Foot disorders

The foot is a complex structure comprising numerous joints and muscles. It supports the weight of the entire skeleton and plays an essential role in the integrity of the whole body. However, foot pain is very common because the foot and ankle constantly support the body’s weight when standing. The feet are essential for walking and running and are exposed to high levels of stress every day, which can lead to various pains and injuries. Pain in the feet and toes can have causes related to the bones, ligaments, tendons, or even the nervous system. The most common foot conditions include:

Forefoot conditions

Hallux valgus

Hallux valgus, or “bunion,” is an outward deviation of the big toe often associated with joint deformity and bone growth. It is caused by several factors such as heredity, age, or wearing high-heeled shoes with narrow toes. Hallux valgus is often painful when the deformity becomes severe.

Hallux rigidus

Stiffness and pain in the big toe joint, associated with osteoarthritis of the joint.

Metatarsalgia

Pain in the front of the foot, under the ball of the foot, often caused by inflammation or overload of the metatarsal heads.

Neuroma or Morton’s Syndrome

Thickening of the nerve tissue between the metatarsal heads, causing shooting pain in the forefoot. This is due to compression of the medial plantar nerve, causing pain in the front of the foot.

Stress fracture

Also known as a fatigue fracture, these are micro-fractures in the bones of the foot, often caused by overuse or repeated trauma and/or wearing high-heeled shoes.

Claw toe or hammer toe syndrome

Deformation of the toes, where the toe joint is permanently bent, causing deformity and pain, sometimes corns (painful skin growths) in areas of friction with the shoe. The claw may be reducible, semi-reducible, or irreducible: the toe may be more or less “frozen” when moved.

Bunionette or “quintus varus”

Deformation of the joint of the little toe, causing a painful growth on the outside of the foot, which is painful when pressure is applied or when rubbing against the shoe.

Freiberg’s disease

Necrosis (tissue death) of the head of the second metatarsal bone.

Midfoot disorders

Plantar fasciitis Inflammation of the plantar fascia, the connective tissue that connects the heel to the toes, causing pain in the arch and forefoot. It can often be painful all the way to the heel and be associated with heel spurs.

Midfoot sprain/Lisfranc sprain

Stretching or tearing of the midfoot ligaments, often caused by twisting or falling. It is very common in ankle sprains and is sometimes overlooked in additional examinations.

Midfoot fracture

Fracture of the midfoot bones, usually caused by a traumatic injury.

Tendinitis of the toe extensor muscles

Pain is located in the foot, often associated with rheumatological conditions.

Midfoot osteoarthritis

Progressive wear of the cartilage in the midfoot joints, causing pain and stiffness.

Accessory navicular bone syndrome

Presence of an extra bone in the midfoot joint, causing pain and instability.

Köhler’s disease

Necrosis of the navicular bone, causing pain and deformity of the midfoot.

Ledderhose disease

Development of fibrous nodules in the arch of the foot, causing deformity of the midfoot.

Rear foot disorders

Tendinitis of the flexor muscles of the foot

Pain is localized in the posterolateral region of the ankle. Dancers and gymnasts are most often affected because they work a lot in the “pointe” position.

Achilles tendinitis

Inflammation of the Achilles tendon, which connects the calf to the heel, which can lead to partial or complete rupture of the Achilles tendon. Athletes are the most affected, particularly runners, who experience a significant number of impacts. It is nicknamed “runner’s tendonitis.”

Posterior tibial tendonitis

This is the second most common type of tendonitis. This muscle attaches to the inner part of the foot and comes into play when the foot tends to flatten, and may show signs of pain.

Posterior canal syndrome or tarsal tunnel syndrome

This syndrome causes pain in the ankle, foot, and sometimes toes, caused by compression or damage to the nerve that innervates the heel and sole (posterior tibial nerve).

Heel spur

Formation of a bony growth on the back of the heel, causing pain in the midfoot

Haglund’s deformity

Bony growth (bump) at the back of the heel bone, causing pain and irritation of the Achilles tendon.

Flat feet and heel valgus

The heel bone is positioned in excessive pronation, i.e., it collapses inward. Heel deviation is often associated with a deformity of the rear foot.

Calcaneal varus

The heel bone is positioned in excessive supination, i.e., it tilts outward, causing various joint or muscle pain.

Calcaneal fracture

Fracture of the heel bone, usually caused by a fall or significant trauma.

Tarsal tunnel syndrome or posterior canal syndrome

Compression of the posterior tibial nerve in the tarsal canal, causing pain and numbness in the rearfoot.

Arthritis of the rear foot

Inflammation of the joints in the rear foot, often caused by rheumatoid arthritis or osteoarthritis.

Subtalar osteoarthritis syndrome

Wear and tear of the cartilage in the subtalar joint.