Bunions
A bunion is a bony bump that forms on the joint at the base of your big toe. They can develop from an inherited structural defect, excess stress on your foot, or can result from an existing medical condition.
Corns
Corns are small calluses that usually occur on the feet and on or between toes in weight-bearing areas. Corns are usually caused by ill-fitting shoes and can grow into unsightly, hardened patches that become a nuisance.
Calluses
Although many people consider calluses to be a simple skin problem, it is actually an indicator of bone problems. In the foot, calluses are typically seen on the heels, balls of the feet, and on the outer side of the big toe. Calluses have their own nerves and sacks of fluid that act as cushioning, which can cause pain over time.
Hammertoes
Hammertoe is a condition where the second, third, or fourth toe, is bent at the middle joint, overlapping the toe(s) next to it. It is caused by improperly fitting shoes and problems with the toe muscles.
Diabetic Foot Care
Diabetes is a chronic disease causing high blood glucose (sugar) levels. Diabetes also weakens your immune system, making it more difficult for your body to fight off infections, which can, in turn, damage your nervous system. This damage can affect the ability to feel sensations in your feet.
Warts
Although warts may be painful, with the proper treatment their symptoms can be easily subsided. Warts are caused by a viral infection which penetrates the skin through tiny or "invisible" cuts/abrasions. If left untreated, warts can grow as large as an inch or more in circumference and even spread out into smaller clusters.
Plantar Fasciitis
Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common causes of heel pain. It is caused by the irritation and inflammation of the large band of tissue that connects your heel bone to your toes (plantar fascia). Some symptoms include stabbing pain that usually occurs in the mornings. As you walk around on the foot the pain normally decreases, but it can return after standing for long periods of time.
Ankle Pain
Ankle sprains occur when the ankle is twisted or forced in a way that stretches or tears one or more ligaments. The severity of the injury depends on if the ligaments are stretched, partially torn, or fully torn. Symptoms of an ankle sprain include pain, bruising, swelling, stiffness, and difficulty walking.
Flat Feet
A common condition of the foot structure, flat feet, is caused by an undeveloped arch of the foot. While infants and toddlers lack arches in their feet, the structure continues to develop through adolescence and is fully formed by adulthood.
Athlete's Foot
Athlete’s foot is a contagious fungal infection that mostly affects the feet, with the potential to spread to toenails and hands. The fungus thrives in warm, humid, and dark environments, which makes athletes more prone to the infection. Communal showers, swimming pools, and locker rooms are hotbeds for the bacteria.
Achilles Tendonitis
The Achilles tendon is the largest tendon in the body, joining the lower portion of the calf to the heel bone. Although it is able to withstand forces of around 1,000 pounds, it is the most frequently ruptured tendon in the body. Typically, injury of the Achilles tendon is caused by athletic activities.
Neuromas
Neuromas are enlarged, benign growth of nerves, typically found between the third and fourth toe. Enlargement is caused by tissue rubbing against the nerves, oftentimes caused by poorly fitting shoes or abnormal bone structure.
Geriatric Foot Care
Health problems such as diabetes, arthritis, and circulatory issues may cause problems that present themselves in the feet. It is very important to monitor your foot health and seek medical attention whenever you notice a problem. Below are some daily tips and tricks to keep your feet healthy.
Toenail Fungus
Fungal nail infections require a process of treatments along with a continual effort to prevent it from recurring. Keeping the infection under control can include thoroughly washing and drying feet, applying anti-fungal cream, not sharing nail clippers or shoes/socks, wearing dry cotton socks and changing them often, wearing dry shoes, and using shower sandals in wet, public places.
Neuropathy
As a result of damaged peripheral nerves, peripheral neuropathy can occur causing symptoms like weakness, numbness, burning, and tingling in the hands and feet as well as other parts of the body. Traumatic injuries, diabetes, and even some exposure to toxins can cause peripheral nerve damage.
Arthritis
Arthritis, or joint pain or joint disease, is the leading cause of disability in America. More than 50 million adults and 300,000 children are suffering from some type of arthritis. Common symptoms include swelling, pain, stiffness, and decreased range of motion. Severe arthritis can result in chronic pain, inability to perform normal day-to-day activities, and has the potential to cause permanent joint damage.
Bone Spurs
Bone Spurs occur in at least 50% of people who have plantar fasciitis. Past treatments for bone spurs, a bony growth that begins on the front of your heel bone and points toward the arch of your foot, included surgery to remove the growth. Nowadays, surgery is rarely a treatment option and more plans for physical therapy, ice, and pain medications are used to treat bone spurs.
Custom Orhtotics
If you’re experiencing pain in your feet, knees, legs, and/or back as a result of wearing shoes with little to no support, custom foot orthotics may be right for you!
Custom foot orthotics are designed to align the foot and ankle into the most anatomically efficient position. They look similar to insoles, but are biomedical appliances that are custom made to correct your specific foot imbalance. The plastic body of the custom orthotic helps to re-align the foot while you walk. We understand that everyone is different, which is why custom foot orthotics are made just for you.
Ingrown Nails
Ingrown toenails are a common condition where the corner of a toenail grows into the soft flesh surrounding the toe (usually the big toe). Ingrown toenails can be very uncomfortable, painful, and can easily lead to an infection in the toe.
It is possible to take care of ingrown toenails on your own, but if the pain does not subside, Albany Podiatry can take steps to relieve the pain and help you avoid further complications caused by ingrown toenails.
Additional Conditions
- Forefoot Pain
- Arch Pain
- At-Risk Skin & Nail Care Due to:
- Diabetes
- Peripheral Arterial Disease
- Fractures
- Achilles Rupture
- Charcot
- Growth on Foot
- Keratoma
- Foreign Body
- Infections
- Ulcers
- Dermatitis
- Tinea Pedis
- Tendinitis