General Conditions
There are 26 bones, 33 joints, and more than 100 muscles, tendons, and ligaments in the foot and ankle. And all those interconnected parts are responsible for keeping you mobile and active enough to keep the rest of your body healthy. So it's vital that you ensure foot and ankle health as well.
To learn more about keeping your feet and ankles healthy, visit the following sites:
Athlete's Foot Facts
Children's Foot Facts
Diabetic Foot Facts
Men's Foot Facts
Women's Foot Facts
The general conditions that follow can have a negative impact on foot and ankle health – and are best addressed with your medical practitioner. At Advanced Foot and Ankle Care in Loveland, Colorado, we will diagnose your condition and then work with you to determine the best course of treatment to restore you to full function as quickly as possible.
For more information on foot and ankle health facts, visit the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons patient website.
Circulatory Problems
Neurological Problems
Shin Splints
Skin and Nail Problems
Sweaty or Malodorous Feet
Circulatory Problems
Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) occurs when the blood flow in the arteries of the extremities is restricted. It may be an indicator of some other circulatory deficit that can affect the brain and cause a stroke, or the heart and cause a heart attack. Known risk factors for PAD include obesity, diabetes, hypertension, smoking, and high cholesterol, as well as a family history of the disease. Tests can determine the extent and location of the blood flow restriction. Once this is known, arteries can often be reopened and blood flow restored through the use of oral medications or surgical intervention.
Deep venous thrombosis (DVT) is the formation of a blood clot in the deeper veins of the lower leg or thigh, although it can occur in other parts of the body. This condition can be life-threatening as the blood clot can detach from the wall of the vein and travel through the bloodstream to the lungs, causing a pulmonary embolism. (Medications, compression stockings, and surgery are the mainstay of current treatment for DVT.)
Varicose veins occur when the valves in the legs that normally prevent the backflow of blood into the legs become "incompetent," resulting in pooling of the blood in the legs. This distends the veins and they become prominent and sometimes swollen and painful. Chronic pooling of the blood can also stain the skin a brownish color or cause ulcerations to occur. A podiatrist will likely recommend compression stockings, periodic elevation of the feet, exercise or other treatment options.
Raynaud's disease or Raynaud's phenomenon pertain to a condition in which fingers and toes become discolored, turning bluish-white when exposed to cold. In Raynaud's disease, the condition is primary, whereas in Raynaud's phenomenon, it is secondary to some other problem. Most commonly triggered by cold, Raynaud's can also be caused by certain medications, emotional or physical stress, or smoking.
Neurological Problems
Neuromas represent inflammation and swelling of a nerve that is the result of chronic compression of the nerve. The most common area for a neuroma to form in the foot is between the third and fourth toes (Morton's neuroma), although it can occur elsewhere. Neuromas can be caused by biomechanical abnormalities, bunions, hammertoes, flatfeet, injury, or sporting activities. Typically the neuroma will feel like the sock is balled up under the toes and the patient will experience tingling, burning, pain, or numbness. If caught early, the neuroma can be treated conservatively, but if chronic in nature, more aggressive treatment may be necessary.
Diabetic peripheral neuropathy occurs when the nerves are damaged by diabetes. The better the patient is at controlling his or her blood sugar levels, the lower the chance that this type of neuropathy will develop. Podiatrists are sometimes the first to diagnose diabetes when the patient comes in to find out what is causing the numbness. Through the patient's history, physical examination, and blood testing, diabetes is diagnosed.
The damaged nerves can then cause other problems to develop such as bunions and hammertoes, infections from unknown injury, ulcerations, cracked skin, or breakdown of the structural integrity of the foot (Charcot foot). The best treatment for diabetic neuropathy is to control the blood sugar levels with either diet or oral, injectable medications or combinations of these.
Tarsal tunnel syndrome refers to a compression of the tibial nerve – which courses along the inner side of the ankle behind and below the ankle bone – as it runs through the narrow tarsal canal. Like the carpal tunnel condition found in the wrist, symptoms of tarsal tunnel syndrome include shooting pain, numbness, tingling, burning, or an electrical sensation. People who are at increased risk of developing this condition include individuals whose feet pronate excessively, who suffer an injury to the area, and those who have diabetes or arthritis, abnormal structure in the area (e.g., a ganglion cyst), swelling of a tendon, bone spur, or varicose veins.
Tarsal tunnel syndrome can be treated through a variety of nonsurgical methods, but surgery may be necessary for the nonresponsive or more severe cases. The podiatrist can diagnose and recommend the treatment indicated by the severity of the condition.
Shin Splints
Shin splints are usually caused by tendonitis, periostitis, overuse from athletic activities, the overpronated foot type, high heels, and compartment syndrome; symptoms include pain in the front of the lower legs. Also called medial tibial stress syndrome, shin splints usually occur in both legs at the same time and can be treated successfully with oral anti-inflammatory medication, ice, rest, stretching exercises, and properly fitted shoes and inserts. A podiatrist can evaluate the condition and make the appropriate recommendations for the treatment best suited for the individual.
Skin and Nail Problems
Cracked skin can be caused by dry skin, diabetes, or autonomic neuropathy. When skin dries out, it becomes susceptible to cracking. If the cracking becomes severe, it opens a portal of entry to bacteria and can lead to infection. Dry, cracked skin should be moisturized two to three times a day; if the treatment is unsuccessful, you should see a podiatrist to have the condition evaluated and addressed.
Foot rash (dermatitis) can be caused by psoriasis, eczema, any form of dermatitis, allergic reaction, or bacterial or fungal infection. A condition that causes redness and irritation of the skin, psoriasis most commonly begins in individuals ages 15 to 35 and can last a lifetime. It tends to "come and go" and is not contagious. There are several types of psoriasis; your podiatrist can make the correct diagnosis and treatment recommendations for psoriasis and other types of foot rash.
Eczema symptoms include dry, red, itchy patches of skin that can usually be treated with topical moisturizing creams or lotions to reduce the itching. Ice can also help. Corticosteroid creams are often used to reduce inflammation. The podiatrist can diagnose and recommend the best treatment for you.
Athlete's foot (tinea pedis) is caused by a fungus, the same fungus that causes thickening and discoloration of the toenails. Fungus thrives in a warm, moist, and dark environment; there is no better combination of these than in a shoe and sock. Individuals who have sweaty feet may be more prone to develop athlete's foot. Most often seen on the bottoms of the feet and between the toes, the fungus can cause this rash on any part of the body. Simple daily foot care can treat and control this condition. For the more severe cases, consult with a podiatrist to develop a treatment plant that is best suited for you.
Malignant melanoma is a potentially deadly condition that can occur in any age group. Early detection and diagnosis are essential to achieve the best long-term prognosis. The leading cause of malignant melanoma is excessive exposure to UV rays from the sun or tanning beds. Individuals with an increased risk of developing malignant melanoma are those with fair skin, blond or red hair, skin that freckles, those who sunburn frequently and at an early age, and those with numerous moles that form at an early age. Lesions from malignant melanoma are usually asymmetric, have an irregular border, and have a mixture of colors; they also tend to grow over time. Skin lesions that are larger than a pencil eraser should be evaluated by a podiatrist.
Sweaty and malodorous feet
Abnormal foot odor is generally the result of a superficial infection of the skin with bacteria, yeast, or fungus. This is aggravated by excessive perspiration. To control the odor, reduce the amount of perspiration in contact with the skin. A podiatrist can offer helpful hints at how to easily manage this problem.
