Achilles Tendonitis

Definition

Achilles Tendonitis causes tenderness and breakdown of the Achilles tendon. The Achilles tendon is the large tendon located in the back of the leg that connects to the heel. Achilles Tendonitis shouldn't be left untreated because the tendon can become weak and ruptured.

Treatment/Prevention

Athletes are typically the people who end up with this particular problem. In order to avoid Achilles Tendonitis athletes should develop a stretching program to warm up before working out. Also, a heel cup should be worn in order to help support the heel. To relieve pressure and pain an orthotic should also be worn.

If the problem continues, consult your foot doctor.

Arch Pain/Arch Strain

Definition

Arch pain refers to a tenderness or burning sensation at the arch. The most condition related to arch pain is Plantar Fasciitis. Th Plantar Fascia is a band of tissue that runs along the bottom of the foot from the heel to the ball of the foot. When the Plantar Fascia is over-stretched this will cause pain. If left untreated a heel spur could develop.

Treatment/Prevention

This problem can be treated by getting an orthotic for your shoes. The arch support in the orthotic will help support the foot and relieve the pain in the arch area. Also, choose a shoe that has shock absorbing soles.

If the problem continues, consult your foot doctor.

Bunions

Definition

Bunions are one of the most common foot problems. A bunion is a conspicuous bump on the inside of the foot around the big toe joint. This bump is actually a bone protruding towards the inside of the foot. Another type of bunion people suffer from is a smaller version on the outside of the foot near the little toe joint called a bunionette.

Treatment/Prevention

The best solution to relieving the pain caused from bunions is to wear properly fitting shoes. Shoes with a deep toe box provide room enough for the foot to set inside the shoe without being squeezed.

If the problem continues, consult your foot doctor.

Corns

Definition

Corns are thick, hard, buildups of dead skin cells. They have a cone shaped core that can strike nerves and cause pain. Corns can become a problem because of constant rubbing and squeezing from shoes.

Treatment/Prevention

The best way to prevent a corn is to have your shoes fitted properly. Also, avoid tight fitting socks. Try to avoid chemicals in removal of a corn. Most of the time the medicated solutions will cause more irritation than the corn itself.

If the problem continues, consult a foot doctor.

Hammer Toes

Definition

A hammer toe is a toe that is contracted a the middle joint in the toe. A hammer toe can occur in any toe except the big toe. Arthritis is a major contributor to the formation of hammer toes.

There are two types of hammer toes:
Flexible – has the capability of being straightened
Rigid – doesn't have movement at all

Treatment/Prevention

Most importantly when dealing with hammer toes you want to get a shoe that has a deep toe box. This allows the foot to fit comfortably in a shoe without the hammer toe being pressed on. There are products made specifically for hammer toes to help hold down the hammer toe and relieve the friction between the hammer toe and shoe. These products include: hammer toe splints, gel toe caps and hammer toe crests.

If the problem continues, consult your foot doctor.

Heel Fissures

Definition

Heel Fissures, or cracked heels, are usually just a nuisance and an eyesore. However, the cracked heels can lead to more serious issues some of the fissures can be deep and bleed or be painful. Walking barefoot or with backless shoes are a main way that heel fissures form. Also, living in extremely dry climates can contribute to their formation. If left untreated the fissures can become infected and cause more serious health issues.

Treatment/Prevention

By keeping feet moisturized it helps to keep the heels fissures from forming. If they have already formed you can help reduce them by using a pumice stone to wear down the thick dry skin. Also, avoid going barefooted or in sandals/backless shoes.

If the problem continues, consult a foot doctor.

Heel Spurs

Definition

A heel spur is a bony growth on the heel. When the Plantar Fascia pulls away from the heel a deposit of calcium will form. The Plantar Fascia is a band of tissue that runs along the bottom of the foot from the heel to the ball-of-the-foot.

Treatment/Prevention

First find out what is causing the stretching of the Plantar Fascia. If over pronation is the cause a good arch support will allow the condition to heal. Other ways to treat heel spurs include stretching exercises, wearing shoes with cushioned heels.

If the problem continues, consult your foot doctor.

Overlapping Toes

Cause

There are many issues that can affect the toe joints which may cause the foot to not function properly. Any of the toes can become overlapped and if not corrected it can cause pain a irritation.

Treatment

Attention should be given to any problem that is causing your toes to be irritated. If not treated the condition could be worsened, which can lead to tissue breakdown and, even more serious, infection. There are some non-surgical ways to treat overlapping toes. Getting shoes with a high toe box are recommended in order for the toes to have room to sit without being squeezed or rubbed. Also, gel toe separators are helpful because it will separate the problem toes and reduce friction.

If the problem continues, consult a foot doctor.

Plantar Fasciitis

Definition

Plantar Fasciitis is a tenderness caused by overstretching the Plantar Fascia. The Plantar Fascia is a band of tissue that runs along the bottom of the foot from the heel to the ball of the foot. Plantar Fasciitis can cause arch pain, heel pain and heel spurs. There are five common contributors to causing Plantar Fasciitis: over pronation; an unusually high arch; sudden increase in physical activity; obesity; and improperly fitted footwear.

Treatment/Prevention

A good orthotic. One that has a good arch support and heel cushion.
Avoid running on hard, uneven terrain
Lose any excessive weight

If the problem continues, consult your foot doctor.