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Charles G.
Kissel, D.P.M.
Michael S. Schey, D.P.M.
Zeehan S. Husain, D.P.M.
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Common
Foot and
Ankle Problems and
Their Treatments |
YOUR FEET
Your feet are very complex structures,
each composed of a network of 26 bones, 29 joints, and many
muscles that support your body weight. They are capable of
bearing great loads over many miles. In fact, people take an
average of several thousand steps every day. When
functioning properly, your feet handle all of the demands
you place upon them without discomfort. When discomfort
occurs, rapid treatment usually results in complete healing
and a return to full function.
In this brochure, many common foot
ailments are discussed and initial remedies are suggested.
If these initial steps do not result in immediate relief, or
if you have a medical condition affecting your feet such as
poor circulation or diabetes, consult a podiatric surgeon
who is a member of the American College of Foot and Ankle
Surgeons.
COMMON FOOT & ANKLE
PROBLEMS
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Condition
– Ingrown Toenail: Results
in redness, swelling, soreness and possible
infection; often painful.
Recommendation:
Soak the foot in warm water
and remove the ingrown part of the nail. If pain
and/or redness persists, contact a podiatric
surgeon.
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Condition
– Corns & Calluses: Frequently
caused by ill-fitting shoes, poor quality shoes, or various
foot deformities.
Recommendation:
Purchase well constructed shoes that
fit properly, allowing ample space between the toe and the
end of the shoe to prevent irritation.
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Condition
– Hammer Toe: An
abnormal contraction of one or more toes which often
causes them to rub on the top of the shoe.
Recommendation:
Obtain shoes of larger size
with roomier "toe boxes" to decrease
pressure on the toes. Consult a podiatric surgeon
for possible surgical straightening of one or more
hammer toes if careful shoe selection does not
relieve the discomfort.
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Condition
– Warts: Circular
growths, usually found on the toes or the bottoms of the
feet, that are caused by viruses.
Recommendation:
Warts should be professionally
examined and treated by a podiatric surgeon as they may
enlarge in size and multiply due to their viral nature.
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Condition
– Bunion: An
enlargement of the bone on the inside of the foot at
the big toe.
Recommendation:
Obtain shoes of greater length
and width to provide space for the bunion. Avoid
pointed toe shoes. Wear shoes of softer material to
decrease irritation. If the pain persists, a
podiatric surgeon may prescribe orthoses (special
shoe inserts) or recommend treatment alternatives,
including surgical correction.
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Condition
– Flat Feet: Caused
by a lack of internal support for the arch of the foot,
often resulting in fatigue and pain when standing and
walking.
Recommendation:
Obtain well-cushioned shoes
with good arch support. Consult a podiatric surgeon if
discomfort or fatigue persists.
Condition
– Heel Pain (Plantar Fasciitis): An
irritation of the ligament running along the bottom of the
foot and attaching to the heel, commonly causing pain upon
arising in the morning or following increased activity.
Recommendation:
Wear cushioned shoes with a slightly
elevated heel (about 1" – 11/2"). Insert an arch
support to decrease pressure on the heel. If discomfort
persists, consult a podiatric surgeon who may recommend
custom orthoses, professional treatment, or surgical
correction if conservative care fails to resolve discomfort.
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Condition
– Ankle Sprain: Condition
that results from an inherently unstable ankle,
trauma, or as a result of an athletic injury.
Recommendation:
Rest, ice, compression
and elevation (RICE). See a podiatric surgeon
immediately to rule out a fracture or a ligament
tear. Immediate treatment often results in complete
healing and a return to normal functioning.
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RECOMMENDATIONS FOR
HEALTHY FEET
 | Wear properly fitted shoes.
| Wear shoes made of leather or canvas.
| Wash your feet daily.
| Wear cotton socks.
| Trim your toenails straight across.
| Inspect your feet daily to guard
against unusual growths, cuts, non-healing sores, etc. |
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FOOT HEALTH CHECKLIST
| My heel hurts, especially after I have
been lying down.
| My toenail has become thickened and
discolored.
| I have growths on my foot that look
like calluses with black dots in the center.
| My ingrown toenail has become red,
swollen and painful.
| My toes are overlapped and bent.
| I have diabetes.
| My toe joints are stiff, enlarged and
painful.
| My ankles are unstable and often
"give way."
| My toes are misshapen and have growths.
| My toes feel numb or burn.
| I have pain in the ball of my foot. |
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These are just a few of the warning signs
of common foot and ankle problems. If you have checked any
of the above, consult a podiatric surgeon who is a member of
the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons.
YOUR FEET SHOULD NOT
HURT!
Many common foot and ankle problems may be
alleviated by simple home remedies. Should a problem worsen,
cause intense pain, or last for more than a few days,
consult a podiatric surgeon who is a member of the American
College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons. Individuals with medical
conditions such as diabetes should receive regular
examinations by a podiatric surgeon to ensure proper foot
health.
2001 © The American
College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons
Find
Additional Information at www.footphysicians.com/
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