How to Prevent and Treat 6 Common Foot Problems

The foot is one of the most complex parts of the body, with 26 bones connected by many joints, muscles, tendons and ligaments. “Foot problems can cause pain, inflammation or injury,” says podiatrist Brian Stahl, DPM, with Lehigh Valley Orthopedic Institute. “These problems can result in limited movement and mobility.”

There are many types of foot problems that affect the heels, toes, nerves, tendons, ligaments and joints of the foot. Keep reading to learn more about some common problems.

A heel spur is a bone growth on the heel bone. It is often located where the heel bone attaches to the plantar fascia – a long band of connective tissue running from the heel to the ball of the foot. This connective tissue can be overstretched, causing stress and inflammation. “Over time, the body builds extra bone in response to this stress, causing heel spurs,” says podiatrist Lori Barnett, DPM, with Lehigh Valley Orthopedic Institute.

Treatment may include:

• Rest
• Cold packs
• Anti-inflammatory medicine, such as ibuprofen
• Stretches
• Correct footwear or shoe inserts
• Corticosteroid injections
• Surgery (for more severe, prolonged conditions)

Irritation and stress can cause these yellowish calluses to grow on top of the toes. Often a corn develops where a toe rubs against a shoe or another toe. Corns can cause discomfort and pain. Treatment may include:

• Trimming the corn by shaving the layers of dead skin
• Applying pads around the corn area
• Wearing larger shoes to comfortably fit your foot without rubbing
• Surgery

“To avoid corns, always buy shoes that fit correctly,” Barnett says.

Bunions are bulges of bone or tissue around the joint of the big toe or small toe. They often occur when the joint is stressed over time. “Women get bunions more often than men do because they may wear tight, pointed and confining shoes,” Barnett says.

Treatment may include:

• Wearing comfortable, well-fitting shoes (particularly shoes that conform to the shape of the foot and don’t cause pressure areas)
• Surgery (for pain, not for cosmetic reasons)
• Applying pads to the affected area
• Medicine, such as ibuprofen

Morton neuroma – a buildup of noncancerous tissue – occurs when two bones rub together and squeeze the nerve between them. “Most often, neuromas develop between the bones leading to the third and fourth toes,” Stahl says. “They cause swelling, tenderness and pain.” 

Treatment may involve rest or wearing shoes that do not restrict the foot. If the problem persists, cortisone injections or surgery may be considered.

A hammertoe is when the toe bends or curls downward. This causes the middle joint of the affected toe to poke out. “Tight-fitting shoes that put pressure on the hammertoe often make this condition worse,” Stahl says. Treatment for hammertoes may include:

• Applying a toe pad specially placed over the bony protrusion
• Changing your footwear
• Surgery

The site of a foot fracture will determine treatment, if needed, including:

• Ankle joint fractures: These fractures may be serious and require medical care right away. Casts and surgery may be needed.
• Metatarsal bone fractures: Fractures of these bones, located in the middle of the foot, often require a stiff-soled shoe for support.
• Sesamoid bone fractures: The sesamoid bones are two small, round bones at the end of the metatarsal bone of the big toe. Usually, padded soles can help relieve pain. But sometimes the sesamoid bone may have to be surgically removed.
• Toe fractures: Fractures of the toes often can heal with or without a supportive hard shoe.

The symptoms of foot problems may look like other health conditions and problems. Always see your health care provider for a diagnosis.

Podiatrists can help you treat many foot issues. Make an appointment with one of Lehigh Valley Orthopedic Institute’s podiatrists.