Common Foot Conditions

Visit us for a comprehensive diagnosis and personalised treatment plan.

Introduction

Our feet, together with our hands, make up more than half the bones in our body. The feet’s tendons, muscles and ligaments work together to support our weight and are necessary to get us around, be it walking or running. However, we may experience foot conditions due to sports injuries or overuse.

Hallux Valgus (Bunion)

A bunion refers to a painful bony lump on the outer side of the big toe. It is the most common type of foot deformity. The condition occurs as a result of pressure on the big toes joint and happens gradually due to the way you walk and the shape of your foot. The use of narrow shoes and/or standing for long periods of time may worsen the pain but is not the direct cause of bunions. Family history, the natural shape of your foot, foot injuries, and inflammatory diseases increases your risks of developing bunions.

Other than the visible bump, other symptoms of bunions include redness, swelling, inability or pain when bending the big toe, difficulty in wearing regular shoes, calluses, and numbness in the big toe.

Toe Deformities (Hammer Toe)

Hammer toes refers to a deformity of the second, third, or fourth toes. It is caused by increased pressure on the toe tendons and joints, which often happens when you wear shoes that do not fit properly for long periods of time. Narrow shoes push the smaller toes into a bent position and as the toes continuously rub against the shoe, corns and calluses may form and worsen the deformities. The use of high heels also forces the foot and toes to push against the shoe, increasing pressure and bend.

In the case of hammer toe, the toe is bent at the middle joint. This deformity is originally reversible with simple measures. If left untreated, however, the deformity may become fixed and thus require surgery to treat. Common symptoms of hammer toe include pain, swelling, redness, inability to straighten the toe, calluses on the affected toe, and difficulty walking.

Complex Fractures (Trauma)

The structure of the foot is very complex and consists of bones, muscles, joints and other soft tissues. A fracture, which refers to a break in the bone, of the toe and foot bones may thus cause a serious injury, if not treated immediately. Traumatic toe/foot fractures are caused by a direct impact or hit to the toe or foot. They are either non-displaced (bone stays in its position) or displaced (bone or fragments have changed position). The signs and symptoms of a traumatic fracture include a sound when the bone breaks, pain at the place of impact (may last for a few hours), visible change/deformity in the toe appearance, and bruising or swelling at the next day. While not all fractures require surgical treatment, it is important to get any fractures treated as soon as possible to avoid further complications.

Arthritis

Arthritis refers to joint inflammation and may affect all the joints in your body. In the case of foot and ankle arthritis, the condition may cause pain and difficulties in walking. Other common symptoms include pain as you move your feet, pain that worsens with vigorous activity or sports, tenderness around the joint, swelling and redness, and increased pain in the morning, or after sitting or lying down.

Three most common types

The three most common types of foot and ankle arthritis are osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and post-traumatic arthritis. Osteoarthritis is most common in older adults and happens as the cartilage around your joints gradually wears away. The condition develops slowly as the cartilage continues to wear down, eventually causing pain and stiffness. Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease that refers to a condition when your immune cells attack your own cells, causing the area to get inflamed and swell. Post-traumatic arthritis, as the name suggests, may happen following an injury to the foot or ankle, especially dislocations or fractures.

Pes Planus (Flat Foot)

Flat feet refers to a lowered or flattened out longitudinal arch, lengthwise from the toes to the sole of the foot. The condition is oftentimes inherited but may also be caused by injuries or as a complication following certain diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, stroke, or diabetes.

During normal activities, people rarely face any symptoms or problems from this condition. However, people may feel pain, leg aches, or discomfort following an injury, excessive standing, walking, running, or jumping, sudden weight gain, and usage of poorly fitted footwear.

Pes Cavus (High-Arched Foot)

Opposite to the previous condition, pes cavus (high arch foot) refers to a foot with an abnormally high longitudinal arch. The condition is more often found in those with an underlying neurologic condition. It may also happen following a bone injury or shortening of the Achilles tendon.

As a result of this higher arch, more weight and stress are placed on the ball and heel of the foot, causing pain when standing or walking for long periods of time. Other common symptoms include instability, difficulty walking, problems with footwear, knee pain, and back pain. The condition also increases the risks of feet and ankle stress fractures. Specialised cushioned footwear and physiology therapies may help resolve these symptoms.

Plantar Fasciitis

Plantar fasciitis refers to an inflammation of the thick band of tissue that spans across the bottom of your foot. Its primary symptoms include stabbing pain around the hell with your first steps in the morning. The pain may tend to subside as you continue to move around but may return following long periods of standing and also when you stand up after sitting or lying down. Repeated stretching and tearing of plantar tissue may trigger the condition.

