Achilles Tendonitis
Achilles tendonitis is a painful condition caused by the inflammation and irritation of the Achilles tendon, which runs the length of the posterior leg, extending to the heel.
What are the causes?
The most common cause of Achillies tendonitis is overpronation. There are several other factors responsible which may include improper footwear, inadequate stretching and lack of flexibility.
Excessive shoe stiffness, caused by improperly fitted footwear and tying laces too tightly, is a common contributing factor to Achilles tendonitis.
What are the symptoms?
The most common symptom associated with Achillies tendonitis is pain at the back of the heel, the area where the tendon connects to the heel bone. The pain is generally experienced after periods of extended activity, such as while running, jumping or exercising.
What are the treatment and prevention measures?
People who suffer from Achillies tendonitis should discontinue any activities that put pressure on the Achilles tendon. Avoid wearing high-heeled shoes or excessively tight footwear.
Dr. Roth recommends FABS or MAGFABS to help alleviate pain associated with Achilles tendonitis.
Ankle Sprains/Strains
The ligaments of the ankle keep the anklebones and joint in the correct position. They protect the ankle joint from abnormal, unnatural movements- especially exaggerated twisting, turning, and rolling of the foot.
What are the causes?
A ligament is a flexible, elastic structure. A healthy ligament usually stretches within its limits, and then returns to a normal position. A sprain occurs when a ligament is forced to stretch beyond its natural range of movement. A severe sprain can cause actual tearing of the elastic fibers of the ligament.
What are the symptoms?
Inflammation, swelling, redness, pain or soreness and difficulty in walking are the most common symptoms experienced by people with ankle sprain.
What are the treatment and prevention measures?
People who have had an ankle sprain or strain are at further risk while in the recovery stage. In an effort to provide greater support the ankle should be supported with a properly designed shoe and a correctly fitted ankle and foot wrap.
Dr. Roth's Ultimate All-Purpose Wrap is engineered to provide maximum support, compression and comfort. When a strain or injury has occurred and support is required; a wrap that will perform and can be adjusted to the desired tension is an absolute must.
Arthritis Foot Problems
Arthritis is a generalized term which most commonly refers to the painful inflammation of the joints. Arthritis pain is frequently accompanied by stiffness and swelling of the joints.
Osteoarthritis, also known as degenerative arthritis, is the most common form of arthritis. Osteoarthritis can appear at various joints throughout the body, including the hands, feet, spine, hips, and knees.
In the foot, the disease most frequently occurs in the big toe, although it is also often found in the mid-foot and ankle.
Due to the large concentration of joints in the foot and ankle, arthritis is a common source of foot pain and disability.
What are the causes?
The causes of arthritis depend largely on the form of arthritis. Causes range from degeneration, acute injury, metabolism abnormalities, genetics, infections, and unknown causes.
What are the symptoms?
Symptoms of arthritis include localized pain and limited function of joints.
Inflammation of the joints from arthritis is typically characterized by joint stiffness, swelling, redness, and warmth. Tenderness of the inflamed joint is also commonly experienced.
What are the treatment and prevention measures?
Physical therapy and the use foot orthotics play a large role in preventing arthritis pain. Proper, supportive footwear and the use of foot orthotics can help to support the foot, and help assist in shock absorption.
Dr. Roth recommends FABS or MAGFABS to help relieve the pain associated with arthritis.
Athlete's Foot
Athlete's foot, also known as Tinea pedis, is a common fungal infection which lives in the outer layers of the skin. Although some people refer to athlete's foot as a ringworm infection, no actual worm is involved in athlete's foot or any other fungal infections.
What are the causes?
Athlete's foot most easily spreads and flourishes in warm, dark, and moist environments- such as those found on the sweaty shoes, floors of locker rooms, swimming pool, gyms and public showers. This foot fungus can also transmitted by sharing shoes or socks of the infected person and contact with pets that carry it on their fur.
What are the symptoms?
Athlete's foot can manifest in many ways, such as dry skin, or a white, scaly, reddened rash on the bottom and sides of feet. Athlete's foot may cause cracking, or peeling of the skin; especially between the toes. In some people the skin becomes very sore and may even bleed. People suffering from athlete's foot may also have a fungal infection of the toenails.
What are the treatment and prevention measures?
Dr. Roth suggests the use of the Foot Fixer Kit to help resolve the fungus problems associated with Athlete's foot. If your athlete's foot condition is severe, the doctor suggests using the Nail & Foot Gel even if no nail fungus is present. In mild athlete foot infections use of the Foaming Foot Wash and Foot Balm should eliminate the condition.
