Pain in the foot
By Dr. Asef
Considering the amount of time most individuals spend on their feet, in ill-fitting shoes, with little or no relief, it may be more surprising that more individuals do not complain of foot problems. Yet for the millions that do suffer with various pains of the feet and toes, podiatrists can provide relief and restore function.
The ball of the foot, referred to medically as the metatarsal, is made up of five bones, similar to the "knuckles" on the hand. Each bone serves to distribute the entire weight of the body across the forefoot, or the front portion of the foot including the ball of the foot and the toes. This area is composed of bones, ligaments, tendons, muscles, nerves, blood vessels and skin, all of which work together to maintain healthy feet. Any of these foot parts may cause painful conditions alone or in combination.
Pain can be caused by calluses, either over a large area of the foot, or very localized and deep rooted. They can be caused by enlarged bones in the area, bones that are out of alignment, degenerative changes to joints or foreign objects embedded in the foot. Calluses can also occur in a foot that is not structured normally (high arched, flat feet) or in people who are very athletic and place constant pressure on their feet.
Often when an individual has a foot that is structurally different from a normal foot, he or she will be more prone to foot problems, even if there is no current problem or symptoms. There may be an underlying condition, undetectable to the eye, with a potential to cause future problems. Bone spurs are one such example. Sometimes deformed nails are associated with a small bone spur on the tip of the toe under the nail. This may cause considerable discomfort at the nail or just underneath it. Corns between the toes are called soft corns while other corns usually develop on the toes where they are aggravated by shoes. Soft corns are usually the result of two bones rubbing against each other and pinching the skin. Other corns are caused by excessive pressure or friction on the skin. '
Other conditions that can cause pain on the ball of the foot include arthritis, bursitis, warts resembling calluses or corns, various nerve conditions in the foot, tendonitis, cysts, diabetes, trauma and stress fractures.
A podiatrist can review possible treatments including surgery. Most procedures can be performed in the office using local anesthesia so the patient is awake for the procedure. Before any treatment is selected, the foot specialist will review the history of the present foot problem as well as general medical history. He or she will also observe and examine the foot. An x-ray is usually necessary in order to properly diagnose and treat foot problems. Useful information about the bones and joints can be obtained from an x-ray, which will also help the doctor choose the proper surgical procedure for a particular problem.
Numerous surgical options are now available using techniques designed to keep incisions to a minimum. The podiatrist will select a procedure in consideration of the specific location of the problem area and the extent of involvement of bones, ligaments and tendons. The goal of any treatment and surgical procedure is to return the patient to a level of function and comfort. In many instances, the physician can correct the situation. In situations of advanced deterioration or in the presence of complications including a disease like diabetes, a complete return to normal may not be possible.
A final component of treatment is the patient's commitment to recovery. While many foot surgeries may seem minor, proper recovery is still crucial for long-term success. Some patients may simply need a small bandage on their foot and be able to walk on it immediately. Others may need a surgical shoe and have restrictions on the limit of pressure they can place on the foot.
In partnership with a podiatrist, the patient can solve foot problems and regain healthier feet.
For more information, contact Dr. Asef at 440-953-1003.
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