CONDITIONS

A

Accessory Navicular Syndrome

The accessory navicular bone exists as an extra bone or piece of cartilage located on the inner side of the foot just above the arch. some people with this bone develop a painful condition known as accessory navicular syndrome when an injury aggravates the bone and/or posterior tibial tendon.

Achilles Tendon Rupture

The Achilles Tendon connects the back of the ankle to the calf. If your Achilles tendon ruptures, you may hear a popping sound, followed by a sharp pain in the back of your ankle that likely will affect your ability to walk properly. Surgeons often need to perform surgery to repair the rupture.

Acute Inflammation

Physicians define Acute inflammation as a short-term process that occurs in response to tissue injuries, usually appearing within minutes or hours. Characterized by five cardinal signs: redness, pain, immobility (loss of function), swelling and heat.

Adult Acquired Flatfoot

Adult acquired flatfoot (AAFD): a debilitating condition with complex pathology defined by the collapse of the medial longitudinal arch of the mid-foot with continued deformity of the foot and ankle that progresses over time.

Ankle Arthritis

Physicians define Arthritis as inflammation in one or more of the joints. It causes pain and stiffness in any joint in the body and commonly affects the small joints of the foot and ankle.

Ankle Fractures

The Ankle consists of many small and delicate bones and joints that have a high fracture risk. Most of these fractures heal on their own after conservative treatment, but some may require surgery.

Ankle Instability-Chronic

A condition characterized by a repeated giving-way of the outside of the ankle. This condition often develops after repeatedly spraining the ankle. Usually, the ankle giving-way occurs while walking or doing activities, but it can also occur when standing. Many athletes suffer from chronic ankle instability.

Ankle Sprain

An injury that occurs when the ankle rolls, twists, or turns too far.
This stretches or tears the tough ligaments that help keep the ankle bones together.
A sprained ankle can cause swelling, pain, and limited range of motion.
Many people can simply treat a sprained ankle at home with RICE: rest, ice, compression and elevation. Severe sprains may require medical attention.

Athlete’s Foot

A fungal infection that usually starts between the toes. Athlete’s foot commonly occurs in people whose feet sweat profusely while confined within tight-fitting shoes. Symptoms of athletes foot include a scaly rash that usually causes stinging, itching, and burning. People with athlete’s foot will usually have moist, raw skin between their toes.
Treatment involves topical medications.

B

Black Toenails

Black Toenails may suggest a fungal infection of the toenail. If the nail turns black after an injury, the toe may have turned black due to pooled blood under the nailbed.

Bone Infection 

Bone Infections, or Osteomyelitis, can reach a bone by traveling through the bloodstream or spreading into the bone from nearby tissues. Infections can also start in the bone itself if an injury exposes the bone to infection.

People with chronic health conditions and smokers, diabetics, or people with kidney failure, have a higher risk of developing osteomyelitis. People who have diabetes along with foot ulcers may develop osteomyelitis in their feet.

Brachymetatarsia

A condition in which one of the bones at the front of the foot is significantly shorter than the others. This usually affects both of the feet, and although it may affect any of the five toes, it most commonly affects the fourth toe.

Broken Ankle

The Ankle consists of many small and delicate bones and joints that have a high fracture risk. Most of these breaks heal on their own after conservative treatment, but some may require surgery.

Bunions

A large outward bump that forms on the joint at the base of the big toe.
A bunion forms when the big toe pushes against the toe next to it. Tight shoes, foot stress, and arthritis can cause bunions.
patients report bone deformity, pain, and stiffness as the main symptoms.

Bursitis

Inflammation of the fluid-filled sacs known as “bursae” that act as cushions to the joints.
Bursitis occurs most often at joints that repeat motions frequently.
Symptoms can include swelling, pain, and stiffness. Commonly affected areas include the knees, elbows, shoulders, and hips.
Treatments include ice, rest, and pain relievers.

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Calcaneal Apophysitis (Sever’s Disease)

Physicains define Calcaneal apophysitis as a painful inflammation of the heel’s growth plate. It typically only affects children between the ages of 8 and 14, as the heel bone, or “calcaneus”, has not fully developed until age 14. Calcaneal Apophysitis commonly causes heel pain in children.

Calcaneal Fractures

A fracture of the Calcaneal Bone, also known as the heel bone.

Calf Pain

Pain in the Calf muscle, the muscle on the back-side of the lower leg.

