Foot Care Information and Resources

Arch Pain

What Causes Arch Pain?: What Causes Arch Pain?

Between the front and back part of the foot is the area known as the arch. The arch of your foot bears a lot of weight and is subject to a lot of stress. Painful arches can mean the bones, ligaments, and muscles are overworked and tired. An overworked arch can also cause leg cramps and low back pain. Flat feet, poor circulation, being overweight, having arthritis, or anemia are all conditions that can cause arch pain.

It is important to have a podiatrist do a proper diagnosis of the cause to ensure the correct treatment for your specific situation is chosen.
Does Self-Care Work for Arch Pain?: Does Self-Care Work for Arch Pain?

When you first begin to notice arch pain, you can try treating yourself with what’s commonly known as RICE… Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation. Acetaminophen and an anti-inflammatory such as ibuprofen or naproxen help pain and reduce inflammation. Arch supports or orthotics may also help relieve the pain. It is important to note that if pain continues medical treatment by a podiatrist should be the next step.

Ask the Foot Doctor

What is Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome?: What is Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome?

Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome is a group of symptoms that results from the compression or entrapment of the posterior tibial nerve as it exits the leg and enters the foot. Three large tendons and an artery and vein also use this tunnel that is formed by ligaments. Repetitive motion or trauma can result in inflammation and compression of this nerve. Symptoms will include radiating pain to the toes or up the leg with motion of the foot, sweating abnormality to the affected foot and possible temperature changes. This syndrome is similar to Carpal Tunnel that is found in the wrist.
What is a Ganglion cyst?: What is a Ganglion cyst?

A ganglion cyst is a fluid-filled cystic lesion that forms from the lining of a joint or a tendon sheath. These are commonly seen in the wrists, ankles, and feet. Ganglions are benign and generally grow slow. These cystic lesions can become painful when they begin to apply pressure to adjacent structures like tendons, vessels, and nerves. Ganglions are typically treated by initially draining (aspirating) the fluid. However the reoccurrence rate is high and will then require surgical excision.

Athlete’s Foot

What is Athlete’s Foot?: What is Athlete’s Foot?

Athlete’s foot is a superficial skin infection caused by a fungus called dermatophyte. The moist, warm environment of shoes creates the environment for this fungus to grow. Floors of locker rooms, public showers, swimming pools and whirlpools are all areas where this fungus can be found growing.

Common symptoms of athlete’s foot are itchy, cracking moist white scaly patches or sores between the toes and possibly the sole of the foot. Another type causes dry, scaly, reddish area over the soles of the feet.
Will Self-Treatment Cure Athlete’s Foot?: Will Self-Treatment Cure Athlete’s Foot?

There are several over-the-counter antifungal creams available to self-treat athlete’s foot. In most cases these creams will resolve the issue. For best results, it is important to apply these creams as directed. Athlete’s foot will usually clear up within two weeks.

If these antifungal creams don’t clear up your problems, or if you have increasing pain, swelling of the foot, blisters or open sores, you may also have a bacterial infection as a result of the Athlete’s foot. In these cases, you should seek medical attention to resolve the issue. Oral antibiotics and or an oral antifungal medication may be prescribed.
How can I prevent recurring Athlete’s Foot?: How can I prevent recurring Athlete’s Foot?

Athlete’s foot can be prevented by taking a few simple steps to prevent contact with the fungus. In public locker rooms and swimming areas be sure to wear sandals. Don’t wear someone else’s shoes. Make sure to thoroughly clean home showers and floors where walking barefoot frequently occurs. Using a light talcum powder dusting the inside of your shoes and socks helps to decrease moisture level thus helping to prevent fungal growth. Keep the inside of your shoes as dry as possible.

Bunions

Are Bunions Inherited?: Are Bunions Inherited?

Yes, the tendency to develop bunions can be inherited. Bunions occur more frequently in women. The suspect cause is the choice of footwear. Repeated wearing of pointed-toe, high heeled shoes places additional pressure and stress on tissues at the base of the big toe. This additional stress can cause the enlargement of the bone and tissue resulting in a bunion.
How Can I Stop Bunion Pain?: How Can I Stop Bunion Pain?

