Foot Pains & Conditions

Definition:

Bone spurs are bony projections that develop along the edges of bones. Also called osteophytes, bone spurs often form where bones meet each other, in your joints. The main cause of bone spurs is the wear-and-tear damage associated with osteoarthritis. Most bone spurs cause no symptoms and may go undetected for years. Bone spurs may not require treatment. Decisions about treatment depend on where spurs are located and how they affect your overall health and activity level.

Causes:

The main cause of bone spurs is the wear and tear damage associated with osteoarthritis. As osteoarthritis breaks down the cartilage cushioning the ends of your bones, your body attempts to repair that loss by creating bone spurs near the damaged area. The extra bone attempts to help increase the amount of surface area for load bearing while weight bearing.

Corey's Bootery Certified Pedorthist Recommendations:

In patients that present with bone spurs, we recommend the folllowing; If your bone spurs are causing pain, your doctor may recommend over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, others) or naproxen (Aleve, others). Bone spurs that limit you joints range of motion or irritate nerves within the body may require surgical removal. If you suspect you have bone spurs, we recommend a consultation with the appropriate Physician based on the location of the bone spur. Please click here for a list of Kalamazoo and Battle Creek area providers.

Definition:

Heel pain describes many differing conditions that can be categorized around the calcaneus. Heel Spurs form as a result of traction at the calcaneal attachment of the plantar fascia, flexor digitorum brevis and abductor hallucis. Heel spurs develop as an abnormal growth in the heel bone due to calcium deposits that form when the plantar fascia pulls away from the heel. This stretching of the plantar fascia is usually the result of over-pronation (flat feet), but people with unusually high arches (pes cavus) can also develop heel spurs.Heel complaints comprise 12.5-15% of all adult foot complaints.

Causes:

Being overwieght places significant stress on the heel and thus may be one important causative factor in many of the conditions associated with heel spurs. A Pes Planus foot type with excessive pronation (flat feet/fallen arches) as well as a Pes Cavus (high arch) foot type also are causes of heel spurs. Also, shoes with a lack of support and cushion and being barefoot can make the pain more severe.

Corey's Bootery Certified Pedorthist Recommendations:

Shock absorbing heel pad, orthosis to distribute the fat pad under the center of the heel and Rocker soles. Also a proper fitting shoe counter, bubble stretch/patch in the heel counter to alleviate the pressure from the bone spur. If you suspect you are experiencing symptoms of heel spurs, we also recommend a consultation with your podiatrist/orthopedist for a prescription. Please click here for a list of Kalamazoo and Battle Creek area providers.

Definition:

Calluses are discrete hard areas on the skin at the sole of the foot. Commonly caused by an ill fitting shoe, prominent metatarsal bones, or a bio-mechanic abnormality of the foot where there is increased pressure at a specific area on the sole of the foot. Calluses are accumulations of the skin's epidermis (outer layer of skin), which are created by the body to protect the underlying structures of the foot from excessive stresses. The area where they form is usually under some form of pressure, such as the shoe. What initially is a helpful protective mechanism for thickening and protecting the skin and underlying tissue can become painful if the cause of the stress is not relieved. At Corey's Bootery we understand the importance of prevention of callus formation in all of our patients, especially those that have Diabetes.

Causes:

Pressure and friction from repetitive actions cause calluses to develop and grow. Some causes include, improper fitting shoes. When shoes are too tight or have high heels, they compress areas of your foot and calluses can develop. When they're too loose, your foot may repeatedly slide and rub against the shoe. Your foot may also rub against a poorly placed seam or stitch inside the shoe. Also, wearing shoes and sandals without socks can lead to friction on your feet, leading to callus formation. Socks that don't fit properly also can be a problem and calluses can form.

Corey's Bootery Certified Pedorthist Recommendations:

For patients with calluses, we recommend properly fit shoes and socks (Wright anti-friction socks, American Diabetic Approved Dr. Specified diabetic socks) that reduce pressure, tongue pads, accomodative custom orthotics, metatarsal pads, rocker soles, carbon fiber plates or full steel shank, soft top cover on orthotics and a moisture absorbing top cover. If you have calluses, we recommend a consultation with a podiatrist. Please click here for a list of Kalamazoo and Battle Creek area providers.

