Bunions are deformities that are easily recognized, because the big toe turns inward toward the other toes, causing a bony growth. This bony growth is agravated by wearing tight shoes that can lead to irritation and swelling. This deformity usually requires surgery to realign the bone. However, there are several methods which reduce the discomfort and slowes the progression to slow the bunion's growth.

Also known as hyperglycemia, diabetes causes sugar to spill into the urine, causing excessive thirst, increased urination, weight loss, blurry vision, and itching. This condition leads to long-term complications including poor circulation resulting in tingling, cold or blue toes and painful calves while walking. another complication involves nerve damage leading to decreased sensation, or may involve severe painthat is often worse at night. This nerve damage may also result in the development of hammertoes, bunions, foot ulcers, and other deformities. Because an injury can occur without pain, and thereby go unnoticed, it is necessary that patients carefully inspect their feet daily and to consult theri physician for any potential problemsome lesions.

One of the most common afflictions of the foot is flat feet, involving the collapse of the medial longitudinal arch. This collapse can cause adverse changes. These changes, along with non-supportive foot gear, lead to fatigue and strain. This condition is easily treatable through a variety of methods, including the use of orthotics modificatons of foot wear, muscle stretching or strengthening exercises, and physical therapy.

The most common complaint of middle-aged patients is pain in the heal. Heel pain is often the resultof an abnormality oin the structure orfunction of the foot and has become known as heel spur syndrome. Symptoms usually begin as dull, intermittent pain in the heal which usually leads to a persistent and nagging pain. The pain is normally greater in the morning or after prolonged periods of rest, and gradually lessens wth increased activity. The condition is treatable through a variety of biomechanically based therapies.

Ingrown nails penetrate into the soft tissue, causing pain, redness, and swelling. Soaking and antibiotics alone are often times inadequate. The majorityof cases requirethe removal of the ingrown nails, a simple procedure for permanent removal is often recommended. This procedure usually involves minimal pain and recovery time.

Fungal Infections result in coarse theckening and darkened discoloration of the nail. Several treatments are available to destroy this virus.

Many active sports participants will suffer various aches, pains, strains, and sprains from time to time. These injuries can heal wthout medical attention utilizing a four-step process: Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation. Some injuries progress severely limiting or even ending participation in a psort. Because more serious lower extremity sports injury has the potential for a debilitating and permanent injury, a properly-trained sports medicine podiatrist should be consulted. For many atheletes, balancing the foot and leg will resolve several problems suffered during walking, cycling, running, skiing, tennis, aerobics and golf. The sports medicine podiatrist can determine the proper athletic shoe for each athlete, along with a suggested appropriate athletic training program to minimize injuries.

Warts are a common skin problem of the foot, and depending upon their location, can be quite painful. Warts are frequently seen among teenagers. Warts are a virus that can be easily contractedby walking barefoot on warm moist surfaces. Tehy differ from corns and callouses because of theri pinpoint bleeding and tenderness. There are a number of effective treatments.