Callus

Thickened layers of skin, often on the hands or feet, where friction repeatedly occurs.

Capsulitis of the Second Toe

The Ligaments that surround the joint at the base of the second toe form what looks like a capsule, which helps the joint to function properly. Capsulitis causes these ligaments to inflame. Although capsulitis can also occur in the joints of the third or fourth toes, it affects the second toe most commonly.

Cavus Foot (High-Arched Foot)

Cavus foot occurs when the foot has a very high arch. Along with this high arch, an excessive amount of weight falls on the ball and heel of the foot when standing or walking. Cavus foot can lead to a variety of symptoms, such as instability and pain.

Charcot Foot

Charcot affects the joints, bones, and soft tissues of the foot and ankle. The bones weaken and eventually break, and the joints in the foot or ankle can dislocate. If not caught in its earliest stage, the joints in the foot and ankle collapse in on themselves and eventually deform the foot. A deformed foot can result in the development of  pressure sores.

Chronic Ankle Instability

A condition characterized by a recurring “giving-way” of the outer side of the ankle. This condition often develops after a patient repeatedly sprains the same ankle joint. Usually, the “giving-way” occurs while walking or doing other activities, but it can also happen while simply standing.

Clubfoot 

Pediatric Specialists know Clubfoot as a deformity in which an infant’s foot turns inward, often severely to the point that the bottom of the foot faces sideways or even upside down. Approximately one in every 1,000 live infant births will present with  clubfoot, making it one of the most common foot deformity birth defects.

Compartment Syndrome

A dangerous and painful condition caused by a buildup of pressure caused by internal bleeding or tissue swelling.
This pressure decreases the blood flow to the area, depriving tissues of their needed nourishment.
Symptoms may include tingling, severe pain, and weakness of the affected area.

Contact Dermatitis

A skin rash caused by coming into contact with an irritating substance.
The substance may simply irritate the skin and/or cause an allergic reaction. Some common culprits include cosmetics, soap, jewelry, fragrances, and poison ivy.
The main symptom involves developing a red rash wherever the skin came into contact with the irritant.

Corns

Corns, like calluses, consist of hardened layers of skin that develop when the skin attempts to protect itself against pressure and friction. They most often develop on the toes or hands.

COVID Toe

Some patients with the COVID-19 virus find that one or more of their toes turn red and inflame, sometimes with blisters or pus under the skin. 

Cracked Heels

A common foot problem. Surveys find that around 20 percent of adults in the United States will experience cracked skin on their feet. This can occur in patients of any age, and seems to affect women more than men. For most patients, having cracked heels does not present a serious problem. It sometimes causes discomfort when walking barefoot. In some cases, cracks in the heels can run deeper and cause pain.

Cyst-Ganglion

A noncancerous lump, often growing off of the joints or tendons of the wrists and hands. A ganglion cyst appears round, small, and usually does not cause pain. Although rare, a Ganglion Cyst can cause pain if it presses on a nerve. In some cases, the cyst can interfere with movement of the joint. A ganglion cyst often goes away on its own. If needed, a specailist can drain or remove the Cyst.

D

Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)

A blood clot that occurs inside a deep vein, usually inside the legs. Physicians consider this condition serious since blood clots can loosen and eventually get lodged in the lungs. Leg pain and swelling may occur, but DVT does not have to present any symptoms. Treatments include medications and wearing compression socks.

Dermatitis

Physicians use the term “Dermatitis” as a general term that describes skin irritation. Dermatitis affects many patients every year as very common condition that has many causes. It usually causes dry, itchy skin or a rashes on reddened, swollen skin.

Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy

A type of nerve damage that may occur alongside diabetes. This condition most often affects the legs and lower extremities. Some people only experience mild symptoms. Some patients experience painful, debilitating, and even fatal symptoms. Symptoms include numbness and pain in the legs. In the most severe cases, symptoms can include digestion issues, loss of bladder control, and issues controlling the heart rate. Treatment may include managing patients blood sugar and using medications to control symptoms.

Drop Foot

A general physician term for difficulty lifting the front part of the foot, sometimes called drop foot. This suggests a deeper neurological issue.

E

Eczema of the Foot

Dyshidrotic Eczema causes small, itchy blisters on the hands,  feet and edges of the fingers and toes. While physicians do not know the actual cause of dyshidrotic eczema, it appears more often in people who already have another form of eczema and tends to run in families, suggesting a genetic reason.

