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Common Problems
If you are experiencing any of these symtoms, book your appointment with Step by Step Professional Family Footcare today! |
· Back Pain (Lower) - Lumbo-Sacral Pain
· Bunions - Hallux Abducto Valgus
· Burning Feet
· Chilblains
· Corns and Calluses
· Dry Cracked Heels - Xeorosis
· Flat feet or Pronation - Pes Planus
· Foot Neuropathy
· Foot Ulcers
· Gout - Hyperuricemia
· Haglund's Deformity
· Hallux Rigidus | · Hammer Toes/Exostosis - Bone Spurs
· Heel Pain - Bursitis & Plantar Fasciitis
· Ingrown Toenails & Fungal Nails
· Knee Pain
· Metatarsalgia
· Morton's Toe
· Sesamoiditis - Ball of Foot Pain
· Shin Splints
· Sweaty Feet & Foot Odour
· Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
· Warts - Verruca Pedis |
| Listed below (in alphabetical order) is a more detailed discription of each symtom. |
 Back Pain (Lower) - Lumbo-Sacral Pain
Lumbo-sacral pain refers to a condition of the lower back caused by over pronation of the foot. Over pronation is where the arch of the foot collapses, leaving the foot in a flattened state. This causes the foot to roll inwards in order to gain contact with the floor and support the weight of the body. This biomechanical problem leads to bad tracking and misalignment throughout the whole body.
Standing for long periods of time can aggravate this condition by causing the muscles in the back to tighten, resulting in stiffness and discomfort.
Bunions - Hallux Abducto Valgus
A bunion is a bony lump on the inside of the foot next to the big toe. When aggravated, this can cause a bursa, which is a sac of fluid that becomes inflamed, red and sore.
Bunions occur when the big toe is forced into a position contrary to its normal alignment. This can occur through continuous standing and walking which weakens the anterior metatarsal arch, causing the foot to become flattened and the big toe joint to project inwards. Pressure placed upon the projecting joint by the shoe, creates a bursa (hollow pocket lined with fluid) that becomes inflamed when aggravated. This lump on the inner foot can become red, swollen and painful if left untreated.
Bunions are common in professions that involve continuous standing and walking, e.g. police, postal workers, hairdressers and waiters. Women tend to be more prone to bunions due to their choice of shoes which are often high heeled, narrow and unsupportive.
Other causes: obesity, flat feet/over pronation, pregnancy.
 Burning Feet
Burning feet is a condition that can occur in many different types of people for many different reasons. It could simply be caused by fatigue, e.g. people who are on their feet all day. Most commonly, Burning Feet is found in people over the age of 50 and in people with diabetes. Diabetics can be affected by burning feet due to neuropathy (loss of feeling in the feet).
There are a number of possible causes for burning feet. Neuroma pain (pinched nerve), gout, smoking and vitamin deficiencies are just a few, so treatment varies according to cause. Therefore, accurate diagnosis is essential in preventing further irritation.
Chilblains
Chilblains can be described as the inflammation of the skin that is sometimes accompanied with burning or itching. Pressure bearing surfaces on the feet, such as bunions, are at risk from chilblains and the condition is often found on the little toes as well.
Chilblains are often swollen, red lumps and if left untreated they can become dry and cracked, leaving the foot prone to infection.
Chilblains are thought to be caused by an abnormal skin reaction to cold. People at risk from Chilblains are those who are susceptible to cold temperatures, e.g. people with poor circulation or unhealthy diets.
Chilblains typically last a few days and then gradually ease and go over a week or so, unless the exposure to cold continues.
Corns and Calluses
Corns and calluses develop when normal skin activity is over-stimulated resulting in a thickening layer of skin. This over-stimulation can result from congenital, hormonal, occupational and infective factors. A callus is a diffuse area of thickened skin, where as a corn is an area of a callus that has become molded into a nucleus. Corns are commonly found on the balls of the feet, on the tops and in between the toes. They can be very sore if left untreated so it is best to deal with them as early as possible.
Corns and calluses are quite common and may be the result of the way a person walks or ill-fitting shoes. Elderly people are more susceptible due to loss of the skin's protective fatty tissue, but people with certain skin types can also suffer from this condition.
Dry Cracked Heels - Xeorosis
Dry Cracked Heels are mainly a cosmetic problem, but can become more serious. They sometimes result in heel fissures where the skin cracks and bleeds. This can be very painful.
If the problem persists, or if the skin bleeds, it is advised that professional medical advice be sought to prevent the onset of more serious conditions. This is especially important for people with diabetes or vascular problems as the wound could become infected and lead to further complications.
