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Achilles tendinitis is inflammation of the Achilles tendon, which connects the calf muscles to the heel bone. It's a common overuse injury, especially in runners and athletes who suddenly increase activity.
Types:
Non-insertional (affects the middle of the tendon)
Insertional (affects where the tendon attaches to the heel)
Symptoms: Pain and stiffness along the back of the heel, especially in the morning or after exercise; swelling or tenderness in the tendon.
A bunion (hallux valgus) is a bony bump that forms on the joint at the base of the big toe, causing the toe to angle inward toward the other toes. This condition can lead to pain, swelling, and difficulty walking, particularly when wearing shoes. Bunions can be hereditary, but they are also often exacerbated by wearing shoes that are too tight or narrow, especially high heels.
Diabetes is a condition where blood sugar (glucose) levels are too high, either because the pancreas doesn't produce enough insulin or the body doesn't use insulin properly.
Proper footwear is crucial for people with diabetes to prevent foot complications. Diabetic shoes are designed with features like extra depth, a wide toe box, and seamless interiors to accommodate foot conditions like neuropathy, poor circulation, and deformities, while minimizing pressure points and preventing irritation. Choosing the right shoes and taking care of your feet can significantly reduce the risk of ulcers, infections, and other serious problems.
Flat feet, also known as pes planus or fallen arches, is a condition where the arches of the feet collapse, causing the entire sole to contact the ground. While it's normal in babies, it typically develops into arches during childhood.
Hammertoes are a foot deformity where one or more toes (usually the second, third, or fourth) bend abnormally at the middle joint, causing the toe to resemble a hammer. Mallet toes are where the toes bend abnormally at the far (distal interphalangeal) joint. Claw toes occur when the middle and end joints (intermediate and distal interphalangeal joints), and may extend at the base joint (metatarsophalangeal joint)
Heel spurs are calcium deposits that form on the heel bone, creating a bony protrusion.
They develop gradually due to repetitive strain on the foot's muscles and ligaments.
While they can occur on the bottom or back of the heel, the most common type is on the underside.
High arches (also called Pes Cavus) refer to a foot structure where the arch of the foot is raised more than normal. This condition can affect one or both feet and may be inherited or caused by neurological disorders.
Symptoms: Foot pain, instability, calluses, ankle sprains, and difficulty finding supportive shoes.
Complications: Can lead to pressure on the heel and ball of the foot, causing discomfort or deformities like hammertoes or claw toes.
Treatment: Supportive footwear, custom orthotics, extra instep depth footwear, lowered heels.
Morton's neuroma is a painful condition that affects the ball of the foot, most commonly between the third and fourth toes. It occurs when the tissue around one of the nerves leading to the toes thickens, often due to irritation or pressure.
Plantar fasciitis is inflammation of the plantar fascia, a tissue band along the bottom of the foot. It causes sharp heel pain, especially in the morning or after long periods of rest. Common in runners and people who stand a lot with flatter feet. Commonly treated with orthotics, supportive footwear, and stretching.