Bunions:  Bunions are an enlargement of the bone and/or soft tissue near the great toe.  This condition is often hereditary, with females more prone to symptoms than males.  Symptoms include tenderness, redness and swelling.  Treatment options may range from conservative modalities to surgical reconstruction.

Ingrown Nails:  A painful condition caused by the nail border growing into the flesh along the sides of the toe (usually the great toe).  This can affect all ages and can cause significant discomfort. If the problem becomes chronic, it can be resolved with a minor office procedure.

Hammertoes:  These are toes which are contracted, usually the smaller toes. The contracture can be rigid or flexible, and can result in painful corns, calluses, or bursitis.  Hammer toes are often associated with improper mechanics of gait.  Treatment varies, and may include shoe modification, padding techniques, orthotics, or surgical correction.

Sports Injuries:  We see and treat sprains of the foot and ankle, fractures, shin splints, turf toe, contusions/bruises, to name a few.  Our goal is to get the athlete back into action as soon as possible without risk of further injury.

Ulcers:  These are a break in the skin’s integrity, usually associated with drainage, bleeding, tenderness, foul odor and/or infection.  Ulcers can progress through the layers of the skin, deeper soft tissue and involve the bone.   Early detection and treatment is critical, especially for diabetic patients, who are at a higher risk of developing neuropathy.  Prevention of future skin breakdown is accomplished by shoe modification, custom orthotics, periodic care in the office, and patient education.

Fungal Nails:  Thickened and discolored nails frequently indicate fungal infection  (dermatophytes) of the toe nails.  Available treatment options include medication, periodic care to reduce thickness, and/or surgical treatments.  Progression can lead to discomfort, bacterial infection and possible loss of the toe/foot in a compromised (diabetic) patient.

Pediatric Patient:  Flat feet, toe walking, ingrown toe nails, sports injuries, gait issues, heel pain and “curly toes” are among the pediatric foot and ankle problems we treat.  Children’s foot and ankle problems are usually not something that can be “grown out of”, and many of the problems we see in adults could be reduced or eliminated if treated in early childhood.

Achilles Tendon Problems:  The Achilles tendon is a remarkable structure that can contribute to a variety of common foot and ankle problems such as bunions, hammertoes, heel spurs, plantar fasciitis, and flat feet.  The tendon can sustain direct injuries, which include partial and total ruptures.  Careful evaluation and treatment can reduce the risk of injury, worsening of an existing problem, and return the patient back to full activities.

Bone Spurs (Osteophytes):  “Bone spurs” are bony growths usually occurring around a joint.  Some exceptions are heel spurs, occurring on the bottom and back of the heel bone.  These are due to tightness in the soft tissue (tendon, ligaments) and the mechanics of the patient’s gait.  Other spurs develop due to jamming of joints, injuries, pressure, and stress.  They are usually associated with joint space loss (osteoarthritis).  Motion may be decreased or lost, nerves may be irritated, pressure sites may develop into ulcers and necessitate surgical repair.  Appropriate evaluation is critical not only to diagnose the spur’s presence, but also to help prevent the recurrence.  Understanding why it develops in the first place is paramount.

Heel Spurs/Plantar Fasciitis:  One of the most common patient complaints seen in most foot and ankle clinics occurs when a large ligament (plantar fascia) becomes inflamed and fails to improve despite home care.  Most patients experience pain in the morning or after rest.  Few can recall a specific injury or contributing event.  Fortunately, the vast majority of cases will resolve without needing surgery.   Heel spurs often cause similar symptoms, and respond to the same kinds of treatment.  Treatment modalities include orthotics, injections, padding, physical therapy, and braces.

Foot and Ankle Injuries:   We see a variety of foot and ankle injuries.  These can occur at home, school, work, or during a sporting activity/exercise.   Common injuries include sprains, fractures, shin splints, plantar fasciitis, overuse, trips/falls, chronic ankle sprains, Achilles tendon tears/ruptures, etc.  Appropriate evaluation, diagnostic confirmation testing (X-rays, CT scans, MRI) and treatment allow for less down-time and a quicker return to full function and activities. 

Neuromas:   A neuroma is a very painful inflammation of the nerve between the metatarsal bones near the smaller toes.  It is a common problem with pain, swelling, lump-like feeling, numbness, tingling and/or burning in the ball of the foot and the toes.  Most are not associated with a specific injury or event.  They are usually progressive, but fortunately will respond to conservative care.  Treatment includes orthotics, padding, injection, physical therapy and possible surgery. 

Surgical Services:  When conservative care fails to provide relief or an acute injury has been sustained (fractured ankle, tendon rupture), surgical care may be the best option.  We repair or correct many conditions, including fractures, bunions, heel spurs, hammertoes, tendon ruptures, flatfoot, ankle instability, and Achilles tendons.  Appropriate follow up is provided to ensure complete recovery clinically, as well as from the patient’s perspective.

Orthotics:  Many times patients will require support to off-load pressure or reduce mechanical imbalances.  Often simple over-the-counter devices will suffice.  However, many times a custom orthotic is necessary to provide the ideal support and correction. These devices are used to reduce discomfort associated with many foot and ankle problems.  Often, they can be curative for several foot and ankle issues (i.e., plantar fasciitis).