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Podiatry: Most Popular Articles

These articles are the most popular over the last month.
Nerve Problems that Cause Foot Pain
An overview of nerve problems that cause foot pain.
8 Causes of Lower Leg Pain
A look at eight conditions that often lead to pain in the lower legs.
Causes of Pain at the Big Toe Joint
A list and description of the most common conditions causing pain and other symptoms at the big toe joint, also known as the first metatarsophalangeal joint.
5 Tips to Fix Your Aching Feet
At some point most of us have experienced aching feet, whether it’s after a long day of work or play. Besides kicking back and giving your feet a rest, here are some remedies that can help ease the ache and rejuvenate tired feet.
Bunions
A bunion can be painful and may prevent you from wearing certain shoes and doing certain activities that you would like. Poor-fitting shoes are not always to blame. Learn more about the actual meaning of the word bunion and its causes and treatments.
Common Causes of Foot and Ankle Swelling
An overview of common causes of swelling in the foot and ankle -- including arthritis, infection, tendonitis, pregnancy, circulation problems and trauma.
8 Painful Foot Conditions
An overview of the most common types and causes of foot pain, including heel pain, toe problems, bunions, pinched nerves, tendonitis, and more.
Tendonitis
An overview of tendonitis, including the most common types of tendonitis that affect the foot and ankle.
Morton's Neuroma
Morton's neuroma is a painful condition that affects the foot. Women are more likely to suffer from a Morton's neuroma. Perhaps due to the shoes they wear. Learn more about Morton's neuroma at About.com's podiatry and foot health webpage.
5 Tips for Soothing Bunion Pain
The number one complaint a bunion sufferer has is pain and irritation. Here are some tips that can help reduce bunion pain.
Skin Conditions that Make Your Feet Itch
A list of common skin conditions that cause the feet to itch, as well as photos, key features, and treatment options for each condition.
Common Foot Problems
Many different foot problems can affect the foot and ankle. You rely on your feet to get you where you want to go. Learn more about the most common foot problems that can affect your foot and ankle.
Photos of Foot Warts - Also Known as Plantar Verruca
An image gallery showing photos of warts, also known as plantar verruca, on the feet. Learn more about warts on about.com's podiatry and foot health site.
Bacterial Infections of the Fe
There are a number of different bacterial infections that can affect the feet. Learn how to recognize these infections, and what to do if you think you have one.
5 Products for Bunions
A list of popular bunion products that can help alleviate pain and discomfort.
Metatarsalgia
Pain under the ball of the foot is a common foot problem that can have many causes. Read about some of the causes and treatments for this painful foot condition.
Tailor's Bunion
Even though a bunion usually develops on the big toe side of the foot, another area where a bunion can occur is the pinkie toe side. This type of bunion is known as a bunionette, or tailor's bunion.
Shin Splints Exercises
Exercises with photos of how to help ease the pain of shin splints - medial tibial stress syndrome exercises.
Photos of Feet and X-rays with Bunion/HAV Deformities
Photos of feet and x-rays with bunion deformities. Learn more about bunions at about.com's podiatry and foot health site.
How Rheumatoid Arthritis Affects Your Feet
An overview of how rheumatoid arthritis affects foot health -- including effects on joints of the foot and ankle, effects on foot function, and skin manifestations that appear on the lower legs and feet.
Common Toe Problems
A summary of some of the most common toe problems: bunions, hammertoes, and hallux limitus.
hallux limitus
Information about a common cause of big toe pain.
How to Fit Shoes
Does the shoe fit? Shoes can either help with foot problems or have the potential to cause foot problems. We have come along way since the time of using x-rays to help with fitting shoes. People are no longer subjected to x-ray radiation when trying on shoes. There are several ways to help get your feet into a properly fitting pair of shoes. Learn more about how to fit shoes.
High Heels Bad for Body
Wearing high heels can be very fashionable and may make you feel taller, but at what price? High heels can cause some foot problems and exacerbate foot problems that you already have. Your feet are not the only body parts to suffer from wearing high heels. Leg and back pain are common complaints from those who wear high heels. Learn more about how wearing high heels can affect your whole body.
Coping with Dry, Cracked Feet
Dry skin on your feet can be simply a cosmetic problem, or it may be associated with other medical conditions. Learn more about what causes dry skin and how you can improve the look and feel of your feet.
