What is a bunion?

A bunion is an abnormal bump that forms on the side of the big toe joint. With a bunion, it is common for the big toe to drift towards the second toe. This can cause the bump to enlarge over time and become painful with certain shoe gear.

Causes of bunions can be genetic or having a certain foot type such as flat feet or a pronated foot which make a person prone to developing bunions. Although tight shoe gear does not cause a bunion , they can make the condition worse and cause more pain. Pain and redness on the side of the foot are common symptoms of a bunion.

A bunion can be diagnosed by a podiatrist by taking x-rays to determine the extent of the bone malalignment. The extent of the deformity can determine the type of treatment option recommended. Wider shoe gear, cortisone injections, and orthotics are treatments that can be used in the early stages of a bunion.
Sometimes a surgery might be needed for a more severe and painful bunion. The podiatrist can evaluate the condition and determine the appropriate surgery for the patient based on their age, activity level, and amount of bone and soft tissue correction needed.

If you've been dealing with a painful bump on the side of your foot that is affecting your day to day life, visit your podiatrist to see which options would suit you best.

Plantar Fibromatosis

A plantar fibroma is a fibrous nodule or mass located on the bottom of the foot, usually in the arch just underneath the skin. It is benign or non-malignant and usually embedded in the ligament of the foot known as the plantar fascia, which runs from the heel to the ball of the foot. This mass may or may not be painful. It can remain the same size or increase over time.

A podiatrist can diagnose a plantar fibroma by examining the foot and palpating the affected area. An MRI or biopsy can be used to aid in a more accurate diagnosis.

Plantar fibromatosis usually affects the middle-aged and elderly population but can affect all ages. Men are ten times more likely to acquire it than women. Although an exact cause is unknown , there are some potential causes that play a role in the condition. Some of these causes are trauma to the plantar fascia, genetics, and certain medical conditions such as diabetes and chronic liver disease.

There are a few non-surgical treatment options that can be used to decrease the pain associated with this condition. A steroid injection can be used to decrease the size of the mass which would alleviate the pain although the fibroma may return to its original size over time. Orthotics may be used to redistribute the patients weight away from the mass. Physical therapy modalities can be used to deliver anti-inflammatory medication into the fibroma. Transdermal Verapamil Gel has also been used in the treatment of plantar fibromatosis.

If conservative measures fail to improve the patients condition, a surgical removal may be required. If you are experiencing a painful lump in the arch or bottom of your foot, make sure to have it evaluated by a podiatrist.

Achilles Tendonitis

The Achilles tendon, also known as the heel cord, is the longest tendon in the body. It travels down the back of the leg and attaches to the heel bone. It functions to raise the heel off the ground. A common disorder that can affect this tendon is known as Achilles tendonitis.

Achilles tendonitis is simply inflammation of the Achilles tendon. This can occur from overuse or from a lack of proper stretching prior to exercising. Athletes are at high risk for acquiring tendonitis. Also, middle-aged recreational athletes are susceptible to it due to being less conditioned and the soft tissues and tendons being less flexible than younger athletes. In addition, people with flat feet have a tendency to develop Achilles tendonitis. Proper shoe gear is important for this group to prevent further aggravation of the Achilles tendon. If not treated properly, Achilles tendonitis can progress to degeneration of the tendon and develop microscopic tears.

Some symptoms associated with Achilles tendonitis are pain and tenderness in the back of the heel. The most significant pain usually occurs after long periods of inactivity, therefore most patients experience pain when first getting up in the morning and after sitting for long periods of time.

There are a few recommended treatment options that are important for calming down acute inflammation of the tendon. These include immobilization with a cast or removable walking boot known as a cam walker. Icing the area helps reduce the swelling due to inflammation. A heel lift placed in the shoe to raise the heel can assist in reducing the strain on the tendon. NSAIDS such as ibuprofen can help in reducing pain and inflammation in the early stages. Also, stretching exercises and physical therapy can play a big part in recovery of this condition.
If non-surgical approaches fail to restore the tendon to its normal condition, surgery may be necessary. The foot and ankle surgeon will select the best procedure to repair the tendon. So if you are experiencing pain in the back of your heel, you might want to be evaluated by a podiatrist.

Charcot-Marie Tooth Disease

Charcot-Marie Tooth Disease causes weak muscles and atrophy in the hands, feet, legs and forearms. this peripheral nerve disorder involves a gradual deterioration of the myelin coating on motor and sensory nerves and poor transmission of nerve impulses. A person's legs and feet are typically the first to show signs of CMT. Foot and ankle weakness and fatigue may develop initially, along with weakness in the hands. Toes may curl as muscles weaken. Some patients develop a highly arched foot from weak foot muscles. The person may experience a change in gait from CMT, as muscles adapt to the atrophy. Fracures and sprains are common. Other symptoms include burning, tingling or numbness in the feet, and trouble balancing.

The first step in treating any foot problem is an accurate diagnosis. This requires a comprehensive history, physical exam and in some cases, x-rays and laboratory tests. Depend on it, though-whatever is causing your foot pain, whether it's disease or injury, a hereditary condition, or any number of ills that can plague the feet- you can count on Shenandoah Podiatry for relief.

Dedicated To Your Healthy Feet,
Dr. Jennifer Feeny

p.s. CMT is different from Charcot's foot disease, a joint disorder and common complication of diabetes.

High Arches

When you stand, the gap between your foot’s inner side and the ground is referred to as your arch. If your arch is high, you have a pes cavus (high-arched foot). A high arch may not cause any symptoms for some people, but for others it can lead to discomfort. Symptoms vary depending on the degree of the arch. Some patients develop calluses or hard skin under the sole of the foot or feel pain or tenderness along the arch. Feet may also feel stiff. In severe cases, pain in the calf, hip, or knee may develop. It may be challenging to find shoes that fit properly, especially around the ankle, and shoes may wear out quickly.

To determine the best treatment for high arches and other foot conditions, a podiatrist will examine the foot and perform a gait analysis. He or she will also look at a patient’s medical history, past medical problems, length, frequency of symptoms in determining the best treatment plan.

Call today and schedule your appointment!