CORNS AND CALLOUSES Corns and calluses are thickened layers of compacted, dead skin cells protecting the skin and bones underneath. They are caused by excessive pressure and friction. Corns usually occur on the toes and calluses on the soles of the feet. They become painful and ulcerated because of persistent friction. Never cut corns or calluses with any instrument or use other remedies. Seek the services of a chiropodist FLAT FEET Flat feet are a condition in which the foot doesn't have a normal arch. Most people have a gap between in the inner side of the foot and the ground when they are standing. This is referred to as an "arch". Feet that have a low arch or no arch at all are referred to as flat feet. On standing the patient will have a flat arch and the foot may roll over to the inner aspect. The symptoms vary. Individuals may experience corns and hard skin under the sole of the foot. The arch area may be tender and shoes will tend to wear out quickly. In severe cases the patient may experience calf, knee, hip and back pain. An orthotic with rear foot posting and longitudinal arch support is an effective device to reduce the over-pronation and allow the condition to heel. BUNIONS Bunions are caused by excessive forces pushing against the bones of the foot. They are enlarged bumps on either side of the foot, making it hard to find comfortable fitting shoes. The bunion can cause pain in the big and little toe joints, create callouses on the big and little toes, and make walking difficult and uncomfortable. A custom-made orthotic will remove a lot of the pressure that causes bunions and alleviate the pain. ARCH AND BALL PROBLEMS - METATARSALGIA (foot pain in ball) What is it? Metatarsalgia is a general term used to desrobe a painful foot condition in the metatarsal region of the foot (the area just before the toes, usually referred to as the ball-of-the-foot). This is a common foot disorder that can affect the bones and joints at the ball-of-the-foot. Metatarsalgia (ball-of-foot-pain) is often located under the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th metatarsal heads, or in some cases at the first metatarsal head (near the big toe). What causes pain in the ball of the foot? With this common foot condition, one or more of the metatarsal heads become painful and/or inflamed, usually due to excessive pressure over a long period of time. Patients usually experience acute, recurrent, or chronic pain. Pain is often caused from improper fitting footwear. Footwear with a narrow toe box forces the ball-of-foot area to be forced into a minimal amount of space. This can hamper the walking process and lead to extreme discomfort in the forefoot. Other factors can cause excessive pressure in the ball-of-foot area. These include shoes with high heels that are too high or engaging in high impact activities without proper footwear and/or orthotics. Also as we get older, the fat pad in our foot tends to thin out, making us much more susceptible to pain in the ball-of-the-foot. How do you treat it? The first step in treating metatarsalgia is to determine the cause of the pain. If improper fitting footwear is the cause of the pain, the footwear must be changed. Footwear designed with a high, wide toe box (toe area) and a rocker sole is ideal for treating metatarsalgia. The high, wide toe box allows the foot to spread out while the rocker sole reduces stress on the ball-of-the-foot. Unloading pressure to the ball-of-the-foot can be accomplished with a variety of footcare products. Orthotics designed to relieve ball-of-foot pain usually feature a metatarsal pad. The orthotic is constructed with the pad placed behind the ball-of-the-foot to relieve pressure and redistribute weight from the painful area to more tolerant areas. Other products often recommended include specialized metatarsal cushions and metatarsal bandages. When these products are used with proper footwear, you should experience significant relief. A custom-fitted insole will solve and prevent the problem HAMMER TOES A hammer toe is a toe that is contracted at the middle joint in the toe. Ligaments and tendons that have tightened cause the toe's joints to curl downwards. Hammer toes may occur in any toe except the big toe. There is often discomfort at the top part of the toe due to rubbing against the shoe. Hammer toes are classified based on the mobility of the toe joints. There are two types - flexible and rigid. In a flexible hammer toe, the joint has the ability to move. This type of hammer toe can be straightened manually. A rigid hammer toe does not have that same ability to move. Movement is very limited and can be extremely painful. This sometimes causes foot movement to become restricted leading to extra stress at the ball-of-the-foot, and possibly causing pain and the development of corns and calluses. What causes hammer toes? Hammer toes result from a muscle imbalance which causes the ligaments and tendons to become unnaturally tight. This results in the joint curling downward. Arthritis can also lead to many different forefoot deformities, including hammer toes. How do you treat it? Changing the type of footwear worn is a very important step in the treatment of hammer toes. When choosing a shoe, make sure the toe box (toe area) is high and broad, and can accommodate the hammer toes. A shoe with a high, broad toe box will provide enough room in the forefoot area so that there is less friction against the toes. Other conservative treatments include using forefoot products designed to relieve hammer toes, such as hammer toe crests and hammer toe splints. These devices will help hold down the hammer toe and provide relief to the forefoot. Specialized toe shields and toe caps are also recommended to eliminate friction between the shoe and the toe, while providing comfort and lubrication. A custom-fitted insole will help to prevent the deforming forces that cause the problem and keep the problem from getting worse PLANTAR FASCIITIS Plantar Fasciitis is an inflammation caused by excessive stretching of the plantar fascia. The plantar fascia is a broad band of fibrous tissue which runs along the bottom