Diseases & Conditions

A bunion is a bony bump that forms on the joint at the base of your big toe.

What causes bunions?

They can develop from an inherited structural defect, excess stress on your foot, or can result from an existing medical condition.

Bunions are one of the most common foot disorders treated by Podiatrists. In fact, more than half the women in America have bunions, a common deformity often blamed on wearing tight, narrow shoes. 

Flatfoot, also known as pes planus, is a condition in which the arch of the foot collapses, causing the entire sole of the foot to come into contact with the ground. 

What causes flatfoot?

It can be caused by a variety of factors, including genetics, injury, obesity, and certain medical conditions. 

Symptoms of flatfoot can include pain and discomfort in the feet and ankles, difficulty standing on tiptoes, and difficulty fitting into shoes. 

Peripheral Vascular Disease (PVD) is the result of poor circulation, preventing blood flow to extremities. The result is that tissues do not receive enough oxygen to stay healthy. Left untreated, PVD may cause foot tissue to die, resulting in gangrene or, amputation. One out of 3 diabetics over age 50 has PVD.

Hammertoes is a condition in which one or more toes become permanently bent at the middle joint, resembling a hammer shape.

What causes hammertoes?

This condition is usually caused by a muscle imbalance in the foot, which results in the toes being forced into an abnormal position. It can also be caused by genetics, ill-fitting shoes, or certain medical conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis. 

Symptoms of hammertoes can include pain and discomfort in the affected toes, difficulty walking or standing, and the development of corns or calluses on the toes. 

Fungal infections in the toe or fingernails can appear as thickened, discolored, or disfigured. While it may seem like the condition is just an aesthetic concern, fungal infections can lead to worsened symptoms and pain. 

This infection can be persistent and thrives in the moist environment provided by your feet. 

Ingrown toenails often are the result of trimming your toenails too short, particularly on the sides of your big toes. It can also be caused by shoes that are too tight, injury and fungal infections 

This can lead to the nail growing downward. Ingrown toenails can be very painful and can lead to an infection. 

Achilles tendonitis is a common injury that affects the Achilles tendon, which connects the calf muscle to the heel bone. 

What causes Achilles tendonitis?

It is caused by overuse or repetitive strain on the tendon, often from activities such as running, jumping, or climbing stairs. 

Symptoms of Achilles tendonitis include pain and stiffness in the heel and ankle, swelling, and warmth in the affected area.

An ankle sprain is an injury to the ligaments in the ankle, typically caused by twisting or rolling the ankle in an unnatural way.

Symptoms include pain, swelling, and difficulty bearing weight on the affected foot.

An ankle fracture is a break or crack in one or more of the bones that make up the ankle joint, typically caused by a direct impact or twisting force.

Symptoms include severe pain, swelling, bruising, difficulty bearing weight on the affected foot, and a visible deformity in the ankle area.

A stress fracture, is a small crack or break in one of the bones in the foot.

What causes a foot/stress fracture?

It is typically caused by repetitive stress or overuse, and common in athletes and people who engage in high-impact activities.

Symptoms include pain, swelling, and difficulty bearing weight on the affected foot. In some cases, a stress fracture can be difficult to detect and may only be visible on an x-ray.

A neuroma is a benign growth of nerve tissue, typically located between the third and fourth toes. It’s also known as Morton’s neuroma.

What causes a neuroma?

It’s caused by the compression and irritation of the nerve, leading to pain and other symptoms. Common causes include high-heeled shoes, tight shoes or shoes with a narrow toe box, and certain foot deformities.

Symptoms of a neuroma include a burning sensation, tingling, or numbness in the affected area, and pain that worsens with pressure or activity. In some cases, the affected area may feel like a lump or a “bunched up” sock between the toes.

Pain in the ball of the foot, also known as metatarsalgia, is a common condition that affects the area of the foot just behind the toes.

What causes pain the the ball of the foot?

The condition is caused by a number of factors, including poor-fitting shoes, high heels, foot deformities such as hammertoes or bunions, and overuse, such as from running or jumping.

Symptoms of metatarsalgia include a burning sensation, sharp pain, or a feeling of “pins and needles” in the ball of the foot. As the condition progresses, it can also cause calluses, blisters and difficulty walking.

Plantar warts are benign growths that occur on the sole of the foot, caused by a viral infection with the human papillomavirus (HPV).

They are typically found on weight-bearing areas, such as the heel or ball of the foot, and can be painful when walking or standing.

They can be recognized by their rough, grainy surface, and often have small black dots, which are small clotted blood vessels.

Tendonitis is an inflammation or irritation of a tendon, a fibrous cord that connects muscle to bone. In the foot and ankle, tendonitis can occur in several areas such as the Achilles tendon, the posterior tibial tendon and the peroneal tendon.

What causes tendonitis?

Tendonitis is caused by overuse, injury or wear and tear, and it typically affects people who engage in activities that put repetitive stress on the feet and ankles.

Symptoms include pain, stiffness, and tenderness in the affected area.

Sports injuries are a common occurrence among athletes and active individuals. These injuries can affect various parts of the foot and ankle, including the bones, muscles, tendons, and ligaments.

Some of the most common sports injuries of the foot and ankle include sprains, strains, fractures, tendonitis, and stress fractures.

What causes sports injuries?

These injuries can be caused by a variety of factors, including overuse, improper technique, and inadequate warm-up and stretching.

Symptoms of sports injuries can include pain, swelling, stiffness, and difficulty bearing weight on the affected area.

According to the American Diabetes Association, about 15.7 million people (5.9 percent of the United States population) have diabetes. 

Diabetic foot care is an essential aspect of managing diabetes, as patients with diabetes are at higher risk of developing foot-related complications. 

Diabetics must constantly monitor their feet. Small scrapes and wounds can lead to severe consequences, including amputation. 

Peripheral neuropathy is a condition that occurs when the peripheral nerves, which run through the legs and feet, become damaged. This can lead to a range of symptoms including numbness, tingling, weakness, and pain.

What causes peripheral neuropathy?

The exact cause of peripheral neuropathy can vary, but it is commonly caused by diabetes, alcoholism, autoimmune diseases, and certain medications. It’s also important to mention that it can be inherited as a genetic disorder.

Symptoms of peripheral neuropathy may include a burning sensation, sharp pain, or a feeling of “pins and needles” in the feet and legs.

As the condition progresses, it can cause muscle weakness, loss of balance, and a loss of sensation in the feet, which can lead to injuries and make it difficult to walk.

A callus is an area of hard, thickened skin that can occur on the bottom of the foot. It is the body’s response to too much friction and pressure.

Treatment relies on trimming the excess skin and alleviating the pressure/friction.

Shin splints, also known as medial tibial stress syndrome, is a common overuse injury that affects the muscles, tendons, and bones in the lower leg, specifically the shins.

What causes shin splints?

It is typically caused by repetitive stress and strain on the tibia, the large bone in the front of the lower leg.

Symptoms of shin splints include pain and tenderness along the inner edge of the tibia, inflammation, and sometimes swelling.

Risk factors for developing shin splints include overuse, improper shoe wear, flat feet, high arches, and a sudden increase in physical activity.