Athletics not the lone culprit in creating foot problems

Published on: Delaware Online

There are many common foot problems that runners may come across during years of repetitive impact. The most commonly known issue is called plantar fasciitis, which is a tightening or inflammation of the plantar fascia, the tendon that supports the arch. It is painful and sometimes difficult to resolve.

However, runners and athletes are not the only ones who are affected by foot problems, especially uncommon ones. Anyone who deals with foot pain knows that even the thought of getting out of bed and taking that first step, each and every day, can ruin a day that hasn't even started yet. Some issues are a direct result of athletics, but many are more an issue of ill-fitting footwear or just plain genetics.

Athlete's foot, which is also known as ringworm of the foot, is a fungal infection of the skin that causes scaling, itching and flaking of the affected area. It is caused by fungi and is typically transmitted in moist areas where people walk barefoot, such as showers and locker rooms. Athlete's foot mostly affects the feet, but it can spread to other parts of the body, including the groin area.

The fungi that cause athlete's foot can live on shower floors, wet towels and footwear, and it spreads with contact. Hygiene plays a big role in managing athlete's foot, so wearing flip flops in a public shower or locker room and avoiding the sharing of towels are good preventive steps.

Athlete's foot is usually treated with a topical medication and has a high rate of cure along with keeping the feet dry and practicing good hygiene. Severe cases may require the use of an oral antifungal. The use of anti-itch creams is not recommended, as the symptoms may be alleviated, but the high moisture content of the cream will exacerbate the fungus.

A bunion is when your big toe points toward the second toe. This causes a bump to appear on the outside of your foot on the big toe. Bunions are more common in women and can run in families. Many times, they are caused by wearing high-heeled, narrow-toed shoes.

The symptoms of a bunion include red, calloused skin along the inside edge of the big toe and a bony bump at the site. There is pain over the big toe joint, which is made worse by pressure from wearing a shoe. Again, the big toe will turn toward the other toes.

Wearing wide-toed shoes may solve the problem and alleviate the need for more treatment. There are also foam pads that protect the bunion and spacers that separate the first and second toes -- such products are available in many drugstores.

For relief when walking around the house, you can cut a hole in the side of an old pair of comfortable shoes so there is no pressure on the bunion site. Finally, a podiatrist will know if surgery is recommended. Surgery reduces the pain for many, but not everyone. Even after surgery, you will need to be judicious about shoe choices.

A neuroma, commonly known as Morton's neuroma, is a painful condition that affects the ball of your foot, usually the area between the third and fourth toes. It may feel like you are standing on a pebble. This is because the neuroma involves a thickening of the tissue around one of the nerves leading to your toes. It causes a sharp, burning pain in the ball of the foot, and the toes may also sting, burn or feel numb. The neuroma may also occur in response to an irritation or injury.

Common treatments for neuromas are changing footwear and using arch supports, but if these do not help, you should see a doctor. The doctor may prescribe corticosteroid injections to reduce inflammation or even surgery. Doctors do not completely understand what causes Morton's neuroma, but they do know that there are certain high-risk factors: wearing high heels and ill-fitting shoes; certain high impact sports, such as running and jumping, or sports with tight shoes, like skiing and rock climbing; and foot deformities like bunions, hammertoes, flat feet or excessive flexibility.

Finally, plantar warts are a form of the human papilloma virus occurring on the sole or toes of the feet. They are usually self-limiting, but treatment is recommended to lessen the symptoms and pain.

Like athlete's foot, infection occurs from walking on moist surfaces. The virus enters the skin by direct contact, through tiny cuts or abrasions. Those most commonly affected are children and teenagers and people with weakened immune systems. Diabetics should see a doctor.

A plantar wart looks like a tiny head of cauliflower with black spots in the center, and it may be painful when standing or walking. There are several methods of treatment, including acid peels, topical chemotherapy, laser treatment and surgical removal. Duct tape has not been proven to be effective. Most plantar warts do not require treatment and go away in a couple of years.

Taking care of your feet is one way to ensure a happy life. If your feet hurt, you are reminded of it every step of every day.

Please call the Foot, Ankle & Lower Leg Center office in Las Vegas anytime @702-878-2455 between Monday – Friday and we would be happy to set up an appointment for you.  Please visit our website @ www.FallCenter.com.   The Foot, Ankle & Lower Leg Center has Diagnostic imaging:  Digital X-Rays, Ultrasound or Advanced Imaging will be used to aid in the diagnosis.

Dr. Anthony Ricciardi at the Foot, Ankle & Lower Leg Center has completed training in endoscopic/minimally invasive surgery for chronic heel pain and nerve pain, foot and ankle joint replacement for restoring pain free motion, arthroscopic surgery, bunion surgery, fracture repair, flat foot correction, external fixation for complex deformities and extensive experience in peripheral nerve surgery including diabetic peripheral neuropathy and reconstructive surgery of previously failed foot surgical procedures.  In addition to his surgical training Dr. Ricciardi focuses on sports medicine of the foot and ankle through regenerative techniques using the patient’s own blood/platelets for healing chronic foot and ankle problems (pain) as a result of repetitive sport injuries.  This cutting edge technology enables patients to continue training with little or no down time.  Dr. Ricciardi continues to be active in teaching and training other podiatric surgeons on innovative surgical techniques in foot surgery.  Dr. Ricciardi is Board Certified by the American Board of Podiatric Surgery, a Fellow of the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons and Fellow of the Association of Extremity Nerve Surgeons.  Dr. Ricciardi’s vision is to bring each patient the most current State of the Art Technology and personalized treatment options to meet their Foot and Ankle needs (from conservative care to surgical options).  Dr. Ricciardi believes in quality service and puts his patients first!