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Despite being relatively small parts of the human body, the toes are critical to maintaining the health of the body and feet. The toes may be susceptible to many conditions, including hammertoe, ingrown toenails, and toenail fungus. Many patients may not be familiar with a condition known as Morton’s toe. This condition is present in a patient when their second toe is longer in length than their big toe. Therefore, Morton’s toe is defined by the relative lengths of the second and big toe. Interestingly, women are more predisposed to this condition than men. As a result of having Morton’s…

Ankle pain hurts and can negatively impact daily activities. There are various reasons one might have ankle pain, and having surgery performed may be an option for permanent relief. Ankle fusion surgery is described as a procedure that combines the bones of the ankle by using screws, plates, or possibly bone grafts. This is primarily done to reduce ankle arthritis, and is generally chosen as a last resort option. It may also be done to treat abnormal ankle structure, infections, or a failed ankle replacement. The benefits that may be gained by having this type of surgery performed can include…

There is a narrow passageway in the ankle that is called the tarsal tunnel. The tibial nerve runs through this tunnel and can become damaged if an injury has occurred or if there is consistent pressure on it. Some of the symptoms that are associated with this condition can include a numbing sensation, or it may feel like it is burning with sharp, shooting pains. Existing medical conditions may lead to getting tarsal tunnel syndrome. These can include arthritis, flat feet, or diabetes. The pain is often felt in the ankle, and a diagnosis is needed to properly confirm tarsal…

Your feet are covered most of the day. If you're diabetic, periodic screening is important for good health. Numbness is often a sign of diabetic foot and can mask a sore or wound.

Almost everyone has felt some type of foot pain in their life, especially if they are physically active. However, foot pain also may be caused by genetics, diet, obesity, and infections. The most common causes of foot pain include bunions, hammertoes, and corns. Gout, flat feet, and plantar warts are other painful foot conditions. In addition, athlete’s foot, toenail fungus, and ingrown toenails are common foot pain complaints. Many of these conditions can be resolved by taking better care of the feet on a daily basis, as well as wearing shoes that fit the feet properly. Gout, however, is an…

Pain in the joint of the big toe, termed hallux rigidus, is a form of osteoarthritis caused by the wearing away of cartilage between the base of the big toe and the first metatarsal bone of the foot. This condition often affects runners, as the big toe takes the brunt of the continual pounding with each step. Hallux rigidus often develops in runners between the ages of 30 and 60. Some possible causes include having flat feet or overpronation, which is when the foot rolls inward 15 percent or more with each step. Overtraining, a stubbed toe, gout, a toe…

A sprained ankle is a painful injury that unless fully healed is likely to be repeated. For that reason, it is wise to take measures that speed up the healing process and prevent a recurrence. An ankle sprain is caused when a ligament in the joint is overstretched as the foot rolls inward. If you are unable to put weight on the ankle, it is highly suggested that you seek immediate medical attention. Most experts suggest that the rest, ice, compression, and elevation method of first aid will begin the process of healing a sprained ankle. This will help to…

The feet can look and feel their best when everyday foot care is done. Stretching the feet is an excellent way to begin a foot care routine, and there are various foot exercises that can strengthen the feet. It is beneficial to change the socks and shoes soon after a workout, which may help prevent fungus from developing. The feet can be pampered by soaking them in warm water at the end of the day, followed by applying a good moisturizer. Many people choose to wear flip-flops in the warmer months, and it can help to choose a pair that…

Morton’s neuroma is a benign foot condition that causes pain between the third and fourth toes. Wearing tight shoes, such as high heels, may cause the nerve between these two toes to become compressed or irritated, which may cause pain and discomfort. Some patients explain the sensation of Morton’s neuroma as stepping on a marble or small rock stuck inside their shoe. Some also say it feels like pins and needles. Relief may come from wearing custom-made orthotics, in addition to performing stretches to help strengthen the foot. In severe cases, surgery may be necessary to remove the affected nerve…

You don't need an excuse to have beautiful nails. Step outside without worrying about the appearance of your feet.

