Common Foot Problems

It is not normal for anyone to have foot pain. The old adage "When your feet hurt, you hurt all over" is true. There are many causes of foot pain. We have listed some of the more common ones below. All of these problems are treatable. Find out more in the What We Do section.

Arch problems: Arch pain can be caused by foot that has no arch flat foot (pes planus) or a high arch (pes cavus). It is important that anyone with either of these foot types be evaluated to be sure there is no underlying problem that may give rise to more serious problems later in life. It is most important that any child with a flat or high arch foot be evaluated. Ninety percent of adult foot problems can be prevented if they are diagnosed in a child's foot.

Bunion: An enlargement of the big toe joint. They can be mild, moderate, or severe. The most common cause is an abnormal motion of the foot called pronation (a turning in of the inside part of the arch area, which then tends to flatten out, this will "loosen the bones of the foot," and eventually in some people lead to a bunion deformity. They are hereditary, and can be prevented in some patients. It is very important that they be treated, if left untreated they will eventually interfere with the quality of life and will affect walking and standing, as well as back problems.

Corns and Calluses: Are thickened areas of skin which can be soft (usually between toes or hard usually on the top of a toe. They are the body's response to too much pressure in an area. They usually occur over bony prominences or in areas where there is too much friction. The more common areas on the foot are outside part of the heel or the top of the small toe (seed corn). They can be associated with redness, pain, and swelling (bursitis). They can be disabling, and in a diabetic can lead to serious complications if left untreated.

Diabetics: Research in the United States and abroad has found that lifestyle changes can prevent or delay the onset of type 2 diabetes among high-risk adults. Lifestyle interventions included diet and moderate-intensity physical activity, such as walking for 2.5 hours each week.

Hammertoes: Are the results of abnormal contraction and a muscle imbalance that leaves your toe in a bent position. Once hammertoes stiffen they can rub against the shoe and cause pain from inflammation in the joint area. This is commonly known as bursitis. You may also notice a corn or callus on the top on the hammertoe. They can be aggravated by shoes or socks which do not fit properly. There are a variety of treatments for hammertoes which range from padding, cortisone injection for temporary relief and in some cases surgery is necessary for severe deformities.

Heel pain: The most common cause is abnormal motion in your foot which leads to too much stress on a thick ligament on the bottom of the foot (plantar fasciae). It is commonly referred to as plantar fasicitis. Inherited muscle imbalances, heel injury, improper shoes, excessive weight, nerve problems in the ankle (Tarsal tunnel-similar to carpal tunnel) back problems and arthritic conditions can all be contributors of heel pain. Dr. Longobardi has designed many various treatments that can alleviate the many different causes of heel pain.

Ingrown nail: an inflamed, reddened, painful area usually along the border of the nail, can occur in any nail, but is most common in the big toe. This can be a very serious problem in someone who is diabetic or has poor circulation. There are many reasons for an ingrown nail, the most common one is self treatment.

Neuroma: An inflammation of a sensory nerve in the foot ( a sensory nerve gives you the ability to sense pain). It is most common between the 3rd and 4th toes. Symptoms can range from mild pain to disabling pain. They can be treated non-surgically or surgically.

Neuropathy: A disease of the sensory and motor nerves that result in burning, stinging, numbness, or tingling. This is commonly associated with Diabetes, but can also be related to hereditary causes called HSMN (hereditary sensory motor neuropathy), Alcoholism, Heavy metals (such as lead), Chemotherapeutic agents used to treat cancers, and exposure to certain chemicals.

Osteoarthritis: This is the most common form of arthritis known, and is commonly referred to as DJD (degenerative joint disease). It is usually caused from an injury, but can also be inherited. The most common area in the foot is the big toe joint know as (hallux limitus). This is usually caused by a structural problem with the bone behind the big toe called the metatarsal. There are many wonderful treatments available for this condition; physical therapy, medications, herbal remedies, and custom made inserts.

Poor circulation (Peripheral Vascular Disease): This commonly can cause symptoms such as cramping, and aching in the calves, or even buttocks area when walking. In severe cases some people can not even walk twenty feet. This is commonly a disease seen in diabetics and in smokers. Collagen Vascular Disease like Lupus, and Scleroderma can also affect circulation, as well as sickle cell anemia. There are now many advanced diagnostic tests available that can give doctors much more information than just a few short years ago.

Warts (Plantars Wart): These are cause by a virus know as HPV or human papilloma virus. Children, Teens, and people with weakened immune systems are most often affected. The most common area on the foot is the bottom or plantar surface. Depending on where these are they can be very painful to treat. It is usually not necessary to surgically remove them if they are an isolated wart. Most of the time these can be treated locally with topical medicines.

Wound Care: This is a specialized part of our practice. Nursing home patients, Diabetes, Venous disease (varicose veins), and patients with Neurologic diseases are most often affected. Pressure ulcers are most common on bony areas of the body (hips, outside ankle, foot and sacral or low back area). The old adage of "let it air dry," is just that. It necessary for any patient with an open wound to be treated by a medical specialist that has experience in wound care. There are many advanced therapies available today that can heal a wound. Our treatments include Regranex, VAC or Vaccum assited closure (KCI), Warm up therapy, Apligraf, Hyperbaric oxygen treatments, electro therapies, and many advance dressings.

Photograph: Philip Greenspun