Foot Problems in Fort Wayne, IN

Foot Problems

Arthritis
Arthritis is an inflammatory joint condition resulting from loss of cartilage. This is quite common in the foot. the foot received 4x your body weight with every step you take. This can result in joint changes over time. Treatment options consist of topical, oral and injectable steroids, non-steroidal and natural medicines, orthotics, shoe modifications, braces and surgery. Surgery consists of joint resection, implant (joint replacement) or fusions. Please discuss the condition with your Podiatrist to determine which treatment option will work best for you.
Bunion
Bunion is a lateral deviation of the great toe with a bony prominence noted at the inside of the great toe joint.
Bunions, also known as hallux abducto valgus, occur when the great toe is angled toward the smaller toes with a bump noted on the inside of the great toe joint. This bump can make it difficult to properly fit a shoe. This condition has a strong genetic predisposition. Bunions can be painful or have a complete absence of pain. Bunions are usually noted from a difficulty in fitting shoes or from pain due to pressure of ill fitting shoes.
Treatment of Bunions:
  • Alteration of style and fit of shoes
  • Accommodative padding
  • Over the counter arch supports
  • Custom orthotics
  • Anti-inflammatory medications
  • Bunion splints
  • Surgery
Hammertoe
Hammertoe is a deformity of the smaller toes resulting in a bending of the toe. The first joint of the toe is affected and bends up resembling a hammer.
This is a very common toe deformity with a strong genetic predisposition. Hammertoes occur due to a muscle imbalance in the foot. This resultant change in position can lead to shoe irritation and foot pain.
Treatment of Hammertoes:
  • Shoe alteration
  • Accommodative padding
  • Hammertoe splints
  • Arch supports
  • Custom orthotics
  • Surgery
Neuroma
Neuroma is a fibrous tissue that develops around an irritated nerve.
The condition presents with pain at the bottom of the ball of the foot and results in numbness and tingling to the affected toes. This condition is aggravated by barefoot walking on hard surfaces. Neuromas are caused by increased pressure on a nerve. The irritated nerve responds by padding itself with fibrous tissue. The larger the pad the more irritated the nerve becomes.
Treatment of Neuroma:
  • Resting the foot
  • Better fitting shoes
  • Anti-inflammatory drugs
  • Ice packs
  • Local cortisone injection
  • Natural Medicine
  • Surgery
Neuropathy (Nerve Disease)
Neuropathy is a nerve disease in the body that can result in altered sensation. The individual may experience numbness, tingling, burning, shooting, stabbing, electric like sensations and sometimes even a crawling sensation, like bugs under the skin. Neuropathy can be painful and may progress to a loss of sensation and or function of the foot. There are multiple causes for neuropathy with Diabetes being the most prevalent. Treatment options are dependant on the cause of the neuropathy. Treatment options vary for each individual as well and are based on presentation of the condition. Please discuss treatment options with your doctor.
Onychocryptosis (Ingrown Toenail)
Ingrown toenails result from the natural shape of the toenail or improper trimming of the toenail. The nail border digs into the skin resulting in pain, inflammation and even infection. The pain can radiate to the entire end of the toe. Drainage can be present if the ingrown toenail is left untreated for any length of time. Proper trimming of the toenail is dependent on the shape of the toenail and varies for everyone.
Treatment of ingrown toenails:
  • Proper trimming
  • Antibiotics
  • Medicated foot soaks
  • Temporary or permanent removal of a portion or all of the toenail.
Onychomycosis
Onychomycosis is a fungal infection of the toenails.
This is a very common condition resulting from fungus living in and around the toenails. The toenails will appear thick and discolored. The discoloration can be yellow, brown and sometimes even black. Fungal toenails do not necessarily hurt. The fungus is created by the environment the toenails are exposed to. This usually is a result of moisture within shoes.
Treatment of Onychomycosis:
  • Debridement (this is thinning and trimming of the toenails)
  • Keratolytics
  • Topical Antifungals
  • Oral Antifungals
  • Surgical removal (temporary or permanent)
PAD (peripheral arterial disease)
PAD is a circulatory condition affecting the legs and or feet. One will typically experience a tight cramping pain in the groin, legs or feet while sleeping or with walking. This will cause them to stop walking and rest before they will be able to walk further. While sleeping, the cramping pain will wake the individual up and cause them to dangle their foot over the edge of the bed or get up and walk some. This is a very serious condition and should be evaluated by a Doctor immediately. Treatment options vary from exercise to surgery and should be discussed on an individual basis.
Plantar Fasciitis (Heel Pain)
Plantar Fasciitis is the inflammation of the Plantar fascia.
The plantar fascia is a ligament that attaches to the heel and runs to the end of the foot. At the end of the foot it attaches at the ball of the foot and into the toes. Upon weight-bearing this ligament is stretched. This stretch sometimes exceeds the capability of the ligament and thus small tears occur. The tearing typically occurs at the bottom of the heel on the inside. The pain can radiate around the heel and sometimes up the side of the ankle. Patients usually report pain in the morning upon initial weight-bearing or upon initial weight-bearing after a period of rest. The pain usually subsides after a few minutes of walking, but can last longer.
Treatment of Plantar fasciitis:
  • Stretching
  • Icing
  • Arch support (over the counter or custom orthotics)
  • Anti-inflammatory drugs
  • Steroid injections
  • Night Splints
  • Physical Therapy
  • Ultrasound Therapy
  • Natural Medicine
  • Platelet Rich Plasma Injections
  • Surgery
Plantar Wart
A contagious callus like skin condition caused by Human Pailoma Virus that can sometimes cause foot related pain. Plantar warts are most common in children and young adolescence. They can be found in adults and elderly patients, but are not as common in this age group. The plantar wart is identified by a hard callus area of skin that sometimes bleeds when picked at or trimmed by a professional. Plantar warts can spread to family members and therefore it is important to seek medical attention early.
Treatment of Plantar Warts:
  • Treatment options vary and should be discussed on an individual basis with a Podiatrist.
Tinea Pedia (Athletes Foot)
Tinea Pedis is a fungal infection of the foot. This can present as acute or chronic athletes foot. Acute athletes foot results from the skin being over hydrated. This is most commonly found between your toes. The skin may look white with fissures or red and inflamed. Acute athletes foot usually results in itching or burning between the toes. Chronic athletes foot develops as a result of untreated acute athletes foot. The skin will look dry and flaky on top, but have a red inflamed base. Chronic athletes foot does not usually itch or burn. Acute and chronic athletes foot can present on the same foot.
Treatment of Athletes Foot:
  • Topical and oral anti-fungals
  • Changing the environment in the shoe
  • Discuss these options with your Podiatrist