You can manage the pain of a bunion by resting the affected toe, application of cold and by taking an anti-inflammatory medication such as ibuprofen or naproxen. Changing footwear to reduce the pressure on the affected area will also help to prevent pain and increased damaged to the area.

If self-treatment does not resolve the pain, seek the advice of a podiatrist. Local cortisone injections, night splinting, and orthotics may be prescribed to alleviate bunion pain. If pain continues after treatment, surgery can be performed to cure chronic pain.
What is a bunion?: What is a bunion?

A bunion is an enlargement of bone and tissue of the joint at the base of the big toe, or the smallest toe. It can be a combination of enlargement of the bone, joint degeneration, and tissue inflammation.

Corns

What Causes Corns?

What Causes Corns?

An area of skin that is exposed to repetitive force may cause a callus. A callus is a thickened area of skin that’s formed by the body to protect the skin. When there is a mass of dead cells in the center of a callus, it becomes a corn. Corns most often occur on the toes and the balls of the fee. A callus can occur on any part of the skin exposed to repeated force.

Is surgery always required to remove a corn?

Is surgery always required to remove a corn?

In many cases, problems with corns and calluses can be treated without any surgical procedure. The key is to prevent the cause of the repeated force on the area and to soften and moisturize the area. This can be accomplished by:

Avoiding stress to area
Applying lotions and other moisturizers to the area
Soaking affected area in warm soapy water to soften.
Using pumice stones or sandpaper to remove hardened areas.

If the area remains painful, becomes inflamed, or creates an open sore, medical treatment is necessary to resolve the issue.

Diabetic Foot Care

Why Do Diabetics Need Special Foot Care?: Why Do Diabetics Need Special Foot Care?

Diabetes is a term used for several types of disease in which high blood glucose levels occur. Over time these consistent high levels can damage nerves, kidneys, eyes, and blood vessels. Someone with diabetes may have nerve damage causing the feeling in the feet and legs to be diminished. Oil production and sweat secretion that lubricates the skin of the feet may also be impaired. This can lead to abnormal pressure on the joints, bones, and skin of the foot, which can lead to breakdown of the skin. Blood vessel damage can impair blood flow to the feet, making it difficult for the areas to receive the benefits of good blood flow. This can cause damage, make it difficult for sores or injuries to heal for the diabetic.

For these reasons, it is important to have your feet regularly checked by your physician for signs of any damage or impairment. Early detection and referral to a podiatrist can help to prevent further complications.
How Can Diabetic Foot Problems be Prevented?: How Can Diabetic Foot Problems be Prevented?

Achieving and maintaining good control of blood sugar levels is the best preventative measure diabetics can take to prevent foot complications due to diabetes. Learning how to regularly examine your own feet and to recognize early signs and symptoms of potential foot problems is critical to prevention.

Once symptoms to become apparent it is important to seek medical advice as soon as possible. The sooner treatment is started, the chance of complications becomes less likely.
Should Every Diabetic See a Podiatrist for Foot Care?: Should Every Diabetic See a Podiatrist for Foot Care?

While it is not mandatory that all diabetics see a podiatrist, it is important to understand that when problems do arise with your feet and ankles, a podiatrist can provide you with diagnosis and treatment protocol that can’t be otherwise provided. Left untreated diabetic foot problems can lead to amputations and other serious complications. Don’t hesitate if you have issues, see a podiatrist, and work with your physician to achieve optimum blood sugar control.

Flat Feet

What is Flat Feet?: What is Flat Feet?

Flat feet is a condition in which the arch in the foot running lengthwise along the sole of the foot has not developed normally. It is lowered or flattened out, thus the name flat feet. One or both feet can have the issue of flat foot.
What Causes Flat Feet?: What Causes Flat Feet?