Definition:

Peroneal tendonitis is a condition which relates to the peroneal tendons. Peroneal Tendonosis is actually a better fitting term in most cases. As tendonosis refers to the thickening of the tendon, rather than the inflamation of the tendon as tendonitis refers to. Their are two peroneal tendons, one being the peroneal brevis, the other the peroneal longus. Both originate in the lower leg and run down the outerside of the ankle bone. The peroneal brevis connects to the base of the 5th metatarsal on the outside of the foot. The peroneal longus actually crosses under the entire foot and connects underneath the 1st metatarsal. Both of the peroneal tendons are their to assist your foot in controlling and rolling the foot outwards. This is why it is so common for someone that has sprained their ankle to experience similar symptoms, as most ankle sprains occur by the outward rolling of the ankle.

Cause:

Most commonly peroneal tendonitits is caused by the strain to the peroneal tendons. This includes overuse, improper use, poor footwear, and improper alignment or support of the foot. This condition may be more common in a person whose ankles tend to roll the outside as this makes the peroneal tendons work harder with weight bearing and may cause tendonitis in the peroneal tendons. Consult with your doctor or podiatrist for more information and proper diagnosis of this condition.

Symptoms:

Patients typically present with pain around the back or outside of the ankle and are very active in sports or athletic training invovling the ankle. In most cases their is not history of an injury, just sudden overuse or a change of excersise routine with improper stretching.

Treatment:

In most cases surgery is not nessecary and the tendonitis is able to be treated through the use of proper footwear and foot support. Many times a CAM walker boot is reccommended or prescribed. If your feet tend to roll outwards and you notice excessive wear on the outerside of the soles of your shoes, a custom orthotic will help realign and straighten the alignment of the foot helping relieve the tendons during the healing proccess as well as prevent further issues after the symptoms and tendons have healed. Excessive excersise and walking should be avoided during the healing process. Unless the tendon has torn, conservative treatment will most times sufice.

Definition:

Plantar Fasciitis is an inflammation caused by excessive stretching of the plantar fascia. The plantar fascia is a broad band of fibrous tissue which runs along the bottom surface of the foot, attaching at the bottom of the heel bone and extending to the forefoot. When the plantar fascia is excessively stretched, this can cause plantar fasciitis, which can also lead to heel pain, arch pain and heel spurs.

Plantar Fasciitis Cause:

Plantar Fasciitis often leads to heel pain, heel spurs, and/or arch pain. The excessive stretching of the plantar fascia that leads to the inflammation and discomfort can be caused by the following: Over-pronation (flat feet) which results in the arch collapsing upon weight bearing. A foot with an unusually high arch. A sudden increase in physical activity. Excessive weight on the foot, usually attributed to obesity or pregnancy. Improperly fitting footwear. Over-pronation (flat feet) is the leading cause of plantar fasciitis. Over-pronation occurs in the walking process. When a person's arch collapses upon weight bearing this causes the plantar fascia to be stretched away from the heel bone. With Plantar Fasciitis, the bottom of your foot usually hurts near the inside of the foot where the heel and arch meet. The pain is often acute either first thing in the morning or after a long rest. This is because while resting, the plantar fascia contracts back to its original shape. As the day progresses and the plantar fascia continues to be stretched, the pain often subsides.

Treatment and Prevention:

Determining what is causing the excessive stretching of the plantar fascia is key for the proper treatment of plantar fasciitis. Kalamazoo, MI, residents whose trouble stems from over-pronation (flat feet) can use an orthotic with rearfoot posting and longitudinal arch support to reduce the over-pronation and allow the condition to heal. If you have unusually high arches, which can also lead to plantar fasciitis, we then can cushion the heel which absorbs shock. Then proper footwear that will accommodate and comfort the foot would be needed. Other common treatments include stretching exercises, plantar fasciitis night splints, wearing shoes that have a cushioned heel to absorb shock, and elevating the heel with the use of a heel cradle or heel cup. Heel cradles and heel cups provide extra comfort, cushion the heel, and reduce the amount of shock and shear forces placed on your heels during everyday activities. Every time your foot strikes the ground, the plantar fascia is stretched. You can reduce the strain and stress on the plantar fascia by following these simple instructions: Avoid running on hard or uneven ground, lose any excess weight, and wear shoes and orthotics that support your arch to prevent over-stretching of the plantar fascia.