As a person ages, problems involving the feet become more common. These issues among seniors can interfere with daily activity, increase the risk of falling, and adversely affect other body parts. Among the changes to the feet specifically linked to aging are dry skin, flat feet, hammertoe, toenail changes, and arthritis. Other potential problems include a shortened Achilles tendon, edema, and neuropathy. Dry skin, especially on the feet, can cause cracks in the skin that may result in fissures. Daily moisturizing is often a good preventative measure. Deep cracks in the skin can invite infection and in the worst cases…

Many people use some form of exercise to stay in shape, commonly involving either walking or running. But exercising the feet and ankles themselves is not always on the list of activities. Experts believe that many problems of the feet and ankles can be reduced or eliminated by following a simple foot care exercise program. Toe curls are one exercise that helps to strengthen the toes, feet, and ankles while sitting in a chair. First, start with feet flat on the floor and raise the heels and toes until only the balls of the feet are touching the floor. Hold…

There are bones that are found inside the muscle under the big toe called the sesamoid bones. Their function is to act as a shock absorber for the ball of the foot, and sesamoiditis may happen if they become inflamed. This can result from excess force while running and jumping and can cause pain and discomfort. Additional reasons why this condition can occur from stumbling or slipping or if the toe suddenly bends upward. Further, having an abnormal foot structure or frequently wearing high heels may cause sesamoiditis to develop. Common symptoms associated with this condition include pain while pushing…

It is not surprising that with the extra stress running can put on the feet, runners may be more prone to foot injuries. Runners with flat feet, high arches, and those who overpronate are at higher risk for foot injuries than others. Afflictions that are common among runners include plantar fasciitis, metatarsalgia, and Morton’s neuroma. Plantar fasciitis is when the plantar fascia, a thick band of fibrous tissue that runs along the bottom of the foot, from heel to toes, becomes inflamed or tears. It can cause a stabbing pain in the heel which may worsen when climbing stairs, after…

Do you suffer from heel pain when you get up in the morning? If so, you should seek the professional help of your podiatrist and have a proper diagnosis performed. Heel pain can be caused by several different foot-related conditions.

When the back of the heel hurts, it may be caused by a condition known as Achilles tendonitis. This ailment occurs when the strong Achilles tendon becomes inflamed, largely the result of overuse or a sudden increase in activity. Symptoms include pain, stiffness, and discomfort above the area of the heel that is used when stretching or standing on your toes. There are two types of Achilles tendonitis, insertional and noninsertional. The former is the result of tiny tears that occur when the lower portion of the tendon breaks down. The latter is when the tears occur in the middle…

Toe cramps can be painful as well as extremely annoying, especially when they wake you out of a sound sleep. Most cases of toe cramps are believed to be the result of overuse. Common culprits include walking too long, working out too much, and wearing shoes that force your feet to flex too much. Other causes of toe cramps include dehydration, along with consuming too much salt. Toe cramps also may be the result of deficiencies in such minerals as potassium, magnesium, and calcium. In addition, increased age, high anxiety, and other underlying medical conditions have been known to cause…

As part of everyday foot care, moisturizing the feet is important. Start with washing and drying your feet well each day. To prevent dryness, itching, and cracking, incorporate a foot moisturizer into your routine. Wear and tear and the weather can take a toll on the feet and dryness and cracking on the heels can be unsightly. Since cells reproduce more slowly as one ages, the problem is worse in the elderly. Moisturizing the feet can be soothing and also good for the feet. You can buff away dry, dead skin with a pumice stone a few times a week…

Blisters are one of the most common problems that runners encounter. While most blisters are not serious, these little pockets of fluid that form on the feet and toes can be annoying and quite painful. Knowing how to prevent a blister, which is nature’s way of protecting your skin from friction, is valuable information for runners. One way to prevent blisters is by wearing socks that wick moisture away from the foot and do not have seams that can cause rubbing. Along with proper socks, choosing the correct footwear is a second important prevention method. Running shoes should not be…

Custom orthotics, or shoe inserts, should be periodically replaced. Orthotics must fit properly to give you the best results. Protect your feet and ankles!