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CORNS
Corns on the toe probably cause more foot pain and misery than any other single problem. Most corns are caused by crooked toe that won't lie flat in shoes. The constant rubbing against the show leads to a cone-shaped thickening of the skin, similar to a callus. In mild cases the corn may be padded to protect the sensitive tissue. When the pain persists, surgery is used to unlock the toe from its contracted position.
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CALLUSES
A callus is a thickened area of skin. It usually results from recurring pressure and friction. When one foot bone bears too much weight and pressure, a callus quickly develops beneath it.
Your podiatrist can make a prescription support to improve the weight distribution across the bottom of the foot. Surgery may also be used to place the bones in more ideal position.
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FLAT FEET
When the bones of the foot are at a low angle it gives the appearance of a low arch or none at all. People often blame this on fallen or broken arches, but the main cause is an abnormal bone structure. The "flat foot" causes muscles, tendons and ligaments to work harder, resulting in pain, cramps and inccreased fatigue of the foot and leg. Without treatment, the symptoms can increase.
If these symptoms linger, you should get professional help from a podiatrist. The podiatrist will study x-rays, determine the severity of the problem and begin a treatment program to relieve the discomfort and stop the progression of the abnormality.
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ARCH PAIN
The arch is a bridge between the front and the back part of the foot. It bears a lot of weight and is subject to a lot of stress. When you feel pain in the arch it can mean the bones, ligaments and muscles are overworked and tired.
Overworking the arch can also cause leg cramps and even low back pain. Arch pain can also mean you suffer from flat feet, poor circulation, overweight, arthritis or anemia.
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SPRAINS AND FRACTURES
Sprains and fractures of the foor and ankle bones are common and can result in long-term disability if not properly treated.
A sprain is a tear in the ligament that takes place when the ligament is stretched too far.
A fracture is a bone break that can happen in several ways. The most common break results when a ligament rips away a piece of the bone to which it was attached.
Pain and swelling accompany sprains and fractures, followed by discoloration due to injury to the small blood vessles around the injury. First aid can include application of ice to the injured area and keeping weight off the foot. You should seek professional help and advice from a podiatrist as soon as possible.
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SKIN PROBLEMS
Our skin is the most accessible part of the body and often provides visible evidence of what is wrong inside. The most common skin problems seen by a podiatrist include contact dermatitis, warts and fungus.
Contact dermatitis is an irritating skin rash cause by a chemical coming in contact with the skin. The chemicals may be materials in shoes and socks. Removing the material from contact with the skin removes the problem.
Warts are often mistaken for corns or caluses, but they are growths cause by a virus that enters the skin through a break. Early diagnosis and professional treatment usually eliminates warts. Home treatment often is not effective and can result in greater damage.
"Athlete's foot" is a common fungus that causes itching and irritation. A podiatrist treats this condition with oral and topical medication.
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