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Common Foot Problems
Do you suspect you may one of the most common foot problems? Do you have nail fungus, ingrown toenails, athletes foot, warts, bunions, hammertoe, Corns and Calluses, Plantar Fasciitis, Neuroma or Heel Spurs?
Fungal Nails
Discolored toenails. Infection can spread to other nails. Fungal infection can be picked up in damp areas like swimming pools and locker rooms. Clean, dry feet help prevent it. Treatments are topical and oral antifungal medications and, in severe cases, surgery to remove the nail.
Ingrown Toenails
Nails whose corners or sides dig painfully into skin, often causing infection. Can be caused by improper nail trimming, pressure from shoes that are too small, injury, fungus infection, heredity, and poor foot structure. Trim toenails straight across to prevent problems. Soak the foot in soapy water, apply antiseptic, and bandage. Wear well-fitting shoes. If a toenail is painful or infected, the doctor may remove the ingrown portion.
Athlete's Foot
A skin disease that can spread from the feet to other parts of the body and is caused by fungus. This disease doesn't typically spread from person to person. Signs are dry, scaly skin; itching; inflammation; and blisters. Athlete's foot can be prevented by daily washing with soap and water, drying feet, changing sweaty shoes and hose and socks regularly, and wearing shoes or sandals in public environments like the locker room or pool.
Warts
Caused by a virus that enters the skin through small cuts and infects the skin. Children tend to be more susceptible than adults. Most warts are harmless, though they can be unsightly and painful. They can be caused by walking barefoot on dirty ground. Treatments include over-the-counter and prescription topical acids, and laser or surgical removal.
Bunions
Misaligned big toe joints that can become swollen and tender. The first joint of the big toe slants outward, angling the big toe toward other toes. Bunions tend to run in families, but can be aggravated by tight shoes. Conservative treatment includes padding, choosing shoes with wide toe box, and orthotic devices. Pain medicines and surgery to relieve pain may be needed in severe cases, but should not be done for cosmetic purposes.
Hammertoes
The toes are bent like a claw. This condition occurs most frequently with the second toe because of bunion slanting. It can be caused by muscle imbalance or can be made worse by tight shoes or tight socks. Pain medicine or orthotic devices may help. Surgery may be needed to realign toes.
Blisters
Caused by skin friction, especially from poorly fitting shoes. A band-aid should be worn until the blister heals, and socks should be worn with shoes. If the blister breaks, it should be washed, and an antiseptic and sterile bandage applied. It shouldn't be popped. It should be drained only by a professional.
Corns and Calluses
Protective layers of dead skin cells. Calluses appear on the soles of the feet, and corns appear on top of toes. They are caused by friction from skin rubbing and shoes. Pain may be relieved by moleskin or padding. They should never be cut with an instrument.
Plantar Fasciitis
Stretching or tearing of the plantar fascia, which runs along the bottom of the foot and supports the arch of the foot. Heel pads, pain medicines, or cortisone injections may help. Other conservative care includes splinting, stretching, avoiding walking barefoot, and physical therapy. Shock wave treatments use shock wave energy to relieve inflammation and are an alternative to surgery.
Neuroma
Enlarged benign growths of nerves, most commonly between the third and fourth toes. This nerve condition is caused by bones rubbing against and irritating the nerves. It is also caused by abnormal bone structure or pressure from poorly fitting shoes. It may cause pain, burning, or numbness between toes and in the ball of the foot. Treatment includes padding, taping, orthotic devices, and cortisone injections. Sometimes, surgical removal is required.
Heel Spurs
Calcium growths on the underside of the foot bones often associated with plantar fasciitis. Pain may occur if there is inflammation. Treatments range from exercise and custom-made orthotics to anti-inflammatory medication.
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