We recommend a consult with a local podiatrist if you feel you may be experiencing Plantar Fasciitis. Kalamazoo, MI, residents can turn to Corey's Bootery. Please click here for a list of Kalamazoo and Battle Creek area providers.

Definition:

Metatarsalgia is a common foot disorder marked by pain and inflammation in the ball of your foot. You may experience metatarsalgia if you're physically active and you participate in activities that involve running and jumping. Or, you may develop metatarsalgia by wearing ill-fitting shoes. There are other causes as well. Although generally not serious, metatarsalgia can sideline you. Fortunately, conservative treatments, such as ice and rest, can often relieve metatarsalgia symptoms. And proper footwear, along with shock absorbing insoles or arch supports, may be all you need to prevent or minimize future problems with metatarsalgia.

Causes:

In each foot, five metatarsal bones run from your arch to your toe joints. The first metatarsal is shorter and thicker than the other four bones, which are usually similar in size. During the push-off phase when you walk, jump or run, your body weight is transferred to your toes and metatarsals. The first and second metatarsal bones take the brunt of this force due to the anatomy of the first and seconf metatarsals.

Most metatarsalgia problems develop when something changes in the way biomechanics of the foot, affecting how your weight is distributed. This can put excess pressure on the metatarsals, leading to inflammation and pain, especially in the metatarsal heads, the rounded ends of the bones that connect with your toes.

Sometimes a single factor can lead to metatarsalgia. More often, several factors are involved, including:

Intense training or activity. Runners are at risk of metatarsalgia, primarily because the front of your foot absorbs significant force when you run. But anyone who participates in a high-impact sport is also at risk, especially if your shoes are ill-fitting or are worn out.

Certain foot types. A high arch can put extra pressure on the metatarsals. So can having a second toe that's longer than the big toe, which causes more weight than normal to be shifted to the second metatarsal head.

Hammertoe. This foot problem can develop when high heels or too-small shoes prevent your toes from lying flat. As a result, one of your toes, usually the second, curls downward because of a bend in the middle toe joint. This contraction depresses the metatarsal heads.

Bunion. This is a swollen, painful bump at the base of your big toe. Sometimes the tendency to develop bunions is inherited, but the problem can also result from wearing high heels or too-small shoes. Bunions are much more common in women than in men. A bunion can weaken your big toe, putting extra stress on the ball of your foot. Surgery to correct a bunion can also lead to metatarsalgia if you don't rest long enough for your foot to heal completely.
Excess weight. Because most of your body weight transfers to your forefoot when you move, extra pounds mean more pressure on your metatarsals. Losing weight may reduce or eliminate symptoms of metatarsalgia.
Poorly fitting shoes. High heels, which transfer extra weight to the front of your foot, are a common cause of metatarsalgia in women. Shoes with a narrow toe box or athletic shoes that lack support and padding also can contribute to metatarsal problems.

Stress fractures. Small breaks in the metatarsals or toe bones can be painful and change the way you put weight on your foot.
Morton's neuroma. This benign growth of fibrous tissue around a nerve usually occurs between the third and fourth metatarsal heads. It causes symptoms that are similar to metatarsalgia and can also contribute to metatarsal stress. Morton's neuroma frequently results from wearing high heels or too-tight shoes that put pressure on your toes. It can also develop after high-impact activities such as jogging and aerobics.