Foot Care Tips
- Keep feet dry, especially between toes.
- Always wear sandals when at public showers, swimming pools and locker rooms.
- Do not share or borrow shoes.
- Regularly apply anti-fungal foot powder to reduce perspiration.
- Wear cotton socks and light, breathable shoes to allow air circulation
Bunions
A bunion is a minor bone deformity usually located in the big toe.
A bunion is generally considered as an enlargement of the joint (a lump of bone) at the base and side of the big toe. Bunions form when the toe moves out of place. This puts pressure on your big toe joint, pushing it outward beyond the normal profile of your foot, and resulting in pain.
What are the causes?
Bunions are often caused by crowding of the toes within the shoe due to poorly fitted, improper footwear. High-heeled or narrow fitting shoes can exert tremendous pressures on the foot and toes.
What are the symptoms?
Bunions may or may not cause symptoms. The most common symptom is pain in the affected area when walking or wearing shoes.
Bunions that cause noticeable pain can also cause swelling, redness, and tenderness of the toe.
What are the treatment and prevention measures?
Simple precautions such as resting the foot, avoiding excessive walking and wearing loose-fitting shoes or sandals can often relieve the irritating pain of bunions.
Bunions can be prevented by putting a spacer between the affected digits, and by wearing properly fitted shoes.
Capsulitis
Capsulitis is a term used to refer to the inflammation of a ligament. Capsulitis can occur at any joint in the body, including a number of places in the foot.
These joints have a capsule around them to hold in the joint fluid and lubricate the joint to aid in motion. Excessive pressure to the joint can cause inflammation of the joint and capsule.
What are the causes?
Inflammation of the metatarsal joints can be caused by excessive pressure being applied to the forefoot. Wearing improper footwear, such as excessively high-heels or participating in activities that involve frequent bending of the toes can cause the ligaments of overstretch, causing inflammation.
Capsulitis is often related to the structure of the feet. If the metatarsals are elongated or if deformity is present, the extra pressure can aggravate the joints.
What are the symptoms?
Inflammation of the metatarsal joints can cause pain and tenderness when participating in activities which strain the joints, such as standing or walking. Signs of inflammation such as swelling or redness may occur.
What are the treatment and prevention measures?
The primary measure to help prevent capsulitis is to relieve excess pressure on the forefoot. Unloading pressure to the ball-of-the-foot can be accomplished with special, therapeutic shoes or foot orthotics
Avoiding improper footwear such as high heels and avoiding activities which put pressure on the forefoot is also important.
Dr. Roth recommends TABS or MAGTABS to help cushion and support areas of the foot sensitive to excessive pressures.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is a medical condition of the wrist in which the median nerve is abnormally compressed at the wrist, leading to pain and muscle weakness in the hand. A form of compressive neuropathy, CTS is more common in women than it is in men and can occur at any age.
What are the causes?
The majority of CTS cases are idiopathic (without known cause). Repetitive activities are often blamed for the development of CTS along with several other possible causes. Other contributing factors include injury to the wrist that causes swelling, such as a sprain or fracture, rheumatoid arthritis, mechanical problems in the wrist joint, work stress, frequent or repeated use of vibrating hand tools, and fluid retention during pregnancy.
What are the symptoms?
Symptoms usually start gradually, with frequent burning, tingling, or itching numbness in the palm of the hand and the fingers, especially the thumb and the index and middle fingers. The symptoms often first appear in one or both hands during the night, since many people sleep with flexed wrists.
As symptoms worsen, people might begin to feel tingling during the day. Decreased grip strength may make it difficult to form a fist, grasp objects, or perform other manual tasks. In chronic, untreated cases, the muscles at the base of the thumb may waste away.
What are the treatment and prevention measures?
Treatments for carpal tunnel syndrome should begin as early as possible, under a doctor's direction. Underlying causes such as arthritis should be treated first. Initial treatment generally involves resting the affected hand and wrist for at least 2 weeks, avoiding activities that may worsen symptoms, and immobilizing the wrist in a wrap or splint such as the CarpalGard to avoid further strain. If inflammation is present, applying cold packs and elevating the affected wrist can help to reduce swelling.
Charcot Foot
Charcot foot is a progressive, degenerative condition caused by the weakening of the bones in the foot that can occur in people who have substantial nerve damage.
What are the causes?
