Conditions of the Foot
Foot:
Your foot is very complex and extremely functional. It maintains the balance of the leg and body and acts as a lever that stabilizes and lifts your body’s weight in order to move forward. Most foot problems occur as a result of mistreatment, such as wearing shoes that lack the proper cushioning. Neuroma: A pinched nerve occurring at the ball of the foot often between the ends of two bones or between a ligament and the end of a bone. A dull or sharp pain in the ball of the foot is the most common symptom of a neuroma, which is caused by tight or high-heeled shoes or repeated blows to the ball of the foot.
Metatarsalgia:An acute or chronic pain in the ball of the foot where the ends of the metatarsal bones are located, resulting in pain in the ball of the foot. You may feel as if you are standing on a stone. Caused by standing or walking on hard surfaces for long periods of time, wearing high-heeled shoes with thin soles, or any pressure on the ball of the foot.
Heel Pain / Heel Spurs:A bone outgrowth on the plantar aspect of the heel bone, resulting in a sharp pain on the bottom or inside edge of the heel. A dull ache may be present after standing on a hard surface for any length of time or after running.
Diabetic Foot:Commonly due to nerve damage, which can lead to lessened or complete loss of feeling in the foot. This insensitivity can lead to minor injuries such as scrapes, blisters, calluses and pressure sores. Since poor circulation impairs the healing process, more serious complications can occur if left untreated.
Fat Pad Atrophy:Occurs in the metatarsal area of the foot or in the heel when the fat pad that serves as a natural cushion for the foot thins out.
Shin Splints:An inflammatory condition of the front part of the shin that results from repeated stress and overuse. Pain is commonly felt along the front and the outer muscles of the shin. Overuse causes damage or injury to the tendon and adjacent tissues and muscles in the front of the lower leg. Running on hard surfaces or inclines, tight calf muscles and pronated ankles (ankles rolled in) can lead to this condition.
Plantar Fasciitis:Caused by repetitive strain and is the most common cause of localized heel pain. It is an inflammation of the plantar fascia, a ligament structure that supports the longitudinal arch of the foot. It is a tough, fibrous band of connective tissue that runs from the heel bone to the ball of the foot. Common symptoms include a dull, intermittent pain in the heel or arch, progressing to a sharp, persistent pain. It can also be a sharp, piercing pain and/or inflammation through the heel and foot that most often occurs first thing in the morning and gradually disappears with walking.
Your foot is very complex and extremely functional. It maintains the balance of the leg and body and acts as a lever that stabilizes and lifts your body’s weight in order to move forward. Most foot problems occur as a result of mistreatment, such as wearing shoes that lack the proper cushioning. Neuroma: A pinched nerve occurring at the ball of the foot often between the ends of two bones or between a ligament and the end of a bone. A dull or sharp pain in the ball of the foot is the most common symptom of a neuroma, which is caused by tight or high-heeled shoes or repeated blows to the ball of the foot.
Metatarsalgia:An acute or chronic pain in the ball of the foot where the ends of the metatarsal bones are located, resulting in pain in the ball of the foot. You may feel as if you are standing on a stone. Caused by standing or walking on hard surfaces for long periods of time, wearing high-heeled shoes with thin soles, or any pressure on the ball of the foot.
Heel Pain / Heel Spurs:A bone outgrowth on the plantar aspect of the heel bone, resulting in a sharp pain on the bottom or inside edge of the heel. A dull ache may be present after standing on a hard surface for any length of time or after running.
Diabetic Foot:Commonly due to nerve damage, which can lead to lessened or complete loss of feeling in the foot. This insensitivity can lead to minor injuries such as scrapes, blisters, calluses and pressure sores. Since poor circulation impairs the healing process, more serious complications can occur if left untreated.
Fat Pad Atrophy:Occurs in the metatarsal area of the foot or in the heel when the fat pad that serves as a natural cushion for the foot thins out.
Shin Splints:An inflammatory condition of the front part of the shin that results from repeated stress and overuse. Pain is commonly felt along the front and the outer muscles of the shin. Overuse causes damage or injury to the tendon and adjacent tissues and muscles in the front of the lower leg. Running on hard surfaces or inclines, tight calf muscles and pronated ankles (ankles rolled in) can lead to this condition.
Plantar Fasciitis:Caused by repetitive strain and is the most common cause of localized heel pain. It is an inflammation of the plantar fascia, a ligament structure that supports the longitudinal arch of the foot. It is a tough, fibrous band of connective tissue that runs from the heel bone to the ball of the foot. Common symptoms include a dull, intermittent pain in the heel or arch, progressing to a sharp, persistent pain. It can also be a sharp, piercing pain and/or inflammation through the heel and foot that most often occurs first thing in the morning and gradually disappears with walking.