Equinus

A condition in which the ankle joint has a limited ability to bend in an upward motion. Someone with equinus lacks the flexibility to bring the top of the foot back towards the shin bone. Equinus can occur in either one or both feet.

F

Fallen Arches

A condition of the foot in which the entire sole touches the floor when standing. Flat feet can develop during childhood if the arches of the feet fail to develop properly after an injury, or from the wear and tear. Most patients do not show symptoms associated with flat feet, but some patients with flat feet experience foot pain, particularly in the arch or heel. For painful flat feet, treatments can include stretching, shoes with arch supports, or a structurally supportive shoe.

Fifth Metatarsal Fracture

Fifth metatarsal fractures commonly occur as foot injuries. The fifth metatarsal connects the little toe to the rest of the foot through the long bone on the outside of the foot.

Fracture-Ankle 

The Ankle consists of many small and delicate bones and joints that have a high fracture risk. Most of these fractures heal on their own after conservative treatment, but some may require surgery.

Frostbite

A condition in which skin and the tissue freeze below the skin. Frostbite mostly affects exposed body parts such as the extremities (fingers and toes). During frostbite, the skin gets cold, then numb, hard, and pale. Mild cases can recover with gradual warming. Severe cases require medical attention to prevent complications, and sometimes amputation.

Fungal Nails

Black Toenails may suggest a fungal infection of the toenail. If the nail turns black after an injury, the toe may have turned black due to pooled blood under the nailbed.

G

Gangrene

Dead tissue killed by an infection or lack of blood flow to the area. Tissue death often occurs in the fingers, toes or skin from loss of blood supply. The condition often affects fingers, toes, and limbs, but can also sometimes affect muscles and organs. Symptoms include severe pain followed by numbness, discolored skin, and foul discharge. Gangrene requires urgent medical care. Treatment includes removing the dead tissue and applying antibiotics.

Gout

A form of arthritis that causes severe pain, redness, and tenderness in the joints. When too much uric acid crystallizes and deposits in the joints, inflammation and pain occur.

H

Haglund’s Deformity

Foot and Ankle Specialists define Haglund’s deformity as a specific abnormality of the bone and soft tissues in the foot. An enlargement of the bony section of the heel around the achilles tendon triggers this condition. When the large, bony lump rubs against rigid shoes, it can irritate the soft tissue near the back of the heel.

Hallux Rigidus

A disorder of the joint located at the base of the big toe. It causes pain and stiffness, and with time it gets increasingly harder to bend the toe. The word “Hallux” refers to the big toe, while “Rigidus” indicates that the toe cannot move.

Hammertoe

A foot condition where a toe’s middle joint bends in the middle to an abnormal amount. A hammer toe usually occurs from wearing high heeled shoes or shoes with narrow toe. It often affects the second toe. The affected toe may feel painful or hard to move, and may develop corns or calluses. Treatment can include wearing larger shoes with orthopedic inserts or pads. 

High-Arched Foot

A condition in which the foot has an excessivly high arch known as Cavus foot. Because of this arch, the body places an excessive amount of weight on the ball and heel of the foot when standing or walking. Cavus foot can lead to a variety of symptoms, such as pain and instability.

I

Ingrown Toenail

A condition during which the corner of a toenail grows too far into the flesh. The condition usually occurs on the big toe. People with diabetes have a greater risk of complications. Redness, pain, and swelling can occur on the affected nail. Removing or lifting the toenail can help relieve the issue. Some cases may require antibiotics.

Intermetatarsal Neuroma

Morton’s Neuroma: A situation where the tissue around a nerve leading to the toes thickens. Pressure or injury, such as from running or use of high heels can cause Morton’s neuroma. An Intermetatarsal Neuroma occurs specifically on the bottom of the foot.

Intoeing

Intoeing occurs when the feet turn inward instead of pointing straight ahead when a child walks or runs.  Commonly referred to as “pigeon-toed.” Parents often notice Intoeing when a baby reaches walking age, but children at various stages may display intoeing for different reasons.

J

Jones Fracture

A break between the base and shaft of the 5th metatarsal bone of your foot. This bone lies on the outside of the foot, which connects to the smallest toe, sometimes called the pinkie toe. Jones Fracture ranks as the most common type of metatarsal fracture.