Causes include: hot, dry weather; constantly walking with no shoes or just sandals; inactive sweat glands; and obesity.
 Flat feet or Pronation - Pes Planus
Pes planus, otherwise termed as flat feet, is a biomechanical problem experienced by a surprisingly high percentage of the population. Flat feet are a condition where the arch of the foot appears flattened. This causes the foot to roll inwards in order to gain contact with the floor and support the weight of the body and is the main clinical feature of excessive pronation.
Pes Planus, or Flat Feet, is very common and can occur in people of all ages. However, older generations can be more susceptible to over pronation and flat feet because they tend to partake in lower levels of physical activity and gain weight with age, which can disturb the biomechanical balance of the foot.
Pes Planus, or Flat Feet, are most commonly a congenital condition but can also be acquired as a result of the foot being repetitively subjected to hard surfaces, eventually weakening the arch of the foot. In today's world of concrete and tarmac it is therefore not surprising that this condition is becoming more and more frequent in people of all age groups.
It is important that treatment is sought for these conditions as they can lead to further problems. When the foot's ability to absorb shock diminishes the foot is subjected to increased pressure, which can cause other foot, knee and back problems.
Other causes of flat feet can include: obesity and pregnancy.
Foot Neuropathy
Neuropathy refers to loss of feeling in the feet and can occur as a result of complications in people with diabetes. The most common form of neuropathy is peripheral neuropathy, which occurs when the nerves that run from the brain to the organs, muscles, skin and glands are impaired.
This condition can cause inability to feel heat, cold or even pain, therefore diabetics may not be able to feel any cuts or sores on the soles of their feet. If left untreated these minor cuts and sores could get infected and result in ulceration which could lead to amputation. Therefore people with diabetes should perform a daily check of their feet to prevent any problems occurring. Neuropathy associated with other medical conditions or disorders require similar advice regarding foot care.
Foot Ulcers
Diabetics can experience what is called neuropathy, which is when the sensation in the feet is lost. Firstly, this means that any abrasions or cuts to the foot can go unnoticed for days. Secondly, if the sensation and feeling is lost, the foot cannot determine when excessive pressure is being applied to the foot. Therefore, the foot does not adjust itself to deal with the stress, leaving it more prone to injury.
Micro vascular disease (small vessel disease) is quite common in diabetics and can lead to the development of ulcers. It is essential that diabetics monitor blood glucose levels, maintain a sensible weight and avoid smoking to reduce the onset of micro vascular disease.
Ulcers or any open wounds should not be left untreated, as they are a common cause of lower extremity amputation. If they are caught in the early stages they can be treated by a Podiatrist/Chiropodist who will use methods such as debridement (surgical removal of dead skin) and will provide padding and orthotic devices (special insoles) to relieve pressure from the ulceration to allow it to heal.
A Chiropodist will also provide information about diabetic foot care.
Gout - Hyperuricemia
Hyperuricemia and elevated uric acid, commonly known as Gout, is a condition that affects the big toe joint. It is caused by increased levels of uric acid in the blood that crystallizes and settles in various joints of the body, usually in the big toe.
Gout is widely thought to be hereditary and is commonly associated with males more than females. In previous times, Gout was associated with the aristocracy and too much of the "good life". This was probably quite accurate as gout has now been found to be related to increased levels of purine in the diet, found in such rich foods as red meat, lobster, shell fish and red wine.
As Gout can occur suddenly and can be very painful, the best treatment is often prevention. Contact a Chiropodist to learn more about prevention and treatment.
 Haglund's Deformity
Haglund's Deformity refers to a condition where pain is experienced at the rear of the foot where the Achilles tendon inserts into the heel. This condition is usually caused by wearing high heels and is therefore more common in females.
This problem can be treated with ice packs or by wearing sensible shoes. Heel pads, grips and orthotics (special insoles) are also good methods of relieving pain. However surgery, followed by cast immobilization, can sometimes be required where the bone has become enlarged and inflamed.
Hallux Rigidus
This is a common form of arthritis located at the base of the big toe (this joint is called the metatarsophalangeal, or MTP joint). This joint is important to the proper function of the foot, as it needs to bend when the foot is in motion. If this joint begins to stiffen, walking can become a painful experience.
The MTP joint has cartilage that covers the bones. Sometimes the cartilage can be damaged by either wear, tear, or injury that leads to the raw bones rubbing together and can create a bone spur (overgrowth). This overgrowth can restrict the range of motion in the toe, resulting in stiffness.
