Common Foot Conditions
Plantar Fasciitis (Heel Pain)
Heel pain is one of the most common problems seen by Canadian Certified Pedorthist. Some of the most common causes are:
- Poor Foot Mechanics
- Being Overweight
- Low Activity Levels
- Improper Footwear
- Age
- Uncomplimentary Ground Conditions
Plantar Fasciitis is the inflammation and irritation of the plantar fascia (a thick fibrous tissue that extends from the heel to the toes, supporting the arch). Poor foot posture or excessive ankle motion during walking can strain the plantar fascia resulting in small tears and increased tension where the fascia attaches to the heel.
If you believe you are experiencing Plantar Fasciitis, George O’Mahony C.Ped (C) can help you create a treatment plan to aid your pain.
Metatarsalgia (Forefoot Pain)
Metatarsalgia is a term used to describe a group of forefoot conditions that cause pain, burning or discomfort under the ball of the foot or in the metatarsal bones.
You may be suffering from Metatarsalgia if you are experiencing pain and/or burning sensation in the ball of your foot when standing or walking, and it improves when you are resting. You may also experience a sharp or shooting pain in your toes or numbness/tingling in your toes.
There are a lot of factors that could cause Metatarsalgia. Some of the most common causes are:
- Foot Trauma
- Foot Deformities
- Being Overweight
- Improper Footwear
- Arthritis
- Bunions
If you believe you are experiencing Metatarsalgia, George O’Mahony C.Ped (C) can help you create a treatment plan to aid your pain.
Hallux Valgus
Hallux valgus or bunions is a common foot deformity. It is a progressive foot deformity in which the joint is affected and is often accompanied by significant functional disability and foot pain.
Bunions are often described as a bump on the side of the big toe. But it is more than just a bump. The bump reflects that the big toe is leaning towards the second toe rather than pointing straight ahead. Bunions are most often caused by an inherited faulty mechanical structure of the foot. Improper fitting footwear can possibly make the deformity get progressively worse.
Symptoms which occur at the site of the bunion are:
- Pain or Soreness
- Inflammation or Redness
- Burning Sensation
- Numbness
Every foot is different. If you have a bunion causing you any pain or discomfort, George O’Mahony C.Ped (C) can work with you to create a treatment plan to aid your bunion. Treatment plans vary depending on patients age, degree of deformity and severity of the symptoms.
Pes Planus & Pes Cavus (Flat Feet & Arched Feet)
Pes Planus or flat feet is a condition in which the foot rolls excessively down and inward. The arch may elongate, and collapse and the heel will lean inward. Some common conditions that we see with flat feet are plantar fasciitis (heel pain), hallux valgus (bunions), low back pain, and/or shin splints.
Pes Cavus or arched feet is a condition in which the foot structure may have an abnormally high arch or instep with very little flexibility when standing. The heel often leans outward, putting more weight on the outer edge of the foot. Callousing is common under the baby toe’s knuckle because of the weight on the outside of the foot. Common conditions with Pes Cavus, or arched feet are plantar fasciitis (heel pain), Metatarsalgia (forefoot pain), and/or Achilles tendinopathy.
These conditions are conditions we see in the office every day. George O’Mahony C.Ped (C) can help create a treatment plan to help provide proper support to your feet.
Diabetic Feet
We urge anyone living with diabetes to make foot care a daily priority. Long term complications in people with diabetes frequently manifest in foot problems such as infections and ulcers that could lead to amputation. The majority of foot problems diagnosed in people living with diabetes could have been avoided through daily footcare and proper shoe selection.
Many people living with diabetes have reduced circulation or sensation in their feet (neuropathy). They are unable to feel if something is in their shoe or if the shoe itself is irritating their foot.
George O’Mahony C.Ped (C) can help people living with diabetes by providing proper fitting footwear and support for their feet.
Arthritic Feet
Arthritis is a common disease that can affect the joints, skin and various internal organs. Although the disease is thought to be more common in the elderly, the majority of Canadians who are currently living with arthritis are under 65 years old.
When arthritis affects the feet, a Canadian Certified Pedorthist can be helpful. George O’Mahony C.Ped (C) can help you retain and enhance your mobility through proper foot care, appropriate footwear and/or custom made orthotics.
If you are suffering from arthritis, George O’Mahony C.Ped (C) can help create a treatment plan to aid your discomfort.
Other Common Conditions
Some other common conditions we see and provide treatment plans for are:
- Leg Length Discrepancy
- Heel Spurs
- Overuse Injuries
- Lower Back Pain
- Varicose Veins
- Mild to Moderate Edema
- DVT/Edema Prophylaxis during pregnancy, postoperatively and prolonged immobility