DEFINITION Shin splints are a common lower extremity complaint, especially among runners and other athletes. Usually there is pain on the front or inside of the lower leg due to overexertion of the muscles. Pain usually starts gradually without any trauma, and might start as a dull ache along the front or inside of the shin (Tibia) after running or even walking. Small bumps and tender areas may become evident adjacent to the shin bone. The pain can become more intense
DEFINITION Sesamoiditis is a common condition affecting the forefoot, especially in young people who participate in physical activity like running or dancing. It commonly presents as pain under the big toe joint. The term is a general description for any irritation of the sesamoid bones, these are the tiny bones within the tendons that run to the big toe. Every time you push off against the toe the sesamoids are used, and eventually they can become irritated, even fractured. Because the
DEFINITION Pregnancy causes many different changes in a woman’s body. Women have many complaints during their pregnancy. Often an overlooked complaint is foot pain. Due to the natural weight gain during pregnancy, over- pronation and edema may result. These can lead to heel pain, arch pain, or the front of the foot. Pregnant women also experience cramps and varicose veins. CAUSE Over-pronation and edema are very common foot problems experienced during pregnancy. Over-Pronation, also referred to as flat feet, is caused when a
What Is PTTD? The posterior tibial tendon serves as one of the major supporting structures of the foot, helping it to function while walking. Posterior tibial tendon dysfunction (PTTD) is a condition caused by changes in the tendon, impairing its ability to support the arch. This results in flattening of the foot. PTTD is often called adult acquired flatfoot because it is the most common type of flatfoot developed during adulthood. Although this condition typically occurs in only one foot, some
DEFINITION Plantar Fasciitis is a very common condition caused by excessive stretching of the plantar fascia. This is a broad band of fibrous tissue running along the sole of the foot, from the attachment at the bottom of the heel bone and extending to the toe bases. When this tissue is excessively stretched, this can cause plantar fasciitis, which can also lead to heel pain, arch pain, and heel spurs. CAUSE Various causes are known: Over-pronation (flat feet) which results in the arch
DEFINITION Overlapping toes can occur in any of the toes and can cause extreme irritation if not corrected. People of all ages might be affected. CAUSE Many disorders can affect the joints in the toes, causing pain and preventing the foot from functioning as it should. TREATMENT Conservative treatment (non-surgical treatment) of overlapping toes begins with accommodating the disorder. Shoes with a high, broad toe box (toe area) are recommended for people suffering from overlapping toes. Forefoot supports such
DEFINITION Over-pronation, or flat feet, is a common biomechanical problem that occurs when a person’s foot arch collapses upon weight bearing. This can cause extreme stretch or inflammation on the plantar fascia, potentially causing severe discomfort and leading to other foot problems. CAUSE Over-pronation is very prominent in people who have flexible, flat feet. The architecture of the foot begins to collapse, causing the foot to flatten and adding stress to other parts of the foot. As a result, over-pronation, often leads to
DEFINITION 25% of diabetics will develop foot problems due their condition. This will primarily be due to “neuropathy”. Diabetic Neuropathy is a complication of diabetes that affects the nerves. The most common type of diabetic neuropathy is called peripheral neuropathy and affects the peripheral nerves. Peripheral nerves are the nerves that go out from the brain and spinal cord to the muscles, skin, internal organs, and glands. Peripheral neuropathy impairs proper functioning of these sensory and motor nerves. The most common
DEFINITION Morton’s Toe is a common forefoot disorder where the second toe is longer than the First Big Toe (the Hallux). CAUSE The excessive length of the second metatarsal bone results in excessive pressure underneath the second metatarsal head resulting in pain similar to metatarsalgia. This constant pressure can lead to callus formation under the second metatarsal head. TREATMENT Treatment of Morton’s Toe starts with selecting proper footwear. Footwear with a high and wide toe box (toe area) is
DEFINITION Morton’s Neuroma is a common fore-foot problem associated with pain, swelling and/or an inflammation of a nerve, usually located between the 3rd and 4th toes. Symptoms of this condition include sharp pain, burning, and even a lack of feeling in the affected area. Morton’s Neuroma may also cause numbness, tingling, or cramps in the forefoot. CAUSE Morton’s Neuroma occurs due to squeezing a nerve usually between the 3rd and 4th metatarsal heads. Symptoms of Morton’s Neuroma often occur during or activities such