When nerve damage is present, the bones in the foot become weakened and are increasingly prone to fracture. Due to nerve damage, the pain goes unnoticed and the person continues to walk on it. This can lead to severe deformities of the foot.
What are the symptoms?
Charcot foot symptoms may include:
- Warmth to the touch
- Redness in the foot
- Swelling in the area
- Pain or soreness
What are the treatment and prevention measures?
Dr. Roth recommends the use of FABS or MAGFABS to help relieve pain associated with Charcot foot.
Corns/Calluses
Calluses and corns are thickened areas of dead skin which typically form on the bottom or sides of the feet. Corns are generally smaller than calluses and are surrounded by inflamed skin. Corns usually develop on areas of your feet that don't usually bear weight. Putting pressure on corns can cause pain, which typically manifests as a dull ache.
What are the causes?
Calluses and corns are most commonly caused by excessive, prolonged pressure and friction on the skin due to excessively tight footwear. Other contributing factors include walking on hard or rough surfaces barefoot, pronation, obesity, or participating in physical activities which put pressure on the feet.
What are the symptoms?
The presence of or corns and calluses is usually indicated by a thickened, rough patch of skin, a hardened, raised bump and tenderness or pain under the skin.
What are the treatment and prevention measures?
Avoiding activities that apply repeated friction or pressure to the skin, wearing thick socks or padding over the affected area, and wearing proper, supportive footwear can help to prevent corns and calluses.
Dr. Roth recommends TABS arch supports to help cushion, support and protect areas of the foot sensitive to excessive callus formation.
Cracked Heels
Cracked heels, also known as heel fissures, are a common, often quite painful, foot problem. Cracked heels are due to the thickening and fissuring of the skin on the heel of the foot. Deep cracks can cause the skin to bleed and in severe cases can cause infection.
What are the causes?
Cracked heels are caused by dry skin. Certain medical conditions predispose an individual to dry skin, such as diabetic neuropathy, obesity, and skin conditions such as psoriasis or eczema.
What are the symptoms?
The initial symptom of getting cracked heels is the development of dry, hard, thickened skin around the rim of the heel. This may be yellow or dark brown discolored area of skin. Initially small cracks are visible. If left untreated and as more pressure is placed on the heel, these cracks become deeper and can begin to bleed. This results into very painful situation during walking and standing.
What are the treatment and prevention measures?
Dr. Roth recommends the use of the Foot Fixer Kit to help moisturize and protect skin against cracked heels. Gentle cleansing with Dr. Roth's Foaming Foot Wash, followed by the application of topical moisturizers such as Dr. Roth's Foot Balm, can help to maintain healthy skin that can better resist breakdown and injury.
For severe cracked heels, Dr. Roth recommends using the Nail & Foot Gel to help sooth and treat the affected area.
Diabetic Foot Problems
Diabetes is a disease caused by a lack of insulin production in the body. Insulin is a hormone that regulates the amount of glucose in the bloodstream. High blood glucose levels, over prolonged periods of time, can cause damage to the nerves, blood vessels, vital organs and extremities.
People with diabetes have an increased likelihood of developing a variety of foot conditions. Even seemingly ordinary problems can worsen and lead to serious complications.
What are the causes?
Diabetes reduces the effectiveness of the immune system, diminishing the body's natural ability to fight infection. When diabetes is not well controlled, damage to the organs and impairment of the immune system is possible.
Foot problems often occur when there is nerve damage, also known as diabetic neuropathy, which results in loss of feeling and sensation in your feet.
Although it can often be quite painful, diabetic neuropathy can lessen your ability to feel sensations such as pain, heat, and cold. This loss of feeling can often prevent you from feeling a foot injury. You might not notice an injury, such as a cut or blister, until the skin breaks down and becomes infected.
Diabetes can also affect the blood vessels of the feet, causing them to narrow and harden. This condition, known as diabetic vasculopathy, reduces the amount of blood flow to the feet. With reduced blood flow, feet may be deprived of the oxygen and nutrients necessary to help heal and fight infection.
What are the treatment and prevention measures?
Meticulous attention to foot care and proper management of minor foot injuries are key to preventing diabetic foot complications.
Gentle cleansing with Dr. Roth's Foaming Foot Wash, followed by the application of topical moisturizers such as Dr. Roth's Foot Balm, can help to maintain healthy skin that can better resist breakdown and injury.
Dr. Roth's Foot Fixer Kit is specifically formulated to aid in the prevention and management of many common diabetic foot conditions.
