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Sprains, Strains, Dislocations and Fractures
Among the most common injuries to the foot and ankle are sprains and strains of the soft tissues and dislocations and fractures of the bony structures. All of these injuries are painful and are usually accompanied by swelling, so it is difficult to determine without medical evaluation the correct type of injury that has occurred and the appropriate treatment.
Arthritis
Arthritis is a term used to refer to two similar problems – rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. Both disorders are characterized by inflammation, pain, swelling and stiffness, although osteoarthritis affects joints only and rheumatoid arthritis affects other body tissues and organs. Arthritis in the feet and ankles may be treated similarly, however, regardless of type because the feet and ankles fulfill such an important role in the ability to move and bear weight. Depending on the severity of the problem and the resulting disability, treatment may include anti-inflammatory medication, steroid injections, cold and heat therapy, exercise or surgical intervention.
Bunions
The big toe is an essential part of our balance and the formation of a bunion can be not only painful, but can cause changes in posture and gait in the attempt to reduce pain. A bunion is simply the development of a fluid-filled pad that may develop a tough exterior surface over time. Though painful, a bunion rarely requires surgery and often can be treated effectively by proper shoe selection – one with a broad “toe box.” This helps to reduce the pressure against the side of the foot and allow the big toe to remain properly aligned.
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Hammer Toe
Hammer Toe is a condition that derives its name from the claw-like appearance of a toe, usually the second toe that becomes bent upward. With continued pressure from shoes, the skin on the top of the toe may become thickened. Hammer Toe may be caused by poorly fitting shoes, but the condition also develops in some people who have muscle or nerve damage to the affected toe or toes. There may be no treatment required if the toe isn’t painful, although a cushioning pad may be placed on the toe to protect against the constant pressure of shoes. Surgical correction can be performed if the toe causes severe discomfort.
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Flat Foot
Flat foot is the term given to a foot in which the normal arch between the toes and heel is not as pronounced as normal. In adults, the condition may not be a problem, however, in children over the age of 5, a flat foot may be an indication of poor alignment or separation of the developing bones of the foot. In this case, the foot may become stiff as well as “flat.” Flat foot in adults is often confused with “fallen arch syndrome,” in which the supporting soft tissues of the foot weaken and cause the foot to stretch forward in a near-flat alignment. Some relief may be gained by wearing special shoes and/or arch supports, and exercises may be recommended to strengthen the affected soft tissues. If the problem causes pain, a patient may decide to have surgical correction.
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Heel Spurs
A heel spur is a deformity that develops beneath the heel as a result of inflammation of the thick heel pad, which no rmally cushions the bones of the heel. Hee l spurs are usually painful when the foot is bearing weight and some relief may be gained from a different shoe or by placing supports in the shoe heel. Your doctor also may recommend rest, applications of ice, massage and stretching the soft tissues of the feet at intervals during the day. If pain isn’t relieved by conservative measures, your doctor may prescribe steroid injections or a walking cast.
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Bursitis
Small fluid-filled sacs, called bursa, surround joint structures with fluid, which is necessary for normal joint movements. Inflammation of one of these sacs is called bursitis. It is especially painful when bursitis affects the heel, Achilles’ Tendon, or the base of the big toe. Steroid injections may be used to reduce the inflammation, or removing the fluid with a needle, called aspiration, may be required to relieve the condition. Heat and cold therapy also may contribute to the relief of symptoms.
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Morton's Neuroma
The term neuroma is usually reserved for a benign tumor or abnormal collection of nerve tissue. Morton’s neuroma, however, is a condition in which a nerve is pinched at the base of the toes. Burning and sore feet are usually the only symptoms. Sometimes symptoms can be relieved simply by removing your shoes periodically and massaging the painful site. More aggressive therapy may be required if the condition becomes disabling or causes severe pain. Steroid injections or surgical excision of the affected tissue may be required in these cases.
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Foot Ganglion
A foot ganglion is an abnormal collection of synovial fluid encased in a hard nodule, usually along the tendon sheath on the top of the foot. In some cases, the nodule will disappear without treatment, but may recur later. Your doctor may recommend removing the synovial fluid with a needle, a procedure called aspiration, after which the nodule may break down and be resorbed by the tissues in the foot. In some instances, surgery may be necessary.
If you feel you are suffering from any of these injuries, please call 1-888-563-KNEE(5633) to schedule an appointment with one of our orthopedic specialists.
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