Symptoms:

Symptoms of metatarsalgia may include:

Sharp, aching or burning pain in the ball of your foot, the part of the sole just behind your toes
Pain in the area around your second, third or fourth toe or, only near your big toe
Pain that gets worse when you stand, walk or run and improves when you rest
Sharp or shooting pain in your toes
Numbness or tingling in your toes
Pain that worsens when you flex your feet
A feeling in your feet as if you're walking with a rock in your shoe
Increased pain when you're walking barefoot, especially on a hard surface

Sometimes the symptoms of metatarsalgia develop suddenly — especially if you have recently increased your usual amount of running, jumping or other high-impact exercise, but metatarsalgia problems usually develop over time.

Treatment:

Conservative measures usually relieve the pain of metatarsalgia. You may also try:

Rest. Protect your foot from further injury by not stressing it. You may need to avoid your favorite sport for a while, but you can stay fit with low-impact exercises, such as swimming or cycling. Continue with stretching and lower body strength training as your pain permits.

Ice the affected area. Apply ice packs to the affected area for about 20 minutes at a time, several times a day. To protect your skin, wrap the ice packs in a thin towel.

Wear proper shoes. Your doctor may recommend a shoe that's especially suited for your foot type, your stride and your particular sport.

Custom Orthotics. These are often made of cork, plastic, rubber or a gel-like substance, they fit inside your shoes to help cushion shock and support the arch. This often relieves pressure on the metatarsal heads, decreasing the pain of metatarsalgia..Rigid arch supports are made of a firm material such as plastic or carbon fiber. They're designed to control motion in two major foot joints below your ankles. Semirigid arch supports are made of softer materials such as leather and cork reinforced by silicone. Arch supports designed to treat metatarsalgia may include metatarsal pads, too.

Use metatarsal pads. These off-the-shelf pads are placed in your shoes just ahead of the metatarsal bone to help deflect stress away from the painful area.
If conservative treatments fail in treating metatarsalgia, in rare cases surgery to realign the metatarsal bones may be an option. If you suspect you have metatarsalgia, we recommend a consultation with a Podiatrist/Orthopedist. Please click here for a list of Kalamazoo and Battle Creek area providers.

Definition:

A Bunion (also known as Hallux Valgus) is a subluxation of the first metatarsophalangeal joint with deviation of the big toe towards the second and accompanied by enlargement of the first metatarsal head. Bunions form when your big toe pushes up against your other toes, forcing your big toe joint in the opposite direction, away from normal profile of your foot. Over time, the abnormal position enlarges your big toe joint, further crowding your other toes and causing pain. Bunions develop as a result of an inherited structural defect or stress on your foot or a medical condition, such as arthritis. Smaller bunions called bunionettes can also develop on the joint of your little toes.

Causes:

Generally, Bunions are caused by an abnormal Biomechanical foot type; most often an excessively pronated foot ("fallen arch", "flat feet") type that increases pressure on the big toe as we walk or stand. Bunions are not "caused" by poor footwear, although poor fitting shoes (rubbing, too tight, etc) can certainly irritate the Bunion.

Corey's Bootery Certified Pedorthist Recommendations:

In a patient with a Bunion(s) it is important to assess the foot's biomechanics and also fit the patient into an approrpriate fitting shoe and one that provides the needed support like a Brooks Beast or Brook Ariel. The shoe generally needs to have medial support and a wide enough toe box. Cutom functional orthotics to support the arch and to control excessive pronation are also recommended. If you suspect you have a Bunion or Bunionette, please click here for a list of Kalamazoo and Battle Creek area providers.

Definition:

Crooked, bent or buckled toes causing joints to protrude, generally upward. Corns develop at the joint protrusion if repetitive shoe pressure is applied. A flexible hammer toes is known as "reducible".

Causes:

Hammer toes are the result of an imbalance of the muscle and tendon structure to the toes. Hammer toes are also caused by shoes that are too tight in the toe box or shoes that have high heels. Under these conditions, your toe may be forced against the front of your shoe, resulting in an unnatural bending of your toe and a hammer-like or claw-like appearance occurs.

Corey's Bootery Certified Pedorthist Recommendations:

In treating hammer toes our Certified Pedorthists recommend; Properly fit depth shoes, metatarsal pad if the hammer toe is reducible, accomodative orthotics, full steel shank or carbon plates if deformity is not reducible, rocker soles and toe crests. If you are experiencing hammer toes, we recommend a visit to your podiatrist/orthopedist for a consultation and a prescription. Please click here for a list of Kalamazoo and Battle Creek area providers.

