Common Disorders
Did you know the foot has 26 bones, 33 joints, 107 ligaments, 19 muscles, and numerous tendons? These parts all work together to allow the foot to move in a variety of ways while balancing your weight and propelling you forward or backward on even or uneven surfaces. It is no wonder that 75 percent of all Americans will experience foot problems at one point or another in their lifetimes.
Heel Pain, Heel Spurs
The most common form of heel pain is pain on the bottom of the heel. It tends to occur for no apparent reason and is often worse when first placing weight on the foot.
Hammertoes
Hammertoes are a contracture of the toes as a result of a muscle imbalance between the tendons on the top and the tendons on the bottom of the toe. They can be flexible or rigid in nature.
Hallux Limitus
Stiffness of the big toe joint is termed Hallux Limitus. Hallux is the medical term for the big toe. When the big toe possesses no motion, it is termed Hallux Rigidus.
Gout
Gout is caused by abnormal metabolism of substances called purines that result in the accumulation of uric acid in the blood stream. Purines are a by-product of cell break down.
Ganglions
A ganglion is a soft tissue mass that most commonly occurs on the wrist in women between 25 and 45 years of age. They are also seen commonly on the foot.
Fungal Toenails
Toenail fungus also called Onychomycosis is a common toenail condition that affects millions of people in the US. According to the American Academy of Dermatology it affects about 12% of the population.
Extensor Tendonitis
The extensor tendons to the foot come from the relatively small muscles in the front of the leg. The two main extensor muscles are the;Extensor Hallucis Longus muscle;(EHL) and the;Extensor Digitrorum Longus muscle;(EDL).
Charcot Joint Disease (Neuroarthropathy)
Charcot joint disease was given its name by the French neurologist Jean-Marie Charcot in 1868. He noted a bizarre pattern of bone destruction in patients with tertiary syphilis and absent sensation.
Bunion Deformity
One of the more common conditions treated by podiatric surgeons is the painful bunion. Patients with this condition will usually complain of pain when wearing certain shoes, especially snug fitting dress shoes, or with physical activity, such as walking or running.
Arthritis in the Big Toe Joint
Stiffness of the big toe joint is termed Hallux Limitus. Hallux is the medical term for the big toe. When the big toe possesses no motion, it is termed Hallux Rigidus.