Our feet, ankles and legs are important for moving us through everyday activities. They support the weight of our bodies and allow us to get around - to walk, run, climb stairs, ride a bike or drive a car. Foot and ankle pain may limit mobility, inhibiting participation in normal activities and ultimately reducing a person's quality of life.

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According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, common foot problems include:

• Bunions: A bunion is a painful enlargement of the joint in the big toe. The skin covering the joint becomes swollen and tender, making the area sensitive to pressure. Bunions may be genetic but can also be caused by shoes that do not fit properly.
  
  
• Heel Pain: This foot ailment is caused by inflammation of the plantar fascia, the tissue on the sole of the foot that connects to the heel bone. Pain is felt while walking or standing and is often most intense when getting out of bed.
  
  
• Morton's Neuroma: This is caused by a pinched nerve, typically between the third and fourth toes. The result is a neuroma, a build up of extra tissue in the nerve, which causes pain in the toes.
  
  
• Hammertoe: A toe deformity that is a permanent bend to one side at the middle toe joint.
  
  
• Arthritis of the Foot or Ankle: Common symptoms associated with arthritis in the foot or ankle include swelling, pain, stiffness, tenderness and the inability to easily walk or move the foot or ankle.
  
  

Treatment for common foot problems may be as simple as using a shoe insert, or orthotics, and/or by purchasing a quality shoe. More severe cases may require surgery to remove a bony prominence or to correct a deformity, for example.

Orthopedics is the area of medicine specializing in the diagnosis and treatment of bone, joint, tissue and nerve disorders, including those in the foot and ankle. Because of this, an orthopedic physician can best diagnose and treat any foot and ankle disorders.

If you have a foot or ankle problem, call the Bone & Joint Center today at 359.6442 or toll free at 800.445.6442.