Foot & Ankle Care

A bunion is a protruding bony bump that forms at the base joint of the big toe, resulting from the displacement of certain foot bones. This displacement pulls the big toe towards the smaller toes, causing the base joint to protrude. Symptoms may include redness and soreness over the bunion, often exacerbated by wearing tight, narrow shoes. Bunions can develop due to foot shape, deformities, or medical conditions like arthritis, and may also occur on the joint of the little toe. Potential complications include bursitis, hammertoe, and metatarsalgia.

Bursitis occurs when a small, fluid-filled sac near a joint, bone, or tendon becomes inflamed, often due to repetitive motion or shoe friction. It commonly affects the heel and toes, causing symptoms like localized redness, swelling, and pain. Treatment options include rest, ice therapy, medication, padding, and corticosteroid injections. Surgery may be considered if non-surgical treatments are ineffective in relieving pain.

Charcot foot is a condition characterized by weakened foot bones, often seen in individuals with significant nerve damage (neuropathy). This weakening can lead to fractures and a gradual change in foot shape with continued walking. As the disorder progresses, joints may collapse, resulting in severe deformity and potential disability. Immediate care is crucial for patients with diabetes, as preventive measures can help mitigate risks.

Nonsurgical treatment focuses on immobilization to protect and allow bones to repair themselves. Patients may require complete non-weight bearing until deemed safe by a surgeon. This may involve the use of casts, removable boots, or braces, along with crutches or a wheelchair. Healing time can vary but may take several months. Surgical intervention may be necessary in severe cases of Charcot deformity.

Flatfeet occur when the arches on the inside of the feet flatten, causing the entire soles to touch the floor when standing. While often painless, this common condition may result from underdeveloped arches in childhood or develop later due to injury or aging. Although flatfeet can impact ankle and knee alignment, treatment is typically unnecessary if no pain is experienced.

Arthritis, characterized by joint inflammation, often affects the small joints in the foot and ankle, resulting in pain and stiffness. While there is no cure, numerous treatment options are available to alleviate symptoms and promote mobility, enabling individuals to lead fulfilling lives.

Bone fractures in the foot and ankle can occur unexpectedly and require prompt treatment for optimal healing. While minor fractures may heal on their own, severe fractures often necessitate surgical intervention. Seeking care from a specialist familiar with the complexities of foot and ankle anatomy is essential, as treatment options depend on the fracture’s severity and location.

Most instances of foot or ankle pain stem from short-term soft tissue injuries like sprains or strains, which typically resolve with self-care measures. However, persistent or worsening pain that doesn’t improve over time may indicate structural changes or an underlying condition. Long-term foot or ankle pain can arise from various factors, including ill-fitting footwear, osteoarthritis, inflammatory arthritis, or connective tissue disorders. If self-care doesn’t alleviate the pain or if an underlying condition is suspected, further evaluation may be necessary.

Hammertoe is a bending deformity affecting one or both joints of the second, third, fourth, or fifth toes, which can cause discomfort, especially when wearing shoes. While hammertoes typically start as mild deformities, they can worsen over time. In the early stages, flexible hammertoes may be managed with noninvasive measures, but if left untreated, they can become rigid and unresponsive to nonsurgical treatments. Relief from pain and pressure may involve changing footwear and using shoe inserts. In severe cases, surgical intervention may be necessary for relief from hammertoe or mallet toe.

Heel pain can stem from various causes. Pain under the heel may result from conditions like plantar fasciitis, a stone bruise, or a heel spur, which inflame tissues on the bottom of the foot. Conversely, pain behind the heel may indicate inflammation where the Achilles tendon attaches to the heel bone. Treatment typically involves resting from aggravating activities, performing targeted stretching exercises, using pain medication, and wearing open-back shoes.

Ingrown toenails occur when the skin on one or both sides of the nail grows over the edges or when the nail itself grows into the skin. Symptoms include redness, pain, and swelling at the nail’s corner, potentially leading to infection. Prompt treatment is essential to prevent complications. To prevent ingrown toenails, wear shoes and socks with ample toe room, keep feet clean and dry, and trim nails straight across without rounding the corners.

Tendinitis is inflammation or irritation of a tendon—the thick fibrous cords that attach muscle to bone. The condition causes pain and tenderness just outside a joint. While tendinitis can occur in any tendons, it’s most common around shoulders, elbows, wrists, knees, and heels. Some common names for various tendinitis problems are tennis elbow, golfer’s elbow, pitcher’s shoulder, swimmer’s shoulder, and jumper’s knee. Most cases of tendinitis can be successfully treated with rest, physical therapy, and medications to reduce pain. If tendinitis is severe and leads to a tendon rupture, surgery may be necessary.