WHAT IS PLANTAR FASCIITIS / HEEL PAIN?
Definition:
Plantar fasciitis is an inflammation of the long band of connective tissue running from the heel to the ball of the foot. Heel spur syndrome is a bony overgrowth on the heel bone. The bottom of the foot, heel and arch can become very painful. Often, the first few steps in the morning are the most difficult.

Causes:
Stretching the long band of tissue that connects the heel and the ball of the foot, muscle imbalance, bone deformity, high arches, low arches, poor alignment of the joints of the foot, obesity, trauma, tight muscles on the back of the leg.

What might a chiropodist do?
Perform a physical examination, recommend taping, recommend stretching exercises, prescribe orthotic devices, administer injections.

WHAT IS A FUNGAL NAIL?
Definition:
Nail Fungus is a chronic infection of the nail that leads to nail discoloration, nail thickening, scaling, and/or detachment of the nail plate from the nail bed. Cosmetically, it may be a concern but the problems go much deeper as many patients with fungal nails experience pain, discomfort, and psychological distress.

What might a chiropodist do?
When a fungal nail is diagnosed it should be treated with appropriate drug regimens along with debridement and reduction of the thickness in order to achieve a cure.

WHAT IS ATHLETE’S FOOT?
Definition:
Athlete’s foot is a common infection of the skin characterized by itching, scaling, redness, and the formation of small vesicles. It can affect both the bottom of the foot and between the toes. When not treated it has the potential to spread to the toenails.
Causes
It is usually contracted in dressing rooms, locker rooms, hotel showers, and public swimming areas. People who work in boots or wear shoes for long periods of time are also vulnerable because the humid environment can increase the risk of fungal growth.
What might a chiropodist do?
Prescribe topical anti-fungal medication and advice on proper foot hygiene.

WHAT IS A HAMMER TOE?
Definition:
A hammer toe is a lesser toe contraction deformity, resulting in a boney prominence on top of the toes of the feet.

Causes
Hammer toe can be caused by improper, ill-fitting shoes, high heel shoes, trauma or heredity.
What might a chiropodist do?
A chiropodist will perform a physical examination, give footwear advice, recommend padding and/or offloading the area, and prescribe orthotics.

WHAT ARE PLANTAR WARTS?
Definition:
Plantar warts are manifestations on the plantar surface or sole of the foot. They are caused by a virus, which enter the skin through small or invisible cuts and abrasions. Children are often more susceptible to warts than adults.

Problems
Most warts are generally harmless. However they do have a tendency to spread and can be very resistant to treatment. Mostly they are painless lesions grayish or brown in color with pinpoints of black. They can often be mistaken for corns or calluses – which is why it is important to consult a chiropodist for a correct diagnosis and treatment.

Sources Of Virus
Plantar warts are often contracted by walking barefoot in communal bathing facilities or on dirty moist surfaces where the virus tends to thrive. The causative virus thrives in warm, moist environments, making infection a common occurrence. If left untreated, warts can grow quite large and spread into clusters which can become painful when on the weight bearing surfaces of the foot. Self treatment is generally not advisable.

What might chiropodist do?
Removal of warts with caustics or cryotherapy.

WHAT IS A NEUROMA?
Definition:
A neuroma is a painful condition caused by a swollen, inflamed nerve bundle between the 3rd and 4th toes which results in pain and numbness in the ball of the foot and toes..

Causes:
Improper or ill-fitting shoes, high heeled shoes, repeated trauma to the area (ie: running with poorly fitted shoes).

What might a chiropodist do?
A physical examination, padding and taping, footwear advice, custom made orthotics, administer cortisone injections.