- Athlete’s Foot
- Bunions
- Corns
- Calluses
- Diabetic Foot Care
- Foot Fractures
- Gout
- Hammertoes
- Heel Spurs/Plantar Fasciitis
- Ingrown Toenails
- Neuromas
- Warts
- Haglund’s Deformity
- Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
- Diabetic Neuropathy
- Foot Arch Problems
Massage Therapy Services
- Neuromuscular Reprogramming
- Orthopedic Massage
- Bowen Therapy
- Medical Massage
- Neurostructural Integration
- Reiki
Athlete’s Foot
Athlete’s foot (tinea pedis) is a specific type of fungal infection that typically begins between the toes. A common cause of athlete’s foot is sweaty feet that are confined to tight shoes for a long period of time. Signs and symptoms of athlete’s foot include a scaly rash that usually causes itching, stinging and burning. Athlete’s foot is contagious and should be carefully monitored and treated. Athlete’s foot can easily be treated with antifungal medications, but the infection is likely to recur. Prescription medications also are available.
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.
For the most part, bunions require no medical treatment. However, if you are experiencing one or more of the following, a podiatrist can help alleviate your symptoms.
Corns
Corns tend to be smaller than calluses and are the hard center is surrounded by irritated skin. While corns can be found on the bottom of the foot where pressure is usually applied, it is more common that you find corns on the tops and sides of your toes and even between your toes. When pressure is applied, corns can cause significant pain and discomfort.
Calluses
Calluses, on the other hand, don’t usually cause pain. They usually develop on the soles of your feet, especially under the heels or balls, on your palms, or on your knees. Calluses vary in size and shape and are often larger than corns.
Diabetic Foot Care
Daily preventative care can help you decrease your risk of developing these other serious conditions like ulcers and infections. Inspecting your feet at the end of the day to look for any abnormalities, maintaining proper hygiene, keeping your feet warm in cold weather, encouraging blood flow in the feet, and maintaining an overall healthy lifestyle can discourage other conditions from developing.
Foot Fractures
Since nearly one-fourth of the bones in our body are in our feet, fractures of the foot are common and rarely debilitating. There are two types of fractures. A stress fracture typically occurs in the space between the toes and middle of the foot, usually as a result of a physical activity gone awry. These fractures are only on the surface of the bone. General bone fractures extend through the bone. These injuries are usually caused by trauma to the foot.
Depending on the fracture and placement, different treatments will be discussed. Foot fractures typically heal on their own, although more serious cases may require surgery.
It is important to seek medical attention as soon as possible if you suspect your foot is fractured so treatment can begin right away.
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Gout
Often we associate arthritis with older patients who have lived an active lifestyle. Gout, on the other hand, can affect anyone. Gout is a common form of arthritis that is known for its sudden attacks of pain and joint tenderness. Joints that are affected by gout are often hot to the touch, swollen, and very tender. While symptoms are not chronic, it is essential to take preventative measures to manage gout as its side effects can be debilitating and intolerable.
- Stay hydrated. By drinking plenty of fluids and limiting sugary drinks, you can help prevent future gout attacks.
- Maintain a healthy weight as directed by your healthcare provider.
- Limit alcohol consumption. Some types of alcohol are more likely to increase the likelihood of a gout attack.
- Consider adding low-fat dairy products to your diet. These foods are proven to help protect against gout and are excellent sources of protein.
Hammertoes
Hammertoe is a deformity where one or both joints of the second, third, fourth or fifth toes begin to bend outside of their normal alignment. Pressure can begin to weigh heavy on the toes as you wear shoes which is where pain and other symptoms develop.
Hammertoes typically begin with small symptoms and deformities and continue to worsen with time. In its beginning stages, hammertoes are often impressionable which means they can be controlled using minimal treatment. It is important to know the signs of hammertoes to get them evaluated early. If left untreated, hammertoes can become more firm and difficult to manipulate, requiring surgery.
Heel Spurs/Plantar Fasciitis
Heel spurs occur in at least 50% of people who have plantar fasciitis. Past treatments for heel spurs, a bony growth that begins on the front of your heel bone and points toward the arch of your foot, included surgery to remove the growth. Nowadays, surgery is rarely a treatment option and more plans for physical therapy, ice, and pain medications are used to treat heel spurs.
Ingrown Toenails
We have all made the painful mistake of trimming our nails too short at some point in our lives. Sometimes, this can really affect our foot health by causing ingrown toenails.
This happens when the nail grows downward into the skin instead of straight out, usually causing an infection. Ingrown toenails are most common on the sides of the big toe. It can also be caused by shoe pressure, injury, fungal infections, poor foot structure, etc.
Warm water soaks several times a day, properly fitted shoes and socks, and trimming nails in a straight line (rather than rounded) are ways to treat and prevent painful ingrown toenails. If there is an infection, antibiotics may be prescribed.
Neuromas
A neuroma can occur in many areas of the body when nerve tissue thickens. Morton’s neuroma is the most typical neuroma that occurs in the foot and it occurs between the third and fourth toes. Also known as an intermetatarsal neuroma, the name describes its location in the ball of the foot.
Compression and irritation typically cause the nerve tissue to thicken. This pressure creates inflammation of the nerve, ultimately causing untreatable damage to the nerves in the foot.
