Common Foot Problems

There are many types of foot problems you can have. Let’s review how some foot ailments can come to be:

• Some are acquired, which means they are the result of small changes within the foot, may be from wearing improper footwear/shoes or from some physical stress to the foot.
• Some foot issues are congenital which means they have occurred since birth or are inherited.
• You may experience issues due to arthritis, which is affecting one or more joints.
• There are infectious foot problems that are caused by fungus, bacteria or virus.
• Tumors can occur and are the result of abnormal growth of tissue and may be benign or malignant.
• Traumatic foot problems are associated with an injury to the foot or ankle.

Here are some of the most common foot problems:

• Bunions: A bunion can occur when the big toe joint become misaligned. It may become swollen and tender and can cause the joint of the first toe to jet out, and the second joint will slant toward the other toes. Bunions can be caused by wearing shoes that are too narrow or may be hereditary. Surgery can help to correct this problem.
• Corns/Calluses: This is where hardened layers of skin develop on the foot in response to repeated friction or pressure. It is your skin’s way of protecting itself. You can eliminate the friction and pressure by wearing proper shoe gear. Corns and calluses if left untreated may cause ulcers, open sores on the feet. These can remedy themselves or you can see the doctor for removal of corns and calluses. Do not attempt to remove corns or calluses yourself!
• Diabetes: Diabetes can affect your feet. There is a chance that you may develop nerve issues that may prevent you from being able to feel your feet. You may develop poor circulation, which can lead to ulcers. As a diabetic it is very important to have your feet and toes evaluated by a podiatrist.
• Hammertoes: This is a where the toe takes on a claw-like appearance. This can be the result of toes being cramped and can occur in conjunction with a bunion. It happens most often with the second toe.
• Heel Spurs: This is the growth of bone on the underside of the heel. It occurs when the tendon pulls at the area where the tendon attaches to the bone. The heel can calcify and causes a spur. Proper warm-up and stretching can help to reduce the strain/pulling on the tendon.
• Ingrown Toenails: This occurs when the edge or sides of the nail grows into the skin. It can be the result of incorrectly trimming ones toe nails, shoe pressure, injury, or even heredity. You can prevent this by trimming your nails straight across (No DIGGING ON SIDES) and wearing appropriate fitting shoes that are not too narrow or shallow.