Foot & Ankle Center of Excellence
Our Fellowship-Trained Foot & Ankle Specialist
Jeremy A. Schwartz, MD: Foot & Ankle Surgery, Sports Medicine
Common Conditions of the Foot and Ankles
Our feet, ankles and legs support the weight of our bodies and allow us to get around - to walk, run, climb stairs, ride a bike , or drive a car. Foot and ankle pain may limit mobility, keeping you from participating in the activities of your life.
Foot pain is often caused by shoes that do not fit properly. Shoes that are too tight squeeze the toes and foot, causing pressure on the skin, bones and joints that make up the foot. Shoes that are too big are loose and allow the foot to rub against the shoe, which may cause calluses and other foot problems. However, bad shoes are not the only source of foot and ankle problems. Genetics, injury, repetitive motion and arthritis can also be causes of serious foot and ankle conditions.
According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, common foot problems include:
Bunions: A bunion is a painful enlargement of the joint in the big toe. The skin covering the joint becomes swollen and tender, making the area sensitive to pressure. Bunions may be genetic but can also be caused by shoes that do not fit properly.
Heel Pain: This foot ailment is caused by inflammation of the plantar fascia, the tissue on the sole of the foot that connects to the heel bone. Pain is felt while walking or standing and is often most intense when getting out of bed.
Morton's Neuroma: This is caused by a pinched nerve, typically between the third and fourth toes. The result is a neuroma, a build up of extra tissue in the nerve, which causes pain in the toes.
Hammertoe: A toe deformity that is a permanent bend to one side at the middle toe joint.
Arthritis of the Foot or Ankle: Common symptoms associated with arthritis in the foot or ankle include swelling, pain, stiffness, tenderness and the inability to easily walk or move the foot or ankle.
Treatment for common foot problems may be as simple as using a shoe insert, or orthosis, or buying a better shoe. More severe cases may require surgery to remove a bony prominence or correct a deformity, for example.
If you have a foot or ankle problem, Dr. Schwartz of our Foot & Ankle Center of Excellence is here to help. Call for an appointment.
If the Shoe Fits: Preventing Foot and Ankle Injuries
Outdoor activities like hiking, tennis, boating, softball games and organized runs and walks beckon us in the Ft. Myers area year round. No matter what the activity, the right footwear could mean the difference between a full day of fun or calling it quits because of pain or injury.
When we walk, we put nearly 1.5 times our body weight on our foot. Activities like running and jumping increases the impact of our body weight on the muscles, joints, ligaments and tendons in our feet, ankles and legs. Wearing the correct shoes for a particular activity helps you absorb the impact and reduce the chance of painful injury.
The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons reports that about 11 million visits are made to physicians' offices each year for foot, toe and ankle problems. Two million of those visits are for ankle sprains and strains, and more than 800,000 are for ankle fractures.
According to the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS), there are seven categories of athletic shoe, each designed to protect the areas of the feet that encounter the most stress in a particular athletic activity:
- Running, training and walking shoes for hiking, jogging and exercise walking
- Court sports shoes for tennis, basketball and volleyball
- Cleated field sports shoes for soccer, football and baseball
- Winter sport footwear for figure skating, hockey and skiing
- Track and field sports shoes
- Specialty sports shoes for activities like golf, aerobic dancing and cycling
- Outdoor sports footwear for recreational activities like hunting, fishing and boating
When purchasing a new pair of athletic shoes, the AAOS and AOFAS recommend these tips:
Try on athletic shoes after a workout or run and at the end of the day. Your feet will be at their largest.
- Wear the same type of sock that you will wear for that sport.
- When the shoe is on your foot, you should be able to freely wiggle all of your toes.
- The shoes should be comfortable as soon as you try them on. There is no break-in period. To be sure, walk or run a few steps.
Always re-lace the shoes you are trying on. You should begin at the farthest eyelets and apply even pressure as you crisscross the laces to the top of the shoes. Your shoes should provide a firm on your heels, and your heels should not slip as you walk or run.
If you participate in a sport three or more times a week, you need a sports-specific shoe.
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