Common Foot & Ankle Ailments

There are a variety of foot and ankle problems that anyone can experience. Here is a list of some of the more common causes of foot and ankle ailments: 

• Arthritis in the foot, typically in a joint
• Congenital foot problems occurring at birth and are generally inherited
• Improper footwear, physical stress, or small mechanical changes within the foot
• Infectious foot problems that can be caused by bacterial, viral, or fungal issues
• Neoplastic disorders--benign or malignant tumors--that result from abnormal growth of tissue
• Traumatic foot problems associated with foot and ankle injuries

Foot problems can range from the nuisance of simple dry skin to pain caused by deeper issues involving bone or nerves. Here is a list of common foot problems:

Bunions are the misaligned of the big toe joints causing swelling and tenderness, resulting in the first joint of the big toe slanting outward and the second joint angling toward the other toes. Bunions can be hereditary or caused by shoes that are too narrow in the forefoot and toe. Surgery may be performed to correct the problem.

Hammertoe is a condition typically stemming from muscle imbalance where a toe becomes bent in a claw-like position. Though any of the smaller toes can be affected, frequently it is the second toe as the result of a bunion slanting the big toe toward and under it. Selecting shoes and socks that do not cramp the toes will help to minimize aggravation.

Heel spurs are bone growths on the underside of the heel bone that are the result of the plantar tendon being pulled where it attachs to the heel bone. When this area of the heel calcifies, it forms a spur. Proper warm-up and the use of appropriate athletic shoes will help reduce stress and strain of the ligament.

Ingrown nails are toenails whose corners or sides dig painfully into the skin. Affecting women more often than men, ingrown toenails can be the result of improper nail trimming, shoe pressure, injury, fungus infection, heredity or poor foot structure. Ingrown nails can be prevented by trimming toenails straight across and selecting an appropriate shoe style and size that is not too tapered or shallow.

Neuromas are enlarged benign growths of nerves, often found between the third and fourth toes. Neuromas form when tissue rubs against and irritates the nerves. Ill-fitting shoes or abnormal bone structure can contribute to the cause of this condition. Orthoses (shoe inserts) and cortisone injections are common treatments, as well as surgery to removal of the growth.

Plantar fasciitis is heel pain that is usually caused by inflammation on the bottom of the foot. After a proper evaluation of arch pain, Gulf Coast Foot and Ankle may prescribe customized shoe inserts called orthoses to help provide relief from the pain.

Sesamoiditis is the inflammation or rupture of the two small bones (sesamoids) under the first metatarsal bones. Treatment may include proper shoe selection and orthoses.

Shin splints is the pain that appears to either side of the leg bone, which is caused by muscle or tendon inflammation. Causes include excessive foot pronation (collapsing arch) and muscle imbalance between opposing muscle groups in the leg. Shin splints may be prevented with proper stretching and corrective orthoses (shoe inserts) for pronation.

Stress fractures are partial, incomplete cracks in the bone that are usually caused by overuse. Stress fractures will heal quickly with complete rest. To prevent stress fractures from occurring, use extra padding in shoes. Left untreated, stress fratcures are known to develop into complete fractures, which would require casting and immobilization.