Toenail Fungus
Also known as onychomycosis, toenail fungus is a widespread problem and one of the most frequently treated foot conditions. It is a slow-growing infection caused by dermatophytes which are a group of fungi that can infect the skin, hair, and nails.
Different Types of Bunions
photos of bunions on feet, pictures of bunions on feet
Metatarsophalangeal Joint
Definition of metatarsophalangeal joint (MTPJ) with photo.
Corns and Calluses
Corns and calluses are something that most people will develop at sometime or another. For many people, corns and calluses cause some degree of pain and discomfort. For some they are a cosmetic concern, especially larger calluses that develop on the heel.
Sweaty Feet and Odor
Excess sweat and odor are two foot problems that usually occur together. Learn more about what can be causing these common problems and how they can be treated.
Close-Up of Warts (Plantar Verruca) on Foot
Close-up photo of warts, also known as plantar verruca, on the bottom of the foot.
Foot & Ankle Exercises
Pictures of foot and ankle exercises. These exercises can be performed as a warm-up, cool-down or for recovery after an injury.
Wart (Plantar Verruca) on Bottom of Heel
Photo of a wart, also known as plantar verruca, on the bottom of the foot on the heel.
What Are Plantar Warts?
Plantar warts (sometimes mistakenly called “planter’s warts”) are warts that occur on the bottom of the foot, known medically as the plantar surface.
Multiple Warts (Plantar Verruca) on Foot
Photo of multiple warts, also known as plantar verruca, on the bottom of the foot.
Plantar Fasciitis
Heel pain is a very common problem that leads to many trips to the podiatrist’s office. A significant number of people will experience heel pain during their lifetime. The most common form of heel pain is known as plantar fasciitis.
Warts (Plantar Verruca) on Bottom of Foot
Photo of warts, also known as plantar verruca, on the bottom of the foot.
Heel Pain
Heel pain is a very common musculoskeletal symptom that can affect anyone at nearly any age. There are a number of conditions that can cause heel pain, each with distinct characteristics.
Why is My Nail Loose?
A look at common causes of a loose fingernail or toenail.
Toenail Trauma
Whether it's blunt trauma from a heavy object or chronic friction from rubbing against the shoe, injury to the toenail can result in a variety of changes. Here's what you need to know if you see any of these changes.
Athlete's Foot
Characteristics, causes, and treatment of tinea pedis which is also known as athlete's foot.
How Diabetes Can Affect Your Feet
The feet are often affected by diabetes, with problems ranging from loss of feeling and diminished blood supply to severe infection requiring amputation. Knowing more about these adverse effects will help you take steps toward the prevention of diabetic foot complications.
How to Give a Foot Massage
Learning how to give a foot massage is not hard. Pounding the pavement day in and day out can take its toll on your feet. Whether you have been standing at a trade show, standing in a research lab or standing at the front of a classroom, your feet need a rest. Learn how to give a great foot massage.
Frequently Asked Questions abo
Answers to the most frequently asked questions about toenails, including issues related to infection, discoloration, and injury.
Three Common Toenail Problems
Our toenails are subject to a great deal of stress, and there are three common toenail problems that we often see.
Sesamoiditis
Learn more about sesamoiditis, a condition that causes pain under the big toe joint.
What is a Hammer Toe?
Information on hammer toes including causes, associated problems, and how they can be treated.
Osteoarthritis and Your Feet
A look at how osteoarthritis -- the most common form of arthritis -- affects the foot and ankle, including information on causes and common treatments.
Flat Feet
Flat feet describe the appearance of the feet when the arches are low or sometimes even absent. Flat feet are most often caused by excess pronation of the feet.
High Arched Feet
Having high arches can be associated with certain foot problems. Learn more about this foot type and how to prevent problems that can occur.
How to Have Pretty Feet
To have pretty feet, you do not always have to go to the salon. With a small amount of time and effort, you can give yourself a fabulous foot makeover. Set the mood for relaxation by putting on your favorite CD and lighting a candle. It is time to find out how to have pretty feet.
X-ray Right Foot with Bunion/HAV
Photo of a right foot xray showing a bunion/HAV deformity. Learn more about bunions at about.com's podiatry and foot health site.
Common Problems with High Heels
When you absolutely must wear heels, why not choose a pair that maximizes comfort and reduces the chance of foot, back, and knee pain? With photo examples from the red carpet, read about some of the most common problems with high heels and learn how you can choose better styles of heels.