Flat feet can be inherited. There are also other causes such as diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, or stroke. Job related flat feet can occur due to a lot fo walking and carrying heavy objects.
Should I See a Podiatrist if I Have Flat Feet?: Should I See a Podiatrist if I Have Flat Feet?

Many people with flat feet may show no signs of symptoms or problems. However, over time problems may begin to occur. At times pain may occur because of changes in work habits, injury, weight gain, excessive walking, jumping or standing and poor fitting footwear. Fatigue may occur at times.

Wearing properly fitting shoes and shoes with built in arch supports can help if you have issues because of flat feet. A podiatrist can diagnose and prescribe proper orthotics to reduce discomfort or pain because of flat feet.

Foot Pain

When should I seek Medical Help for My Foot Pain?: When should I seek Medical Help for My Foot Pain?

A very complex structure, the foot, has 26 bones, 33 joints, 19 muscles, and 107 ligaments. The causes of foot pain are many with many variations.

Many foot ailments such as athlete’s foot, calluses, warts and other common issues may be self-treated. However, if you have foot pain that lasts for more than a few days without relief it is highly recommended that you seek medical help to get a proper diagnosis and plan of treatment to alleviate your foot pain.
How can I prevent my foot pain?: How can I prevent my foot pain?

If you have tired achy feet, or occasional foot pain, there are a few things you can do to reduce the occurrence. If these measures do not alleviate the pain and it becomes chronic, it is best to have your podiatrist do an evaluation.

One of the best preventative measures for foot pain is to make sure you have shoes that fit your feet properly. Shoes should not fit tightly, be uncomfortable to wear, and they should have adequate support to provide your feet the best protection possible. Poorly fitting shoes can often cause foot pain and issues.

Heel Pain

What Causes Heel Pain?: What Causes Heel Pain?

A very common complaint physicians and podiatrists hear is heel pain. Several issues can cause heel pain. Some of the more frequent causes of heel pain are plantar fasciitis, heel spur, tarsal tunnel syndrome, stress fractures, and posterior heel pain. Identifying the cause is the only way to treat heel pain properly, as treatment will vary depending upon the cause.

Sometimes you may have heel pain that can be alleviated by temporarily discontinuing the activity causing the pain. For example, taking a few days off from walking, jogging, or prolonged standing can often relieve a flare up of pain. Temporarily discontinuing such activity will allow inflammation to decrease, thus eliminating the pain. For heel pain that lasts more than a few days you should seek medical help to diagnosis and treat the cause.
What is the treatment for heel pain?: What is the treatment for heel pain?

Since there are many possible causes of heel pain there is not one specific treatment. If you have heel pain that persists for more than a few days, be sure to visit your podiatrist for diagnosis and treatment options.

Depending upon the cause of the pain, treatment may involve a variety of options such as anti-inflammatory medication, shoe inserts, stretches and exercises and other treatments. One common cause of heel pain is plantar fasciitis. Plantar fasciitis is and irritation and inflammation of tissue forming the arch of the foot. Heel spurs can result from lengthy plantar fasciitis.
What causes plantar fasciitis?: What causes plantar fasciitis?

The ligament connecting your heel bone to your toes is the plantar fascia. This ligament supports the arch of your foot. When strained the planar fascia becomes weak, swollen and inflamed thus causing pain known as plantar fasciitis.

The straining of this ligament is the cause of plantar fasciitis. Continued strain causes tiny tears in the ligament, which leads to inflammation, pain, and swelling. There are various treatment methods. Seeking the advice of a podiatrist is advisable to obtain the best relief from this painful foot issue.

Nail Problems

Is an Ingrown Toenail Serious?: Is an Ingrown Toenail Serious?

An ingrown toenail occurs when the corner of the toenail digs into the skin. This usually occurs at the end or side of the big toe. Ingrown toenails are painful and can cause more serious issues if left untreated. Over time infection or even an abscess requiring surgical treatment can result. If you have an ingrown toenail that becomes very painful and is not getting better seek treatment to prevent serious issues.
Why are My Toenails Thick and Discolored?: Why are My Toenails Thick and Discolored?

