Common Foot and Ankle Problems

Here are some of the most common reasons for foot and ankle problems:

• Injuries
• Congenital foot deformities that occur at birth and can be hereditary
• Infections (bacterial, fungal, or viral)
• Arthritis affecting one or multiple joints
• Tumors, abnormal growths, and neoplasms
• Issues that arise from ill-fitting or improper footwear, stress, or mechanical changes

Here is a list of some common foot and ankle problems people experience:

Bunions: A bunion is a deformity of the big toe joint that results from bone misalignment or repositioning at the joint. Although bunions occur most frequently at the base of the big toe, they can also arise on the outside of the foot at the base of the small toe.

Fractures: Bones are susceptible to two kinds of fractures: stress and general. Stress fractures are small fissures or cracks in the surface of the bone and usually occur in the forefoot, or the area from the mid-foot extending to the toes. General fractures travel into the bone beyond its surface and can be stable or displaced, as well as closed or open. Stress fractures can become general fractures if not properly treated.

Hammertoe: Hammertoe occurs when the second, third, or fourth toe bends at the middle joint, often as a result of wearing ill-fitting shoes. Genetics, arthritis, and muscle imbalance can also cause hammertoe. With hammertoe, the toe bends downward, rather than pointing straight forward.

Plantar fasciitis: Plantar fasciitis is inflammation of the plantar fascia, the fibrous tissue that runs along the arch of the foot to connect the heel bone and ball of the forefoot. Heel spurs are not the same as plantar fasciitis; however, the two are often associated. Since the plantar fascia is subjected to great amounts of impact and pressure while supporting the foot’s arch, it can become inflamed and irritated. In some cases, it begins to deteriorate.

Heel spurs: Spurs are outgrowths of bone. In the feet, they most commonly occur in the heel. The spurs usually develop in areas subjected to constant pressure. Heel spurs, or bone spurs in the heel, occur on the bottom of the heel bone as a result of calcium deposits forming over time. They frequently accompany the condition plantar fasciitis.

Ingrown toenails: Ingrown toenails, known as onychocryptosis, most commonly occur on the big toe and are caused by pressure that drives the edge of the nail into the surrounding skin. This results in pain, redness, inflammation, swelling, and sometimes, infection. Clipping the toenails too short or exercising poor foot hygiene can also lead to ingrown toenails. Runners and those with toe deformities can also be prone to ingrown toenails.

Neuromas: Neuromas are benign growths of nerve tissue, or nerve tumors, that form when the nerves are irritated by surrounding tissue rubbing against them. Symptoms of a neuroma include intense pain, swelling, tingling, numbness, and/ or a burning sensation in the toes and forefoot area. Neuromas most frequently develop between the third and fourth toes.

Sesamoiditis: In the foot, there are two sesamoids underneath the top of the foot and near the big toe that allow the big toe to move up and down freely. These help with push-off activities such as walking, running, and climbing. Since the sesamoids are exposed to excessive force and pressure during weight-bearing activities, sports, and exercises, they are often prone to injury and trauma, as well as stress from overuse or from standing on hard surfaces for prolonged periods. Sesamoids can fracture or become inflamed.

Ankle Sprain: When the ankle bones twist or receive too much force, the ligaments surrounding the outside of the bones may suffer from over-stretching or tearing, resulting in a painful ankle sprain. There are different levels of severity when it comes to ankle sprains, and if the sprain is not properly diagnosed and treated, it can cause permanent, lasting ankle trouble.

Shin splints: Shin splints, a common condition, happen when the muscles or tendons surrounding the leg bone become inflamed, irritated, and painful, which can result from overuse, a collapsing arch, stress fractures in the lower leg bones, or imbalance between opposite leg muscle groups. Shin splints can be prevented by properly stretching prior to and after exercise, sports, or activity. Corrective shoes or corrective orthotics can also be used to prevent shin splints.

It is important for a patient to seek medical care as soon as possible, as immediate, proper diagnoses, treatments, and care can prevent problems from worsening or resulting in permanent damage.

Our QUADRASTEPS Foot Orthotics for adults can address discomfort from many common foot problems, see your practitioner and find out your Foot Type! Each Foot type has it's own unique foot pathologies, and each one treats a different set of symptoms.

Get relief TODAY! Find a practitioner who dispenses QUADRASTEP foot orthotics.

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Are You Concerned About Your Child's Feet?

You are not alone. It is not uncommon for parents to be concerned about their child's feet!

Ever wonder if foot orthotics would help your child? Does your child have poor balance or coordination, awkward gait, or tend to trip and fall? Do they habitually walk on their toes or walk with their feet turned in (“intoeing”)? Does your child fatigues easily and often want to be carried? Do they have any pain related to walking, or has frequent or severe growing?

If the answer is YES to any of these questions, it's possible that littleSTEPS® foot orthotics will lessen symptoms by providing a straighter, more normal aliment when they walk, run or play.

Consider Genetics! Many adults recognize that they have feet genetically similar to their parents, but many not realize that they might have passed on these same foot traits to their children! Help your children avoid acquiring your foot problems by having their feet screened by a qualified clinician who can help you determine if treatment should be considered.

Foot Facts:

• It is normal for a child's foot to appear flat up until about the age of 2 due to a thick layer of baby fat that fills the arch area. As long as the child is otherwise healthy, and the foot is flexible and free of pain, then no treatment is necessary.
• A child's arch becomes more apparent around the age of 3 when the fat pad begins to disappear. At this age it is normal to observe a good arch when the child is sitting or lying down. Upon standing however, the arch may look very low. In most cases, this may be completely normal.
• It is uncommon for children to complain of foot pain. Be aware that “Growing Pains” are not always normal and may be a sign that your child may have an unstable foot. Any child complaining of pain should be seen by their doctor to rule out a potentially serious condition and to determine if they are a candidate for foot orthotics.

What Can Be Done?
There are many things that can be done to manage your Child's condition. Your healthcare provider can help diagnose the condition and recommend appropriate treatment. Intervention may include balance and coordination exercises, in addition to littleSTEPS® foot orthotics for kids.

Need help finding a provider that carries littleSTEPS®? Try our FIND A PRACTITIONER Tool or EMAIL us for a recommendation!

For more information EMAIL US

Twitter: @LSteps @QuadraSTEPS

FB: @quadrasteps

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