Warts
Plantar warts are caused by the HPV virus and cause tiny cuts and breaks on the bottom of your feet.
While most plantar warts are not a major health concern, it is advised you see a doctor to have the warts examined and removed. Some symptoms include small, rough lesions on the base of the foot, calluses in one spot, and tenderness when walking or standing for long periods of time.
Haglund’s Deformity
What is Haglund’s deformity?
Haglund’s deformity is a common foot condition where a bony bump begins to form at the back of the heel bone where the Achilles tendon attaches to the heel.
The bony protrusion can cause severe pain while walking or wearing shoes as the bone rubs against the shoe.
This may cause the soft tissue at the heel to become irritated and may lead to another podiatry condition known as bursitis. Bursitis is a condition where the bursa, a fluid-filled sac between the Achilles tendon and bone, becomes inflamed and aggravated.
Causes
This condition often occurs when there’s frequent pressure on the back of the heels. It can be caused by wearing shoes that are too tight or rigid in the heel. This includes skates, men’s dress shoes, women’s dress shoes, and steel-toed work boots.
Heredity may also play a role in the development of Haglund’s deformity as inherited foot structures may increase your risk if you have a high arched foot, a tight Achilles tendon, or a tendency to walk on the outside of your heel.
What are the symptoms of Haglund’s deformity?
Haglund’s deformity can occur in one or both feet with symptoms ranging from mild to severe. These symptoms may include:
- A noticeable bump on the back of the heel
- Pain in the area where the Achilles tendon attaches to the heel
- Swelling in the back of the heel or bursa
- Redness near the inflamed tissue
Diagnosis
Haglund’s deformity can be difficult to diagnose with symptoms alone because the symptoms can be similar to other associated foot issues such as Achilles tendonitis.
After discussing the patient’s symptoms, our podiatrist will examine your foot and heel. Additional tests and screenings such as an X-Ray or MRI may help to evaluate the structure of the heel bone.
Non-surgical treatments
Non-surgical treatments for Haglund’s deformity are aimed at reducing inflammation or pain and removing pressure off the heel bone. Though these options may remove the symptoms of Haglund’s deformity, they do not shrink or remove the bony protrusion. These treatments may include:
- Medication such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen that can help to reduce pain and inflammation
- Icing the heel for 20-40 minutes a day to reduce swelling and relieve pain
- Those who have a tight heel may benefit from exercises to stretch and alleviate tension from the Achilles tendon
- Heel lifts to help those with high arches decrease the amount of pressure put on the heel while wearing shoes
- Heel pads placed inside the shoe to cushion the heel area and reduce friction and irritation when walking
- Wearing backless or soft-backed shoes to minimize irritation and friction along the heel
- Physical therapy including ultrasound therapy and soft tissue massages to alleviate tension in the heel area
- Orthotic devices such as custom arch supports to help control the motion of the foot when walking or wearing shoes
- Immobilization by a cast or boot (in some cases) to remove pressure off the heel
Surgery
If conservative treatments do not provide adequate relief or if the condition is too severe, surgical intervention may be necessary.
During this surgery, the doctor will remove the excess bone from the heel and smooth or file down the bone (if necessary) to remove pressure on the heel. Surgery can also repair a damaged tendon as a result of Haglund’s deformity.
After surgery, it may take several months for you to completely heal and a cast or boot may be prescribed to protect your foot during recovery. A walking aid such as a walker or crutches may also be prescribed to you to help you move during recovery without placing pressure on the heel.
Follow up appointments will be scheduled throughout your recovery to ensure that your heel is healing properly.
Prevention
You can lower your risk for developing Haglund’s deformity by wearing shoes that fit properly and using aids such as pads and orthotic supports to prevent friction, tension, and irritation. Remember to stretch before and after exercising, paying careful attention to the Achilles tendon to prevent tightening.
If you are experiencing severe heel pain, please seek medical attention as this condition can worsen if left untreated. For more information on Haglund’s deformity or to schedule an appointment, please contact our office today.
Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
The tarsal tunnel is a narrow space that is within the ankle and is formed by your ankle bones and ligaments. Many of the blood vessels, nerves, and tendons that allow you to move your foot pass through the tarsal tunnel. Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome refers to a condition in which the nerves within the tunnel become compressed leading to pain, inflammation, and irritation.
Tarsal tunnel syndrome can be caused by any condition that compresses the tibial nerve or strains it. Common causes can include flat feet, sprains, or certain medical conditions such as arthritis, bone spurs, or diabetes.
Treatment will begin with conservative options such as anti-inflammatory medication, braces, splints, and orthotic devices to alleviate pressure and limit movement that could be causing compression of the nerves. Immobilization and physical therapy may also help to alleviate symptoms. If pain persists, steroid injections may be used to offer relief.
If the condition is severe, your doctor may recommend surgical intervention. A common procedure performed for tarsal tunnel syndrome is tarsal tunnel release. During this procedure, an opening is made at the arch of the foot to allow access to the ligaments so that the surgeon can divide them to relieve pressure. Surgery should only be considered once all other options have been exhausted.
For more information on tarsal tunnel syndrome or to schedule a consultation, contact our office today at (919) 806-3668.
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