Symptoms of Hallux Rigidus include stiffness in the big toe when walking or swelling around the big toe joint. A bump such as a callus or bunion could also be suggestive of this condition, as can limitation in the range of motion.
Possible Medical Causes: osteoarthritis; trauma; excessive pronation; high arched feet; poor footwear; splitting osteochondritis of the first metatarsal head; gout or pseudogout.
 Hammer Toes/Exostosis - Bone Spurs
Hammer Toes are caused by a biomechanical imbalance where the muscle structures of the toes are partially, or completely, dislocated. This causes the toes to become bent and crooked and the joints of the toes to protrude.
This condition can be hereditary or caused by inappropriate, ill-fitting shoes. Caution must be taken with hammertoes as they can lead to the development of ulcers and infections, which can be especially serious for people with diabetes.
Hammertoes can be very painful, especially if irritated by a tight fitting shoe and can often lead to corns, calluses and sufferers can sometimes experience cramps in their toes and feet.
Causes include: ill-fitting shoes; reumatoid arthritis; pronation (flat feet); high arched feet; hereditary causes.
Heel Pain - Bursitis & Plantar Fasciitis
There are 3 different types of heel pain: General Heel Pain Syndrome, Bursitis and Plantar Fasciitis.
General Heel Pain Syndrome is caused by repetitive pressure placed on the heel of the foot when walking, which causes soreness of the heel.
"Itis" usually refers to the inflammation of a certain part of the body. Bursitis refers to the constant irritation of the natural cushion that supports the heel of the foot (the bursa). Bursitis is often associated with Plantar Fasciitis, which affects the arch and heel of the foot.
Plantar Fasciitis is caused by inflammation of the tissues connected to the heel bone, due to excessive pulling and stretching of the fibrous bands that support the arch of the foot. Continuation of this irritation can lead to heel pain, arch pain or a bony growth on the bottom of the heel bone called a "heel spur". Another condition related to Plantar Fasciitis is swelling on both sides of the Achilles Ttndon (see Achilles tendonitis).
Bursitis and Plantar Fasciitis can occur when a person increases their levels of physical activity or when the heel's fat pad becomes thinner, providing less protection to the foot.
Other causes can include: ill fitting shoes; obesity; biomechanical problems (e.g. mal-alignment of the foot, including over-pronation); gout; rheumatoid arthritis.
Ingrown Toenails & Fungal Nails
An ingrown toenail is a condition where one or both sides of the nail cut into the flesh of the toe. It can cause swelling, redness or infection and can be very painful.
If you are suffering from an ingrown toenail we recommend that you visit a Chiropodist who can treat the nail and prevent further complications. If you are diabetic or have any vascular problems, it is vital that you get treatment for the toenail, as it is prone to infection and if left untreated could eventually lead to loss of limb.
If the toenail becomes thick and discoloured turning yellow or brown, you may have acquired a fungal infection, therefore it is advised that you contact a Chiropodist for advice.
Knee Pain
Patello Femoral Syndrome, commonly referred to as knee pain, refers to any discomfort experienced between the patella (knee cap) and the femur (thigh bone). Pain is usually a dull ache or alternatively a very sharp stabbing pain that is easily aggravated by physical activity.
Symptoms include a swollen knee and a grinding sensation occurs, accompanied by a clicking noise.
Excessive pronation or flat feet are the most common cause of knee pain. Excessive pronation is where the arch of the foot collapses, leaving the foot in a flattened state. This causes the foot to roll inwards in order to gain contact with the floor and support the weight of the body. This biomechanical problem affects the positioning of the patella (knee cap), which is subjected to excessive stress eventually weakening the surrounding muscles and ligaments.
 Metatarsalgia
The metatarsal region refers to the ball of the foot. Metatarsalgia is a burning sensation in the ball of the foot that can be either mild or severe and can sometimes be a recurring problem.
Older people are more susceptible to metatarsalgia, as the fat pad protecting the foot thins with age, subjecting the area to more stress. This condition can also be the result of ill-fitting shoes such as narrow women's footwear with high heels, which force the foot into an unnatural position and exerts more pressure on to the ball of the foot.
Partaking in any high impact physical activity without wearing the correct footwear can also be the cause of this particular condition, as well as other foot conditions such as: arthritis; excessive pronation/pes planus (flat feet); hallux abducto valgus; hammer toes; morton's neuroma.
