A – L
The Achilles tendon is the largest tendon in the human body and can withstand forces of 1,000 pounds or more. But it also the most frequently ruptured tendon. Both professional and weekend athletes can suffer from Achilles tendinitis, a common overuse injury and inflammation of the tendon.
Ankle sprains are caused by an unnatural twisting or force on the ankle bones of the foot, often resulting in one or more ligaments on the outside of the ankle to be stretched or torn. If not properly treated, ankle sprains could develop into long-term problems.
Arthritis
Arthritis is a disabling and occasionally crippling disease afflicting almost 40 million Americans. In some forms, it appears to be hereditary. While the prevalence of arthritis increases with age, all people from infancy to middle age are potential victims. People over 50 are the primary targets. It is inflammation and swelling of the cartilage and lining of the joints, generally accompanied by an increase in the fluid in the joints.
Athlete’s Foot
Athlete’s Foot is a skin disease caused by a fungus, usually occurring between the toes. The fungus attacks the feet because shoes create a warm, dark, and humid environment that encourages fungus growth. Symptoms of Athlete’s Foot 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.
Blisters
Most blisters are caused by friction or minor burns and do not require medical attention. New skin will form underneath the affected area and the fluid is simply absorbed. You can soothe ordinary blisters with vitamin E ointment or an aloe-based cream.
Bone Spurs
A bone spur is an overgrowth of bone as a result of pressure, trauma, or stress of a ligament or tendon. The growth can cause pain and restrict motion of a joint, depending upon the location and size of the spur. They may be located under the toenail, causing pain and deformity.
Bunion
More than half the women in America have bunions, a common deformity often blamed on wearing tight, narrow shoes. Bunions cause the base of your big toe (Metatarsophalangeal Joint) to enlarge and protrude. The skin over it may be red and tender. Wearing any type of shoe may be painful. This joint flexes with every step you take. The bigger your bunion gets, the more it hurts to walk. Bursitis may set in. Your big toe may angle toward your second toe, or even move all the way under it. The skin on the bottom of your foot may become thicker and painful.
Calluses
A callus is an area of hard, thickened skin that can occur across the ball of the foot, on the heel, or on the outer side of the big toe. While many consider them a skin problem, they actually are systemic of a problem with the bone.
Corns
Corns are calluses that form on the toes because the bones push up against the shoe and put pressure on the skin. The surface layer of the skin thickens and builds up, irritating the tissues underneath. Hard corns are usually located on the top of the toe or on the side of the small toe. Soft corns resemble open sores and develop between the toes as they rub against each other.
Cysts
Cysts are fluid filled masses under the skin. Common cysts of the feet include synovial cysts, ganglia and cutaneous mucoid cysts. Occasionally they may be found in or on tendons or bones. The synovial or ganglionic cysts, connected to a nearby joint or tendon, are harder to treat.
Fallen Arches (Flat Feet)
Lower than normal or even non-existent arches can create further foot problem, even leading to disability with advancing age and increased inactivity.
Fungus
Athlete’s foot and fungal nails are the most common types of foot fungus. The fungus usually attacks the feet because shoes create a warm, dark, and humid environment which encourages fungus growth. The warmth and dampness of areas around swimming pools, showers, and locker rooms, are also breeding grounds for fungi. Other conditions, such as malfunctions of the sweat mechanism, reaction to dyes or adhesives in shoes, eczema, and psoriasis, also may mimic Athlete’s foot.
Gangrene
Gangrene usually occurs after the blood supply to your foot is lost. Bacterial infections of open sores or ulcers also can lead to gangrene. Diabetics are most prone to foot gangrene because they typically have poor circulation or nerve damage, which can lead to loss of blood supply. Diabetic neuropathy, or nerve loss, affects the nerves of the feet and legs, causing a diminished ability to perceive pain, excessive heat, cold, vibration, or excessive pressure.
Gout
Gout is a condition caused by a buildup of the salts of uric acid – a normal byproduct of the diet in the joints. A single big toe joint is commonly the affected area, possibly because it is subject to so much pressure in walking. Attacks of gouty arthritis are extremely painful, perhaps more so than any other form of arthritis. Men are much more likely to be afflicted than women. Some research suggests that diets heavy in red meat, rich sauces, shellfish, and brandy are popularly associated with gout. However, other protein compounds in foods such as lentils and beans may play a role.
Hammertoe
Hammertoe is a deformity of the second, third or fourth toes. In this condition, the toe is bent at the middle joint, resembling a hammer. Left untreated, hammertoes can become inflexible and require surgery. People with hammertoe may have cornsor calluses on the top of the middle joint of the toe or on the tip of the toe. They may also feel pain in their toes or feet and have difficulty finding comfortable shoes.
Ingrown Nails
Ingrown nails are nails whose corners or sides dig painfully into the skin, often causing infection. They are frequently caused by improper nail trimming, but also by shoe pressure, injury, fungus infection, heredity, and poor foot structure.
Intoeing
Intoeing is a condition caused by the curving inward of the feet when walking or running. Young children normally outgrow this condition without special shoes.
Lesions
While most pigmented areas are nothing but freckles and moles, one kind of deadly pigmented lesion that can occur on the foot and lower extremity is malignant melanoma. Be watchful of any pigmented lesion that suddenly occurs or starts to change its appearance.
We take pride in providing you with a comfortable office experience at Alpine Foot. Our qualified staff is friendly and will ensure a pleasant visit. We look forward to providing you with an entirely new foot health experience.