Thick or discolored toenails are not something you should ignore. There are many causes which can be the result of another medical condition or something such as fungus, injury, or improperly fitting shoes. Left untreated the toenail can even fall off. Also, if there is an underlying medical condition, you should see a doctor for proper diagnosis to prevent further problems.
Why is my Toenail Black?: Why is my Toenail Black?

A black toenail usually is due to bruising beneath the nail bed. Just as any other bruise the toe can be very painful and sensitive. Obvious types of injury, such as dropping something on your toe are often the cause of a black toenail. It can also occur when the toe has been fractured. In many cases this type of bruise can be self-treated, but if problems persists, see a doctor to determine the cause and best treatment method.

Neuroma

What is a Neuroma?: What is a Neuroma?

A neuroma is a benign thickening of a nerve between the toes that usually results in radiating pain toward the ends of the toes or even up the foot and leg. Though neuromas can be found along any nerve, they tend to have a predilection for the area between the third and fourth toes. This is known as a Morton’s neuroma. The most common causes of neuromas are inappropriate or tight shoe gear and trauma. Treatment options consist of simply changing shoe gear, orthotic devices, anti-inflammatories, sclerosing therapy, and surgical excision.

Skin Problems

How Can I Prevent Skin Problems on My Feet?: How Can I Prevent Skin Problems on My Feet?

The most common skin problems on the feet are athlete’s foot, warts, and corns and calluses. All these conditions can usually be prevented by by a few simple precautions. For athlete’s foot and warts, it is important to always wear sandals at any public location such as showers, pools or whirlpools. Don’t wear other peoples shoes.

For corns and calluses, make sure you have properly fitting shoes that don’t place repeated pressure on areas of your foot. Calluses can cause corns, so it is important to try to keep feet soft and moist, and to use a pumice stone or sandpaper to remove tough callused areas.

Sports Injuries

Can I Injure My Feet and Ankles from Overuse?: Can I Injure My Feet and Ankles from Overuse?

When too much stress is placed on joints or tissues, injuries such as bursitis, Achilles tendinitis, stress fracture, and plantar fasciitis can result. These are common sports injuries occurring from repetitive use and stress. Often supportive braces, orthotics, and other avenues can be used to strengthen and protect the affected area.
When Should I See a Podiatrist?: When Should I See a Podiatrist?

Whenever there is an acute injury to the ankle, foot, or toe during sports, it is a good idea to receive medical attention. Even if the injury is minor it is better to take precautions than to self-treat and have more problems as a result. Things like minor sprains and strains can be self-treated, but if the issue doesn’t resolve within a few days, or pain or discomfort worsens, seek medical attention.

Sprains and Fractures

Is it true there is nothing that can be done for a broken toe?: Is it true there is nothing that can be done for a broken toe?

If you think you have broken a toe, get prompt attention. With x-rays the extent and location of the fracture can be identified and method of treatment prescribed for quick relief. Left untreated a post-fracture deformity can result causing other painful issues such as corns or other pain due to the misalignment.
Should I see a doctor for a sprained ankle?: Should I see a doctor for a sprained ankle?

Ankle sprains can mean torn or overstretched ligaments. To ensure a normal recovery, immediate care such as x-ray, examination, immobilization, and physiotherapy may be indicated. In the case of any injury to the foot, it is always recommended to seek medical attention.

Warts

How do I get rid of a plantar wart?: How do I get rid of a plantar wart?

Plantar warts are viral skin infections caused by the Humai Papilloma Virus (HPV). These are contagious and can be spread quite easily from person to person. These warts are benign in that they do not cause cancer, as some of the other warts from this group are known to do. Generally, they result from an area of trauma or site of pressure to the bottom (plantar surface) of the foot. Theses warts may remain solitary or may spread to develop into large aggregates. They are exquisitely painful. Treatment options consist of many topical preparations most of which are acids or chemotherapeutic agents. Laser surgery, cryosurgery, electro surgery, and excision are most effective.