Definition:

Morton's Neuroma is a fairly common benign nerve enlargement usually developiong between the third and fourth metatarsals and most often found in women. Usually noticed as a pain between the toes or a numbness of the sides of two adjacent toes affecting the third intermetatarsal space. Morton's neuroma may feel as if you are standing on a pebble in your shoe or on a fold in your sock. In some cases, Morton's neuroma causes a sharp, burning pain in the ball of your foot. Your toes also may burn, sting or feel numb.

Causes:

Morton's Neuroma is caused by irritation and inflammation leading to fibrosis of branches of the medial and lateral plantar nerve as they converge near the third and fourth metatarsal heads. Also contributing factors include, injury, repetitive micro trauma, restrictive/tight shoes, high-heeled shoes, and abnormal foot biomechanics. In most cases to narrow of shoes is the main cause along with improper support. The metatarsal bones are forced together and impinge on the nerve and cause the nerve to send a feeling of a wadded up sock or ball underneath the ball of the foot. This feeling tends to be relieved when the shoes are removed and their is no weight on the foot.

Treatment:

Most times the symptoms of the a Neuroma can be treated through the use of an over the counter insert with a metatarsal pad or pocket to take the pressure off of the effected area. Rocker bottom shoes may be beneficial if pain persists, due to the stiffness of the sole and shape it is proven to reduce pressure in the ball of the foot by nearly 20%. Cortizone injections will often times be used to relieve the pain of the effected area as well as reduces the inflamation of the nerve and can bring relief. If pain persists surgery is an option and is done by insicion on the top of the foot which brings relief to the effected area.

Corey's Bootery Certified Pedorthist Recommendations:

Properly fit shoes with wide toe box, metatarsal pads, rocker soles and functional foot orthotics. We also recommend a consultation with your podiatrist/orthopedist for a prescription. Please click here for a list of Kalamazoo and Battle Creek area providers.

Definition:

In Achilles Tendinitis, pain and swelling are generally localized to the Achilles tendon. Patients with Achilles' tendinitis have pain during activity especially on an icline. Achilles tendinitis is an overuse injury of the tendon, the band of tissue that connects calf muscles at the back of the lower leg to your heel bone.

Achilles tendinitis most commonly occurs in runners who have suddenly increased the intensity or duration of their runs. It's also common in middle-aged people who play sports, such as tennis or basketball.

Most cases of Achilles tendinitis can be treated with relatively simple, at-home care. Self-care modalities are usually necessary to prevent recurring episodes. More-serious cases of Achilles tendinitis can lead to tendon tears or ruptures that may require surgical repair.

Causes:

Some of the other common causes of Achilles tendinitis include, recent weight gain, ankle equinus (elevated heel from the floor) or change in heel height may predispose someone to this condition.

Corey's Bootery Certified Pedorthist Recommendations:

In patients with Achilles tendinitis, a shoe with a higher heel to lift the rearfoot and reduce stress on the Achilles tendon, temporary heel lifts, rocker soles and functional orthoses. If you suspect you may have Achilles tendinitis, we also recommend a consultation with your podiatrist/orthopedist for a prescription. Please click here for a list of Kalamazoo and Battle Creek area providers.

Definition:

Morton's toe (Morton's Syndrome) is a bone or joint problem, not to be confused with Morton's Neuroma. Morton's toe is a hereditary condition in which the first ray (big toe) is shorter than normal. A shorter than normal first metatarsal results in faulty weigh distribution that leads to excessive weight bearing to the second metatarsal. Tenderness or pain in the medial metatarsals with standing and walking activities is common. Usually both feet are affected. Morton's toe also is considered to be a precursor to musculoskeletal pain. The reason Morton's toe is often a precursor to musculoskeletal pain is its association with excessive pronation of the foot. When weight bearing, the longitudinal arch of the foot drops, and the ankle rolls inward.

