What Are The Most Common Foot Conditions?
What Are The Most Common Foot Injuries?
Our feet are truly fantastic. They support us, anchor us, and allow us to do the things we love to do. Combine this wonderful part of the body with the complex ankle joint, and we have not only a fascinating support system, but we also have a myriad of ways that this support system can get injured.
Foot conditions are common, both because of the complexity of the feet and the fact that we use them so frequently. Several common injuries can develop due to the high amount of wear and tear that we place upon the feet.
As a foot and ankle specialist, Dr. Elton sees them all. Here are some of the more common ones he and his team treat in their practice at Vail-Summit Orthopaedics & Neurosurgery.
Metatarsal Joint Pain
The metatarsal bones are a group of five long bones in the foot, located between the "tarsal bones" and the phalanges of the toes. After a lifetime of active living, the metatarsophalangeal joints (the small joints located in the forefoot) can become arthritic.
Arthritis can, in turn, lead to inflammation of the joint lining (called synovitis), causing discomfort, pain, and (in severe cases) joint dislocation. Many people with this condition report a sensation similar to walking on pebbles.
Bunions
Bunions form at the base of the big toe. These are caused by a deformity called Hallux Valgus - when the big toe bends towards the other toes. The result of which is the bony lumps we know as bunions.
For more on bunions, click here.
Plantar Fasciitis
Plantar fasciitis is when the tissue from the heel to the toe (the plantar fascia) becomes inflamed where it joins your heel. This is typically the result of trauma or microtears to the tissue caused during repeated heel impacts.
Plantar fasciitis is a common condition we see in runners. 90% of plantar fasciitis conditions can be treated nonsurgically.
For more on plantar fasciitis, click here.
Hammer Toe
Hammertoe is another condition caused by Hallux Valgus. However, this time the deformity causes the toes to bend inward in a permanent claw shape. We call this hammertoe. It can be quite painful when walking.
Find out more about hammertoe here.
Morton’s Neuroma
Here are the symptoms of Morton's neuroma:
The notorious "pebble-in-the-shoe" feeling
A sharp, burning sensation in the toes or balls of the feet
Numb or "tingly" toes
Find out more about Morton’s Neuroma here.
Think You Have One Of These Conditions? Contact a Foot and Ankle Specialist Today!
The earlier the conditions are diagnosed, the sooner Dr. Elton and his team can get you back on your feet. Whether you're dealing with bunions or heel pain, Dr. Elton will accurately and efficiently diagnose your foot injury and recommend a treatment plan that’s right for you!
Schedule your appointment by calling (970) 476-7220 or through our online appointment form.