Morton's Toe
Morton's toe is a common foot condition apparent in many people, where the second toe is longer than the big toe (hallux). This can lead to extra pressure being exerted onto the ball of the foot, especially underneath the second toe (second metatarsal head), resulting in a similar pain found with such conditions such as Metatarsalgia.
Another problem associated with Morton's toe is the calluses that form on the bottom of the foot below the second toe.
If you suffer from pain related to Morton's Toe, seek advice from a Chiropodist, who may recommend an orthotic insole to place in the shoe.
Sesamoiditis - Ball of Foot Pain
Sesamoiditis is a condition that affects the ball of the foot. Specifically, Sesamoiditis refers to the irritation of the sesamoid bones (tiny bones that lead to the big toe), which can become irritated and possibly fractured every time you push off the ground with the toes.
This condition is often found in people who partake in sports such as dancing or running, where a lot of stress is placed on the ball of the foot.
The pain usually begins as a dull ache but increases with activity to a throbbing sensation in the ball of the foot.
Sesamoiditis usually occurs when an individual suddenly increases their level of physical activity. This places the feet under additional stress as they try to accommodate this change.
A biomechanical cause of Sesamoiditis is high arches that cause a person to exert more stress on their forefoot. This increases pressure to the Sesamoid bones.
People with bony feet may also suffer from Sesamoiditis as they have little protective fat on their feet, therefore less shock absorbing qualities.
High heel shoes can also be a cause.
 Shin Splints
Shin splints can cause pain in the front lower leg due to minor tearing of the anterior muscle (muscle between mid-foot and knee) from the shin bone. There are two types of shin splints: Anterior Shin Splints located in the tibia (front portion of shin), and Posterior Shin Splints located on the medial (inside) part of the tibia.
Overuse, vigorous activity or a sharp and sudden increase in activity can lead to shin splints, therefore exercise levels should only be increased gradually. Running on hard surfaces or physical activity without the use of supportive training shoes increases the likelihood of shin splints, as more stress is exerted on the anterior muscle in an attempt to absorb shock.
People who run on tiptoes or partake in sports that involve a lot of jumping are susceptible to this particular condition, as these activities cause an imbalance in the distribution of pressure and add stress to the joints. Biomechanical problems such as over pronation or supination can cause the muscles to exert themselves in order to retain balance. This constant stress can causes the muscles to tear, resulting in shin splints.
Symptoms include: lower leg pain; tender shins; swelling or redness around shin area; lumps covering the bone; pain when toes are pointing towards the floor.
Sweaty Feet & Foot Odour
Feet need to be kept healthy and agile to support the entire weight of our bodies in our day-to-day life. This is why the feet contain 250 000 sweat glands that constantly secrete moisture to keep feet moist, supple and healthy. However, many feet are prone to excessive sweating, which can lead to irritable feet.
Sweaty and smelly feet are a common problem that many people encounter at some stage in their lives. However, for some people it can be a persistent condition that can be embarrassing and bothersome.
Today's footwear consisting of synthetic materials are a primary cause of sweaty feet. Shoes and socks manufactured from man-made materials lead to excessive perspiration and increased bacteria that can result in sweaty, smelly feet and sometimes Tinea Pedis - Athletes Foot.
Sweaty feet can also be triggered by stress, both physical and emotional. Pressure placed upon the foot due to strain or fatigue is a common cause, as is emotional distress and turmoil. Sweaty, smelly feet is also often associated with teenagers and changing hormonal levels, which can lead to over active sweat glands.
However, the reasons are not always this complex. A change in the weather, hot or cold, can be enough to initiate excessive sweating.
 Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome refers to the entrapment of the posterior tibial nerve, which is located on the inside of the foot on the lower ankle. This causes the nerve to become inflamed resulting in a continuous burning sensation that remains even when the foot is rested.
Causes include: arthritis; trauma to the foot or ankle; obesity; other stresses to the foot; excessive pronation.
Warts - Verruca Pedis
Plantar warts are warts of the sole or plantar surface, of the foot. Since plantar warts are under pressure they grow inward causing pain. Plantar warts can be differentiated from a simple callus by characteristic dark specks (thrombosed capillaries) in the center. If shaved, these punctate marks will show pinpoint bleeding. Plantar warts are caused by a virus (human papilloma virus) and as such are contagious. People who go barefoot and gym users who do not use rubber sandals in the showers get more plantar warts.
Warts are caused by a contagious virus so it is important that they are treated effectively to prevent re-infection or the possibility of passing the infection to others. Usually found in moist wet areas such as locker rooms, showers, gym, or pool side.
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All Content Copyrighted © by Step By Step Foot Care 2006
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