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Is an overuse injury of the Achilles tendon (thick band of tissue connecting calf muscles to the heel bone).

What is Achilles tendonitis? Common condition that causes pain along the back of the leg near the heel

[Symptoms]: Begins with mild ache then progresses to more severe pain with exercise. Morning tenderness or stiffness can improve with mild activity.

[Risk Factors]: Runners, middle-ages people who play sports,

[Tx]. Simple at home care should be under Doctor’s supervision. Tendon tear or ruptures may require surgical repair.

Is inflammation of one or more joints resulting in joint pain and stiffness, which worsens with age. Main goals for treatment are to reduce symptoms and improve quality of life.

What is Arthritis? Painful inflammation and stiffness of the joints. There are three types of Arthritis.

(Most common), also known as Degenerative Joint Disease or ‘wear and tear’ Arthritis. Causes cartilage to break down. Can be brought on suddenly by an injury, but its onset is generally gradual. Aging brings on a breakdown in cartilage and pain becomes progressively more severe. Can be relieved with rest.

[Symptoms]: Dull, throbbing nighttime pain, accompanied by muscle weakness or deterioration.

[Risk Factors]: Genetic, overweight (additional weight contributes to the deterioration of cartilage and the development of bone spurs).

[Tx]. Wearing comfortable shoes

(Most serious) is an autoimmune disorder that initially targets the lining of the joint. Major crippling disorder with an acute onset. It is a complex, chronic inflammatory system of diseases. Affects many smaller joints, frequently in a symmetrical pattern.

[Symptoms]: Prolonged morning stiffness, fatigue, and weight loss. May affect various nervous systems of the body including eyes, lungs, hearts and nervous system. Characterized by alternating periods of remission (inflammation, stiffness and pain).

[Risk Factors]: May cause serious joint deformity and loss of motion

[Tx]. Medication (NSAIDs, steroids, DMARDs, biologic agents), therapy or surgery

(Gouty arthritis) is caused by a buildup on salts of uric acid in the joints that’s in the body as byproduct of a protein rich diet. Big toe is commonly affected, possibly due to pressure in walking.

[Symptoms]: Podagra (warm, pain, swelling and extreme tenderness), red-purplish skin and limited movement around affected joint

[Risk factors]: Heredity, men are more likely then women

[Tx]. A Gout diet can help control attacks or medication (NSAIDs, colchicine or corticosteroids).

Are a common structural foot disorder. Aren’t just for older ladies. They are extremely common in young, active people alike. This condition doesn’t just go away. Early prevention and treatment in said to work best.

What is a Bunion? A structural problem that originates from the big toe causing a bony pump or protrusion causing the first long bone in the foot that starts to deviate in one direction (medial), while the big toe begins to deviate in the opposite direction (lateral).  Bunions cause difficulty in wearing certain shoes and even prevent normal day walking.

[Symptoms]: Red, swollen, tender and painful over time.

[Risk factors]: Genetic predisposition, structural foot type, nerve conditions, congenital disorders, and shoes you wear (high heels, restrictive shoes, shoes without proper support).

[Tx]. Because it’s a structural bone alignment issue, they don’t go away on their own. If it’s already become painful, we strongly encourage you to see your podiatrist as prolonging treatment may make it worse. Prolonging treatment may cause the condition to worsen by altering gait patterns. Wear shoes with wide instep and toes. Physiotherapy, Orthotics, anti-inflammatory drugs and cortisone injections.

Are when the toe knuckle is usually enlarged, drawing the toe back.

What is a Hammertoe? Is caused by a shortening of the tendons that control toe movements. With time, the joint enlarged and stiffens as it rubs against shoes. Balance may be affected.

[Symptoms]: Moving affected toes may be difficult or painful. Corns and calluses can result from the toe rubbing against the inside of your shoes.

[Risk factors]: Age, sex and toe length

[Tx]. Wearing shoes and stockings with plenty of toe room. In serious cases, orthotics, stretching and strengthening toe muscles, or surgery may be required.

Are calcium growths developed on bones of your feet. Found in 70% of patients with Plantar Fasciitis.

What is a Heel Spur? A piece of bone grown at the base of the heel bone that can either be completely painless or very painful. Pain is caused by the inflammation and irritation from the Plantar Fasciitis. Often found in x-rays of patients without heel pain or Plantar Fasciitis.

[Symptoms]: In early stages, you’ll notice pain under the heel in the morning or after rest. Heel pain will worsen with first steps and improve with activity as it warms up. Area will feel like a tender bony lump when palpated.

[Risk factors]: Active, overweight, pregnant, on your feet, flat feet or high foot arches, middle-aged +, wearing shoes with poor support, weak foot arch muscles, arthritis, and diabetes.

[Tx]. Foot stabilization exercises, nsaids, corticosteroid injections, night splints, heel cups, and sometimes surgery are required.

Is a painful condition that affects the ball of your foot, commonly between the third and fourth toes.

What is Morton’s Neuroma? Thickening of tissues around one of the nerves leading to your toes.

[Symptoms]: Feels like your standing on a pebble in your shoe, sharp or burning pain, tingling or numbness

[Risk factors]: High heels, certain sports, foot deformities,

[Tx]. Wear lower heeled shoes with wider toe box, corticosteroid injections, or surgery may be necessary

Is a painful disorder where the tissue that connects the ball of the foot to the heel is inflamed, common causes of heel pain.

What is Plantar Fasciitis? The thick band of tissue (fascia) underneath the foot becomes irritated or inflamed due to repetitive stretching and tearing.

[Symptoms]: Stabbing pain in the bottom of foot near heel. Morning pain is worst with the first few steps of walking, and triggered by long standing periods.

[Risk factors]: Age (most common between the ages of 40-60), certain exercises, poor foot mechanics, obesity, and occupations that keep you on your feet.

[Tx]. Pain reliever medication, physiotherapy, night splints, orthotics, steroid shots, extracorporeal shock wave therapy or surgery