Do You Need a Podiatrist?
Many times the problems in your feet and ankles go away with time, rest, ice, anti-inflammatories (NSAIDS) and shoegear changes. Sometimes those problems won't go away, and that's when you probably need a podiatrist's help and expertise.
Gout
When gout affects the foot, the usual signs are a red, hot and swollen big toe joint that is exquisitely painful and sensitive to even the lightest touch.
Foot and Ankle Stretches
ankle and calf muscle stretch using a band
Pregnancy & Foot Pain
With a baby on the way, there are a million things to think about. The last thing you want to worry about when you are pregnant is your feet, but pregnancy can lead to problems that affect your feet and legs. There are things you can do to help stop or lessen the problems. The causes, treatments and preventive tips for common foot problems during pregnancy are discussed.
5 Products for Hammer Toes
A list of five products that are used for hammer toe symptom relief. Includes photos, descriptions, and links to where to buy.
Foot Massage Benefits
Many research studies have reported benefits from foot massage, reflexology and acupressure. Some of the studies have been done well and some not so well and some of the studies have only been done on a small number of people, so the results need to be looked at with caution.
7 Products for Heel Pain
Heel pain is one of the most common and irritatingly painful foot problems. Heel pain can often be alleviated with the help of some of these popular foot products.
Shin Splints
Shin splints are now known as medial tibial stress syndrome. Learn what the causes, signs and symptoms and treatments are for shin splints/medial tibial stress syndrome.
Foot Problems 101
Five of the most common foot conditions are described, including bunion, plantar fasciitis, corns and calluses, toenail fungus, and athlete's foot.
What is the Subtalar Joint?
The subtalar joint is a complex joint that is positioned below the ankle joint.
Bunion/HAV Left Foot
Photo of bunion - hallux valgus on the left foot. Learn more about bunions on about.com's podiatry and foot health site.
Ingrown Toenail
An ingrown toenail occurs when the edge of the nail, usually on the big toe, grows into the skin adjacent to it. This causes pain and if left untreated may result in infection.
Bunion/HAV Right Foot
Photo of right foot showing a bunion/HAV deformity. Learn more about the causes, symptoms and treatment options from about.com's podiatry and foot health site.
3 Ways to Protect Your Feet if You Have Diabetes
Diabetes is a serious chronic disease that can lead to foot complications. A diabetic may be unable to feel pain associated with a skin injury, and this can lead to a diabetic wound or ulcer. Diabetic neuropathy and diminished blood supply to the feet increase the risk of limb amputation.
10 Tips for a Safe Pedicure
Feeling the need for some rest, relaxation and a little pampering? A visit to a pedicure salon may be on your list of things to do. If so, you need to read the following 10 tips before you go.
How to Have Prettier Feet Now
Advice for quick, easy and effective at-home treatments for pretty feet
Heel Pain in Children and Adolescents
Heel pain is a very common symptom among adults but occasionally it is something a child or adolescent will experience. Read about some of the causes of heel pain in children and adolescents.
4 Common Pediatric Foot Problems
An overview of some of the common foot conditions that affect children and adolescents.
Bunion Surgery
Learn more about how a bunion is surgically corrected, see an X-ray showing what a bunion looks like, and get information and images describing the usual steps in surgical bunion correction.
Large Bunion
bunion on foot
Eczema
Q&A about a common type of skin rash known as dyshidrotic eczema.
Subtalar Joint
Definition of Subtalar Joint with Photo
Tarsometatarsal Joints
Definition of tarsometatarsal joints and photo.
Sports Massage
Sports massage is reported to have many beneficial effects in athletes. Sports massage can be used pre-performance, post-performance, during training or for rehabilitation. Athletes of all levels may benefit from sports massage. If you are looking for a way to improve your athletic performance then sports massage may be for you. Learn more about the possible performance enhancing effects of sports massage.
Forefoot
Definition of forefoot with photo.
Lisfranc Injury
Lisfranc injuries are named after Jacques Lisfranc, a French surgeon in the early 1800s. In the army a lot of the soldiers would get thrown from their horses, but their foot would get caught in the stirrup. This would cause an injury to the middle of the foot. Unfortunately, back then this injury sometimes ended up needing an amputation, and Dr. Lisfranc first described that procedure. Thankfully today amputation is usually not needed. Learn more about Lisfranc injuries.
