With the summer season upon us, we see an increase in foot problems relating to increase in walking and running activities. Some of these foot problems can be treated or prevented simply by wearing proper footgear, but in some cases may require extra supportive devices such as foot orthotics. Other foot problems are more serious in nature and require medical treatment. Some of the more common problems that we treat as foot specialists, or podiatrists, are plantar fasciitis, neuromas, bunions, hammertoes, ingrown toenails and athlete’s foot fungus of the skin or nails. We also see an increase in cases of tendinitis and shin splints.

One of the more common conditions that we treat as foot specialists is plantar fasciitis. Plantar fasciitis symptoms are mainly pain in the heel and sometimes in the arch. The pain is usually worse in the morning on first getting out of bed and putting weight on the foot and after standing from sitting for a while. The soreness usually loosens up but as the day progresses the pain in the heel increases.

This condition is sometimes a result of inadequate arch support during activities such as walking or running or simply standing long hours on hard floors. There are several different treatments depending on the severity of the plantar fasciitis. We often use arch supports called foot orthotics. We also use tapings to relieve the stress of the plantar fascia. We also commonly use anti-inflammatory medication in the form of prescription medication or Cortisone injection. When treated in a timely manner, plantar fasciitis can often resolve and remain resolved. Left untreated for long periods of time, plantar fasciitis can become a chronic difficult to treat problem. On rare occasions, it can lead to foot surgery.

Also quite common in the summer are tendinitis problems. These occur on the sides of the ankles and on the Achilles’ tendon behind the ankle. They often respond to conservative treatments with strappings of the feet and arch supports and physical therapy.

A neuroma is basically a pinched nerve between the bones in the forefoot at the base of the toes. It can cause burning, tingling or numb sensation under the ball of the foot or out into the toes. The pain from a neuroma can be anything from a minor discomfort to severely painful.

These typically develop slowly over many years. They are far more common in women and often are related to wearing a narrow toe dress shoe. Treatment for these commonly consists of injections to reduce the pain, change in shoe gear or supportive foot orthotics and surgical removal of the damaged nerve in more extreme cases.

We also see many cases of bunions and hammertoes. Bunions are often associated with a bump on the side of the big toe joint with a first toe that starts to look crooked. Hammertoes are typically seen on the remaining toes. Hammertoes are toes that are pulled up in an abnormal fashion making the top of the toe rub on the shoe often causing corns and calluses on the tops of the toes and the tips of the toes. These are sometimes treated successfully with a change in shoe style to a more roomy shoe in the toe box. Oftentimes bunions and hammertoes require surgery to remove the bunion bump and straighten the toes.

A common recent trend in shoe style is the flip-flop sandals commonly worn by the younger generation. Also common recently are a style of shoe called Crocs. The flip-flop sandals provide no support for the arches and cause a slightly abnormal walking pattern.

As foot specialists, we typically tell people to avoid flip-flops, as they are most likely to cause foot problems than any other shoe type. As far as the Crocs go, these actually have some arch support to them and are soft and comfortable. We are not finding near as many problems with the Crocs as with the flip-flops. Typically, foot specialists will always recommend wearing a supportive athletic style or running shoe for times of increased activity during the summer and especially when exercising.

Scott Knutson is a podiatrist at the Community Foot Clinic in Albert Lea.