Foot Care Tips
- Carefully inspect your feet daily. Check for any cuts, blisters, cracks, redness, or swelling.
- Wash your feet everyday.
- Keep feet dry; especially the area between the toes.
- Consult your doctor if you exhibit any signs of infection such as redness, swelling, fever, or chills.
Fat Pad Atrophy
Fat pad atrophy, also known as fat pad syndrome, is a condition characterized by a shrinking or near-complete elimination of the layer of body fat which protects the metatarsal-phalangeal heads. Fat pad atrophy can also affect the heel.
What are the causes?
Fat pad atrophy frequently affects the elderly and the highly-athletic. Repeated, prolonged trauma to the pads of the feet can caused degeneration of the supportive fatty tissue.
What are the symptoms?
A deep, dull ache that feels like a bruise and sensitivity to pressure are the most common symptoms of fat pad atrophy.
What are the treatment and prevention measures?
Dr. Roth recommends TABS to cushion and support the metatarsals to help relieve the pain associated with fat pad atrophy.
Flat Feet
Flat feet is a common condition in which the foot's natural arch collapses upon weight bearing; potentially causing severe discomfort and leading to other significant foot problems.
What are the causes?
Overpronation, caused by excessive stretching of the fibrous tissue that is present at the bottom of the foot, is the most common cause of flat feet.
Obesity, pregnancy, or repetitive, prolonged impact with a hard surface can weaken the arch, leading to overpronation.
What are the symptoms?
Some common symptoms of a flat foot include:
- Uneven wear of the shoe.
- Lower leg pain
- Pain on the inside of your ankle
- Swelling along the inside of your ankle
- Foot pain
What are the treatment and prevention measures?
Dr. Roth recommends the use of FABS or MAGFABS to help support the arch and alleviate the pain and discomfort associated with flat feet.
Foot Sweat/Odor
Foot odor is a widespread and potentially embarrassing condition of the feet.
What are the causes?
Foot odor often results from the continuous wearing shoes and socks, especially those made without adequate air ventilation.
Since human feet are densely covered with sweat glands, excessive perspiration of the feet may result. This perspiration and warmth provide ideal conditions for bacteria and/or fungi to thrive.
The presence of the bacteria and/or fungi does not in and of itself cause odor; instead, as the bacteria consume dead skin cells and moisture, they in turn produce waste material. This waste material is the cause of foot odor.
What are the treatment and prevention measures?
It is important to wear well-ventilated shoes clean absorbent socks and to thoroughly wash your feet at least once a day.
Use of an antiperspirant deodorant spray such as Dr. Roth's Foot Spray can help prevent excessively moist conditions.
Dr. Roth recommends the use of the Foot Fixer Kit to help resolve underlying fungus infections associated with foot odor.
Hammer, Claw and Mallet Toes
Hammer, claw, and mallet toes are deformities of the feet which cause the toes to assume an unusual shape or structure.
What causes hammer, claw and mallet toes?
Excessively tight, poorly fitting shoes are the most common cause of toe deformity. Shoes that are too short or heels that are too high can force the foot against the front of your shoe, resulting in an unnatural bending of your toe.
Aside from wearing crowded shoes, toe deformities may also result from muscle and nerve damage, also known as neuropathy, caused by conditions such as diabetes and arthritis.
What are the symptoms?
Pain, pressure, and discomfort of the foot are the most common symptoms of hammer, claw, and mallet toe.
A hammer toe typically manifests as a toe that bends downward at the middle toe joint, causing the joint to ascend. This usually occurs in the second, third, or fourth toe.
Claw toe most frequently occurs in any of the four smaller toes. The toes may bend and arch at the joints where the toes and the foot meet, causing the toes to curl downward, resembling a claw.
Mallet toe is caused by a bending of the joint closest to the tip of the toe.
Toe deformities are often associated with secondary problems such as corns and calluses. In the most severe cases, these toe problems may affect your balance and make it difficult or painful to walk.
What are the treatment and prevention measures?
Wearing flexible, roomy footwear with ample space for the toes is the first step in preventing and treating hammer, claw, or mallet toes. Foot orthotics and physical therapy can also help to correct toe deformity without the need for surgery.
Heel Pain
Heel pain is a common foot condition which leads to pain on the bottom of the heel. Excessive or extended weight bearing and pressure on the heel can be extremely painful.
What are the causes?