surface of the foot, attaching at the bottom of the heel bone and extending to the forefoot. When the plantar fascia is excessively stretched, this can cause plantar fasciitis, which can also lead to heel pain, arch pain, and heel spurs. What causes plantar fasciitis? Plantar Fasciitis often leads to heel pain, heel spurs, and/or arch pain. The excessive stretching of the plantar fascia that leads to the inflammation and discomfort can be caused by the following: Over-pronation (flat feet) which results in the arch collapsing upon weight bearing A foot with an unusually high arch A sudden increase in physical activity Excessive weight on the foot, usually attributed to obesity or pregnancy Improperly fitting footwear Over-pronation (flat feet) is the leading cause of plantar fasciitis. Over-pronation occurs in the walking process, when a person's arch collapses upon weight bearing, causing the plantar fascia to be stretched away from the heel bone. With Plantar Fasciitis, the bottom of your foot usually hurts near the inside of the foot where the heel and arch meet. The pain is often acute either first thing in the morning or after a long rest, because while resting the plantar fascia contracts back to its original shape. As the day progresses and the plantar fascia continues to be stretched, the pain often subsides. How do you treat it? The key for the proper treatment of plantar fasciitis is determining what is causing the excessive stretching of the plantar fascia. When the cause is over-pronation (flat feet), an orthotic with rearfoot posting and longitudinal arch support is an effective device to reduce the over-pronation and allow the condition to heel. If you have usually high arches, which can also lead to plantar fasciitis, cushion the heel, absorb shock and wear proper footwear that will accommodate and comfort the foot. Other common treatments include stretching exercises, plantar fasciitis night splints, wearing shoes that have a cushioned heel to absorb shock, and elevating the heel with the use of a heel cradle or heel cup. Heel cradles and heel cups provide extra comfort, cushion the heel, and reduce the amount of shock and shear forces placed during everyday activities. Every time your foot strikes the ground, the plantar fascia is stretched. You can reduce the strain and stress on the plantar fascia by following these simple instructions: Avoid running on hard or uneven ground, lose any excess weight, and wear shoes and orthotics that support your arch to prevent over-stretching of the plantar fascia. A custom-fitted insole will solve and prevent the problem!! PLANTAR WARTS What are Plantar Warts? Plantar warts are a common skin infection that occurs on the bottom side of your foot. Warts are benign tumors of the epidermis. They often spread to other areas of the foot, increase in size, and multiply. Plantar warts are very painful and tender. They are usually rough, bumpy, and spongy. Some may be thick and scaly. Risks? Activities that will increase your chances of developing plantar wards are: Using a public shower or walking around the locker room in your bare feet What causes Plantar Warts? Warts are caused by a the human pappiloma virus (HPV). The HPV virus enters the body through a break in the skin. The virus grows in warm, moist environments, such as those created in a locker room or in your shoes when your feet perspire and the moisture is trapped. What do Plantar Warts look like? Plantar warts are gray or brown and have a center with one or more dark pinpoints. The dark pinpoints are tiny capillaries that supply blood to the wart. Most times, the portion of the plantar wart under the skin is at least twice as big as the part you can see. Can Plantar Warts be treated? Yes. There are several different treatments for Plantar Warts. Your doctor can trim the wart and a topical prescribe medicine that will make the wart disappear. The medicine must be applied regularly until the entire wart is dissolved. It may take several weeks for the wart to completely disappear. INGROWN TOENAILS Ingrown toenails are common, painful conditions that occur when the skin on the side of a toenail grows over the edge of the nail, or when the nail grows into the skin. Ingrown toenails often are the result of trimming your toenails too short, particularly on the sides of your big toes. Ingrown toenails can be very painful. When cutting g your nails, avoid tapering the corners so that the nail conforms to the shape of your toe. This will result in your nails curling down and digging into your skin. Tight or short shoes also may cause ingrown toenails. Ingrown toenail start out hard, swollen and tender, and later, may become sore, red and infected. Your skin may start to grow over the ingrown toenail. Soaking your foot in warm, soapy water several times each day is usually a good way to treat an ingrown nail. Also, you can try inserting some cotton or waxed dental floss between the nail and your skin. Please contact our office to determine the best course of treatment for your condition. Antibiotics are sometimes prescribed if an infection is present. Part of your ingrown toenail (partial nail plate avulsion) may need to be surgically removed if an acute infection occurs. The procedure involves injecting the toe with an anesthetic and cutting out the ingrown part of the toenail. You can prevent ingrown toenails by: Trimming your toenails straight across with no rounded corners Ensuring that your shoes and socks are not too tight. Keeping your feet clean at all times. ATHLETE'S FOOT AND FUNGAL NAILS Athelete's foot and fungal nails are the most common types of foot fungus. Athlete's Foot Athlete's foot is a skin disease caused by a fungus, usually occurring between the toes. The fungus usually attacks the feet because shoes create a warm, dark, and humid environment which encourages fungus growth. Symptoms of athlete's feet include drying skin, itching scaling, inflammation, and blisters. Athlete's foot may spread to the soles of the feet and to the toenails, and can spread to other parts of the body, including the groin and underarms. You can prevent Athlete's foot