According to the American Podiatric Medical Association, an average person takes between 8,000-10,000 steps a day. It’s not surprising, then, that feet are prone to so many different types of ailments. In fact, one out of six people have foot problems, with women being nine times more likely than men to develop them (source: American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons).

The scope of common foot problems is large; they range from skin conditions, to nerve and soft tissue inflammations, to bone deformities. The causes are almost always bio-mechanical, meaning they are caused by each person’s individual foot structure and his or her unique gait (how that person walks).

While there is little we can do to prevent these inherent problems (we are born with our foot structures and the way we walk), the vast majority of foot ailments can be cured and/or improved significantly without surgery.

“There is little we can do to prevent the wear and tear that causes foot problems over time, especially as we age,” said Dr. John Oricchio, board certified Podiatrist at MKMG. “Fortunately, most problems can be corrected without surgery. For that reason, we favor a conservative approach to treatment.”

Inflammations

Several common foot problems fall in to the category of inflammations, whether it be swollen joints or nerves. Heel pain, caused by swelling in the heel     tissue and protruding bones, is called heel spurs. This painful condition can make even simple walking difficult. Morton's Neuroma, or pain between the third and fourth toes, results from a pinched nerve and buildup of tissue, and typically occurs when the arch of the foot collapses. While both conditions can be caused by wearing shoes that are too tight or which offer poor support, they are most often the result of bio-mechanics.

Deformities

Two common bone deformities, hammertoes and bunions, are also mechanically induced. A hammertoe occurs when a toe joint(s) contracts back on itself, causing the toe to bend or curl in various directions. Bunions occur when the joint of the big toe bulges, due to thickening and enlargement of the bone.

In most cases, bunions respond well to shoe pads, inserts and orthotics. Depending on the degree of the deformity, bone surgery can also be effective.

“In general, inflammatory problems and foot deformities respond well to a variety of non-invasive treatments, including shoe inserts, pads, and orthotics which are prescription arch supports fitted specifically to a person’s foot,” Dr. Oricchio said. “Anti-inflammatory medications, steroid injections, physical therapy and shaving of the callused skin can also help. If all else has failed, surgery may be the next option.”

Dermatologic Conditions

Another class of foot problems, caused either by bio-mechanics or poor fitting shoes, is skin-related. Corns and calluses are caused by twisting or shearing of the skin from shoes and bony prominences. Corns are small and round and look more like warts, while calluses are wider and flatter. Shoe inserts and pads usually provide sufficient relief; tougher corns and calluses may require surgical removal.

Plantar Warts result from a virus, and look like flat calluses on sole of the foot or bottom of toes. Because a person’s body weight prevents them from protruding, they grow back into the skin, and thus are very difficult to treat. Topical acids, which soften the outer skin and expose the underlying wart, are moderately successful. Other options include excising, freezing, or performing laser surgery to remove the wart.

Athlete's Foot is a rash or fungus that develops on the sole of the foot or between the toes. A common ailment, especially among avid sports players, this aptly named condition can be caused by excessive perspiration or poor foot hygiene. Athlete’s foot responds well to treatment with antifungal medications, available in either topical or oral form.

If you are experiencing foot pain, or have questions regarding any of these foot conditions, contact Dr. Oricchio at 242-1570.