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10. HEEL SPURS/PLANTAR FASCIITIS- Pain caused by inflammation at the
bottom of the heel/arch of the foot. The pull of the fascia often causes a spur visible on x-ray.
Treatments include anti-inflammatory medications, proper footwear to reduce strain on the
foot, custom orthotics to properly align the foot, stretching of the muscles and ligaments,
cortisone injections to relieve the pain and inflammation, and as a last resort, surgery to
correct the problem.

9. BUNIONS- A mis-aligned big-toe joint, often hereditary, causing a bump and
frequently pain on the inside of the foot at the big toe-joint, eventually resulting in arthritis.
Conservative treatments include proper fitting shoe-gear which does not irritate the area and
custom orthotics to help align the bones in the foot. Surgery by a trained podiatrist to
properly realign the bones and joints of the foot is frequently recommended.

8. HAMMERTOES- Bending of the toes, often caused by a muscle imbalance in the
foot. Corns and calluses can form on the tops of the toes and/or on the ball of the foot.
Conservative treatment often include proper footwear which allows for enough room to
prevent crowding/cramping of the toes, and limiting high-heeled shoes. After proper
evaluation, surgery by your podiatrist is often recommended.

7. ACHILLES TENDINITIS- Pain and inflammation in the tendon that attaches at the
back of the heel. Often caused by improper warm-up/stretching, a dramatic increase in
vigorous activity (week-end warriors), or over-training. Treatment often include rest, ice,
anti-inflammatory medications, and a proper exercise regimen- including warm-up/stretching,
and proper shoes with custom orthotics. An examination/evaluation by your podiatrist will
help to reduce the pain. It will also help to exclude other more serious problems which may
include bone spurs in the tendon or more seriously damage to the tendon including partial or
complete rupture.

6. INGROWN TOENAIL- Nails which 'dig-in' at the corners of the nail- causing pain,
redness, inflammation, and often infection. Causes include improper nail trimming, tight
shoes causing excess pressure, injury, fungal infection, heredity, and poor foot structure.
Prevention can often be obtained by trimming nails straight across, wearing proper fitting
shoes and avoiding injuries, and treating the fungal infection and pain. Treatment includes
the removal of the ingrown part of the nail- under local anesthesia- occasionally preventing
that part of the nail from regrowing, proper treatment of the infection, and occasionally
correcting poor foot structure through custom orthotics or surgery.

5. STRESS FRACTURES- An incomplete crack in one of the 26 bones in the foot,
usually caused by overuse or excess stress/strain on the bone. Often difficult to identify on
x-ray due to the small nature of the fracture. Most common in the 2nd metatarsal and the
heel. Proper diagnosis and treatment is important to prevent worsening of the injury-
including complete fracture and recurrance. Treatment usually includes complete rest with
limited or no pressure on the area. This can be accomplished with a soft cast or fiberglass
cast, a prescribed walking boot, a flat bottomed, stiff soled shoe, or custom orthotics with the
proper shoes. The reason for the stress fracture should also be investigated and by your
podiatrist. With proper diagnosis and treatment, the stress fracture can and usually heals
quickly.

4. NEUROMAS- Enlarged growth of a nerve usually caused by irritation to the nerve by
rubbing of soft tissue or bones against the nerve. Often the irritation is from ill-fitting shoes
or abnormal bone structure. Most common in the area between the 3rd and 4th toes.
Treatments include custom orthotics and cortisone injections. Surgical removal of the
enlarged nerve is sometimes necessary.

3. SHIN SPLINTS- Pain to either side of the tibia, or weight bearing bone of the lower
leg. Often caused by inflammation in the muscle or tendon , and more rarely, a stress fracture
of the tibia. The pain is usually attributed to over-use, improper stretching, along with
excessive pronation- or flattening of the arch. Proper stretching along with a careful exercise
regimen, in combination with control of the excessive pronation- often with custom orthotics
and shoe-gear, and anti-anflammatory medications can alleviate and prevent shin splints.

2. SESAMOIDITIS- Inflammation and pain in the two small bones found in the ball of
the foot under the big-toe joint. Often caused by the stress of exercise especially on a hard
surface, along with improper foot alignment. Treatment usually includes rest,
anti-inflammatory medications, and proper control of foot motion with correct shoegear and
orthotics. Proper diagnosis and treatment is important because the sesamoid bones can
fracture under the stress and the corresponding ligaments can be damaged or even rupture.

1. DIABETES- Can cause a wide variety of foot complications. Damage to the nerves
can cause a condition called 'neuropathy'. With the damage to the nerves, among other
problems, is decreased sensation, especially on the bottom of the feet. Compromised
circulation and a reduction in the infection fighting ability of the body are also associated
with diabetes.

~~~~It is highly recommended that people with diabetes visit their podiatrist on a
regular basis to alleviate complications with the feet~~~~