Arch and heel pain are generally caused by a condition called Plantar Fasciitis, which occurs when the main ligament on the bottom of the foot between the heel and the ball of the foot becomes inflamed.
What are the symptoms?
Plantar Fasciitis related pain is usually noticed with the first few steps after getting out of bed in the morning or after getting up after extended periods of rest. When at rest, the plantar ligament is under no stress, so the arch of your foot is higher.
When a person is standing, the arch tends to lower and the ligament pulls on the heel, causing irritation, inflammation, and pain. When the foot is used, the ligament stretches and the pain stops or decreases.
What are the treatment and prevention measures?
Wearing comfortable, properly fitting shoes with proper arch support and cushioning is the most important prevention measure for heel pain. Avoid wearing high-heeled shoes or sandals.
Dr. Roth recommends FABS or MAGFABS to help relieve pain associated with the heel.
Heel Spur
A heel spur, also known as a calcaneal spur, is an abnormal, nail-like growth of calcium at or around the tendons and ligaments of the foot where they attach to the heel.
What are the causes?
Heel spurs occur most commonly in people over the age of forty. The condition can also be associated with osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, poor circulation of the blood and other degenerative diseases.
Excessive stretching of the plantar fascia, also known as plantar fasciitis, can lead to arch pain, and heel spurs.
What are the symptoms?
Heel spur pain is usually characterized by a sharp poking sensation and is localized to the heel or under the heel. Pain can become very severe and bruising can sometimes occur.
The pain caused by a heel spur results from inflammation around the tendons where they attach to the heel bone. The pain is most severe when you first start to walk after a period of rest.
What are the treatment and prevention measures?
In order to prevent the heel spurs, one should always wear comfortable, properly fitting shoes with good arch support and cushioning and avoid wearing high heeled shoes or sandals.
Dr. Roth recommends FABS or MAGFABS to help relieve the pain associated with heel spurs.
Hip Pain
Hip pain is a common problem experienced by many people at or around the hip joint.
What are the causes?
Many cases of hip pain are associated with improper pronation of the foot. Pronation of the foot causes a general muscle imbalance to occur. As your feet pronate, your leg is no longer aligned properly, so your leg and foot muscles must work harder to give you the support usually provided by your bones.
What are the symptoms?
Common symptoms for hip pain include pain around the hip joints, discomfort when walking or running, an abnormal gait, and back pain.
What are the treatment and prevention measures?
Dr. Roth recommends FABS or MAGFABS to alleviate hip pain caused by pronation.
Ingrown Toenails
An ingrown toenail is a painful condition of the toe. It occurs when a sharp corner of the toenail digs into the skin at the end of or side of the toe. Ingrown toenails most commonly affect the big toe.
What are the causes?
Common causes of ingrown toenails include:
- Tight-fitting shoes that crowd the toenails
- Improper cutting of toenails (cutting too short)
- Injury to the toenail
- Toenail fungal infection
- Thickening of the toenail
What are the symptoms?
Signs and symptoms of ingrown toenails include:
- Pain and tenderness along one or both sides of the nail in your toe which worsens while wearing shoes or sandals
- Redness and swelling around your toenail
- Infection of the tissue around the toenail resulting into drainage of pus and watery discharge with blood
What are the treatment and prevention measures?
Trimming the toenails straight across and not too short, keeping the toenails at a moderate length, and wearing properly fitting footwear can help prevent ingrown toenails.
It is recommended to consult a podiatrist to resolve the problem of ingrown toenails. The Foot Fixer Kit can help resolve any secondary infection of the nails or any accompanying fungal infection.
Lower Back Pain
Lower back pain is a common, potentially debilitating condition which will affect most people at some point during their lifetime. Back pain becomes more common as people age.
What are the causes?
Abnormalities of the foot, such as pronation, are a leading cause of lower back pain. The unnatural rolling over of the feet, overpronation, causes the lower leg to rotate internally. As a result, the pelvis is forced to tilt forward, which can cause an increased curvature of the lower back. After standing up-right for prolonged periods of time, the curvature in back will cause tightness and stiffness of the lower back muscles.
What are the symptoms?
The primary symptoms of lower back pain are an aching sensation and limited mobility in the lower part of the back. This pain worsens with any kind of activity or sitting for long periods without changing the position.
What are the treatment and prevention measures?
Lower back pain can be best treated when the specific source of pain is determined. It is recommended to resume normal activities and avoid activities that put pressure on the back.
Dr. Roth recommends FABS or MAGFABS to alleviate the lower back pain caused by pronation.