L

Lisfranc Injuries

The Lisfranc joint consists of the point at which the metatarsal bones (the long bones that lead up to the toes) and the tarsal bones (the bones in the arch of the foot) connect. Physicians call the tough band of tissue that joins two of these bones the Lisfranc ligament. This ligament assists in maintaining the proper alignment and strength of the joint.

M

Morton’s Neuroma (Intermetatarsal Neuroma)

Morton’s Neuroma: A situation where the tissue around a nerve leading to the toes thickens. Pressure or injury, such as from running or use of high heels can cause Morton’s neuroma. An Intermetatarsal Neuroma occurs specifically on the bottom of the foot.

MRSA Infection of the Foot

MRSA: a potentially deadly infection. Once Primarily Seen In Hospital Patients, Now Linked To Common Foot Conditions. More and more often, Americans develop drug-resistant staph infections, known as MRSA, from common, relatively minor foot problems such as cracks in the skin, cuts, athlete’s foot and ingrown toenails.

N

Neuroma

A situation where the tissue around a nerve leading to the toes thickens. Pressure or injury, such as from running or use of high heels can cause Morton’s neuroma. An Intermetatarsal Neuroma occurs specifically on the bottom of the foot.

Neuropathy

Numbness, weakness, and pain caused by nerve damage, usually in the hands and/or feet. Diabetes often causes neuropathy, but it can also result from infections, injuries, and exposure to toxins. Symptoms include a pins-and-needles sensation, pain, numbness, and weakness.

O

Orthotics

Prescription medical devices worn inside the shoes to correct biomechanical foot issues such as problems with how a patient stands, walks, or runs. They can also help with pain caused by medical conditions such as plantar fasciitis, diabetes, bursitis, and arthritis.

Os Trigonum Syndrome

The Os Trigonum Syndrome refers to pain behind the upper ankle caused by “the nutcracker-phenomenon”. When the ankle has an os trigonum present, this ossicle  can become wedged between the tibia, talus and calcaneus along with the soft tissues.

Osteomyelitis (Bone Infection)

Bone Infections, or Osteomyelitis, can reach a bone by traveling through the bloodstream or spreading into the bone from nearby tissues. Infections can also start in the bone itself if an injury exposes the bone to infection.

People with chronic health conditions and smokers, diabetics, or people with kidney failure, have a higher risk of developing osteomyelitis. People who have diabetes along with foot ulcers may develop osteomyelitis in their feet.

Osteopenia

A condition in which patients lose bone mass and their bones get weaker. This happens when the inside of bones lose calcium get brittle. Most patients experience Osteopenia as they age. Total bone mass usually peaks around age 35. Having osteopenia puts patients at a higher risk of contracting osteoporosis.

Osteoporosis

A condition in which the bones weaken and degrade. The body constantly absorbs and replaces old bone tissue. When patients have osteoporosis, new bone creation can not keep up with old bone removal. Many people do not show symptoms until they suffer a bone fracture. Treatment includes healthy diet, medications, and weight-bearing exercise to help prevent bone loss or strengthen already weak bones.

P

Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD)

A condition of the circulatory system in which narrowed blood vessels reduce the blood flow to the limbs. Peripheral Arterial Disease means fatty deposits and calcium has built up in the walls of the arteries. Risk factors may include diabetes, aging, and smoking.

Peroneal Tendon Injuries

Two peroneal tendons run side by side in the foot behind the outer ankle bone. One peroneal tendon attaches to the outer-mid foot, while the other peroneal tendon reaches under the foot and attaches near the inside of the arch. The two peroneal tendons stabilize the foot and protects the ankle from sprains.

Plantar Fasciitis

An inflammation of a tendon that connects the heel bone to the toes. The inflamed tendon runs down the underside of the foot. Symptoms include a stabbing pain near the base of the heel. The pain may also worsen in the morning. Treatments include shoe inserts, physical therapy, surgery and steroid injections.

Plantar Fibroma

Foot Specialists define a plantar fibroma as a fibrous knot, or nodule, on the underside of the arch of the foot. This nodule embeds into the plantar fascia—a band of tissue spanning from heel to toe on the bottom arch of the foot. A plantar fibroma can happen on either of a patients feet at a time.

Plantar Wart (Verruca Plantaris)

Grainy, hard growths that appear on either the heels or balls of the feet. The human papillomavirus (HPV) causes Plantar Warts. The warts appear as hard, grainy, or fleshy growths that can cause pain. Treatments include salicylic acid, over-the-counter remedies, freezing medicine, or surgery.

