Foot Problems

• Acquired from improper footwear, physical stress, or small mechanical changes within the foot.
• Arthritic foot problems, which typically involve one or more joint.
• Congenital foot problems, which occur at birth, are generally inherited.
• Infectious foot problems, which are caused by bacterial, viral, or fungal disorders.
• Neoplastic disorders, usually called tumors, which are the result of abnormal growth of tissue and may be benign or malignant.
• Traumatic foot problems, which are associated with foot and ankle injuries.

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• Bunions - misaligned big toe joints that can become swollen and tender, causing the first joint of the big toe to slant outward, and the second joint to angle toward the other toes. Bunions tend to be hereditary, but can be aggravated by shoes that are too narrow in the forefoot and toe. Surgery is frequently performed to correct the problem.
  
  
• Hammertoe - a condition, usually stemming from muscle imbalance, in which the toe is bent in a claw-like position. It occurs most frequently with the second toe, often when a bunion slants the big toe toward and under it, but any of the other three smaller toes can be affected. Selecting shoes and socks that do not cramp the toes will alleviate aggravation.
  
  
• Heel spurs - growths of bone on the underside, forepart of the heel bone. Heel spurs occur when the plantar tendon pulls at its attachment to the heel bone. This area of the heel can later calcify to form a spur. With proper warm-up and the use of appropriate athletic shoes, strain to the ligament can be reduced.
  
  
• Ingrown nails - toenails whose corners or sides dig painfully into the skin. Ingrown toenails are frequently caused by improper nail trimming, but also by shoe pressure, injury, fungus infection, heredity and poor foot structure. Women are much more likely to have ingrown toenails than men. Ingrown nails can be prevented by trimming toenails straight across, selecting proper shoe style and size - not too tapered or shallow - and paying special attention to foot pain.
  
  

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• Neuromas - enlarged benign growths of nerves, most commonly between the third and fourth toes. They are caused by tissue rubbing against and irritating the nerves. Pressure from ill-fitting shoes or abnormal bone structure can also lead to this condition. Treatments include orthoses (shoe inserts) and/or cortisone injections, but surgical removal of the growth is sometimes necessary.
• Plantar fasciitis (heel pain) - usually caused by an inflammation on the bottom of the foot. Our practice can evaluate arch pain, and may prescribe customized shoe inserts called orthoses to help alleviate the pain.
  
  
• Sesamoiditis - inflammation or rupture of the two small bones (sesamoids) under the first metatarsal bones. Proper shoe selection and orthoses can help.
  
  
• Shin splints - pain to either side of the leg bone, caused by muscle or tendon inflammation. It is commonly related to excessive foot pronation (collapsing arch), but may be related to a muscle imbalance between opposing muscle groups in the leg. Proper stretching and corrective orthoses (shoe inserts) for pronation can help prevent shin splints.
  
  
• Stress fractures -incomplete cracks in bone caused by overuse. With complete rest, stress fractures heal quickly. Extra padding in shoes helps prevent the condition. Stress fractures left untreated may become complete fractures, which require casting and immobilization.
  

Library for Foot Problems:

• Neuromas   
  Description: This article describes the very common foot problem, neuromas.
• Gout   
  Description: This article explains the causes and treatment options for someone dealing with Gout.
• Warts   
  Description: This article explains a very common foot problem called warts.
• Peroneal Tendon Dislocation/Dysfunction   
  Description: This article describes a sports related injury to the tendons in the foot.
• Claw Toe   
  Description: This article explains a condition which is most likely caused by diabetes and alcohol.
• Tarsal Coalition   
  Description: This article describes the condition where motion is restricted in the foot.
• Chronic Lateral Ankle Pain   
  Description: This condition causes pain on the outside of the ankle due to ankle injury.
• Metatarsalgia (foot pain in ball)   
  Description: This condition inflicts pain on the bones in the foot.
• Plantar Fibromas (lumps in the arch of the foot)   
  Description: This article explains a condition where lumps grow under the skin.
• Xanthomas of the Achilles Tendon   
  Description: This article describes a condition where high cholesterol causes pain in the feet.

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Frequent Questions for Foot Problems:

• Is it normal to experience foot pain?
• Is the medication used to treat nail fungus damaging to my liver?
• What causes toenail fungus?

• How will diabetes effect my feet?

• Does Family Foot & Ankle Specialists treat children with foot problems?
• What are orthotics?
• What causes Achilles Tendonitis?
• What does the treatment plan for achilles tendonitis include?
• What is a neuroma?

Videos about Foot Problems:

• Bunion Surgery Piscataway Podiatrist Hillsborough Podiatrist NJ Podiatrist
• Foot Neuromas
• Plantar Fasciittis
• Dr. Waters discusses foot surgery

Web Resources for Foot Problems:

• Podiatry Channel

  Description: This link offers in depth answers to any of your podiatrist questions.

• Barefoot Running

  Description: This is an interesting blog about a new controversial topic, barefoot running.  Learn all about barefoot running through this blog and the associated risks.  Some question whether this will cause foot pain or foot damage. 

• Plantar Fasciitis

  Description: Dr. Wishnie discusses heel pain in this video.

• The New York Times; a collection of articles on feet

  Description: This link provides you with the latest and greatest updates on your feet.  Be the first to learn the newest technologies, trends, and services for your feet.

• Diabetic Foot Tips

  Description: Dr. Dana Waters discusses how a diabetic should care for their feet.

• Ankle Sprains

  Description: Dr. Amit Shah discusses ankle sprains in this video.

• Sports Medicine

  Description: Dr. Wishnie discusses athletic foot care in this video.

• Bunion Surgery

  Description: A real live patient discusses their experience with bunion surgery.

• Podiatric Surgery

  Description: Dr. Dana Waters discusses foot surgery in this video.

• You Do Not Have to Live with Heel Pain

  Description: This blog explains the causes and treatment options for the millions of people suffering from heel pain.

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The Doctors of Family Foot & Ankle Specialists have written three books that they offer for FREE!  Got Feet?, You Do Not Have To Suffer With Heel Pain, and The Truth About Diabetes and Your Feet.   Click here to have your FREE copy mailed right to your door!