Lexington Foot and Ankle Center

Understanding some of the most common foot problems

Millions of people every year suffer excessive pain due to foot problems. A recent poll conducted by the American Podiatric Medical Association found that 55 percent of Americans missed at least one day of work because of foot problems. Many people are not aware that there may be simple, effective solutions to these problems, according to the podiatrists at Lexington Foot and Ankle Center, PSC. Here are descriptions of some common foot problems:

BUNIONS
A bunion is an enlargement of the great toe joint area, caused by a misaligned bone that deflects the big toe inward. As the protrusion worsens, the patient suffers joint pain and irritation from their shoes. Conservative treatment may include special shoes, padding or orthotics. Surgical treatment is often used to correct the deformity and provide the best long-term solution. Bunions also tend to cause other foot problems such as calluses, ingrown toenails and hammertoes, and may even lead to premature arthritis.

HEEL PAIN
Pain in the bottom of the heel is usually caused by a ligament called the plantar fascia. It attaches to the heel bone, and chronic irritation makes a bone spur rise. This pain often occurs when the patient first steps on the foot after long periods of rest, standing or walking. Early treatment may include cortisone injections, physical therapy or custom-fitted orthotics. If these non-invasive treatments are not helpful, advanced surgical treatments are available on an outpatient basis.

NERVE PROBLEMS
Sharp pain, burning and numbness, usually between two toes, are signs of a possible neuroma (inflamed or pinched nerve). Wearing tight, ill-fitting shoes or excessive walking or exercise may cause neuromas to form or worsen. Conservative treatments are available. For more severe cases, it may be necessary to remove the enlarged nerve.

TOENAIL PROBLEMS/INGROWN TOENAILS
When one or both sides of a toenail grow into the surrounding flesh, it will become very sore, swollen, red and possibly infected. Removing the ingrown portion of the nail often gives fast relief from the pain and infection. For recurring problems, part or all of the toenail is removed, and a chemical is applied to the nail root to permanently prevent growth. In most circumstances, this procedure is easily performed in the office and the patient resumes daily activities in just a few days.

CORNS/HAMMERTOES
The smaller toes can curl up, causing a contracted toe or hammertoe deformity. These toes are irritated by wearing everyday shoes, and corns then form on top of the toes. Muscle imbalances, congenital deformities and wearing tight, ill-fitting shoes often cause these problems. Non-invasive treatment may consist of proper shoe fitting or custom-made orthotics. When the deformities and pain are more severe, surgical correction may be the best way to treat hammertoes and corns.

WARTS
A small bump or group of bumps on the bottom of your foot may be plantar warts. Sometimes they are confused with corns or calluses. Warts are caused by a virus, have a circular shape and may have a small black or red center. There are many ways to treat warts. Sometimes a chemical is applied; other times they are scooped out and treated with a laser or freezing agent. The best treatment is chosen based on the patient's age, work and lifestyle.

ARCH PROBLEMS
Both flat feet and high arches can cause pain. The flat foot usually stretches the plantar fascia, a ligament in the arch area. Arch supports or orthotics used to support the arch and foot offer relief. Patients with high arches have problems with lack of motion and a rigid foot. Arch supports are used to support this type of foot as well. For severe cases, especially in childhood, there are advanced procedures for correcting flat feet.

If you are suffering from any of these foot ailments, help may be available. For more information or to schedule an appointment, call Lexington Foot and Ankle Center at (859) 278-8855 or toll free at 1-888-689-3668. New patients are welcome; most insurance plans are accepted.

3 out of 4 Americans experience serious foot problems in their lifetime.

The foot contains 26 bones, 33 joints, 107 ligaments and 19 muscles.

1/4 of all the bones in the human body are down in your feet. When thesebones are out of alignment, so is the rest of the body.

Only a small percentage of the population is born with foot problems.

It's neglect and a lack of awareness of proper care - including ill fitting shoes - that bring on problems.

Women have about four times as many foot problems as men. High heels are partly to blame.

Walking is the best exercise for your feet. It also contributes to your general health by improving circulation, contributing to weight control, and promoting all-around well being.

Your feet mirror your general health. Conditions such as arthritis, diabetes, nerve and circulatory disorders can show their initial symptoms in the feet - so foot ailments can be your first sign of more serious medical problems.

Arthritis is the number one cause of disability in America. It limits everyday dressing, climbing stairs, getting in and out of bed or walking - for about 7 million Americans.

About 60-70% of people with diabetes have mild to severe forms of diabetic nerve damage, which in severe forms can lead to lower limb amputations. Approximately 56,000 people a year lose their foot or leg to diabetes.

There are 250,000 sweat glands in a pair of feet. Sweat glands in the feet excrete as much as a half-pint of moisture a day.

Walking barefoot can cause plantar warts. The virus enters through a cut.

The two feet may be different sizes. Buy shoes for the larger one.

About 5% of Americans have toenail problems in a given year.

The average person takes 8,000 to 10,000 steps a day, which adds up to about 115,000 miles over a lifetime. That's enough to go around the circumference of the earth four times.