Metatarsalgia
Metatarsalgia, also known as "stone bruise", is a painful foot condition localized in the ball-of-the-foot, the area just before the toes.
What are the causes?
Metatarsalgia can be caused by a direct injury, excessively high heels that place downward pressure on the metatarsal arch, and increased levels of exercise that over use or strain the ball of the foot.
What are the symptoms?
The symptoms of Metatarsalgia include:
- Sharp, aching or burning pain in the ball-of-the-foot
- Pain that gets worse while standing, walking, running or when the foot is in a flexed position.
- Numbness or tingling in the toes.
- Increased pain while walking barefoot, especially on a hard surface.
- Difficulty in wearing certain shoes or sandals.
What are the treatment and prevention measures?
Wearing shoes with a wide toe box and good support, avoiding high heels, and maintaining a healthy weight can help to prevent Metatarsalgia.
Dr. Roth recommends TABS or MAGTABS to help alleviate the pain associated with Metatarsalgia.
Morton's Neuroma
A neuroma is a thickening of nerve tissue that may develop in various parts of the body. The most common neuroma in the foot is a Morton's neuroma, which typically occurs at the base of the third and fourth toes.
What are the causes?
Anything that causes compression or irritation of the nerve can lead to the development of a neuroma. One of the most common offenders is wearing shoes that have too tight a toe box, or high-heeled shoes that cause the toes to be forced into the toe box.
People with certain foot deformities-bunions, hammertoes, or flat feet-are at higher risk for developing a neuroma.
What are the symptoms?
If you have a Morton's neuroma, you will probably have one or more of these symptoms where the nerve damage in occurring:
- Tingling, burning, or numbness
- Pain
- A feeling that something is inside the ball of the foot
What are the treatment and prevention measures?
For mild to moderate cases of neuroma, treatment options include padding techniques and orthotics to provide support for the metatarsal arch.
Dr. Roth recommends TABS and MAGTABS to help provide essential support to help relieve pain associated with Morton's neuroma.
It's also important to wear shoes with a wide toe box and to avoid narrow-toed shoes or shoes with high heels.
Morton's Toe
Morton's toe is the common term for the condition in which the second toe is longer than the big toe. Also referred to as Morton's foot, this disorder can cause pain and discomfort of the forefoot, and can lead to a variety of painful, and potentially debilitating, foot problems. A person with Morton's toe actually has a longer second metatarsal, the bone inside the foot. The metatarsal bones may push upward against the skin, causing a row of bumps to appear just behind the toes.
What are the causes?
Morton's toe leads to excessive pressure on the second metatarsal head. The second metatarsal head is behind the second toe at the ball-of-the-foot. Excessive pressure causes pain similar to the discomfort associated with Metatarsalgia. The constant pressure placed on the longer second toe while walking or standing can lead to callus formation under the second metatarsal head.
What are the symptoms?
A person with Morton's toe actually has a longer second metatarsal, the bone inside the foot. The metatarsal bones may push upward against the skin, causing a row of bumps to appear just behind the toes.
Other symptoms of Morton's toe include thick calluses on the bottom of the foot located just behind the second toe, and on the inside and outside of the foot right where the toes connect.
What are the treatment and prevention measures?
People experiencing Morton's toe can often find relief by treating the specific symptoms, and by using orthotics and wearing properly fitted shoes.
Arch supports and padded insoles can help correct the poor foot posture associated with Morton's toe. Footwear should fit comfortably and provide ample toe room.
Osgood-Schlatter Disease
Osgood-Schlatter Disease is an overuse syndrome of the lower front of the knee where the large tendon under the kneecap (patellar tendon) attaches to the upper shinbone. The condition is characterized by localized pain and tenderness in this area. Osgood-Schlatter disease is commonly seen in physically active adolescents
What are the causes?
Osgood-Schlatter disease is caused by activities that place repeated stress on the top of the tibia, the large bone in the lower leg, where the tendon of the kneecap attaches. During activities that involve a lot of running, jumping and bending — such as football, soccer, basketball, volleyball, gymnastics and ballet — the pull of the quadriceps can place tension on the tendon that connects the knee to the tibia (patellar tendon).
What are the symptoms?
Signs and symptoms of Osgood-Schlatter Disease include pain, swelling and tenderness at the bony prominence on the upper shinbone just below the kneecap. Knee pain may worsen with activity, especially running and jumping, and generally improves with rest. Tightness of the surrounding muscles, especially the thigh muscles is also common.
