Most common foot ailments
Introduction: Foot care is critical to mobility and quality of life. In this article, we will explore the most common ailments affecting the feet and the treatment options available.
Bunions
Bunions, or hallux valgus, are deformities at the base of the big toe, which deviate outward. This condition causes a bony protrusion and can cause pain and difficulty walking.
Treatments:
- Conservative: Use of appropriate footwear, orthopedic insoles and physiotherapy.
- Surgical: Minimally invasive surgery is an effective option that corrects the deformity with reduced recovery time.
Claw Fingers
Claw toe deformity is characterized by abnormal bending of the toe joints, giving them a claw-like appearance. This condition is usually caused by muscular and structural imbalances.
Treatments:
- Conservative: Use of orthotics, special footwear and specific exercises.
- Surgical: In severe cases, minimally invasive surgery can realign the fingers.
Plantar fasciitis
Plantar fasciitis is an inflammation of the tissue that runs along the sole of the foot, causing pain in the heel, especially when getting up in the morning or after periods of inactivity.
Treatments:
- Conservative: Physiotherapy, stretching, use of orthopedic insoles and anti-inflammatories.
- Surgical: In cases refractory to conservative treatment, surgical procedures may be considered.
Metatarsalgia
Metatarsalgia causes pain and inflammation in the ball of the foot, often due to excessive pressure in the area, commonly from improper footwear.
Treatments:
- Conservative: Change of footwear, use of orthopedic insoles and rest.
- Surgical: In severe cases, surgery may be necessary to relieve pressure on the metatarsals.
Morton’s neuroma
Morton’s neuroma is the thickening of tissue around one of the nerves leading to the toes, causing sharp pain and burning in the ball of the foot and toes.
Treatments:
- Conservative: Changes in footwear, orthopedic insoles, corticosteroid injections and physiotherapy.
- Surgical: If conservative treatments do not work, surgery may be necessary to remove the neuroma.
Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
Tarsal tunnel syndrome is caused by compression of the posterior tibial nerve in the ankle, causing pain and numbness in the foot.
Treatments:
- Conservative: Immobilization, anti-inflammatory and physiotherapy.
- Surgical: In severe cases, surgery to release the nerve may be necessary.
Conclusion
Proper foot care and early consultation with a specialist are essential to prevent and treat these common ailments. Advances in conservative and surgical treatments allow patients to effectively recover their quality of life.