Causes:

Morton's toe is a hereditary condtion generally. Can also be caused by amputation or other surgical intervention.

Corey's Bootery Certified Pedorthist Recommendations:

In treating Morton's toe we consider the following; Properly fit depth shoes and proper length, medial heel wedges (if excessive pronation is present), rocker soles, functional foot orthoses with Morton's extension and full steel shank/graphite plate. If you suspect you have Morton's toe, we also recommend a consultation with your podiatrist/orthopedist for a prescription. Please click here for a list of Kalamazoo and Battle Creek area providers.

Definition:

Arthritis is a term that refers to many different disease, some of which affect the foot and ankle. The defintion of arthritis as an inflammatory condition affecting joints is straightforward, however, there are numerous conditions that can cause arthritis.

Causes:

The epidemiology of arthritis varies by the causative disease. These examples represent a fraction of the number of diseases that cause arthritis. 1) Synovial inflammatory disease (Rheumatoid arthritis), 2) Degenerative joint disease (osteoarthritis), 3) Crystal deposition disease (Gout, Psuedogout), 4) Connective tissue disease (Lupus, Scleroderma), 5) Infection (Septic arthritis) and 6) Neuropathic disease (Charcot foot).

Corey's Bootery Certified Pedorthist Recommendations:

Properly fit shoes (insole width increase), padded tongue, steel shank or graphite plate, proper vamp depth, accomodative foot orthotics, total contact custom orthotics that reduce pressure points and Rocker soles. We also recommend a consultation with your podiatrist/orthopedist for a prescription. Please click here for a list of Kalamazoo and Battle Creek area providers.

Diabetes is one of the largest growing diseases in North America. The effects of diabetes can effect many areas of the body, due to poor circulation in diabetics it is crucial to take proper care of your feet and prevent ulcerations. Ulcerations are one of the main causes of diabetics being admitted to the hospital each year, the feet being the most commonly ulcerated area. This is due to the lack of blood flow to the feet. Poor circulation can cause many issues and concerns including neuropathy, thin skin, loss of hair, dry cracking skin, and callussing. Nearly 75% of diabetics are effected by neuropathy. Neuropathy is the loss of feeling or sensation to an area of the body. Generally Diabetics will begin to experience neuropathy in the their feet first, then the legs, and hands. This can cause poor balance and the inability to recognize injury or pain. Something as simple as stubbing your toe or wearing the wrong size shoe may go unrecognized by a diabetic that experiences neuropathy. If a situation like this occurs an ulceration can form. Ulcerations are very hard to heal as their is a lack of circulation to the area that is trying to heal. If left untreated gangrene may infect the area which often times results in the amputation of the effected area. Their are over 85,000 amputations annually due to ulcerations of the diabetic foot. Most of these where probably preventable with proper foot care, proper fitting footwear, and good foot health. Studies have shown that after having an amputation the risk of having another is greatly increased. This simply increases the importance of preventitive foot care in people diagnosed with diabetes.

Diabetic shoes are an important factor in preventing callussing and ulceration. What is a diabetic shoe? Diabetic shoes are not completely different than your normal shoe except some strict requirements that enable a shoe to be classified as a diabetic shoe by Medicare and the FDA. The main requirements of a diabetic shoe are that it is available in at least 3 different widths, has eitheir a tie or velcro closure, removable inserts, and are proffessionally fitted by a Certfied Pedorthist, or Podiatrist to insure proper fitment and function to protect the feet from possible ulceration or to aid in the treatment of callussing, ulceration, or other conditions related to diabetes effects of the feet. For more information on diabetic shoes please see the Diabetic shoes tab on the navigation bar of this webpage.

Lack of mobility can often times hinder a persons ability to perform tasks that where once simple to them. Trimming your toe nails, tieing your shoes, and inspecting the bottom of your feet can become hard or not possible. If you have problems with mobility and have trouble with trimming your nails or inspecting your feet you should see a podiatrist for all foot care. They are able to trim to nails, callussing, and inform you of potential concerns, and educate you on daily procedures you can use to protect your feet from the effects diabetes can cause.

