Foot & Ankle Center of Excellence
Our Fellowship-Trained Foot & Ankle Specialist
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.
Common foot problems include:
- bunions
- heel pain (plantar fasciitis)
- Morton’s Neuroma
- Hammertoe
- Arthritis of the foot or ankle
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. Plantar fasciitis afflicts more than 2-million people each year. It occurs when the ligament supporting the arch of your foot (plantar fascia) becomes inflamed due to unusual stress and strain on the foot. Symptoms include pain in the bottom of your foot (near the heel), increased pain after exercise and pain with the first steps after getting out of bed. Common risk factors for plantar fasciitis include: obesity, extremely high arches, running (repetitive impact) and new or increased activity.
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:
If the shoe fits, wear it! Hammertoe and bunions are both caused by shoes that do not fit properly. If you are suffering from hammertoe you should not wear high-heeled shoes that are narrow and tight as this can exacerbate the condition. Shoes should be 1/2” longer than the longest toe. Sandals may also be an option. If you are suffering from bunions, wear shoes that don’t put pressure on the bunion. You can also purchase pads, that cushion the bunion.
Exercise, Exercise, Exercise: Toe exercises (picking items up with your toes or manual stretching) may be an option to treat hammertoe. Exercise is also recommended for plantar fasciitis. Since this condition is often cause by tight muscles, stretches designed to stretch the calf muscles and plantar fascia may prove helpful.
If non-surgical options fail to solve the problem, surgical solutions are available.
If you have a foot or ankle problem, please contact Dr. Schwartz or Dr. Nemitz at (239) 334-7000.