HERE ARE SOME OF THE MOST COMMON FOOT AILMENTS AND WHAT YOUR PODIATRIST CAN DO TO TREAT THEM WHAT IS A BUNION? Definition: A bunion is an enlargement at the base of the big toe caused by misalignment of the joint. It may be swollen, tender and painful with the wearing of footwear. Causes: Heredity, biomechanical abnormalities, neuromuscular disorders, inflammatory joint disease (arthritis), trauma, congenital deformities. What might a podiatrist do? Perform a physical exam of the foot, perform X-ray evaluation, padding or taping, prescribe orhotics, perform surgery as indicated. WHAT ARE CORNS OR CALLUSES? Definition: A callus or corn is a build up of skin that forms at points of pressure or over bony prominences. Calluses from on the bottom side of the foot, corns form on the top of the foot and between the toes. Causes: Repeated friction and pressure from skin rubbing against bony areas or against an irregularity in a shoe, as well as hereditary disorders. What might a podiatrist do? Perform a physical examination, perform X-ray evaluation if needed, perform trimming or padding of the lesions, surgery as needed. WHAT IS A NEUROMA? Definition: A neuroma is a painful condition often referred to as a pinched nerve, swollen nerve, or nerve tumor. It is defined more specifically as a benign growth of nerve tissue frequently found between the third and fourth toes. This may result in pain, burning, tingling, or numbness between the toes and in the ball of the foot. Causes: Improper or ill-fitting shoes, trauma, high heeled shoes, heredity. What might a podiatrist do? A physical examination, X-ray evaluation to rule out other causes, padding and taping, custom orthotics, and inflammatory medication, administer cortisone injections or perform surgery as needed. WHAT IS PLANTAR FASCIITIS/HEEL PAIN? Definition: Plantar fasciitis is an inflammation of the long band of connective tissue running from the heel to the ball of the foot, heel spur syndrome is a bony overgrowth on the heel bone, Plantar fasciitis and heel spur syndrome affect women more than men, The bottom of the foot and arch can become more painful. Causes: Stretching the long band of tissue that connects the heel and the hall of the foot, muscle imbalance, bone deformity, obesity, trauma, tightness of the muscles on the back of the leg. What might a podiatrist do? Perform a physical examination, X-ray evaluation, recommend taping, prescribe orthotic devices, prescribe appropriate medication, administer injections or perform surgery as needed. WHAT IS A FUNGAL NAIL? Definition: Nail Fungus is a chronic condition with implications for patients that go beyond the nail. When left untreated a fungal nail condition may affect physical and psychological wellbeing for many years. While not life threatening, the overall affects of this infection elevate its status to that of an important medical disorder. Fungal nail is an infection: paitients with a fungal nail condition may present nail discoloration, nail thickening, scaling, and/or detachment of the nail plate from the nail bed. Although, the cosmetic aspect of a fungal nail may be a concern, the problems induced may go much deeper. More than 50% of patients with fungal nail experience pain and discomfort A study on quality of life found significantly poorer ratings for general health and body pain in patients with fungal nail than in healthy subjects. What might a podiatrist do? When a fungal nail is diagnosed it should be treated with appropriate drug regimens to achieve a cure whether topically (cream, soaks, or nail lacquer) for the mild to moderate conditions and orally for moderate to severe nail conditions. Your podiatrist will choose the proper treatment for you. WHAT ARE PRESCRIPTION ORTHOTICS? Definition: This is a custom-made shoe insert made from a plaster case of the foot which is form-fitted to the foot. There are different types of orthotics designed for different activities, various footwear and various foot ailments. The purpose is to prevent abnormal motion of the foot while allowing for normal motion and function. An orthotic is designed to control the mechanics of the foot, from the heel contact phase of walking through the mid-stance and toe-off phase. How Do I Know If I Need Orthotics? If you are experiencing foot discomfort that persists, the origin may be bio-mechanical in nature, in which case, orthotics would be helpful. Many times, orthotics can help in situations of flat feet, high arched foot structure, heel pain, bunions and even callus formation. Since the foot is the foundation of the body, symptoms at the ankle, knee, hip and lower back can be related. Since orthotics can work in a preventative fashion to avoid potential foot problems, they may be indicated in some cases even though you are not experiencing pain. An example of this is when the foot rolls in or flattens excessively. This may lead to disabling problems in the future. Arthritis and soft tissue damage can result due to poor alignment of the foot. Have a podiatrist do an assessment of your feet in order to decrease the chance of future problems. Robert C. Chelin D.P.M., F.A.A.F.A.S. 235 St Clair Avenue West, Suite #101 Toronto, Ontario  M4V 1R4 Phone: (416) 921-5300 Fax: (416) 921-5300 Email: ft-biz@rogers.com