Common Foot Problems
Podiatrists are health professionals that examine, diagnose and treat conditions of the human foot by medical and surgical methods. They perform more foot surgery and provide more foot care than any other health professional in America.
What does a podiatrist treat? Podiatrists treat all foot ailments. Common foot problems include:
- Warts
Warts
Warts are one of several soft tissue conditions of the foot that can be quite painful. They are caused by a virus, which generally invades the skin through small or invisible cuts and abrasions. They can appear anywhere on the skin, but technically only those on the sole are properly called plantar warts. - Bunions
Bunions
A bunion is an enlargement of the joint at the base of the big toe—the metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint—that forms when the bone or tissue at the big toe joint moves out of place. This forces the toe to bend toward the others, causing an often painful lump of bone on the foot. Since this joint carries a lot of the body's weight while walking, bunions can cause extreme pain if left untreated.
Bunions can occur for a number of reasons, but a common cause is wearing shoes that fit too tightly. Bunions can also develop as a result of an inherited structural defect, stress on your foot or a medical condition, such as arthritis. - Ingrown Nails
Nail Problems
Toenails often serve as barometers of our health; they are diagnostic tools providing the initial signal of the presence or onset of systemic diseases. For example, the pitting of nails and increased nail thickness can be manifestations of psoriasis. Concavity—nails that are rounded inward instead of outward—can foretell iron deficiency anemia. Some nail problems can be conservatively treated with topical or oral medications while others require partial or total removal of the nail. Any discoloration or infection on or about the nail should be evaluated by a podiatric physician. - Heel Pain
Heel Pain
In our pursuit of healthy bodies, pain can be an enemy. In some instances, however, it is of biological benefit. Pain that occurs right after an injury or early in an illness may play a protective role, often warning us about the damage we've suffered. When we sprain an ankle, for example, the pain warns us that the ligament and soft tissues may be frayed and bruised, and that further activity may cause additional injury. Pain, such as may occur in our heels, also alerts us to seek medical attention. This alert is of utmost importance because of the many afflictions that contribute to heel pain. - Hammertoes
Hammertoes
A hammertoe is a contracture—or bending—of
the toe at the first joint of the digit, called the
proximal interphalangeal joint. This bending
causes the toe to appear like an upside-down V
when looked at from the side. Any toe can be
involved, but the condition usually affects the
second through fifth toes, known as the lesser
digits. Hammertoes are more common to
females than males.
There are two different types:
Flexible Hammertoes and Rigid Hammertoes - Neuromas
What is a Neuroma?
A neuroma is a painful condition, also referred to as a "pinched nerve" or a nerve tumor. It is a benign growth of nerve tissue frequently found between the third and fourth toes that brings on pain, a burning sensation, tingling, or numbness between the toes and in the ball of the foot. The principal symptom associated with a neuroma is pain between the toes while walking. Those suffering from the condition often find relief by stopping their walk, taking off their shoe, and rubbing the affected area. At times, the patient will describe the pain as similar to having a stone in his or her shoe. The vast majority of people who develop neuromas are women.
Click for more information as listed by the American Podiatric Medical Association.
Take a look at these common foot facts:
• Women have four times as many foot problems as men.
• 75% of Americans will experience a significant foot problem in their life
• When running the pressure on your feet is up to four times your body weight
• Most people, especially seniors have the erroneous notion that their feet are supposed to hurt.