Overlapping Toes
Overlapping toes is a situation where one toe lies on top of an adjacent toe. Overlapping toes can occur in any of the toes and can cause extreme irritation and discomfort if not corrected.
What are the causes?
The main cause of overlapping toes is bunions. As a bunion progresses, it can cause the big toe to start to rest under the second toe.
Other causes of overlapping toes are improper footwear, rheumatoid arthritis, hereditary factors and injury to the toes. Many additional disorders can affect the joints in the toes including arthritis, autoimmune diseases, trauma, congenital variations, and hammertoes.
What are the symptoms?
Pain and inflammation are the most common symptoms of overlapping toes. If this condition is left untreated, it can interfere with the normal function of the foot.
What are the treatment and prevention measures?
Supportive shoes with a high, broad toe box are recommended to keep the top of the toes from rubbing against the shoe.
Dr. Roth suggests consulting a podiatrist to help resolve overlapping toes.
Overpronation
Overpronation, also known as flat feet, is a common condition in which the foot's natural arch collapses upon weight bearing; potentially causing severe discomfort and leading to other significant foot problems.
What are the causes?
Overpronation, caused by excessive stretching of the fibrous tissue that is present at the bottom of the foot, is the most common cause of flat feet.
Obesity, pregnancy, or repetitive, prolonged impact with a hard surface can weaken the arch, leading to overpronation.
What are the symptoms?
Some common symptoms of a flat foot include:
- Uneven wear of the shoe.
- Lower leg pain
- Pain on the inside of your ankle
- Swelling along the inside of your ankle
- Foot pain
What are the treatment and prevention measures?
Dr. Roth recommends the use of FABS or MAGFABS to help support the arch and alleviate the pain and discomfort associated with flat feet.
Plantar Fasciitis
Plantar fasciitis is a painful inflammatory condition caused by excessive strain to the plantar fascia of the foot.
The plantar fascia is the thick, connective tissue that supports the arch of the foot. It originates at the heel and extends to the base of the toes.
The plantar fascia tightens and stretches each time the foot is used, and is highly prone to overuse, especially if the arch is not supported by proper footwear.
What are the causes?
Plantar Fasciitis is caused by excessive stretching of the fibrous tissue that is present at the bottom of the foot. This excessive stretching can lead to heel and arch pain. Flat feet, also known as overpronation, is a leading cause of Plantar Fasciitis.
Plantar Fasciitis can be aggravated or caused by an unusually high arch, sudden changes in physical activity, improper footwear, obesity, and the weight gain associated with pregnancy.
What are the symptoms?
Pain is typically experienced on the inside of the heel and along the arch. Heel pain is especially common after long periods of physical activity or after getting up from a seated position.
What are the treatment and prevention measures?
Care measures include applying ice, stretching, anti-inflammatory medications, and gentle massage.
Flat feet, also known as overpronation, is the leading cause of plantar fasciitis. Dr. Roth recommends FABS or MAGFABS to help alleviate Plantar Fasciitis caused by pronation.
Plantar Warts
A plantar wart is a wart which typically manifests as a small lesion on the sole of the foot and typically resembles a cauliflower.
A plantar wart may have small black specks within it that ooze blood when the surface is cut or shaved; these are abnormal capillaries.
What are the causes?
Plantar warts are acquired through direct contact with the human papillomavirus. Human papilloma virus can be found on walking surfaces such as showers, swimming pools, or in shoes. It is spread through contact, with the virus invading the skin through possibly tiny cuts and abrasions.
After infection, warts may not become visible for several weeks or months.
What are the symptoms?
Plantar warts are often mistaken for corns or calluses. The usually appear as small, fleshy, grainy bumps on the soles of your feet or hard, flat growths with a rough surface and well-defined boundaries.
What are the treatment and prevention measures?
Plantar wars can be prevented by avoiding walking barefoot in public areas such as showers, or communal changing rooms. Never share shoes and socks, and change them on a daily basis.
For severe plantar warts, consult your health care provider.
Sesamoiditis
Sesamoiditis is the painful inflammation of the sesamoid bones occurring on the bottom of the foot, just behind the large toe. There are two sesamoid bones on each foot- each of which is roughly the size of a jellybean. The sesamoid bones function as a pivot for the flexor tendons, the tendons which allow the big toe to bend downward.
Sesamoiditis is commonly experienced among athletes and dancers.
What are the causes?
