Common Foot Problems

Plantar Fasciitis

When there is increased stress on the arch, microscopic tears can occur within the plantar fascia, usually at its attachment on the heel. This results in inflammation and pain with standing and walking and sometimes at rest. It usually causes pain and stiffness on the bottom of your heel.

Bunion

An enlargement on the side of the foot near the base of the big toe (hallux). The enlargement is made up of a bursa (fluid filled sac) under the skin. The term bunion is also commonly used to describe a structural (bony) deformity called hallux abducto valgus (HAV). Bunions can be painful and can be aggravated by activity and wearing tight shoes.

Mycotic nails

What are mycotic nails?
Mycotic nails are nails that become infected with a fungus. The nail may be discolored (yellowish-brown or opaque), thick, brittle, and separated from the nail bed. In some cases, the nail may crumble.

What causes mycotic nails?

• Fungal organisms
• Dark, moist, warm environment of shoes, which promotes fungal growth
• Prior injury to nail, which can predispose nail to fungal infection

• How can mycotic nails be prevented?

• Examine the tops and bottoms of your feet each day. If you notice blisters, cuts, scratches or other sores, care for them immediately.
• If you suspect an infected toenail, soak your foot in a solution of lukewarm water and salt, or lukewarm soapy water. Then apply an antiseptic and bandage the area. Although this may relieve discomfort, it is still recommended that you call a doctor.
• Wash your feet every day with mild soap and lukewarm water. Gently and thoroughly dry your feet.
• Care for your toenails regularly.
• Don’t wait to treat a minor foot problem.

How can mycotic nails be treated?
If you notice an infected nail, do not try to remove any part of it. Also avoid over-the-counter medications unless prescribed by your health care provider.
Fungal nail infections are difficult to treat. Topical medications are available, but they only help a small number of fungal nail problems. Oral medications may be prescribed instead, including:

• Griseofulvin (Fulvicin)
• Terbinafine (Lamisil)
• Itraconazole (Sporanox)

Other treatment methods include periodic removal of the damaged nail tissue and preventative management techniques.

Blisters

What is a blister?
A blister is a shell on the skin surface that often contains a clear liquid. Blisters can become infected.

What causes blisters?
Blisters can form when the skin is repeatedly rubbed; for instance, when your shoes keep rubbing the same spot on your foot, when you wear shoes that don’t fit properly, or when you wear shoes without socks.Do not break or “pop” the blister; the skin covering the blister helps protect it from infection. Gently wash the area with mild soap and water or a cleansing towelette, and then apply antibacterial cream to the blister. Cover it with gauze, and secure it with hypoallergenic tape to help protect the skin and prevent infection. Change the dressing at least once a day, and wear different shoes until the blister heals.

Neuroma

In the foot, a neuroma is a nerve that becomes irritated and swells up. If the nerve stays irritated, it can become thickened which makes the nerve larger and causes more irritation. Pain from a neuroma is usually felt on the ball of your foot.

Corns & Callouses

Corns and callouses are areas of thick, hard skin. They usually develop due to rubbing or irritation over a boney prominence. The hard, thick skin is called a corn if it is on your toe and it is called a callous if it is somewhere else on your foot.

Toenail Fungus (onychomycosis)

Fungi like a warm, moist and dark environment (like inside a shoe). A fungal infection in your toenails may cause the nails to become discolored, thickened, crumbly or loose. There are different causes and it is difficult to treat due to the hardness of the toenail.

Ingrown Toenail (onychocryptosis)

An ingrown toenail can occur for various reasons. The sides or corners of the toenail usually curve down and put pressure on the skin. Sometimes the toenail pierces the skin and then continues to grow into the skin. This may cause redness, swelling, pain and sometimes infection.

Hammer Toes

A hammer toe is also sometimes referred to as a claw toe or mallet toe. It involves a deformity of the toe where there is an imbalance in the pull of the tendons. Either the tendon on top of the toe pulls harder or the tendon on the bottom of the toe pulls harder. This results in a curling up of the toe.

Plantar Warts (plantar verucca)

Plantar warts are caused by a virus. Plantar means bottom of the foot, but warts can occur other places on the foot and toes as well. Plantar warts can be painful depending on where they are located. Sometimes they are mistaken for callouses because layers of hard skin can build up on top of the wart.

Flat Feet (pes planus)

Just because you have flat feet does not mean you will have problems or pain. If you do have pain, there are various treatment options available. If you only have one foot that has a flat arch, it may be due to another problem and you should get it checked out.

Athlete’s Foot (tinea pedis)

Athlete’s foot is a common skin condition that can affect everyone, not just athletes. It is caused by a fungus. It may cause redness, itchiness, tiny bumps filled with fluid or peeling skin. It is most commonly located between the toes or on the bottom of the feet.

Achilles Tendonitis

Achilles tendonitis involves inflammation of the Achilles tendon. If the tendon stays inflamed long enough, it can lead to thickening of the tendon. Sometimes nodules or bumps can form in the tendon. Achilles tendonitis can become a long term problem or can lead to rupture of the tendon.