Plantar Fasciitis

Inflammation of ligament that supports the arch.

Symptoms
Pain and soreness in the heel, pain is most severe in the morning when stepping out of bed and also following rest.
Causes
Usually mechanical in nature but can be caused by injury.
Home Treatment
Avoid walking barefoot, ice the painful area 20 minutes twice a day, gentle stretching exercises, gentle massage to the area. Try a plantar fasciitis sleeve or gentle compression. Supportive shoes and arch support can be beneficial.
Surgery?
Surgery may be required, but most of the time it will not be needed.
When to see a doctor:
If problem persists more than one month.

Flat Feet

The collapse of the arch. Usually congenital or as a result of trauma.

Symptoms
Pain and soreness in arches and legs, extending up into the knees and back.
Causes
Ususually genetic, but can be caused by injury.
Home Treatment
Arch support
Surgery?
Surgery may be required but usually is treated with appropriate showear and arch support, sometimes advanced bracing can also be beneficial.

Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome

Inflammation around nerve that radiates toward bottom of the foot.

Symptoms
Numbness and burning on bottom of foot.
Causes
Excessive pressure through the tarsal tunnel, which is a compartment on the inside of the foot. This is usually made worse by prolonged standing or walking and mechanical problems in the foot and ankle but can be more worrisome if there is a growth or tumor around the nerve.
Home Treatment
Ice on inside of ankle, avoid walking barefoot, wear supportive shoewear and arch support. Can also try an ankle brace.
Surgery?
Surgery may be required.
When to see a doctor:
If problem persists more than one month.

Hallux Valgus (Bunions)

Malignment of the great toe.

Symptoms
Pain and soreness around the great toe joint. There is also a visible bone protrusion that can be irritated with wearing shoes.
Causes
Bunions tend to run in the family and have a genetic predisposition that is often hastened by wearing poor shoewear.
Home Treatment
Wider shoes (many shoes now come with different width options), bunion splints, proper arch support, padding around the painful areas.
Surgery?
Surgery may be required
When to see a doctor:
Bunions are easier to treat early on and so try to see a doctor early in the progression of the condition.

Metatarsalgia

Pain in forefoot.

Symptoms
Pain and swelling in the forefoot.
Causes
Usually mechanical, such as from wearing poor shoes.
Home Treatment
Avoid walking barefoot, apply ice 20 minutes twice a day, add a Metatarsal pad into your shoes, proper shoewear and arch support.
Surgery?

When to see a doctor:
If the pain persists for more than one month.

Neuromas

A small benign tumor caused by compression of the nerve.

Symptoms
Burning pain in the forefoot, often feels like walking on a wadded up sock.
Causes
Usually wearing a tight shoe or local inflammation around the forefoot joints and nerves.
Home Treatment
Try wider shoes, good arch support, applying ice 20 minutes twice a day.
Surgery?
Surgery may be required.
When to see a doctor:
Pain persists more than one month.

Toenail Fungus

Infection of the toenail and surrounding structures.

Symptoms
Yellow, greenish, or black discoloration of the toenails. Thickening of the toenails.
Causes
A fungus that has gotten into the toenail, similar to athlete’s foot.
Home Treatment
Keeping nails thin and short, applying topical antifungal medications. Keep feet clean and dry.
Surgery?
Surgery may be required but usually responds to medical treatments including medications. A proper biopsy and culture can be very helpful. Laser therapy is also available and can be as effective as taking oral medication.
When to see a doctor:
If problem persists more than one month.

Hammer Toes

Contracture deformity of the toes.

Symptoms
Pain and irritation on the toes. Toes may look contracted by little hammers.
Causes
Tends to have a genetic cause and runs in the family.
Home Treatment
Stretching the toes daily, extra wide shoes, and appropriate shoes and arch support.
Surgery?
Surgery may be required
When to see a doctor:
If pain persists for more than a month or toe deformity is worsening.

Ingrown Toenails

Nail that cuts into the flesh of the toe.

Symptoms
Pain, soreness on the toenail, sometimes progressing into an infection.
Causes
Usually runs in the family but can be caused by improper cutting of the toenails.
Home Treatment
Soaking the foot with cool Epsom salts. Also can try applying a topical antibacterial, such as triple antibiotic ointment. Sometimes, oral antibiotics are needed and a minor surgical procedure to remove the ingrown toenail, either for temporary relief or permanent correction.
When to see a doctor:
If pain persists more than 3-4 days.

Neuromas

A small benign tumor caused by compression of the nerve.

Symptoms
Burning pain in the forefoot, often feels like walking on a wadded up sock.
Causes
Usually wearing a tight shoe or local inflammation around the forefoot joints and nerves.
Home Treatment
Try wider shoes, good arch support, applying ice 20 minutes twice a day.
Surgery?
Surgery may be required.
When to see a doctor:
Pain persists more than one month.