Rheumatoid arthritis (RA), an autoimmune condition that causes painful inflammation and swelling of the joints, often affects the feet and ankles, and can worsen due to obesity.
Corns on the feet are generally small, hardened areas of skin that can cause severe pain and discomfort. They develop as a result of excessive friction and can be caused by wearing shoes that do not fit correctly.
Plantar warts are small growths on the foot’s sole that grow because of the human papillomavirus (HPV). The HPV virus that usually causes plantar warts is contagious and thrives in warm moist environments.
Flat feet is a condition in which the arch, the curved middle part of the bottom of the foot, is absent or has collapsed. The lack of an arch causes the entire sole of the foot to make direct contact with the ground when walking or standing.
Juvenile plantar dermatosis is a condition that affects mainly pre-adolescents and causes chronic dry skin on the bottom of the feet. This condition is caused by repetitive friction on the feet from ill-fitting or covered shoes, excessive sweating,...
Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is a condition that causes poor circulation in the lower limbs due to blockages in the blood vessels that supply blood to this area. There are a variety of diagnostic tests that a doctor may use to diagnose you with PAD.
Exercising and stretching the feet is important for maintaining foot health. There are several different exercises that can help strengthen the feet. Weaving your fingers between each of your toes, ...
The sesamoids are bones that are embedded in a tendon. They are found in several joints in the body. Within the feet, sesamoid bones are located in the ball of the foot, beneath the big toe joint.
People who are interested in helping patients with abnormalities of the foot and ankle may want to pursue a career in podiatry.
If you are a runner or know any runners, then you are likely no stranger to running injuries.
A fungal nail infection, also known as onychomycosis, is a common condition that affects up to 10% of all Americans. There are several risk factors for developing this condition.
Poor circulation refers to inadequate blood flow to a part of the body. Poor circulation to the legs and feet is particularly concerning as it can lead to serious medical complications,...
A corn is a thick layer of skin that forms due to excess pressure and friction. They work as the body’s mechanism for protection of the skin.
When we think of rheumatoid arthritis, an autoimmune disease that causes pain, stiffness, and inflammation of the joints, we often think of the elderly. However, rheumatoid arthritis can affect people at any age.
Flat feet is a condition when the arch, the curved part of the sole of your foot, touches the floor when you stand. Flat feet typically occur due to the foot not developing properly during childhood.
While flip-flops are commonly worn in the summer, over-wearing them can cause potential problems for the feet. Due to the lack of support flip-flops provide, the toes often over-grip the shoe, which can lead to multiple foot conditions.
Some people may experience a condition that is referred to as plantar hyperhidrosis. This ailment causes the feet to sweat excessively and can cause discomfort and embarrassment.
A common injury among athletes is an ankle sprain. There are several types of ankle sprains that can occur.
The pain that is experienced by patients who have endured an Achilles tendon injury can be debilitating. It can occur as a result of participating in running and jumping activities, or from not warming up before beginning a run.
The noticeable symptoms of a broken toe often include bruising, swelling, and redness. In severe cases, the affected toe may appear deformed, and surgery may be required for complete healing.
Foot wounds are serious conditions that can develop in diabetic patients. People who have diabetes may have difficulty in feeling if there are cuts on their feet, which can develop into foot ulcers.
There are many people who wear shoes that do not fit correctly, and may subsequently experience uncomfortable foot conditions. Some of the conditions that may occur when the wrong size shoes are worn can include ankle injuries, bunions, and hammertoe.
Diabetic patients have been known to deal with various foot conditions. One common foot issue that may develop due to diabetes is poor circulation. When the feet do not receive a proper amount of blood flow, it’s likely neuropathy may develop.
Research has shown that newborn babies wiggle their toes and stretch their feet, and it is suggested to place blankets loosely over their feet as often as possible. Additionally, when walking begins,...
People who have diabetes often have diabetic neuropathy. This is a common condition among these types of patients, and it generally occurs from high blood sugar levels or an inflammation of the autoimmune system.
Patients who have experienced an ingrown toenail often notice that their toe may become red and swollen. This condition occurs as a result of the outer edges of the toenail growing into the surrounding skin.
The uncomfortable condition that is known as cracked heels comes from excessively dry skin. It typically affects the outer edges of the heel, and can cause deep cracks to form.
If you have a corn that has formed between the toes, you are most likely familiar with the pain and discomfort this condition may cause.
Those who are living with diabetes may be more likely to experience poor circulation in their feet. Poor circulation can lead to a number of foot complications including neuropathy and peripheral artery disease.
Research has indicated that the amount of sleep runners get may be linked to possibly preventing running injuries. Sleep helps the body to maintain strength, and may be connected to the minimization of stress the muscles and joints endure while running.
A heel spur may occur when a calcium deposit develops between the arch of the foot and the heel. A common symptom of a heel spur often includes a sharp, intense pain when standing up in the morning.
A common type of wound that many diabetic patients contend with is known as a foot ulcer. It typically develops on the sole of the foot, and can become infected if it is not promptly treated.
Research has indicated that foot pain may increase in obese patients. This can be a result of added pressure that the plantar fascia must endure.
The time one takes to care for the feet daily is possibly connected to preventing specific foot conditions from developing. It is beneficial to wear shoes that fit correctly, and they must provide adequate room for the toes to move freely in.
Gout is a form of arthritis that is caused by a buildup of uric acid crystals in the joints. This considered to be one of the most frequently recorded medical illnesses throughout history.
Running injuries can be painful when they happen, and they can be difficult to treat. Research has indicated there are methods that may prevent running injuries from occurring in the first place.
When children’s feet are cared for as infants and toddlers, it may prevent uncomfortable foot conditions from developing as they get older. It is beneficial to wash your child’s feet everyday, and it is important to pay extra attention between the toes.
People who experience poor circulation in the feet often have similar symptoms. These can include a tingling and numbing sensation, extreme fatigue, and the feet may feel cold. Some patients also notice swelling in their feet,...
When it comes to barefoot running, the consequence is in the amount rather than the activity itself.
Many people experience heel pain, which can originate for several reasons. Achilles tendinitis occurs when the pain is felt behind the heel, and it may also be noticed on the outer or inner part of the heel.
Foot wounds are described as deep tissue being exposed on the feet when the outer skin is damaged. Wounds are also referred to as ulcers. Some groups of people are more susceptible to having wounds on the feet than others.
The condition that is referred to as cracked heels often occurs when the skin on the heels becomes dry.
A bunion signifies a structural bone disorder within the foot. You may notice a bunion if there is a bump at the base of the big toe, or a “tailor’s bunion” if there is a bump at the bottom of the little toe.
Many people who enjoy the sport of running have realized the importance of properly stretching and preparing before engaging in running activities. This may help to prevent running injuries from occurring.
MLS Laser Therapy is a relatively new treatment option that may help to reduce pain and calm inflammation. This type of laser therapy is able to dive deeply into nerves and surrounding tissues.
Many runners are familiar with the pain and discomfort that blisters on the feet can bring. They are typically caused by friction as a result of wearing poorly fitting shoes, or non-absorbent socks.
Research has indicated that flip flops may be damaging to your feet, and may negatively affect the overall health of the body. There are several foot conditions that can develop from wearing this type of shoe.
The Achilles tendon is considered to be the largest tendon in the body. Its function is to connect the heel to the calf muscles, and it is important for this tendon to maintain its flexibility and strength.
Many foot diseases and conditions become more serious and common among the elderly. Some of these conditions include diabetic ulcers, ingrown toenails, fungus, arthritis, corns, and calluses.
