Podiatry

There are a wide variety of reason for ankle discomfort. Injury to any of the ankle bones, ligaments or tendons and several types of arthritis can cause ankle pain.

Arthritis is the swelling and tenderness of one or more of joints in the body and decreased range of motion. There are more than 100 types and related conditions. Arthritis does not discriminate among gender, age or race. It is the leading cause of disability in America. Arthritis can cause permanent joint changes. These changes may be visible, such as knobby finger joints, but often the damage can only be seen on X-Ray.

A fungal infection that usually begins between the toes, athlete's foot often occurs in people whose feet have become very sweaty while confined within tightfitting shoes. It manifests as an itchy, scaly rash that is accompanied by stinging and burning. It is highly contagious and can be spread by clothing, towels or on floors.

Bunions are inflamed, abnormal bony bumps that develop on the joint at the base of the big toe. The foot deformity develops gradually and can be very painful when walking or wearing shoes. They are most common in women and they are often preventable.

Corns and calluses are hard, sometimes painful areas of skin that often develop on the feet in response to pressure or friction. It is the skin’s response to trying to protect the underlying area. Corns, a type of callus, are painful when pressed; they have a distinct hard center that is often surrounded by tender, inflamed skin. Calluses normally develop on the soles of the feet, especially under the heels or balls of the foot. Painful corns or calluses may need medical attention.

It is crucial to treat diabetic wounds immediately. Even minor wounds can turn into serious foot ulcers, and quickly dictate the loss of a foot or limb. Great caution must be taken. Diabetics can get nerve damage that stops feeling in the feet. It is called neuropathy. Those with neuropathy may not know they’ve injured their foot. Another common issue is poor circulation in the feet; this makes even a very minor injury difficult to heal.

With flat feet, all or most of the bottom of the foot touches the ground when standing. Also known as fallen arches, flat feet occur in both children and adults. They may be genetic or develop over time. There are treatments available.

Only about 50 percent of all fungi are harmful. They are organisms that lives in air, in soil, on plants and in water. Some also live in the human body. People with weakened immune systems or those taking antibiotics are more likely to get a fungal infection. Fungi can be difficult to kill. There are topical and oral treatments.

Gout is a type of arthritis caused by a build up of uric acid in the body. Gout forms in the feet and can make walking very painful.

Hammertoe is a painful foot deformity in which a toe points downward instead of protruding straight outward from the foot. It occurs due to an imbalance in the muscles, tendons or ligaments that normally hold the toe in proper position. Certain shoes, diseases, foot structure, and injury are possible causes. Special footwear or inserts may relieve the pain. In some cases surgery is the best option.

Ingrown nails occur when a nail grows into the skin instead of over it. It is most common in the big toe and generally starts at the outer corner. If it becomes inflamed or infected, antibiotics or another treatment may be given by a podiatrist.

Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common causes of heel pain. It involves inflammation of a thick band of tissue that runs across the bottom of the foot and connects the heel bone to the toes. It often causes stabbing pain that usually occurs with the first steps of the day. Pain normally decreases, but it might return after long periods of standing or first standing after sitting. Plantar fasciitis is more common in runners, those overweight, as well as people who wear shoes with inadequate support.

Sports injuries are bodily damages that occur when engaging in sports or exercise. Sports injuries can occur due to trauma, overtraining, lack of conditioning, and improper form or technique. Failing to warm up increases the risk of sports injuries.

The difference between sprains and fractures is confusing to many people. However, a fracture is simply a broken bone. The term sprain refers to a stretched or torn tendon or ligament.

Tarsal tunnel syndrome is a compression of the nerve running from the inside of the ankle into the foot. It is similar to carpal tunnel which occurs in the wrist. Symptoms range from numbness, tingling, burning or a feeling like an electrical shock.

The foot and ankle have 52 bones and make up over 20 percent of the joints in the body. It is important to seek medical care for any new or unrelenting pain or soreness in the tendons and joints or the foot or ankle. Many conditions are easily treatable and can worsen without proper attention.

Common warts are generally small, grainy skin growths that often occur on fingers or hands. Rough to the touch, common warts also often include tiny black spots, that are actually small, clotted blood vessels. These warts usually harmless and often resolve on their own. They are caused by a virus and are transmitted by touch. It can take a wart as long as two- to-six months to develop after exposure to the virus.