If you are diabetic it is reccommended that you see a specialized physician for the treatment of the disease. Ask your doctor to check your feet each visit to insure you are not at risk of any of these conditions. As well as seeing your general physician it is reccommended to see a podiatrist or foot care specialist at least once a year.

If you do not have a diabetic doctor or podiatrist you are able to contact Corey's Bootery for a recommendation or see the list of Podiatrists under the Foot health tab for more information.

The Borgess Diabetes Center has compiled a 10 step system to help insure you are taking proper care of your feet. If you are interested in seeing a Foot specialists from borgess for proper foot care, nail trimming and much more see the contact information provided at the bottom of this page.

If you have diabetes, nerve damage can cause loss of feeling in your feet, leading to ulcers, sores, injuries, and in some cases, amputation. To ensure your feet stay as healthy as possible, the Borgess Diabetes Center recommends following these steps:

Step 1: If you smoke, quit. Smoking increases your risk of suffering from diabetes-related complications, including foot/circulation problems, heart attack and stroke.

Step 2: Inspect your feet thoroughly every day. Look between toes for blisters, cuts and scratches. If your vision is impaired, have a friend or family member inspect your feet and trim your nails.

Step 3: Carefully wash and dry your feet daily. While skin is soft (after washing), calluses can be gently buffed with a pumice stone to reduce their size. Do not attempt to cut or trim calluses with anything sharp.

Step 4: Avoid extreme temperatures. Be sure to test water with your elbow or a thermometer before bathing, and do not walk barefoot, especially on hot surfaces (e.g., sandy beaches).

Step 5: If your feet feel cold at night, wear socks instead of using hot water bottles or heating pads.

Step 6: Before putting on shoes, look inside them for foreign objects, nail points and torn linings. Don't wear shoes without socks.

Step 7: Change socks daily. Do not wear socks with seams, holes or tears.

Step 8: Purchase shoes that fit well and feel comfortable. Don't depend on them to stretch out. When purchasing new shoes, try them on in the evening, when feet are the widest. Avoid buying or wearing sandals with thongs between the toes (e.g., flip-flops).

Step 9: Cut nails straight across. Never cut corns or calluses, or use chemical agents to remove them. Follow the advice of your physician or podiatrist.

Step 10: See your physician or podiatrist regularly for foot examinations.

Borgess Diabetes Center
269-226-8321
1722 Shaffer Street Suite 3
Kalamazoo, MI 49048

Definition:

Pes Cavus is a foot type that is very common foot type, it is recognized by an extremely high arch, and a heel that tends to roll the outside. At the ball of the foot their may be callussing located underneath the base of the first metatarsal, or pain located at the ball of the foot. The pes cavus foot tends to be in equinuis which describes the position of the heel in relevance to the midfoot. Equinis is when the heel of the foot is high in relevance to the ball of the foot.

Causes:

A Pes Cavus foot type can be associated with an abnormal orthopedic or neurological condition, or be herditiary. Neuromuscular diseases that cause changes in muscle tone may be associated with the development of a pes cavus foot deformity.

Treatment:

Treatment options can range depending on the severity and the range of motion and flexibility of a pes cavus foot. Most times conservative treatment options such as custom orthotics and properly fit depth shoes will alleviate and prevent further issues or pain. If pain and discomfort pursists surgery is not uncommon to realign the foot and prevent issues such as tightening of the gastrocnemeus or achilles tendonitis. Talk to your doctor or podiatrist if you believe you have a pes cavus foot type for a proper diagnosis and reccommendation or treatment options.

Corey's Bootery Certified Pedorthist Recommendations:

Properly fit shoes with shock absorbing soles, rocker soles, heel lifts, stiff soled shoes, lateral wedges, and cutom orthosis with a first ray drop to relieve the pressure at the ball of the foot. If you have a high arch (Pes Cavus), we also recommend a consultation with your podiatrist/orthopedist for a prescription. Please click here for a list of Kalamazoo and Battle Creek area providers.

