Foot Health Articles

Most heel pain is caused by a local condition occurring in the foot. The most common type of heel pain is due to plantar fasciitis—an inflammation of the long band of tissue running along the bottom of the foot, connecting the toes with the heel. Anyone can have...

People with diabetes are at an increased risk for developing foot ulcers and a variety of other foot problems. This is because diabetes can cause poor circulation, nerve damage, and immune insufficiency. Without an adequate blood supply, innervation, and a strong...

Ankle pain can be caused by a variety of factors. For instance, you may have an ankle sprain or fracture. Ankle sprains occur when ligaments that support the ankle get stretched or torn, and fractures are actual breaks in one or more bones that make up the ankle...

When the heel bone is under repeated stress, calcium deposits can form on the inside of it. These deposits, known as heel spurs, point towards the arch and can measure up to half an inch. Heel spurs can be associated with plantar fasciitis, and they are sometimes...

Plantar Fasciitis is an inflammation of the band of tissue that connects your heel with your toes on the sole of your foot. Many people believe inflammation throughout the body can be reduced by making certain dietary adjustments—particularly by increasing the...

The plantar fascia is a connective tissue in the heel that stretches across the bottom length of your foot. Plantar fasciitis occurs when the connective tissue becomes inflamed, causing heel pain and discomfort during physical activity. Although the condition is...

If you have plantar fasciitis, an inflammation of the ligament that runs along the bottom of the foot, then you likely deal with foot and heel pain. One way to relieve plantar fasciitis symptoms is to wear orthotics. There are several different types of orthotics used...

Orthotics are shoe inserts that are meant to correct an irregular walking gait or provide cushioning to the feet. Orthotics come in a variety of different models and sizes, including over-the-counter and customizable variants. Customizable orthotics can be shaped and...

If you are feeling pain along the outside of your foot, it is important to consider the exact location, onset, and type of pain that you are facing, as well as any co-occurring symptoms. Pain along the outside of the ankle that is accompanied by swelling, bruising,...

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease in which the body’s immune system attacks its own, otherwise healthy cells. The cells that are frequently attacked are those of the synovium, the soft tissue that lines the joints. The small joints of the feet and...

Rheumatoid Arthritis is a chronic progressive disease that attacks several joints throughout the body. It is an autoimmune disease in which the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks the joints. As a result, the tissue inside the joints, called synovium, starts to...

The tarsal tunnel is a narrow space in the inner ankle that has nerves, blood vessels, and tendons passing through it. When the posterior tibial nerve inside of the tarsal tunnel is compressed, this leads to a painful condition called tarsal tunnel syndrome. Symptoms...

Obesity affects every part of your body - including your feet and ankles. People over 60 who are obese have been found to experience more foot pain, have reduced toe and ankle strength, and have a slower walking speed, among other problems. Excess body weight strains...

Infectious arthritis is a sudden and painful form of arthritis caused by bacterial, viral, or fungal infections. This type of arthritis typically only affects one joint and can be caused by an infection spreading from one part of your body to the joint or joint...

A verruca is a small wart on the sole of the foot. They are more commonly known as plantar warts. Plantar warts can grow on the sole of the foot because of the human papillomavirus (HPV). This virus is contagious and thrives in warm and moist environments like locker...

Foot pain may become worse while walking. Many patients experience occasional aches and pains in their feet, and chronic pain may indicate serious or underlying foot conditions. Pain in the heel may represent plantar fasciitis, which is an inflammation of the plantar...

Plantar fasciitis is one of the most leading causes of heel pain. It can occur when the plantar fascia, the band of tissues that run along the bottom of the foot connecting the heel to the toes, becomes inflamed or torn. Plantar fasciitis may result in a sharp or dull...

Ingrown toenails are an annoying but typically mild problem that occurs when the corner or edge of a toenail grows into the surrounding skin, rather than over it. This can cause the skin to become red, swollen, tender, or painful. Ingrown toenails can often be managed...

An infection of the skin on the feet is often referred to as athlete's foot. It is caused by a fungus that is contagious and lives and thrives in warm and moist environments. These types of places can include shower room floors, public swimming pools, and locker...

Tenosynovitis is an inflammation of a tendon and its synovium, or lining. This condition can affect the feet or ankles and occur due to injury, repetitive overuse, excessive pressure on the tendon, or an infection. Tenosynovitis usually affects athletes, ballet...

Tenosynovitis is an inflammation of a tendon and its synovium, or lining. This condition can affect the feet or ankles and occurs due to injury, repetitive overuse, excessive pressure on the tendon, or an infection. Symptoms of tenosynovitis in the lower limbs include...

Foot and ankle injuries are common among athletes and those who exercise frequently. Most of these injuries are non-life-threatening and can heal in weeks with proper treatment and care. Serious injuries, however, require urgent medical treatment. Common minor...

Keeping the feet and ankles flexible and strong can greatly reduce your risk of injury. This is particularly true if you are an athlete or frequently work out. As with any other part of your body, there are strengthening and stretching exercises that you can do to...

Debilitating foot pain is a problem for many people. But just as stretching the torso can help alleviate back pain, stretching the feet can also help mend existing foot problems and prevent future ones. The feet, as the body’s foundation, carry the body’s entire...

The ankle joint allows you to move your foot up and down, walk, run, and jump - but all of these activities can be more difficult if you suffer from ankle osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis, the type of arthritis associated with aging, can cause the cartilage lining of...

Diabetes can lead to a variety of complications in the feet, including amputation. This is because diabetics tend to lose sensation in their feet which makes it difficult to notice any problems. Diabetes also leads to poor blood flow in the feet which can lead to...

Research has indicated that millions of people worldwide are affected by toenail fungus. It is an unsightly condition that typically begins with symptoms showing in the big toe. These can include a change in nail texture and color, in addition to becoming thick,...

If you have an elderly loved one living alone, it is important to be aware that they may be more at risk of falls and broken bones, which can lead to a decline in mobility, independence, and quality of life. Every year, at least one out of every four Americans over...

The ankle helps balance, stabilize and support the body. Ankle issues that cause pain can affect the bones, muscles, or soft tissues. One common issue is a sprain, which occurs when the ligaments that connect the bones are damaged or torn. When the tendons in the...

Osteoarthritis, the type of arthritis we associate with aging, can occur due to wear and tear of the cartilage that lines the joints. As the cartilage breaks down over time, the joints become stiff, painful, and swollen, making it difficult to walk, stand, and go...