Anatomy of the foot:
The foot is one of the most complex parts of
the body, consisting of 38 bones connected by
numerous joints, muscles, tendons, and ligaments.
The foot is susceptible to many stresses. Foot
pain and problems can cause pain, inflammation,
or injury, resulting in limited movement and mobility.
What are the different types of foot problems?
Foot pain is often caused by improper foot function.
Improperly fitted shoes can worsen and, in some
cases, cause foot problems. Shoes that fit properly
and give good arch support can prevent irritation
to the foot joints and skin. There are many types
of foot problems that affect the heels, toes, nerves,
tendons, ligaments, and joints of the foot.
The symptoms of foot problems may resemble other
medical conditions and problems. Always consult
your physician for a diagnosis.
What are heel
spurs?
A heel spur is a bone growth on the heel bone, particularly
on the underside forepart of the heel bone where
the bone connects to the plantar fascia. If the
plantar fascia, a long band of connecting tissue
running from the heel to the ball of the foot, is
over-stretched, it can cause a bone growth, or spur,
to develop. This connective tissue holds the arch
together and acts as a shock absorber during activity.
The pain results from the stress and inflammation
of the plantar fascia pulling on the bone. Sometimes,
rest will relieve heel spurs. Other treatment options
may include:
- wearing footwear (to increase bone and joint
support)
- steroid injections (to help relieve inflammation)
- surgery (may be considered with a prolonged
condition)
What is a corn?
Corns are yellowish, callus growths that develop
on top of the toes. Corns develop because of abuse
or stress. Often, a corn develops where a toe
rubs against a shoe or another toe. Corns can
cause extreme discomfort and pain. Treatment may
include:
- applying pads around the corn area
- wearing larger shoes to comfortably fit your
foot without rubbing
- surgery
To avoid corn development, always purchase footwear
that fits properly.
What is a bunion?
A bunion is a protrusion of bone or tissue around
a joint. Bunions may occur at the base of the
great toe or at the base of the little toe, and
often occur when the joint is stressed over a
period of time. Women are more frequently affected
because they may wear tight, pointed, and confining
shoes. Bunions can also be a result of arthritis
which often affects the big toe joint.
Treatment of bunions may vary depending on the pain
and deformity. Treatment may include:
- wearing comfortable, well-fitting footwear
(particularly shoes that conform to the shape
of the foot and do not cause pressure areas)
- surgery (for pain, not for cosmetic purposes)
- applying pads to the affected area
What is Morton's
neuroma?
Morton's neuroma is a build-up of benign (non-cancerous)
tissue in the nerves running between the long bones
of the foot. Morton's neuroma occurs when two bones
rub together and squeeze the nerve between them.
Most often, neuromas develop between the bones leading
to the third and fourth toes. Morton's neuroma often
causes swelling, tenderness, and pain. If the pain
becomes severe, it may cause tingling, numbness,
and burning in the toes. It usually occurs after
standing or walking for a long period of time. Treatment
for this condition may involve rest and/or a change
in footwear that does not restrict the foot. If
the problem persists, cortisone injections and/or
surgery may be considered.
What are hammertoes?
A hammertoe is a condition in which the toe buckles,
causing the middle joint of the affected toe to
poke out. This condition is often aggravated by
tight-fitting shoes that put pressure on the hammertoe.
Often a corn develops at this site. Treatment for
hammertoes may include:
- applying a toe pad specially positioned over
the bony protrusion
- changing your footwear to accommodate the
deformed toe
- surgical removal
What is an ankle
sprain?
An ankle sprain is an injury to the foot's ligaments
in the ankle. Ligaments are tough bands of elastic
tissue that connect bones to each other. An ankle
sprain can occur when the ankle rolls outward (with
the sole of the foot facing the other foot). Causes
of an ankle sprain may include weak muscles, loose
ligaments, or shoes with spiked heels. The symptoms
of a sprain depend of the severity of the injury
- how much the ligaments have stretched or torn.
Symptoms may include swelling, pain, and bruising.
Treatment will depend on the severity of the sprain,
but may include:
- wrapping the ankle with elastic bandage or
tape
- ice pack application (to reduce inflammation)
- elevating the ankle
- gradual return to walking and exercise
- a walking cast (for moderate sprains)
- surgery (for severe sprains)
- physical therapy
What is a foot
fracture
With 38 bones in a single foot, almost any of them
can be broken. Many fractures do not require surgery,
or even a cast, as they will heal on their own with
some support. When a foot is fractured, the site
of the fracture usually is painful and swollen.
The site of the fracture will determine the course
of treatment, if necessary, including the following:
- ankle joint fractures
These fractures may be serious and require
immediate medical attention. Ankle fractures
usually require a cast, and some may require
surgery if the bones are too separated or misaligned.
- metatarsal bone fractures
Fractures of the metatarsal bones, located
in the middle of the foot, often do not require
a cast. A stiff-soled shoe may be all that is
needed for support as the foot heals. Sometimes,
surgery is needed to correct misaligned bones
or fractured segments.
- sesamoid bone fractures
The sesamoid bones are two small, round
bones at the end of the metatarsal bone of the
big toe. Usually, padded soles can help relieve
pain. However, sometimes, the sesamoid bone
may have to be surgically removed.
- toe fractures
Fractures of the middle toes can heal without
a cast. Fractures of the big toe or little toe
may require a cast and/or surgery.
What is foot
pain?
Foot pain can be debilitating to an active lifestyle.
Foot pain can have many sources, from fractures
and sprains to nerve damage. Listed below are three
common areas of pain in the foot and their causes:
- pain in the ball of the foot
Pain in the ball of the foot, located on
the bottom of the foot behind the toes, may
be caused by nerve or joint damage in that area.
In addition, a benign (non-cancerous) growth,
such as Morton's neuroma, may cause the pain.
Corticosteroid injections and wearing supportive
shoe inserts may help relieve the pain. Sometimes,
surgery is necessary.
- plantar
fasciitis
Plantar fasciitis is characterized by severe
pain in the heel of the foot, especially when
standing up after resting. The condition is
due to an overuse injury of the sole surface
(plantar) of the foot and results in inflammation
of the fascia, a tough, fibrous band of tissue
that connects the heel bone to the base of the
toes.
Plantar fasciitis is more common in women,
people who are overweight, people with occupations
that require a lot of walking or standing
on hard surfaces, people with flat feet, and
people with high arches. Walking or running,
especially with tight calf muscles, may also
cause the condition.
Treatment may include:
- rest
- ice pack applications
- nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications
- stretching exercises of the Achilles tendons
and plantar fascia
- Achilles
tendon injury
The Achilles tendon is the largest tendon
in the human body. However, this tendon is also
the most common site of rupture or tendonitis,
an inflammation of the tendon due to overuse.
Achilles tendonitis is caused by overuse
of the tendon and calf muscles. Symptoms may
include mild pain after exercise that worsens
gradually, stiffness that disappears after
the tendon warms up, and swelling. Treatment
may include:
- rest
- nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications
- supportive devices and/or bandages for
the muscle and tendon
- stretching
- massage
- ultrasound
- strengthening exercises
- surgery
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