Definition:

Pes Planus (flat feet, fallen arch) is a common condition where more of the foot surface is in contact with the ground than normal, resulting in a decreased or collapsed arch. Patients often state that they have a "fallen arch" and can typically have pain on the inside of the ankle upon palpation, cramping of the lower extremeties, knee pain and hip pain. A Pes Planus or excessively pronated foot (fallen arch) often leads to Bunion formation due to the excessive workload on the big toe. A Pes Planus foot type also can lead to Posterior Tibial Tendon Dysfuction. If not treated the Posterior Tibial Tendon can lose function and the arch of the foot totally collapses, thus generally requiring surgical intervention (ankle fusion).

Causes:

Pes Planus can be caused by numerous conditions, includiong an inherited Bio-Mechanical foot etiology, excessive weight, poor footwear/arch support and excessive pronation. A common and usually painless condition, flatfeet may occur when the arches don't develop during childhood. In other cases, flatfeet may develop after an injury or from the simple wear and tear stresses of age. Flatfeet can sometimes contribute to problems in your ankles and knees because the condition can alter optimal alignment of your legs.

Corey's Bootery Certified Pedorthist Recommendations:

At Corey's Bootery we treat a Pes Planus foot type agressively to protect the Posterior Tibial Tendon as well as slowing the progression of any Bunion formation, while preserving function and comfort of the foot. We recommend a Brooks motion control shoe, custom orthotics with proper arch suppport, medial heel wedges and a proper fit shoe with a firm extended medial counter. Often times in moderate to severe cases of a Pes Planus foot type, we will make custom UCBL orthotics for maximum support. If you are experiencing flat feet/fallen arches (Pes Planus), we also recommend a consultation with your podiatrist/orthopedist for a prescription. Please click here for a list of Kalamazoo and Battle Creek area providers.

Definition:

Charcot Foot (not to be confused with Charcot Marie Tooth Disease) refers to damage to the bones and joints that can occur in a neuropathic foot. Diabetics prone to this condition have a autonomic neuropopathy with hypervascularity. It is very important in patients with Diabetes, that Charcot Foot be identified and treated aggressively.

Causes:

This cause of Charcot Foot is due to neuropathy with hypervascularity, an injury to the foot such as a fracture, stress fracture, sprains as well as progressive damage to the foot structure. The result is osteopenia and a weakened structure of the bones in the foot. If a Charcot Foot condition is not recognized and treated early, the foot collapses with weight bearing. This results in a major change of the foot's anatomy and additional bony prominences. This commmonly results in a "rocker bottom foot" with a chronic ulceration on the plantar aspect (bottom) of the foot.

Corey's Bootery Certified Pedorthist Recommendations:

In treating Charcot Foot, properly fit depth shoes, carbon fiber or full steel shanks to prevent toe extension, proper Rocker soles, custom total contact orthotics with soft top cover and diabetic socks are recommended. If you feel you may have Charcot Foot we also recommend a consultation with your podiatrist/orthopedist for a prescription. Please click here for a list of Kalamazoo and Battle Creek area providers.

Definition:

Charcot Marie Toothe (CMT) is a disease is usually inherited and is a slowly progressive disease marked by muscle weakness in the feet, lower legs, hands and forearms. The weakness is a result from the degeneration of nerves, not the muscle tissue. People with charcot marie toothe typically have a pes cavus foot type. This means an extremely high arch and ankle that tends to roll outwards. Many times their is callussing underneath the base of the first metatarsal, or history of a broken, or fractured 5th metatarsal. Most times Charcot Marie Toothe is found in the parents or family of the effected person and should be treated as soon as possible to prevent further issues.

Causes:

Charcot Marie Toothe is a genetic disease with five known genetic causes.

Treatment:

Treatment for Charcot Marie Toothe can range from reconstructive surgery to conservative treatments this depends on the age and range of motion of the patient. In younger patients with good flexiblity a custom orthotic and properly fit neutral shoe can provide increased stability and relief of pressure or callussing. In patients that have limited range of motion surgical reconstruction of the ankle/foot is reccommended. Corey's Bootery reccommends talking with your podiatrist or orthopaedic surgeon for his opinion on treatment options and proper diagnosis.