National Foot Health Awareness Month: Beyond Bunions and Blisters
April is National Foot Health Awareness Month! There’s no time like the present to help out your feet and ankles, yet while common foot problems like bunions and blisters readily come to mind, there are also plenty of lesser-known ailments that can cause significant discomfort.
This month is the perfect opportunity to learn about these conditions and how to recognize their early signs, so for this post, the team at PodiatryCare, P.C., and the Heel Pain Center has gathered some tips and tricks for spotting symptoms to watch for.
Three Under-the-Radar Foot Woes
Watch out for these lesser-known ailments to sidestep some major aches and pains.
Morton's Neuroma:
This painful condition affects the nerves between the toes, most commonly between the third and fourth toes.
Symptoms include a burning sensation, numbness, or tingling in the ball of the foot, often aggravated by tight-fitting shoes or high heels.
Early detection is key, as treatment options like padding, wider footwear, or cortisone injections can effectively manage pain.
In severe cases, surgery might be necessary.
Sesamoiditis:
The sesamoids are tiny bones embedded in the tendons under the big toe joint.
Inflammation of these bones, known as sesamoiditis, can cause pain and tenderness when walking, running, or jumping.
People who participate in activities that put a lot of stress on the forefoot, like dancers and athletes, are more prone to this condition.
Treatment typically involves activity modification, ice therapy, and orthotics to redistribute pressure.
Plantar Fibroma:
This is a non-cancerous growth of fibrous tissue that develops on the sole of the foot, usually near the heel.
While not life-threatening, plantar fibromas can be quite painful, especially when bearing weight. The primary symptom is a firm, tender lump under the skin.
Treatment options vary depending on the severity, ranging from simple observation to cortisone injections or surgical removal.
Don't wait for the problem to worsen! At PodiatryCare, PC, and the Heel Pain Center, Dr. Charlotte George, Dr. Matthew Tschudy, Dr. Rebecca Wiesner, Dr. Kristen Winters, Dr. Laura Vander Poel, and the rest of our team are dedicated to helping our Hartford County patients. To schedule an appointment at our Enfield location, call (860) 741-3041; for an appointment at our South Windsor location, call (860) 644-6525.