- Plantar fasciitis: Inflammation in the plantar fascia ligament along the bottom of
the foot. Pain in the heel and arch, worst in the morning, are symptoms.
- Osteoarthritis of the feet: Age and wear and tear cause the cartilage in the feet to wear
out. Pain, swelling, and deformity in the feet are symptoms of osteoarthritis.
- Gout: An inflammatory condition in which crystals periodically deposit in joints,
causing severe pain and swelling. The big toe is often affected by gout.
- Athlete's foot: A fungal infection of the feet, causing dry, flaking, red, and
irritated skin. Daily washing and keeping the feet dry can prevent athlete's foot.
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- Rheumatoid arthritis: An autoimmune form of arthritis that causes inflammation and
joint damage. Joints in the feet, ankle, and toes may be affected by
rheumatoid arthritis.
- Bunions (hallux valgus): A bony prominence next to the base of the big toe that may
cause the big toe to turn inward. Bunions may occur in anyone, but are often
caused by heredity or ill-fitting footwear.
- Achilles tendon injury: Pain in the back of the heel may suggest a problem with the
Achilles tendon. The injury can be sudden or a nagging daily pain
(tendinitis).
- Diabetic foot infection:
People with diabetes are vulnerable to infections of the feet, which can be
more severe than they appear. People with diabetes should examine their feet
daily for any injury or signs of developing infection such as redness, warmth,
swelling, and pain.
- Swollen feet (edema): A small amount of swelling in the feet can be normal after
prolonged standing and common in people with varicose veins. Feet edema can
also be a sign of heart, kidney, or liver problems.
- Calluses: A buildup of tough skin over an area of frequent friction or pressure on the
feet. Calluses usually develop on the balls of the feet or the heels and may
be uncomfortable or painful.
- Corns: Like calluses, corns consist of excessive tough skin buildup at areas of
excessive pressure on the feet. Corns typically have a cone shape with a
point, and can be painful.
- Heel spurs: An abnormal growth of bone in the heel, which may cause severe pain
during walking or standing. People with plantar fasciitis, flat feet, or high
arches are more likely to develop heel spurs.
- Ingrown toenails: One or both sides of a toenail may grow into the skin. Ingrown
toenails may be painful or lead to infections.
- Fallen arches (flat feet): The arches of the feet flatten during standing or
walking, potentially causing other feet problems. Flat feet can be corrected
with shoe inserts (orthotics), if necessary.
- Nail fungal infection (onychomycosis): Fungus creates discoloration or a
crumbling texture in the fingernails or toenails. Nail infections can be
difficult to treat.
- Mallet toes: The joint in the middle of a toe may become unable to straighten,
causing the toe to point down. Irritation and other feet problems may develop
without special footwear to accommodate the mallet toe.
- Metatarsalgia:
Pain and inflammation in the ball of the foot. Strenuous activity or
ill-fitting shoes are the usual causes.
- Claw toes: Abnormal contraction of the toe joints, causing a claw-like
appearance. Claw toe can be painful and usually requires a change in
footwear.
- Fracture: The
metatarsal bones are the most frequently broken bones in the feet, either from
injury or repetitive use. Pain, swelling, redness, and bruising may be signs
of a fracture.
- Plantar wart: A viral infection in the sole of the foot that can
form a callus with a central dark spot. Plantar warts can be painful and
difficult to treat.
- Morton's neuroma: A growth consisting of nerve tissue often between the
third and fourth toes. A neuroma may cause pain, numbness, and burning and
often improves with a change in footwear.
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Fax 914-365-2801