Podiatry

The Achilles tendon is the band of tissues connecting your calf muscles to your heel bone. You can see this tendon just above your heel in the back. Overuse and tears are common in runners and people playing sports. Seek immediate medical attention if you have Achilles pain so you don’t complicate your injury.

Adult acquired flatfoot can occur with age due to flattening of the arch. This condition may be due to genetics or repetitive motion. It can worsen and become painful over time, so early treatment is important. After evaluation, we will customize a treatment that may include braces, anti-inflammatory and custom arch support to relieve your pain. Depending on the severity of the flatfoot, surgery may become necessary in the later stages.

Arthritis can create stiffness and pain in your foot and ankle, making walking difficult. While arthritis is more common as we age, it can strike at any age. Don’t let arthritis of the foot or ankle stop you from enjoying life. Non-surgical treatments can relieve pain and stiffness. Some of these include steroid injections, physical therapy, custom shoes and inserts as well as lifestyle changes. Ask an HMG podiatrist to tailor a plan to get you moving again.

Genetics or arthritis can cause your big toe to push against the next toe. This forces the joint of your big toe to get bigger, which forms the bunion at the base of your big toe. Tight shoes can aggravate bunions and make them worse. There are many treatments bunions, including custom shoes, inserts and splints to align your toe. Surgery is an option conservative treatment does not work. Every foot is different, so we tailor our approach to your needs.

This disease causes nerve damage that can result in loss of feeling, muscle contractions and difficulty walking. Left untreated, it can also create foot deformities such as hammertoes and high arches. While it cannot be cured, regular podiatry care can help keep it in check.

Claw toes bend down and can be painful if they dig into your shoes. Typically, claw toes are due to injury, nerve damage or underlying diseases such as diabetes. Splints, roomy shoes and exercises can help, especially if your toes are still flexible.

Most corns and/or calluses disappear when the friction is removed. So, changing your footwear is vital to stopping corns. Over-the-counter salicylic acid products can cause more harm. Thus, we don’t recommend those. Moleskin pads can help relieve the pressure. Persistent corns should be evaluated for underlying causes and professional treatment.

Nerve damage (neuropathy) is common in diabetes. This serious complication can lead to loss of feeling and weaker bones in your feet. Any small wound can turn into a serious infection in just a day or two. One of the more serious foot problems is Charcot arthropathy. Without fast treatment, this condition can deform the foot shape and lead to disability. If you are a diabetic, inspect your feet carefully every day. If you see any wound or change, see your podiatrist right away.

Sometimes, children have a flexible flatfoot. You can recognize this because the arch disappears when standing. When the child tiptoes or sits, the arch appears. While this condition usually corrects itself as the child matures, we recommend an evaluation to ensure there are no underlying issues. In addition, a podiatrist can recommend exercises and shoe inserts to help if your child experiences occasional pain.

Hammertoe is due to a muscle imbalance around the middle toe joint. When a muscle is weak, the toes cannot bend or straighten. Changing types of shoes, exercises and inserts can help a hammertoe in the early stages. As the toe becomes more rigid and painful, surgery may be required. Schedule a podiatry evaluation if you notice your toe(s) bending to learn how you can maintain your best feet for life.

Ingrown toenails typically occur on the big toe. While you may be genetically prone to this condition, shoes or improper nail trimming can make it worse. Persistent ingrown toenails are painful and can become infected. Treatments range from lifting the nail to surgical removal of the nail and tissue. See a podiatrist to discuss the treatment option that works best for you.

Intoeing (also called pigeon toes) means that your child’s feet turn in instead our pointing out. This is typical in babies and usually corrects itself. However, treatment is necessary sometimes, so an evaluation can pinpoint any underlying issues. Treatment plans include exercises and braces. Extreme cases may require surgical intervention.

Morton’s neuroma feels like you are standing on a sharp stone in the ball of your foot. It is the tissues thickening around a nerve that is usually found between the third and fourth toes. This painful condition is usually due to pressure or injury to the nerves that lead to the toes. Treatment options include exercises, shoe inserts and steroid injections. If you do not respond to non-invasive treatment, surgery is an option.

Plantar fascitis is a painful inflammation of the tissue that connects your heel bone to the bottom of your foot. Bony protrusions called heel spurs are associated with this condition. Anti-inflammatory medications, steroid injections and exercises may relieve the pain. Surgery options are available for more severe cases that don’t respond non-invasive treatments. If you have persistent heel pain, contact an HMG podiatrist for a complete evaluation.

Posterior tibial tendon dysfunction is a foot condition created by changes in your tendon. It results in flattening of the foot because it affects the tendon’s ability to support the arch. It can occur in one or both feet. Most patients respond to non-surgical treatment options if action is taken in the early phase of the condition.

Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic disease that often starts in the small hand and feet joints. This condition typically affects the same joints on both sides of your body. Depending on the severity of rheumatoid arthritis and the joints affected, many treatments are available. Although it can’t be cured, we can help you manage pain and symptoms so you can live a fulfilling life.

Sesamoiditis is a type of tendinitis that is common among many athletes and dancers. This condition causes pain at the base of the big toe. Treatment is usually a combination of rest, toe support and gradually returning to activities. Extreme cases may require surgical intervention.

The base of your big toe is the most common place for arthritis in the foot. This can result in a stiff big toe that makes walking painful and difficult. Typical treatment includes anti-inflammatory medications and shoes with stiffer soles. Surgery options are available when non-invasive treatments do not work.

Tarsal coalitions are two or more foot bones connected that results in a rigid flatfoot. This condition is usually present at birth. However, most children don’t show symptoms until adolescence. Depending on the severity, many non-invasive and surgical treatments are available to reduce pain and restore functionality.