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Neuroma
Neuromas are 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 poorly-fitting shoes or abnormal bone structure can create the condition as well. Treatments include special shoes or inserts and/or cortisone injections, but surgical removal of the growth is sometimes necessary.
Neuropathy
The loss of the feeling of pain, heat, and cold in the feet. Frostbite is a common cause of this condition; if left alone, neuropathy can lead to serious infection.
Plantar Fascitis (Heel Pain)
Plantar fasciitis is caused by inflammation of the connective tissue that stretches from the base of the toes, across the arch of the foot, to the point at which it inserts into the heel bone. Also called “heel spur syndrome,” the condition can usually be successfully treated with conservative measures such as use of anti-inflammatory medications and ice packs, stretching exercises, orthotic devices, and physical therapy.
Seasmoiditis
Inflammation or rupture of the two small bones (sesamoids) under the first metatarsal bones. Proper shoe selection and orthotics can help.
Pain on 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 orthotics (shoe inserts) for pronation can help prevent shin splints.
Smelly Feet
The interaction between your perspiration and the bacteria that thrive in your shoes and socks generates the odor. Therefore, any attempt to reduce foot odor has to address both your sweating and your footwear. Smelly feet can also be caused by an inherited condition called hyperhidrosis, or excessive sweating, which primarily affects men. Stress, some medications, fluid intake and hormonal changes also can increase the amount of perspiration your body produces.
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.
Swelling
Swelling of the feet, ankles and legs, also called edema, is often caused by an abnormal build-up of fluids in ankle and leg tissues. Painless swelling of the feet and ankles is a common problem, particularly in older people. It may affect both legs and may include the calves or even the thighs. Because of the effect of gravity, swelling is particularly noticeable in the lower legs.
Ulcers
Ulcers are skin wounds that are slow to heal and are classified in four stages, according to which layers of skin are broken through. As prominent metatarsal heads on the plantar or bottom of the foot are subjected to increased pressure, the skin begins to become callused. The callused skin can be subjected to shear forces that cause a separation between the layers of the skin, which fill with fluid and become contaminated and infected. The result is a foot ulcer.
Warts
Most foot warts are harmless, even though they may be painful. They are often mistaken for corns or calluses – which are layers of dead skin that build up to protect an area which is being continuously irritated. A wart, however, is a viral infection. Plantar warts are one of several soft tissue conditions of the foot that can be quite painful. They are caused by a virus, which generally invades the skin through small or invisible cuts and abrasions. They can appear anywhere on the skin, but, technically, only those on the sole are properly called plantar warts.
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.