Diseases of the Foot

Sever’s disease, or calcaneal apophysitis, is a common but painful heel injury that affects children. With Sever’s disease, the heel’s growth plate becomes inflamed and sore, usually in kids that are active in sports. It can crop up during periods of rapid growth, especially during the onset of puberty. During this time, the heel bone […]

Raynaud’s disease is when the small arteries that circulate blood in the extremities, such as the hands and feet, become narrow due to vapospasms. Vapospasms are contractions that can occur due to stress or cold temperatures. The result is the affected areas feeling numb and cold as a result of the restricted blood circulation. It […]

Osteomyelitis is a bacterial bone infection that can strike people of any age. In adults, osteomyelitis most frequently strikes the hips, vertebrae, or feet; in children, the ends of the long bones in the arms and legs are the most common site for the disease. Bone infection can occur as a result of an infection […]

Ollier’s disease, or enchondromatosis, is a rare congenital disease of abnormal bone development due to cartilage overgrowth in the form of enchondromas, or benign, non-cancerous tumors. The limbs’ long bones and joint cartilage are affected by the disease, and the small bones and metatarsals of the hands and feet are common sites for the enchondromas […]

Maffucci’s syndrome is a very rare congenital disease, wherein multiple enchondromas develop on the bones, along with hemangiomas, or soft tissue tumors that involve entangled, abnormal blood vessels. The benign, non-cancerous cartilage growths form in the cartilage at the end of bones, where bone growth occurs. They most frequently develop in the hands and feet, […]

Kohler’s disease occurs in young children. Usually caused by abnormal foot artery growth, it disrupts blood supply to the foot and weakens the bone. The disease usually heals over time on its own; however, treatment may involve restricted activity and orthotics and braces to support the bone while it strengthens and heals.

Gout is a painful and complex form of arthritis that affects millions of people worldwide. Characterized by the accumulation of uric acid crystals in the joints, gout can cause intense pain, inflammation, and discomfort, especially in the lower extremities, notably the big toe joint. While gout predominantly affects men, women can also suffer from this […]

Freiberg’s disease is a rare disorder of the foot’s metatarsal joints. The metatarsal bones run from the toes to the arch of the foot. With Freiberg’s disease, the joint surfaces disintegrate and/ or collapse and abnormal tissue forms in the joint. It can be the result of foot injury or trauma or the occurrence of […]

Charcot foot occurs when the foot bones weaken due to conditions such as arthritis and nerve damage. Diabetics who have neuropathy can suffer from Charcot foot. The weakened bones become susceptible to fractures in the feet or ankles, which can cause bone deformities that alter the shape and form of the foot. Fallen arches and […]

Cancers and Growths: To the surprise of many, the skin and bones of the foot can become inflicted with a variety of cancers, just like any other part of the human body. Here are some of the more common types of cancer than can affect the feet: Giant cell tumors: Giant cell tumors are benign, […]