Foot Disorders

Arthritis

  • Condition: This is from a wearing away of the cartilage of the joints.
  • Causes: Heredity, extra body weight, age, improperly fitting shoes, injury to the area.

Bunion/Hallux Valgus

  • Condition: The big toe is pushed inward with the joint being pushed outward. It is characterized by an inflamed swelling of the big toe joint.
  • Causes: This may be caused by heredity, flat feet or trauma.

Fungus Nails

  • Condition: This is fungal growth in the nail bed area. The fungus attacks the nail root(s).
  • Causes: This is from excessive perspiration resulting in sweaty, moist socks, improper nail care, and/or ingrown toenails.

Hammertoes

  • Condition: The toes are crooked and/or buckled under causing joints to protrude. The first joint is bent downward creating a claw-like appearance.
  • Causes: This is from wearing shoes that are too narrow, abnormalities in the arch and muscles of the foot.

Ingrown Nails

  • Condition: The nail has grown into one or both sides of the skin of the toe.
  • Causes: This is from improperly cut toenails and/or improperly fitting shoes.

Flat Feet

  • Condition: The foot does not have a normal arch meaning, there is little to no arch in the bottom of the foot. This condition is not usually painful.
  • Causes: This is a progressive disorder and is often the result of one of the following: obesity, degenerative joint disease, ligamentous laxity.

Corns, Calluses

  • Condition: This is a thickening of the outer layer of the skin. Corns form on the tops of the toes and calluses on the bottoms of the feet.
  • Causes: Due to excessive pressure or friction over a bony area. due to an improperly fitting shoes, excessive weight.

Haglund's Deformity

  • Condition: This is pain and discomfort on the back of the heel where it meets the Achilles tendon, which is often accompanied by a swollen bump.
  • Causes: For women, excessive wearing of high-heeled shoes. In general, tight shoes, and often, a repetitive activity that forces a change in foot function.

Heel Spur / Plantar Fascitis

  • Condition: This is a bony, painful overgrowth on the bottom of the heel bone, resulting from an inflamed ligament.
  • Causes: Systemic arthritic conditions.

Morton's Neuroma

  • Condition: A benign growth of nerve tissue in the ball of the foot, causing numbness, tingling or tenderness; can progress to a painful burning sensation in the area.
  • Causes: Trauma to the bottom of foot, occupational hazard of standing for long periods of time, bio-mechanical conditions.

Disclaimer: This page is not to be used for self treatment purposes. If you have any of these symptoms, you must consult your doctor.