Common Foot Problems

Bunions

A bunion is one of the most common big-toe problems. It is a bony bump, usually near the joint at the bottom of the big toe. Some people develop a bunion due to injury but most likely they are from improper foot mechanics. Shoe changes, shoe-inserts or even surgery may be needed to correct bunions.

Pressure Ulcers

Pressure ulcers are sores that occur on the foot or ankle when pressure cuts off the blood supply to the skin. If not treated, infection may get into the bloodstream or bone and your life or limb may be at risk. Ulcers usually develop as red ‘hot’ spots or callus on the skin. If the callus continues pressing the skin, ulcers can develop. See your podiatrist with any questionable skin conditions – especially if you are a diabetic or have numbness in your feet.

Neuroma

A thickening of the outer cover of a nerve, usually caused by the irritation of two bones in the foot rubbing together. You may experience a burning, tingling, cramping or numbness when walking or standing for a long time, causing you to remove your shoe and rub the foot. Shoe inserts, physical therapy, medication, shoe changes and sometimes surgery is needed to correct this problem.

Ganglion

A ganglion is a fluid-filled swelling of the lining of a joint or tendon. They usually are found on the ankle or on the top of the foot. They tend to change size and grow very slowly. Irritation to the foot from some shoes or bony spurs can cause ganglions. If the ganglion puts pressure on nerves, it can also cause tingling, numbness or pain. Padding, fluid removal, ice, or surgery may be needed to correct ganglions.

Hammer Toes

Hammer toes are little toes that curl under or buckle. Over time, they may hurt and make movement more difficult. Sometimes corns or hard tissue can develop over the toes due to shoe pressure. Padding, softer-wider shoes, or surgery is sometimes needed for painful hammertoes.

Fungal Problems

Are your nails turning colors, becoming thick or brittle or flaky? Is your skin itching or cracking between the toes? You may have athletes’ foot fungus. Good hygiene and anti-fungal medicines have shown progress, but sometimes you may need to consult your podiatrist for prescription medicines or treatments to correct this infection.

Corns and Calluses

Corns and calluses are your body’s response to friction or pressure against the skin. If your foot rubs inside the shoe, the area of the skin thickens. Severe corns and calluses may become infected. Your podiatrist may recommend padding, different shoes, shoe inserts, medication, trimming or even surgery.

Warts

A wart is an infection caused by a virus, which can invade the skin through small cuts or breaks. Over time the wart develops into a hard, rough growth on the skin. A wart on the bottom of the foot is called the plantar wart. Warts may have tiny brown or black spots; appear alone or in groups. They can be mistaken for calluses. If left untreated, they can spread to other parts of the foot or other areas of the body. Medicine, padding, or surgery may be needed.

Ankle Sprains/Fractures

When we fall and injure our ankle, we may either partially or fully tear ligaments that hold the ankle together, or break the two bones of the ankle. The outside of the ankle is the more easily injured part and most often needs the medical care. This may include braces, casting or even surgery to repair the damage. Always consult your podiatrist if you have any question about an injury.

Orthotics

Orthotics are arch supports or shoe inserts that are either over the counter or custom made to the exact shape of the foot and arch. They can relieve foot or arch pain and help to control conditions such are arch pain, ankle pain, low back pain, shin splints and assorted foot deformities. Your podiatrist can evaluate your feet and recommend the proper support for you.

Your Childs Feet

Having strong, healthy feet allows your child to walk, run and play. If your child’s feet form correctly, certain types of back and leg pain can be avoided later in life. Your doctor can make sure that your child is walking right. This helps prevent some future foot problems. If a problem does arise, it can be handled early – when it is easiest to treat.

Flat Feet

The arch of your foot is its main supportive structure. If this arch loses strength, the bony framework begins to collapse, causing your foot to collapse. Like a sagging bridge, the weakness in the middle strains the joints at both ends of the feet. Your podiatrist does a complete examination of your foot, including a gait analysis to observe the movement and stability of your legs and feet as you walk.

Diabetes

Managing diabetes in a life full of other responsibilities is challenging and demanding. Learning to manage your diabetes may reduce your risk for complications while promoting a healthy lifestyle. A podiatrist is involved with the early diagnosis and treatment of a diabetic, as well as the total care of a diabetic after diagnosis. Consult a podiatrist with any question as to the condition of your feet.

Leg Pain

Do you experience leg that feels like a cramp or an ache in the calf, buttock, or thigh that occurs when you walk or exercise, and stops when you rest? You may have a circulatory disorder that can easily be treated with medication and/or exercise. Talk to your podiatrist or family physician to determine how best to treat this condition.

Dr Barbour's office accepts all HMO & PPO Insurance Plans, Medicare/Medicaid Assignment, and Workmen’s Comp.

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"When our feet hurt, we hurt all over"

-Socrates

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