Common Foot and Ankle Issues Explained - Phoenixville Podiatrist - Dr. Michael Drohosky, Family Podiatry General and Surgical Foot and Ankle Care

Athlete’s Foot:

Itching, burning and discomfort are the signs of athlete’s foot, most commonly contracted by coming into contact with an infected surface that has a fungus on it, like walking barefoot in locker rooms, public pools, or shower areas. People are most susceptible when their feet are sweating, and shoes create the ideal environment for fungus growth, as they provide a warm and moist environment.

Bunions:

Bunions on Feet Bunions form at a joint. That’s where the toe bends normally when you walk. But, when you have a bunion, all of your body weight rests on it each time you take a step. It can hurt when you walk. And, because your shoe likely rubs against it, a bunion can also cause calluses to form.

Diabetic Care:

Diabetic Foot Care The foot is especially affected by diabetes because diabetes damages the nerves (damage can occur to the foot and not be detected) - this is called peripheral neuropathy. Diabetes also affects the circulation, and poor circulation can affect the ability of the body to heal when damage occurs.

Flat Feet:

Flat feet is a postural deformity in which the arches of the foot collapse, with the entire sole of the foot coming into complete or near-complete contact with the ground. Some individuals (an estimated 20–30% of the general population) have an arch that simply never develops in one or both feet (bilaterally). We can correct this!

Foot Surgery:

Foot and ankle surgery is a sub-specialty of orthopedics and podiatry that deals with the treatment, diagnosis and prevention of disorders of the foot and ankle. Foot and ankle surgeons are trained to treat all disorders of the foot and ankle, both surgical and non-surgical. Additionally, the surgeons are also trained to understand the complex connections between disorders and deformities of the foot, ankle, knee, hip and the spine.

Fractures:

Foot and Ankle Fractures Although fracturing a bone in your toe or forefoot can be quite painful—it rarely requires surgery. Most stress fractures are caused by overuse and repetitive activity, and are common in athletes who participate in running sports. Ignoring the pain can have serious consequences as the bone may break completely.

Fungus:

Toenail Fungus Fungal nail infection occurs when a fungus is inoculated into a toenail, or the skin under the nail, called the nail bed. Fungi can attack your nails most commonly through trauma or ill fitting shoes. This can lead to more serious problems if you have diabetes or a weak immune system.

Hammer Toes:

Hammertoes A hammer toe or contracted toe is a deformity of the joints in any of the toes causing it to be permanently bent, resembling a hammer. Mallet toe is a similar condition affecting the distal interphalangeal joint at the tip of the toe. All of these conditions can be painful.

Heel Spur:

A heel spur is a bone formation leading to a bone protrusion on the underside of the heel bone. They are frequently associated with plantar fasciitis, a painful inflammation of the fibrous band of connective tissue (plantar fascia) that runs along the bottom of the foot and connects the heel bone to the ball of the foot.

Ingrown Toenails:

Ingrown toenails occur when the edges or corners of your nails grow into the skin next to the nail. Your big toe is most likely to get an ingrown toenail. However, if not treated, ingrown toenails can cause complications that might require medical treatment. Simple, in office, same day treatment usually provides immediate relief.

Morton’s Neuroma:

Morton's Neuroma Neuroma of the foot is a common problem that results in swelling and inflammation of the nerves, located between the 2nd and 3rd, or 3rd and 4th metatarsals. This condition can present gradually, or very rapidly when associated with trauma causing numbness, pain and difficulty walking, running or standing.

Orthotics:

Orthotics (shoe inserts) are custom foot supports designed to fit your feet more efficiently than over-the-counter (OTC) arch supports and balance the biomechanical inadequacies of your feet and legs. The most common reasons people use foot orthotics are for arch and heel pain (Plantar Fasciitis), lower leg tendonitis and for knee pain.

Plantar Fasciitis:

Planar Fasciitis The most common cause of heel pain, plantar-fasciitis is a strain of the flat band of tissue (ligament) that connects your heel bone to your toes and supports the arch of your foot. It becomes weak, swollen, and irritated (inflamed) and it hurts to walk on your heel or the bottom of your foot.

Plantar Warts:

A plantar wart is a wart occurring on the bottom of the foot or toes. Their color is typically similar to that of the skin. Small black dots may occur on the surface and one or more may occur in an area. Caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV), they may result in pain with pressure such that walking is difficult.

Sprains:

Ankle and Foot Sprains If your ankle gets swollen and painful after you twist it, you have most likely sprained it. This means you have stretched and possibly torn the ligaments in your ankle causing inflammation, bruising, pain, throbbing, sore, and inability to move the ankle comfortably.

Common Foot & Ankle Issues