Don’t Be Scared Off By These Foot Problems

It’s time for trick or treat and scary movies, but at NY Foot Health, one thing we know shouldn’t be frightening is getting foot pain and discomfort diagnosed and treated. However, the names of some podiatric disorders may make you nervous, like the ones explored below:

Brachymetatarsia—Patients with this condition have one metatarsal (the long bones that end in your toes) that is noticeably shorter than the others. It most often affects the fourth metatarsal but can occur in any of the five. In many cases, you can see one toe is shorter than the rest, and an x-ray can easily confirm this defect, which is the result of the failure of the bone to develop fully. You may be surprised to learn such a small bone could cause a big problem, but if the toe is not making contact with the ground when you walk, it can cause weight distribution to be uneven. It can make walking painful and may also lead to the development of an uncomfortable callus on the underside of the toe that makes it feel like you’re walking on a stone.

Calcaneal Apophysitis—As a parent, you might be quite alarmed if the podiatrist delivers this diagnosis for your child or teen. You’re not likely to feel any better with the more common name: Sever’s Disease. However, this condition is not a disease and can be managed and prevented. The characteristic symptom of this disorder is heel pain, which comes from excessive and repetitive pressure to the heel, usually from sports. In youth aged 8-15, the heel plate is still developing, leaving a vulnerable spot at the back of the heel where new bone growth is forming. Overuse can cause painful inflammation, which can be treated by rest, footwear modifications, and physical therapy.

Onychomycosis—The trick of this ominous-sounding diagnosis is that it’s just the medical term for toenail fungus! Recognized by thickening and discolored nails, toenail fungus is best prevented by not sharing items used on the feet of other people, and keeping feet covered in public places also caused by athlete’s foot left untreated and spreads

No matter what your diagnosis, you should feel comfortable asking your podiatrist questions about your condition to help you better understand the cause and treatment. If you have unusual podiatric symptoms and need to find a podiatrist near you, use our online directory to find a foot doctor.

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