Excessive forces caused by sudden bending upwards of the big toe, poorly fitted footwear, or an improper landing can contribute to Sesamoiditis. Once the sesamoid bone is injured, healing can prove problematic because every time you walk you put additional strain on the sesamoid bone.
What are the symptoms?
Sesamoiditis related pain tends to develop gradually. Pain is most commonly felt when bending and straightening the big toe. In some cases, swelling and bruising of the forefoot may occur.
What are the treatment and prevention measures?
Wrapping and securing the toe so that it remains in a plantar-flexed, slightly downward position can temporarily relieve pain.
Dr. Roth recommends the use of FABS or MAGFABS to help alleviate pain associated with Sesamoiditis.
Shin Splints
Shin splints is the term used to refer to a painful condition of the shinbone, also known as the tibia, caused by small tears in the connective tissues that attach the muscles to the bone.
What are the causes?
The overworking of the shinbone, and the affixed connective tissues that attach your muscles to the bone, is a major cause of shin splints.
Pronation is also a common cause of shin splints. Pronation is the rolling motion of the foot from heel to toe while walking, jogging, or running. Too flat of a foot or too high of an arch can bring on a number of leg and knee injuries.
What are the symptoms?
Tenderness, soreness or pain along the outer or front part of your lower leg and mild swelling are the most common symptoms of shin splints.
What are the treatment and prevention measures?
Supportive compression wraps, such as Dr. Roth's Ultimate All-Purpose Wrap, assist in healing by reducing strain, and providing essential support to the affected area.
Dr. Roth recommends FABS or MAGFABS to help alleviate shin splints caused by pronation.
Tired, Achy Feet
A tired, achy foot is the painful condition of the foot which occasionally occurs in most people. This condition is painful and disturbing for normal activities of the foot.
What are the causes?
Tired, achy feet are often caused by musculoskeletal fatigue of the muscles, bones and joints that make up the foot. Overuse fatigue occurs when normal feet are subjected to situations other than normal use.
Fatigue may be brought on for a number of reasons:
- Standing for long hours at work or in lines
- Increased walking
- Hard floor surfaces
- Weight Gain
What are the treatment and prevention measures?
Wearing footwear appropriate for the type of physical activity being performed can help to prevent tired, achy feet. Avoiding activities which cause tiredness of feet such as standing for long hours, and maintaining healthy weight can help foot fatigue to a great extent.
Dr. Roth recommends FABS or MAGFABS to help relieve the pain associated with tired, achy feet.
Toenail Fungus
A fungal infection of the toenail occurs when fungus infects one or more of the nails.
A nail fungal infection may first appear as yellowish spot under the tip of the toenail. As the fungus penetrates deeper into the nail, it may cause the nail to thicken, discolor, and develop crumbling edges - an unsightly and often painful problem.
People who have certain types of immune diseases, diabetes, minor skin or nail injuries, excessive foot perspiration and people who wear tight fitting, non-breathing footwear are at greater risk of developing a nail fungus infection.
What are the causes?
Fungal infections of the toenails are usually caused by a specific group of fungi called dermatophytes.
These organisms thrive in warm, moist environments, including swimming pools and showers. They can invade your toes through tiny invisible fissures on the skin or through a small separation between your nail and nail bed.
Nail infections are often a consequence of an untreated, larger fungal infection of the feet, such as athlete's foot. Fungal nail infections are often difficult to treat and may be a reoccurring problem.
Fungal infections can be spread from direct contact with any surface that serves as a reservoir for fungus such as shoes, infected towels, showers and pool surfaces etc.
What are the symptoms?
Signs of a toenail fungus include discolored, dull, brittle, thick, and distorted nails. Spongy debris may accumulate under the nail. In cases of severe infection, crumbling, and ultimately detachment, of the nail can occur.
What are the treatment and prevention measures?
Toenail fungus can be prevented by wearing flexible, breathable shoes and clean, dry socks every day. Avoid walking barefoot in public areas and always try to keep feet clean and dry.
Dr. Roth suggests the use of the Foot Fixer Kit to help resolve a fungal infection of the nails. If the infection is severe, Dr. Roth suggests using the Nail & Foot Gel even if no nail fungus is present. In mild infections use of the Foaming Foot Wash and Foot Balm should eliminate the condition.
* Disclaimer: The information provided on this site is not intended nor recommended as a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health care professional regarding any medical condition or treatment. Nothing contained on this site is intended to be used for medical diagnosis or treatment.