by: Avoiding walking barefoot. Use shower shoes. Reducing perspiration by using talcum powder. Wearing light and airy shoes. Wearing socks that keep your feet dry, and changing them frequently if you perspire heavily. Topical or oral antifungal drugs may need to be prescribed. Fungal Nails Fungal toenail infections are common and can persist for years without ever causing pain. The disease, characterized by a change in a toenail's color, can present serious problems if left untreated. Fungal nail infections, known as Onychomycosis occur underneath the surface of the nail and can also penetrate the nail. If left unattended, the nail can become host to a bacterial and/or yeast infection. A group of fungi called dermophytes easily attack the nail. When they multiply, the nail may become thicker, yellowish-brown or darker in color, and foul smelling. The infection can spread to other toenails, the skin, or even the fingernails. Nail bed injury may make the nail more susceptible to all types of infection, including fungal infection. Those who suffer from diabetes, circulatory problems, or immune-deficiency conditions, are susceptible to fungal nails. You can prevent fungal nail infections by taking these simple precautions: Exercise proper hygiene and regularly inspect your feet and toes. Keep your feet clean and dry. Wear shower shoes in public facilities whenever possible. Cut your nails straight across so that the nail does not extend beyond the tip of the toe. Use a good quality foot powder(talcum) to keep your feet dry in the shoes. Buy shoes that breathe and fit well I ussually prescribe a topical or oral medication, and removal of diseased nail matter and debris (debridement). In some cases, surgical treatment is prescribed, during which the infected nail is removed. Permanent removal prevents the return of a deformed nail. HEEL SPUR What are they? Heel spurs are usually caused by a condition known as plantar fasciitis. Plantar fasciitis is an inflammation caused by excessive stretching of the plantar fascia. The plantar fascia is a broad band of fibrous tissue which runs along the bottom surface of the foot, attaching at the bottom of the heel bone and extending to the forefoot. When the plantar fascia is excessively stretched, this can cause plantar fasciitis, which can also lead to heel pain, arch pain, and heel spurs. What causes heel spurs? The excessive stretching of the plantar fascia that leads to the inflammation and discomfort can be caused by the following: Over-pronation (flat feet) which results in the arch collapsing upon weight bearing A foot with an unusually high arch A sudden increase in physical activity Excessive weight on the foot, usually attributed to obesity or pregnancy Improperly fitting footwear Over-pronation (flat feet) is the leading cause of plantar fasciitis. Over-pronation occurs in the walking process, when a person's arch collapses upon weight bearing, causing the plantar fascia to be stretched away from the heel bone. With Plantar Fasciitis, the bottom of your foot usually hurts near the inside of the foot where the heel and arch meet. The pain is often acute either first thing in the morning or after a long rest, because while resting the plantar fascia contracts back to its original shape. As the day progresses and the plantar fascia continues to be stretched, the pain often subsides. How do you treat it? The key for the proper treatment of plantar fasciitis is determining what is causing the excessive stretching of the plantar fascia. When the cause is over-pronation (flat feet), an orthotic with rearfoot posting and longitudinal arch support is an effective device to reduce the over-pronation and allow the condition to heel. If you have usually high arches, which can also lead to plantar fasciitis, cushion the heel, absorb shock and wear proper footwear that will accommodate and comfort the foot. Other common treatments include stretching exercises, plantar fasciitis night splints, wearing shoes that have a cushioned heel to absorb shock, and elevating the heel with the use of a heel cradle or heel cup. Heel cradles and heel cups provide extra comfort, cushion the heel, and reduce the amount of shock and shear forces placed during everyday activities. Every time your foot strikes the ground, the plantar fascia is stretched. You can reduce the strain and stress on the plantar fascia by following these simple instructions: Avoid running on hard or uneven ground, lose any excess weight, and wear shoes and orthotics that support your arch to prevent over-stretching of the plantar fascia. A custom-fitted insole will solve and prevent the problem!! ACHILLES TENDONITIS Achilles tendonitis causes inflammation of the achilles tendon. The achilles tendon is the large tendon that runs down the back of your calf and attaches to your heel. The pain from achilles tendonitis can be a shooting, burning, or an extremely piercing pain. It should not be ignored as it can lead to injury like a tear or rupture. Usually athletes or people that spend most time on their feet are prone to achilles tendonitis.The pain usually lessens with activity. What causes achilles tendonitis? Over pronation is the most cause. Over-pronation occurs when the foot flattens due to the normal transfer of weight. The excessive flattening of the foot adds stress to the achilles tendon. How do you treat it? Individuals with tendonitis symptoms should employ a proper stretching regimen before engaging in any rigorous activity. Depending on the severity of pain, sufferers should decrease the intensity of the activity, apply ice after the activity, and avoid any uphill climbs. Tendonitis vicitims should use an orthotic device, heel cup, or heel cradle for extra support. A heel cup or heel cradle elevates the heel to reduce stress and pressure on the achilles tendon. The device should be made with light-weight, shock absorbing materials. An orthotic device can be used to control flat-footedness, support the arch, and reduce stress on the achilles tendon. A custom-fitted insole will solve and prevent the problem.                 Home || Contact us || Who we are || Our Office