The Foot and Ankle Center at Geauga Medical Center
Foot and Ankle Conditions
Drop foot
Difficulty lifting the part of the foot caused by injury to the muscles or nerves of the foot
Symptoms
- Difficulty lifting the front part of the foot Sometimes accompanied by pain, weakness or numbness
Diagnosis
- Physical examination
- Medical history
- MRI – creates a cross sectional view of the foot.
- EMG - measure electrical activity in the muscles and nerves
Treatment
- Splints
- Physical therapy
- Nerve stimulation
- Surgery
Foot Ulcers
Open sores on the foot that will not heal or keep returning.
Symptoms
- Open sore
- May be painful
- Burning, itching, or discolored dry skin
Diagnosis
- Medical history
- Physical exam
Treatment
- Antibiotics
- Individualized wound care plan
Fungal Nails
- A progressive change in a toenail's quality and color.
- An infection underneath the surface of the nail caused by fungi.
- Often results in thicker nails which can difficult to trim and may make walking painful when wearing shoes
Treatment
- Varies depending on the nature and severity of the infection.
- A daily routine of cleansing over a period of many months may suppress mild infections.
- Topical and oral antifungal medications.
- In severe cases, surgery to remove the nail.
Ingrown Toenails
- Nails whose corners or sides dig painfully into skin.
- Caused by improper nail trimming, pressure from shoes that are too small, injury, fungus infection, heredity, and poor foot structure.
Treatment
- Trim toenails straight across to prevent problems.
- Soak the foot in soapy water, apply antiseptic, and bandage.
- Wear well-fitting shoes.
Warts
- Caused by a virus that enters the skin through small cuts.
- Most warts are harmless.
- They can be caused by walking barefoot on dirty ground.
- Warts may spread and are catchy. Have your warts evaluated to protect yourself and those close to you.
- Warts tend to be hard and flat, with a rough surface and well-defined boundaries
- Warts are generally raised and fleshier when they appear on the top of the foot or on the toes.
- Warts are often gray or brown (but the color may vary), with a center that appears as one or more pinpoints of black
Treatment
- Warts can be very resistant to treatment.
- Warts also have a tendency to reoccur.
- Over-the-counter and prescription topical acids.
- Avoid self treatment because the acids will kill good and bad skin cells.
- Especially if you have diabetes or circulation issues.
- Laser or surgical removal.
Bunions
- Enlargement of the joint at the base of the big toe that forms a prominent at the outer edge where it joins the foot.
- Forces the toe to bend toward the others, causing an pain.
- Often results in misaligned toe joints that can become swollen and tender.
- Bunions tend to run in families, but can be aggravated by tight shoes.
- Common Foot Ailments
Symptoms
- Development of a firm bump on the outside edge of the foot, at the base of the big toe.
- Redness, swelling, or pain at or near the joint.
- Corns or other irritations caused by the overlap of the first and second toes.
- Restricted or painful motion of the big toe.
Treatment
- Padding
- Shoes with wide toe box
- Orthotic devices
- Surgery
Hammertoes
- A hammertoe is a bending of the toe at the first joint of the digit.
- The toes are bent like a claw.
- The condition usually affects the second through fifth toes.
- More common to females than males.
Symptoms
- Pain upon pressure at the top of the bent toe from footwear.
- The formation of corns on the top of the joint.
- Redness and swelling at the joint contracture.
- Restricted or painful motion of the toe joint.
- Pain in the ball of the foot at the base of the affected toe.
Treatment
- Use a hammertoe pad around the bony prominence to decrease pressure on the area.
- Wear a shoe with a deep toe box.
- Reduce swelling by applying ice.
- Avoid heels.
- Avoid wearing shoes that are too tight or narrow.
- Surgery may be needed to realign toes.
Blisters
- Caused by skin friction
- A band-aid should be worn until the blister heals, and socks should be worn with shoes.
- If the blister breaks, it should be washed, and an antiseptic and sterile bandage applied.
- Blisters shouldn't be popped.
Corns and Calluses
- Protective layers of dead skin cells.
- Calluses appear on the soles of the feet, and corns appear on top of toes.
- Caused by friction from skin rubbing and shoes.
- Pain may be relieved by padding.
- They should never be cut with an instrument.
Treatment
- Although corns and calluses can be unsightly, you need treatment only if they cause discomfort.
- For most people, eliminating the source of friction or pressure makes corns and calluses disappear.
Plantar Fasciitis
- Plantar fascia — the tissue along the bottom of your foot that connects your heel bone to your toes
- Plantar Fasciitis: Stretching or tearing of the plantar fascia.
- Results in stabbing or burning pain typically in the morning because the tissues tighten at night.
Treatment
- Heel pads
- Pain medicines
- Cortisone injections
- Physical therapy to learn exercises to stretch the plantar fascia
- Surgery – Typically not necessary
Neuroma
- Enlarged benign growths of nerves.
- Also referred to as a “pinched nerve.”
- Most common between the third and fourth toes. Caused by:
- Bones rubbing against and irritating the nerves.
- Abnormal bone structures.
- A high-arched foot or a flat foot.
- Pressure from poorly fitting shoes.
Symptoms
- Pain between the toes.
- Numbness between toes and in the ball of the foot.
- Burning between the toes.
Treatment
- Padding, taping and orthotic devices (custom shoe inserts).
- Cortisone injections.
- Surgical removal.
Heel Spurs
- Development of an abnormal growth in the heel bone due to calcium deposits that form when the plantar fascia pulls away from the heel.
- Cause:
- Flat feet or a foot with an unusually high arch
- A sudden increase in physical activity
- Excessive weight on the foot
- Improperly fitting shoes
Treatment
- Exercises
- Losing weight
- Wearing shoes that have a cushioned heel that absorbs shock
- Custom-made orthotics
- Anti-inflammatory medication.
For more details on the Geauga Medical Center Foot and Ankle Center or for a physician referral please call 440-285-7757.