The condition is common in runners, ballet dancers, and aerobic dancers and those whose jobs require them to stand for long periods of time. Above that, plantar fasciitis is more commonly found in those who are overweight and as a result of using shoes that lack support. Unequal distribution of weight across your feet as a result of flat feet or high-arched feet may also cause the condition.

Charcot Foot vs Clubfoot

Diabetic Foot (Charcot Foot)

A rare but serious complication of diabetes, Charcot Foot is a condition that affects the bones, joints, and other soft tissues of the foot and ankle. In the early stages, symptoms of Charcot Foot included redness, swelling, and feels warm to the touch.

The condition develops following damage to the nerves in the lower legs and feet which causes a loss of sensation. As a result, sprains and other foot and ankle injuries tend to go unnoticed. As these injuries are not treated at their earlier stages, complications may then lead to foot deformities that cause the formation of pressure sores and wounds that, if left untreated, may cause infection and even amputation. Above this, Charcot Foot is also a complication of organ transplantation in diabetes patients.

Complex Foot Deformities (Clubfoot)

Clubfoot refers to different types of foot abnormalities that are usually present at birth. In this condition, the tissues connecting the muscles and bones are abnormally short, causing the foot to be twisted out of its normal shape. The condition itself does not cause any pain and in most cases, do not signify any other congenital conditions.

However, the abnormal position of the foot may lead to difficulty in walking and as such the condition is often treated soon after birth. Some signs of clubfoot include the top of the foot being twisted downward and inward, having one leg or foot shorter than the other, and underdeveloped calf muscles.

Morton's Neuroma

Morton’s Neuroma occurs due to an irritation or damage to a nerve in your foot. Its primary symptoms include a stabbing or burning pain, or a feeling like a small stone is stuck under the affected area. The condition is often linked to the use of narrow, high-heeled shoes and walking, running, or other sports over long periods of time.

Above that, the condition is also linked to other foot disorders such as flat feet, high-arched feet, bunions, and hammer toes. The symptoms of Morton’s Neuroma are often gradual and gets worse over time, especially if you continue to wear narrow or high-heeled shoes. In some cases, people also experience a tingling feel or numbness.

Growths & Lumps

This refers to soft-tissue bumps, be it nodules, contusion, tumours, or cysts, that may appear anywhere on the foot. Common symptoms include pain, bleeding, localized swelling, pus or discharge, redness, warmth, and tenderness to touch. In most cases, foot lumps should resolve within a few days. However, there are foot lumps that are painful and may persist or grow over time. In this case, visit a doctor as soon as possible as it may be a more serious condition such as tumours. For more severe lumps, symptoms may include fever or chills, open wounds, and uncontrollable bleeding.

Some causes of foot lumps include infections, inflammation, tumours or trauma. It is also linked to foot and ankle rheumatoid arthritis. They may come in the form of swelling, sacs of fluid, fatty tissue and nerve, as well as vessel or muscle enlargements.

Ingrown Toenail

An ingrown toenail often develops on the big toe and is described as a condition where the corner of the toenail curves down and digs into the skin. Common signs and symptoms include pain on your big toe, soreness, swelling, redness, and warmth. While proper nail trimming may solve the condition, it may cause serious complications especially for those who have diabetes or other circulation problems.

An ingrown toenail may happen when the toenail is cut too short or when the corners are too rounded. Another common cause is trauma or a direct hit on the toe. Loss of toenail, fungal infection, repetitive pressure from certain sports, and wearing shoes that are high-heeled, too tight or narrow may also increase the risk of developing the condition.

Conclusion

Our feet bear the brunt of the work in our daily lives and so naturally, are subject to many issues, from injuries to inflammation. If you’ve suffered from a foot injury, or feel chronic pain or discomfort, consult your orthopaedist for proper diagnosis and treatment.

References

Cleveland Clinic. (n.d.). Bunions (Hallux Valgus).
American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. (n.d.). Hammer Toe.
Foot Health Facts. (n.d.). Toe and Metatarsal Fractures (Broken Toes).
American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. (n.d.). Arthritis of the Foot and Ankle.
University of Michigan Health. (n.d.). Foot Pain.
Physio-pedia. (n.d.). Pes Cavus.
Mayo Clinic. (n.d.). Plantar Fasciitis – Symptoms and Causes.
Mayo Clinic. (n.d.). Clubfoot – Symptoms and Causes.
NHS. (n.d.). Morton’s Neuroma.
Foot Health Facts. (n.d.). Foot Lumps.
Healthgrades. (n.d.). Foot Lump.
Harvard Health Publishing. (n.d.). Foot Health: What to Do About an Ingrown Toenail.

Get in touch

Make an Enquiry or Request an Appointment

Our friendly team is here to serve you. For urgent enquiries and appointment requests, please call or WhatsApp us directly.

Name

Phone

Choice of Consultation*

Preferred Clinic*

Message