Posterior Tibial Tendon Dysfunction (PTTD)

Often called adult acquired flatfoot due to being the most common type of flatfoot developed during adulthood. Some people may develop PTTD in both feet, although this condition typically occurs in only one foot.

Pump Bump (Haglund’s Deformity)

Foot and Ankle Specialists define Haglund’s deformity as a specific abnormality of the bone and soft tissues in the foot. An enlargement of the bony section of the heel around the achilles tendon triggers this condition. When the large, bony lump rubs against rigid shoes, it can irritate the soft tissue near the back of the heel.

R

Raynaud’s Phenomenon

A condition in which the bodies extremities feel numb and cold in certain circumstances. In patients with Raynaud’s phenomenon, smaller arteries that supply blood to the skin excessively constrict in response to low tempuratures, which limits blood supply to the affected area. Often accompanied by changes in the color of the skin.

Restless Leg Syndrome

A condition characterized by a nearly irresistible urge to move the legs, typically in the evenings. Restless legs syndrome typically occurs while lying or sitting down and usually worsens at night and with age. Patients with restless leg syndrome feel a nearly irresistible urge to move their legs. Getting up and moving around sometimes helps the feeling go away temporarily. Lifestyle changes, Self-care steps, or medications may help.

S

Sesamoid Injuries in the Foot (Sesamoiditis)

Sesamoiditis refers to inflammation of the tendons in the foot around the Sesamoid bones near the big toe. Foot Specialists find Sesamoiditis especially common among certain types of athletes and dancers.

Shin Splints

Pain caused by overuse along the shinbone, the large front bone in the lower leg. Shin splints result when muscles, tendons, and bone tissue become overworked. Shin splints often occur in athletes who’ve recently intensified or changed their training routines. The main symptom is pain in the leg. Treatment includes rest, ice, and pain relievers.

Staph Infections of the Foot

For staph infections specific to feet, common causes include: Walking barefoot in locker rooms, high-traffic zones like schools, and pool decks. Suffering from a crack, puncture wound, or minor cut to the skin on the foot. Conditions like athlete’s foot, corns, ingrown toenails, eczema, and calluses.

Synovitis

Synovitis (or synovial inflammation) occurs when the synovium of a joint inflames. The synovium, also sometimes called the stratum synoviale or synovial stratum, connects the tissues that line the inside of the joint capsule.

T

Tailor’s Bunion (Bunionette)

Foot Specialists know a tailor’s bunion, (also called a bunionette), as a bony lump that forms along the side of the little toe. It occurs when the fifth metatarsal bone shifts outward. The fifth metatarsal connect the very bottom bone on the little toe. A bunion can cause pain, especially if it rubs against the inside of your shoe.

Talar Dome Lesion

Injuries, such as an ankle sprain, usually lie at the root cause of Talar dome lesions. If the cartilage does not heal properly following the injury, it softens and breaks off. Sometimes a broken piece of the damaged cartilage and bone will float in the ankle, causing further pain or injury.

Tarsal Coalition

A Tarsal Coalition causes an abnormal connection between two or more bones in the foot. The affected bones — known as tarsal bones — sit towards the back of the foot in the heel, and the connection of the bones can result in a severe, rigid flatfoot.

Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome

Equivalent to Carpal Tunnel Syndrome in the wrist. The Tarsal Ligament in the ankle can tighten, impingeing the nerve and causing numbness and tingling in the foot.

Turf Toe

The common term used to describe a sprain of the ligaments around the big toe joint. Commonly associated with football players, but tends to occur in any sport that plays on astroturf.

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V

Varicose Veins

Enlarged, gnarled veins that most commonly appear in legs and feet. Generally benign, and for many people, present no symptoms and simply present a cosmetic concern. In some cases, they cause aching pain and discomfort or signal an underlying circulatory problem. Treatment involves exercise, compression stockings, or procedures that close or remove veins.

W

Warts

A small growth with a rough texture that appears anywhere on the body. It can look like a small blister or cauliflower. Viruses in the human papillomavirus (HPV) family cause Warts. The appearance of a wart depends on its location on the body and the thickness of the skin.

Webbed Toes

Also known as syndactyly, a condition that occurs when the skin on the toes end up fusing. In some rare cases, a child’s toes can join together by one or several of the following: Muscles. Bones. Nerves.

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