tendon tear, also called an Achilles rupture, is a tear of the Achilles tendon. The Achilles tendon is the strongest tendon in the body and connects your calf muscle to your heel bone. It is used when you walk, run, or jump.

Most tears occur in the middle of the tendon. They can also happen at the end where the tendon attaches to the heel bone. Achilles tendon tears are more common in men than women. They are most often seen in people who are active, such as athletes.

Symptoms of a tear include:

• Sudden pain in the back of the foot and ankle
• A popping or snapping sound
• Swelling
• Bruising
• Inability to point the foot downward or stand on the toes

If you think you have a tear, see a doctor. Treatment includes surgery and physical therapy, with recovery time taking up to several months.

Metatarsal fractures or fractures in the toes are among the most common foot injuries. They usually occur as a result of a direct blow to the foot, or from an object landing on the foot. Symptoms include:

• Bruising
• Pain
• Swelling around toes

Treatment typically involves immobilization of the foot in a cast or boot, followed by rehabilitation. In some cases, surgery may be required. Metatarsal fractures can lead to long-term problems if not treated properly, so it is important to seek medical attention as soon as possible if you think you may have a fracture.