Bunions
Corns and Calluses
Skin Problems
Hammertoes
Plantar Heel Pain
Neuroma
Osteoarthritis
Exercise and Rest
The
average American will walk over 80,000 miles in a lifetime, so it is not
surprising that over 75 percent of us will experience foot and ankle problems.
There are many things that can affect the condition, as well as the appearance
of our feet, including activity level, occupation, health history and other
health related conditions. Shoes also play a vital role in the overall condition
of your feet.
Many people who experience foot and ankle pain do not think
that the pain is treatable. However, some problems may be easily eliminated with
proper self-care or by purchasing a more supportive pair of shoes. More serious
foot and ankle conditions warrant a visit to a foot and ankle
specialist.
At Alegent Health, our specialists are specially trained to
provide excellent care for all types of foot and ankle problems.
Bunions
A bunion is an enlargement of the big toe joint.
The most noticeable feature of the bunion is the 'large bump' on the inside of
the foot and the movement of the big toe toward the lesser toes. The skin over
the joint can become swollen and tender and is sensitive to pressure caused from
wearing tight-fitting shoes. Bunions can be inherited, however some may result
from injury.
People with bunions should wear shoes that conform
to the shape of the foot and do not cause pressure areas. Often wearing felt
or foam pads are also helpful in alleviating the pain. In severe cases, bunions
can become disabling. There are several types of surgeries available that will relieve the pain
and improve the appearance of the foot.
Corns and Calluses
Corns and
calluses are the result of excessive friction or pressure on the skin, which
causes the outer, dead layer of skin to thicken. When this protective layer of
skin is formed on the bottom of the foot, it is referred to as a callus. When it
develops on the top of the foot, it is a corn or when it occurs between two
toes, it is called a soft corn. When the skin becomes too thick, it can lead to
redness, pain and swelling.
Skin Problems
• Rashes
•
Eczema
• Athlete's Foot
• Blisters
• Warts
Sweaty feet can cause
rashes and eczema, so avoid wearing nylon socks, plastic or tight-fitting shoes.
Warts can resemble corns, but tend to occur without pressure from shoes. A wart
is the skin's reaction to a chronic virus infection. These painful and
unpleasant conditions may respond to pads and over-the-counter ointment, but
often require medical attention.
Hammertoes
Hammertoes is a type of toe deformity resulting from the abnormal
contraction and a muscle imbalance that leaves the toe in a bent position. The
deformity can be aggravated by tight shoes and usually results in pain over the
prominent bony areas on the top of the toe and at the end of the
toe.
Hammertoes are treated by wearing shoes that can
better accommodate your deformed toe. Shoe inserts or pads may also
help. If these methods fail and you are still uncomfortable,
surgical treatment to straighten the toe
Plantar Heel Pain
Heel pain is
extremely common. Pain both below and behind the heel often results from an
irritation of the tissues, nerves or bone of the heel. This condition, commonly
known as heel spurs, usually indicates a strain and rarely a serious bone or
nerve problem.
Most cases of heel pain will improve spontaneously. Rest,
heat and a new supportive pair of shoes will reduce the swelling of the soft
tissues in your feet. If your pain persists, steroid injections or walking casts
will be prescribed. Only in the most troubling and prolonged cases is surgery
recommended.
The most common diagnosis for plantar heel pain is plantar
fasciitis. This is an overuse injury affecting the sole or flexor surface of
this foot. A diagnosis of this condition means that you have inflamed the tough,
fibrous band of tissue connecting your heel bone to the base of your toes. Risk
factors for this condition include gender (females are more prone to develop the
condition), obesity, standing for extended periods, flat feet or very high
arches.
Treatment consists of heel lifts, anti-inflammatory medications, ice massage, stretching and occasional formal physical therapy. Cortisone injections and casting may also be tried. Surgical interventions should be reserved for individuals when all conservative measures have failed.
Neuroma
Neuroma is an inflammation
of a sensory nerve in the foot. It is most commonly found in the third and
fourth toes, usually in response to irritation, trauma or excessive pressure.
Women are eight to 10 times more likely to develop this condition than men.
Signs of neuroma include burning pain in the ball of the foot that may radiate
into the toes, pain that intensifies with activity or wearing shoes or numbness
in the toes. Neuroma can be treated surgically and non-surgically.
Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis is a
chronic disease which causes the deterioration of the joint cartilage and other
joint tissue. As a result of this deterioration new bones called bone spurs form
at the margins of the bone. As the disease progresses, much of the cartilage is
worn away causing bone ends to rub against one another.
There is no cure
for arthritis, but the past decade has seen dramatic new ways to manage the
pain.
Exercise and Rest
Prolonged rest and
days of inactivity will increase stiffness and make it harder to move around.
Motion is lotion for arthritis! At the same time, excessive or improper exercise
can overwork your arthritic joint and cause further damage. A balanced routine
of rest and exercise is best. Your physician may refer you to a physical
therapist who can formulate a home exercise program just for you.
