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Ankle
Sprains and Achilles Tendonitis
Sudden twisting of the ankle or misstep of the foot can
cause damage to the tissues that support the ankle (ligaments)
or place undo stress on the Achilles Tendon. Fibers of
the ligaments or tendons can be over stretched or torn
resulting in pain on motion, and swelling. Also they are
subject to overuse and repetitive micro trauma resulting
in injury. Poor fitting or worn shoes, tightness of the
tendons, lax ligaments, leg shortages, and hereditary
conditions can contribute to injuries. Those who have
had a history of ankle sprains or tendenitis should be
medically evaluated. |
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Bunions
and Hammertoes
These are often painful arthritic deformities affecting
the forefoot with bony enlargements and changes in alignment
of the toes. Sometimes the toes can overlap and distort
the foot to the extent that individuals cannot wear regular
shoes. With proper evaluation they can be corrected. Most
often there is an inherited tendency toward them. They
can be caused by rheumatoid problems, osteoarthritis,
gout, foot imbalances, leg length discrepancies, and neurologic
disorders. They are exacerbated by poorly fitting footwear.
Conservative, orthopedic, and surgical options are available
to make the individual comfortable and correct the condition.
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Corns
& Calluses
Layers of dead skin accumulating on the top or between
toes or under the forefoot or heels. They are usually
due to pressure or friction, but can be associated with
fungus infections, ulceration, psoriasis, and other medical
problems. They can be inflamed and compress nerves and
the joint capsule. People complain of fatigue, aching,
and burring of the feet. They are associated with foot
imbalances, poor shoe or hosiery fit, arthritis, and bursitis.
Various remedies are sold in drug stores. Products for
self treatment include padding material, soft shoe inserts,
acids, and devices to shave off the offending dead skin.
At times these conditions can ulcerate (break down of
the skin) and become infected. Diabetics who are prone
to foot infections or have lose of feeling in their feet,
as well as individuals with poor circulation should not
self treat these conditions. They need proper evaluation
by a foot specialist. |
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Diabetes
and Neuropathy (Loss of Sensation in Feet)
Diabetes affects millions of people every year. Diabetics suffer
from loss of sensation in the feet (Neuropathy). Injury can
occur and progress to infection and gangrene before they are
aware of their injury. They have a higher incidents of infections
and ulcerations in the feet. A good program of care involves
regular evaluation by foot specialists to help prevent leg loss.
Neuropathy can also occur in other diseases. The federal government
recognizes the severity of the disease and provides assistance
through special programs with Medicare. |
Fungus
Toenails and Athletes Foot
Ugly deformed toenails that appear brittle, crumbling,
yellow or discolored, thickened, and painful on and off
while walking in shoes. Occasionally there will be redness
and swelling around the nail. The conditions begin with
one toenail and spreads. It is much more common in toenails
than fingernails. Nail infections are not just cosmetic.
Diabetics, individuals with poor circulation, arthritics,
those with autoimmune disease or cancer, can develop bacterial
infections and cellulitis. These nail infections generally
start with Athletes Foot (fungal skin infections) that
are contagious and spread to the toenails. Usually there
is some injury to the skin or nail that facilitates the
entrance of the infection. There are a variety of new
treatments. Proper evaluation is import to prevent serious
complications. Symptoms include pain or itching that may
occur sporadically, and lull one into the belief that
the condition is of minimal importance to good health.
Fungus infections of the skin and toenails necessitate
proper medical care and should not be ignored. |
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Heel
Pain & Heel Spurs
Heel pain is a very common condition because of our environment
and activities. Some of the things causing pain include
nerve compression, heel spurs (bony and cartilaginous
growths under and behind the calcaneous / heel bone),
overuse syndrome (repetitive trauma), plantar fasciitis
(inflamed soft tissue that maintains the arch), pes cavus
(high arches), pes planus (low arches), pronation syndrome
(over stretching of ligaments and joint capsules in feet),
arthritis (rheumatoid arthritis, gout, osteoarthritis,
anemia, poor circulation, etc.), obesity, long periods
of standing or walking, improper and ill fitted shoes,
and contusions (injuries to heel). They need proper evaluation
by a foot specialist. |
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Metatarsalgia
This condition refers to pain under the ball (front) of
the foot when walking. This can be caused by local arthritis,
nerve entrapment, excessive pressure on the forefoot,
foot imbalances, tight calf muscles resulting in reduced
range of motion of the ankle, pes cavus (high arch), pes
planus (low arch), poor quality shoes, worn shoes, or
poorly fitted shoes, bunions, hammertoes, overuse syndrome,
callus formation, and obesity. Many individuals try treat
themselves with varying degrees of success, but proper
medical evaluation is necessary to develop a treatment
plan relieve the symptoms, which if left unchecked, can
become chronic. |
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Painful
Ingrown Toenails, Incurvated Toenails and Tumors Affecting
The Nail
Toenails that grow into the skin resulting in infections
of the nail bed and nail folds. Usually this painful affliction
follows minor injury to the toe or improper trimming by
the individual. At times the toe will swell, throb, and
you will see a liquid discharge from the toe. Many people
have repeated problems with ingrown toenails. Some will
inherit misshapened toenails that is curved on the edges
and as time grows by, embed itself in the skin. Often
there are growths, called granulomas, that appear and
are associated with chronic infected nails. They are usually
benign (non cancerous), but must be properly evaluated.
Treatment is geared to preserve the nail and correct the
painful condition. It is best not to self treat because
the condition can become chronic and last for years. |
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Plantar
Fasciitis and Heel Spurs
Plantar Fasciitis is an acute inflammatory condition that can
becomes chronic and is due to small tears and stretching of
the plantar fascia (a broad flat band under the foot and supporting
the arch). Symptoms include fatigue, burning, and sharp pain
in the heel. Frequently this is associated with benign growths
of cartilage, and bony spurs in the heel bone (calcaneous).
There are a number of other problems causing heel and foot pain
that should be evaluated prior to treatment, including rheumatoid
disease, circulation problems, and nerve entrapments. |
Skin
Fissures
Clefs or breaks in skin due to lose of moisture, aging with
lose of elastic tissue, fungus infection, and reduction in the
fat pad that protects the feet from shock. Some conditions associated
with the above are Diabetes, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Osteoarthritis,
Athletes Foot, and Foot Imbalances putting undo stress on the
skin. |
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