Achilles Tendonitis
Achilles tendonitis causes inflammation and degeneration of the Achilles tendon. The pain caused by Achilles tendonitis can develop gradually without a history of trauma. The pain can be a shooting pain, burning sensation or even an extremely piercing pain.
Achilles tendonitis is aggravated by activities that repeatedly stress the tendon, causing inflammation.
Arthritis
Arthritis causes inflammation of the cartilage and lining of the body’s joints. Inflammation causes redness, warmth, pain and swelling. Arthritis is a major cause of foot problems because each foot has 33 joints that can become affected by this condition.
Athlete’s Foot
Athlete’s foot, a fungal infection, causes red, dry and flaking skin. The condition usually occurs between the toes or on the soles or sides of the feet. Athlete’s foot can spread to the toenails causing chronic fungal infections.
Bunions
Bunions are one of the most common foot problems. A bunion is a prominent bump on the inside of the foot around the big toe joint. This bump is a bone protruding towards the inside of the foot. Some symptoms of bunions include inflammation, swelling and soreness on the side surface of the big toe. Discomfort is also common among patients when walking.
Calluses
Calluses are caused by an accumulation of dead skin cells that harden and thicken over an area of the foot. This callus formation is the body’s response to protecting the foot against excessive pressure and friction. Calluses are normally found on the ball of the foot, the heel, and/or the inside of the big toe.
Corns
Corns are caused from an accumulation of dead skin cells on the foot, forming thick, hardened areas. Corns are very common and usually form on the tops, sides and tips of the toes. Constant friction and pressure from footwear can cause inflammation
Hammer Toes
A hammer toe is a toe that is contracted to the PIP joint (middle joint in the toe). Ligaments and tendons that have tightened cause the toe’s joints to curl downwards. Hammer toes may occur in any toe except the big toe. They are two types – flexible and rigid. In a flexible hammer toe, the joint has the ability to move. This type of hammer toe can be straightened manually. A rigid hammer toe does not have that same mobility. Movement is very limited and can be extremely painful.
Shin Splints
Shin splints are especially common among runners and other athletes. The pain usually develops gradually without a history of trauma and might begin as a dull ache along the front or inside of the shin after running or even walking. The pain can become more intense if not addressed, and shin splints should not be left untreated because of an increased risk of developing stress fractures.
Ingrown Toenails
Ingrown toe nails are a common, painful condition where skin on one or both sides of a nail grows over the edges of the nail or when the nail itself grows into the skin. This condition is very painful. Some ingrown toenails are chronic with repeated episodes of pain and infection.
Toenail Fungus
Toenail fungus is relatively rare in children but the increases with age. Fungus infections occur when microscopic fungi gain entry through a small trauma in the nail, then grow and spread in the warm, moist environment inside the patient’s socks and shoes. Toenail fungus causes swelling, yellowing, thickening or crumbling of the nail, streaks or spots down the side of the nail, and even complete loss of the nail. Toenail color can vary from brown or yellow to white. Fungal infections can affect any toenail but most often on the big or small toe.
Schedule a Consultation
If you suspect that you are experiencing any common foot problems, consult your doctor to look into your bones via X-ray or MRI. Other tests may also be conducted to isolate the problem.
Dr. Jamshidinia at Century City Medical Plaza is a board-certified foot surgeon trained in all areas of foot and ankle surgery. He is Board Certified by the American Board of Podiatric Surgery and a Fellow of the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons. For concerns regarding common foot problems do not hesitate to contact us today!