7 Common Foot Issues That You Should Know About

Foot problems? Foot doctors provide a full range of medical care for problems of the ankles, feet, and lower legs. They diagnose and treat diseases and perform surgery. Foot & Ankle Specialists of Connecticut, which has offices in Plainville, New Milford, and Danbury, CT, offers a full range of podiatric services. Here are seven common foot issues that you should know about.

1. Calluses- Calluses are areas of skin which have become thick and hard in response to repeated friction or pressure. There are various types of treatments for calluses, including shoe inserts, medication to reduce infection risk, callus-removing medication, patches containing salicylic acid, and surgery.

2. Bunions- A bunion is a bony bump that forms on the joint connecting the big toe. Bunions can be very painful. Years of wearing poorly fitting footwear can cause bunions. There are various types of treatments for bunions, including medication, taping and padding, orthotics, and surgery. 

3. Ingrown Toenails- when the nail grows into the soft flesh-- usually affect the big toes. Ingrown toenails are caused by the pressure from the ingrowth of the nail edges into the skin of the toes. In some cases, the podiatrist will remove part of the nail. The podiatrist will prescribe medication if the area is infected.

4. Plantar Fasciitis- Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common causes of heel pain. Plantar fasciitis is caused by straining the ligament that supports your arch. Wearing shoes with poor arch support can cause plantar fasciitis. Common treatments for plantar fasciitis include stretching exercises, medications, night splints, orthotic devices, and walking casts.

5. Heel Spurs- A heel spur is a pointed bony outgrowth on the bone of the heel. Although heel spurs are often painless, they can cause discomfort in the heel. This can make it difficult to walk, stand, or run. Heel spurs are common among athletes and fitness enthusiasts whose activities include running or jumping. Common treatments for heel spurs include stretching exercises, shoe recommendations, orthotic devices, and physical therapy.

6. Corns- Corns are thickened areas of skin that form on the toes. Corns often occur when the toes rub against the interior of a shoe. Corns have a rough, dull appearance and they are smaller than calluses. They may be raised or rounded, and they can be hard to differentiate from warts. Most corns are caused by tight-fitting footwear. Common treatments for corns include salicylic acid products, orthotic devices, and surgery. 

7. Athlete's Foot- Going barefoot in public places is a common cause of athlete's foot. Athlete’s foot is a fungal infection that affects the skin on the feet. Athlete's foot may cause scaling, itching, foot pain, and burning. Common treatments for athlete's treatment include antifungal ointments, lotions, powders, or sprays, and prescription antifungals.

Need a podiatrist? Don't wait another minute- call Foot & Ankle Specialists of Connecticut at 860-747-2200 now to schedule an appointment in Plainville, CT. Call 860-355-3139 to schedule an appointment in New Milford, CT. Call 203-748-2220 to schedule an appointment in Danbury, CT. Your feet will be in expert hands with our world-class podiatrists.