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Heel Spur:
A heel spur is a bone growth on the heel bone. It is usually located on the underside of the heel bone where it attaches to the plantar fascia, a long band of connective tissue running from the heel to the ball of the foot. This connective tissue holds the arch together and acts as a shock absorber during activity. If the plantar fascia is over-stretched from running, wearing poor-fitting shoes, or being overweight, pain can result from the stress and inflammation of the tissue pulling on the bone. Over time, the body builds extra bone in response to this stress resulting in heel spurs.  Treatment options may include:
  • rest
  • cold pack
  • anti-inflammatory medication such as ibuprofen
  • proper stretching prior to activity
  • proper footwear or shoe inserts
  • corticosteroid injections
  • surgery (for more severe, prolonged conditions)

Corns:
Corns are yellowish, callus growths that develop on top of the toes. Corns develop because of abuse or stress. Often, a corn develops where a toe rubs against a shoe or another toe. Corns can cause extreme discomfort and pain. To avoid corn development, always purchase footwear that fits properly. 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

Bunion:
A bunion is a protrusion of bone or tissue around a joint. Bunions may occur at the base of the great toe or at the base of the little toe, and often occur when the joint is stressed over a period of time. Women are more frequently affected because they may wear tight, pointed, and confining shoes. Bunions can also be a result of arthritis which often affects the big toe joint. Treatment of bunions may vary depending on the pain and deformity. Treatment may include:

  • wearing comfortable, well-fitting footwear (particularly shoes that conform to the shape of the foot and do not cause pressure areas)
  • surgery (for pain, not for cosmetic purposes)
  • applying pads to the affected area
  • medications such as ibuprofen

Morton's neuroma
Morton's neuroma is a build-up of benign (non-cancerous) tissue in the nerves running between the long bones of the foot. Morton's neuroma 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. Morton's neuroma often causes swelling, tenderness, and pain. If the pain becomes severe, it may cause tingling, numbness, and burning in the toes. It usually occurs after standing or walking for a long period of time. Treatment for this condition may involve rest and/or a change in footwear that does not restrict the foot. If the problem persists, cortisone injections and/or surgery may be considered.

Hammertoe:
A hammertoe is a condition in which the toe buckles, causing the middle joint of the affected toe to poke out. This condition is often aggravated by tight-fitting shoes that put pressure on the hammertoe. Often a corn develops at this site. Treatment for hammertoes may include:

  • applying a toe pad specially positioned over the bony protrusion
  • changing your footwear to accommodate the deformed toe
  • surgical removal fasciitis
Plantar fasciitis
Plantar fasciitis is characterized by severe pain in the heel of the foot, especially when standing up after resting. The condition is due to an overuse injury of the sole surface (plantar) of the foot and results in inflammation of the fascia, a tough, fibrous band of tissue that connects the heel bone to the base of the toes. Plantar fasciitis is more common in women, people who are overweight, people with occupations that require a lot of walking or standing on hard surfaces, people with flat feet, and people with high arches. Walking or running, especially with tight calf muscles, may also cause the condition.
Treatment may include:
  • rest
  • ice pack applications
  • non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications
  • stretching exercises of the Achilles tendons and plantar fascia
Ankle sprain
An ankle sprain is an injury to the foot's ligaments in the ankle. Ligaments are tough bands of elastic tissue that connect bones to each other. Ankle sprains may occur if the ankle rolls, turns, or twists beyond its normal range of motion. Ankle sprains may be caused by awkward foot placement, irregular surfaces, weak muscles, loose ligaments, or wearing shoes with spiked heels. The symptoms of a sprain will depend on how severely the ligaments are stretched or torn, but usually include swelling, pain, or bruising. Treatment will depend on the severity of the sprain, but may include:
  • resting the ankle
  • wrapping the ankle with elastic bandage or tape
  • ice pack application (to reduce inflammation)
  • elevating the ankle
  • gradual return to walking and exercise
  • a walking cast (for moderate sprains)
  • surgery (for severe sprains)
  • physical therapy

To schedule an appointment:

(616) 399-1369

Lakeshore Health Partners
3235 N. Wellness Drive
Building A, Suite 120B
Holland, MI  49424
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