Toenail fungus—also called onychomycosis or tinea unguium—is an infection below the surface of the nail caused by contact with different types of fungi. Nail fungus usually begins with white or yellow spots under the tip of the toenails. If left untreated, the infection can grow deeper, which can cause the nail to become weak or

What is Tendonitis? Tendons are tough, but flexible bands of fibrous tissue that attach muscles to bone. Tendonitis is a very common cause of foot or ankle pain—it usually occurs due to inflammation around a tendon. This condition most often is the result of an overuse injury, but improper stretching prior to or incorrect form

What is a Stress Fracture? Stress fractures are tiny cracks that appear in your bones. These injuries are common in the bones in the lower body because these bones are responsible for distributing and bearing your bodyweight. Feet are particularly vulnerable to stress fractures because they are responsible for absorbing your bodyweight during normal activities—such

[viewmedica id=”4a94a29b”] What is a Plantar Wart? A plantar wart is a hard, grainy growth that usually appears on bottom of the foot, in areas where the most pressure is absorbed. Plantar warts occur when the human papillomavirus (HPV) makes contact with the skin on the soles of feet. The virus is usually introduced into

Understanding Plantar Fasciitis Plantar fasciitis is an inflammatory response that is caused by degenerative irritation at the insertion of the plantar fascia ligament—which is a thick band of tissue that attaches your heel bone to your toes. These ligaments act as shock absorbers that support the arch of your foot. However, too much pressure can

What is Morton’s Neuroma? Morton’s neuroma is a common condition that causes pain in the ball of your foot—most often in the area between the third and fourth toes. The feeling is often compared to that of having a small rock—or marble—stuck in your shoe. A neuroma is a small benign tumor of a nerve—although

An ingrown toenail—also referred to as onychocryptosis—is a common problem that occurs when the edges or corners of the nail grow into the skin next to the nail. When this happens, the edge of the nail breaks through the skin, which causes inflammation. This inflammation initially presents itself as a minor discomfort, but it could

What is a Heel Spur? A heel spur is calcium deposit located underneath the heel that causes small pieces of bone to protrude. Pain associated with heel spurs is often confused with another condition called plantar fasciitis—which refers to inflammation in plantar fascia ligament. A heel spur, on the other hand, is a piece of

What is Hammer Toe? Hammer toe is a deformity in the foot that causes toes to bend or curl in a downward fashion rather than point forward. This deformity is typically the result of a muscle imbalance between the tendons on top and the tendons on the bottom of the toe. Hammer toes can be

What is Haglund’s Deformity? Also known as the “pump bump”, Haglund’s deformity is a condition that causes the bony section of your heel—where the Achilles tendon is—to become enlarged or inflamed. Wearing shoes that put too much pressure on the back of the heel, which causes inflammation, most often causes Haglund’s deformity. If left untreated,

People with normal, fully- developed foot arches have a notable upward curve in the middle of the foot. When arches develop fully, the tendons and ligaments in the foot and lower leg help provide support and stabilize it. Flatfeet—also called fallen arche—occurs as the result of an undeveloped or collapsed arch. Most cases of flatfeet

People with diabetes are much more likely to suffer nerve damage, circulation problems, and infections—all problems that directly affect the feet. The lack of feeling and poor blood flow caused by poor diabetes management can allow a small blister or wound to progress into a serious infection that could lead to amputation. Nerve damage—also called

What Are Orthotics? Custom-made orthotics are medical shoe inserts that support and gently reposition the heel, arch, muscles, ligaments, tendons, and bones in the feet. Orthotics enable the structures in the foot to work together as nature intended, making each step pain-free. Unlike over-the-counter shoe inserts, custom-made orthotics are created from non-weight bearing molds of

What are Corns and Calluses? When there is too much friction or pressure on your feet for extended periods of time, the skin will harden to protect itself—this is when corns and calluses begin to form. Friction occurs when something repeatedly comes into contact with part of the foot. Uneven pressure occurs when your bodyweight

What are Bunions? A bunion—also called Hallux Valgus—is a bump that appears inside the foot, around the metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint (near the big toe). This bump is actually a bone protruding towards the inside of the big foot. Left untreated, bunions can cause sever pain and even hinder walking abilities. Bunions are a common problem