Achilles Tendonitis

Overuse of the Achilles tendon results from stresses caused by running and jumping. It is prone to tendonitis, causing pain in the back of the leg near the heel. There are a variety of nonsurgical and surgical treatments for this condition.

 

Athlete’s Foot

Athlete’s foot is a fungal infection that is usually caught from commonly used areas, such as showers. This infection causes itching, dryness, and flaking of the skin. Prescription medication can clear up the infection.

 

Bunions (Hallux Valgus)

Bunions are a deformity of the angle of the big toe. It angles toward the second toe, causing swelling at the joint. Bunions can be treated with orthotics, medication or surgery.

 

Children’s Feet

Children’s feet can be vulnerable to several foot problems, including ingrown toenails and calcaneal apophysitis, a heel pain caused by the body growing. Clubfoot is a rare deformity that requires correction. Many problems are caused by incorrect-fitting footwear.

 

Chondromalacia Patella Syndrome

Chondromalacia Patella Syndrome (CPS) is caused by the degeneration of tissue lining the patella, or kneecap. It results in knee pain. This syndrome can manifest in young adults, especially in females. Flat feet or too much activity can result in CPS. Pharmaceuticals, stretching and orthotics are some methods by which CPS can be treated.

 

Corns and Calluses

Corns and calluses are a thickening of the skin caused by friction and pressure against the foot. Diabetes and poor circulation can mean complications from corns and callouses. Corns and callouses can be caused by bunions or poorly fitting footwear. If an infection occurs, the tissue may be removed and antibiotics may be needed.

 

Diabetic Feet

Nerve damage from diabetes may result in numbness of the feet. Sweating and oil secretion is reduced in the foot; thus, the natural lubrication of the foot is impaired. This can cause increased pressure on the foot and, thus, sores on the foot from skin rubbing on the shoe. Bacterial infection can become a serious problem, leading to gangrene and amputation in serious cases. Antibiotics can be prescribed to combat the infection.

 

Fungal Nail

A fungal infection in your nail results in a white or yellow area under the nail. Progression of the infection can cause thickening of the nail and crumbling around the edges. Fungal nails are usually treated with topical antifungal medications, while more serious cases may require a minor surgical procedure.

 

Hallux Rigidus

Hallux rigidus is a stiffening of the big toe. Walking can be painful. Hallux rigidus is usually a result from toe injury or increased joint stress. Early diagnosis is critical to avoiding surgical intervention. It can be treated early by switching to a shoe with a large toe box, wearing orthotics, taking anti-inflammatory medications and performing contrast baths (alternating hot and cold foot baths). For more severe damage, bone spurs may be removed (cheilectomy), bones may be fused together (arthrodesis) or joint surfaces removed and an artificial joint implanted (arthroplasty).

 

Hammer Toes

Hammer toes can be present at birth or develop over time. They are often caused by wearing shoes that do not fit well. Usually affecting the second toe, the middle joint of the toe is bent into a claw-like position. To treat rigid hammer toe, chiropodists make an orthodigital device, which is a custom silicone brace. For severe hammer toes, surgery may be required. In this surgery, tendons and ligaments may be cut or moved, or bones fused together.

 

Ingrown Toenails

Ingrown toenails occur when the toenail edge grows into the skin, causing pain and swelling. Improperly fitting shoes or toenails that are not trimmed correctly are often the culprits. Ingrown toenails can often be prevented with routine nail care by a chiropodist. If ingrown toenails keep coming back or get worse, the chiropodist may consider removing part of the nail.

 

Morton’s Neuroma

A neuroma is an injury to the nerve that runs between the toes, usually between the third and fourth toe. It may be caused by flat feet, high arches, bunions, hammer toes, or tight shoes. The result is tingling or numbness of the two toes, or pain in the ball of the foot. The use of orthotics is an excellent conservative treatment option. In a few cases, surgery may be needed to reduce pain and increase function of the foot. In this surgery, thickened tissue is removed and walking ability is improved.

 

Nail Surgery

From traumatic injury to infections, there are many reasons to perform nail surgery. Common conditions that are candidates for nail surgery include fungal infections and ingrown toenails.

 

Orthotic Therapy

Orthotics—fitted insoles or footbeds—can be used to stabilize gait, reduce pain, and correct deformities. 

 

Plantar Fasciitis

Plantar fasciitis is the most common cause of arch and heel pain. The plantar fascia connects the toes to the heel. Sometimes the attachment onto the heel bone stretches away from the bone, causing the condition known as plantar fasciitis. After years of suffering from plantar fasciitis, a heel spur may result. When caught early, plantar fasciitis and heel spurs can be treated through non-surgical methods. For more severe cases, orthotics and even surgery may be necessary.

 

Plantar Warts

Plantar warts are a viral infection that show up as a lesion on the sole or toes. Similar to athlete’s foot, plantar warts are often caught from common surfaces such as showers and swimming pools. This virus is highly contagious. Untreated plantar’s warts can sometimes be painful when walking or standing. Plantar warts can be treated with pharmaceuticals or surgery.

 

Shin Splints (Tibial Stress Syndrome)

Shin splints are very common. They are often the result of overuse, stress fractures, or flat feet. Shin splints feel like aching or throbbing in the shins. In addition, touching the area may be painful and the feet may feel numb or weak. Anti-inflammatories, orthotics, or physical therapy are common therapies for shin splints. To avoid shin splints, wear shoes with good support at all times, warm up before exercising, and don’t exercise on hard surfaces (i.e. concrete).