More Podiatry Foot Care Articles
Meet Your Feet
The American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) states that for many of us, our feet are the furthest things from our minds, both physically and mentally.
Healthy feet are fundamental to the quality of our lives. Signs of arthritis, diabetes, nerve disorders, and circulatory disorders can all be detected in our feet. Podiatrists are highly trained physicians and surgeons focusing on the foot and ankle and should be an important part of your health-care team.
Understand common foot health terms to help you care for your feet.
Ankle Sprain Ligaments of the ankle are over-stretched and the ligaments may partially or completely tear due to sudden stresses.
Arthritis Inflammation of a joint, usually accompanied by pain, swelling, and stiffness.
Bone Spur Tiny pointed outgrowth of bone.
Bunion Enlargement of the inner portion of the joint at the base of the big toe.
Callus Localized firm thickening of the upper layer of skin.
Diabetes Diabetes, is a disease characterized by high blood sugar (glucose) levels, which result from defects in insulin secretion, or action, or both.
Fracture The breaking of bone.
Gout Abnormally elevated levels of uric acid in the blood, arthritis, tophus, and decreased kidney function and kidney stones.
Hammer Toe Flexed or curled toe.
Heel Pain Abnormalities of the skin, nerves, bones, blood vessels, and soft tissues of the heel.
Ingrown Toenail Common disorder that occurs when the edge of the toenail grows into the skin of the toe.
Neuroma A pinched nerve in the ball of the foot that can become thickened and scarred, producing pain and/or numbness.
Orthotics (shoe inserts) Custom shoe support intended to functionally adjust an abnormal or irregular walking pattern.
Plantar Fasciitis Inflammation of the plantar fascia (fasciitis), the “bowstring-like” tissue in the sole of the foot stretching from the heel to the front of the ball of the foot.
Sprain An injury to a ligament that results from overuse or trauma.
Toenail Fungus Foot condition that causes nail changes often including discoloration, odor, thickness, and debris build-up.
Warts Virally-induced skin change, often first noted by an increased local growth of the top layer of the skin.
Visit a podiatrist for additional information for your foot health.
