FOOT CARE FACTS (From the American Podiatric Medical Association)
ATHLETE'S FOOT
Athletes foot is a skin disease caused by a fungus, usually occurring between the toes.
BUNIONS
A bunion is an enlargement of the joint at the base of the big toe the metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint that forms when the bone or tissue at the big toe joint moves out of place.
DIABETES
Diabetes mellitus is a chronic disease that affects the lives of nearly 24 million people in the United States.
DIABETIC WOUND CARE
Diabetes is the leading cause of nontraumatic lower extremity amputations in the United States.
ANKLE INJURIES
Foot and ankle emergencies happen every day. Broken bones, dislocations, sprains, contusions, infections, and other serious injuries can occur at any time. Early attention is vitally important. Whenever you sustain a foot or ankle injury, you should seek immediate treatment from a podiatric physician.
FOOTWEAR
Proper footwear can reduce foot problems.
Forefoot Surgery
Many foot problems do not respond to "conservative" management. Your podiatric physician can determine when surgical intervention may be helpful. Often when pain or deformity persists, surgery may be appropriate to alleviate discomfort or to restore the function of your foot.
Hammertoes
A hammertoe is a contracture or bending of the toe at the first joint of the digit, called the proximal interphalangeal joint.
Heel Pain
Heel pain has many causes. it is generally the result of faulty biomechanics (walking gait abnormalities) that place too much stress on the heel bone and the soft tissues that attach to it. The stress may also result from injury, or a bruise incurred while walking, running, or jumping on hard surfaces; wearing poorly constructed footwear; or being overweight.
High Blood Pressure
It's important to let your podiatrist know about high blood pressure.
Nail Problems
Toenails often serve as barometers of our health; they are diagnostic tools providing the initial signal of the presence or onset of systemic diseases.
Neuromas
A neuroma is a painful condition, also referred to as a "pinched nerve" or a nerve tumor. It is a benign growth of nerve tissue frequently found between the third and fourth toes that brings on pain, a burning sensation, tingling, or numbness between the toes and in the ball of the foot.
Orthotics
Orthotics are shoe inserts that are intended to correct an abnormal, or irregular, walking pattern.
Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD)
PAD is short for peripheral arterial disease. PAD is caused by a blockage or narrowing of the arteries in the legs when fatty deposits called plaque build up.
Podiatric Medicine
Podiatric medicine is the profession that strives to improve the overall health and well-being of patients by focusing on preventing, diagnosing, and treating conditions associated with the foot and ankle.
Rearfoot Surgery
Many conditions can affect the back portion of the foot and ankle. Fortunately, many of these problems can be resolved through conservative treatments. However when pain persists or deformity occurs, surgical intervention can often help alleviate pain, reduce deformity, and/or restore the function of your foot or ankle.
Walking
For a healthier, happier lifestyle, try walking--the most popular form of exercise.
Warts
Warts are one of several soft tissue conditions of the foot that can be quite painful. They are caused by a virus, which generally invades the skin through small or invisible cuts and abrasions.