Left Foot X-ray of Bunion/HAV
Left foot x-ray showing a bunion/HAV deformity.
How Aging Affects Your Feet
In addition to lifelong wear and tear, there are natural changes that occur with the aging process that can affect your feet and ankles. Topics include skin problems, bone and joint problems, toenail changes, and more.
Metatarus Primus Varus
Definition of the foot health term metatarus primus varus
Tarsal Bones
Definition of tarsal bones with photo.
Correct-Size Shoes
So what do you think, are people wearing the correct-size shoes? I think we have all been in a pair of
Haglund's Deformity
A Haglund's deformity is a bump on the back of the heel bone with characteristic pain and irritation.
Compartment Syndrome
Pain after an injury is not uncommon, but if the pain seems out of proportion to the injury and there is a significant amount of swelling (edema) you may have a condition called compartment syndrome. Compartment syndromes can be acute (sudden onset) or chronic (long term problem). Learn more about compartment syndromes.
First Metatarsal
Definition of first metatarsal with photo.
Easy Home Pedicure
If you don't have time for a professional pedicure, or would like save money and do it yourself, here are a few easy steps for a basic home pedicure that you can do anytime your feet need a little attention.
Heel Spur
Definition and description of a heel spur
Bunion
Definition of bunion.
How to Find a Podiatrist
If you are having a foot problem, finding a competent and trustworthy podiatrist (a doctor that specializes in the foot and ankle) is an important step in getting the treatment you need. Information is available to help guide you in choosing a podiatrist. Learn more about this important decision and how to find a podiatrist.
Choosing the Right Athletic Shoes
A guide to the basics of athletic shoe terminology, including a description of some of the features of athletic shoes. Learn which sneaker may be best suited for your foot type.
Midfoot
Definition of midfoot with photo.
Proximal Phalanx
Definition of proximal phalanx with photo.
Over-Pronation
Definition of a foot problem known as over-pronation, including a descriptive photo.
Tips for a Safe Salon Pedicure
Nothing can rejuvenate and beautify feet more than a professional salon pedicure. Occasionally we hear about incidents of infection or injury to customers after having had a pedicure. Whether you are looking for a new salon or ensuring the safety of your current salon, here are some tips for a safe pedicure.
Facts About Diabetes and Foot Health
Foot complications are an unfortunate reality for many diabetics. See facts regarding how diabetes can affect feet and what can be done to prevent complications.
Rearfoot
Definition of rearfoot with photo.
Foot and Ankle Stress Fractures
A stress fracture develops after repeated pressure or loading on a bone. Stress fractures most often occur in the foot and ankle, affecting several possible bones.
Second Metatarsal
Definition of second metatarsal with photo.
Cuneiforms
Definition of cuneiforms with photo.
Fifth Metatarsal
Definition of fifth metatarsal with photo.
Calcaneus
Definition of calcaneus with photo.
Ankle Sprains
Learn more about what can increase your risk of an ankle sprain, plus the latest research on the best methods for treatment and prevention. Includes first aid recommendations for a sprain.
Medial Cuneiform
Definition of medial cuneiform and photo.
Frostbite
These cold weather foot problems can cause pain and skin changes, most often affecting the toes.
High Heel Shoes and Sex?
With all of the talk about bunions, corns, hammer toes and neuromas, is there anything good about wearing high heel shoes? The answer might be more interesting than you think. Find out more about high heel shoes and sex.
Supination
Definition and description of the foot motion known as supination, which is the opposite of pronation
Middle Phalanx
Definition of middle phalanx with photo.
Tips for Treating and Preventi
The best way to deal with irritating blisters is to prevent them from happening. Learn some of the best methods for blister prevention as well as how to treat a blister when it does occur.
Protecting Your Feet from the
Cold weather can cause significant injury to your feet, even in small doses. These tips can help protect your feet from cold-related injuries, such as painful or irritating skin conditions and frostbite.
Joint - Articulation
Definition of joint with photo.
Michael Jordan Ankle Tattoo
Photo of a foot with a Michael Air Jordan tattoo. Learn more about ankle tattoos on about.com's podiatry and foot health site.
Fibula
Definition of fibula with photo.
Plantar Wart/Verruca
Definition of plantar wart/verruca with photo. Find out what a foot wart is on About.com's podiatry and foot health site.
Sesamoids
Definition of sesamoids with photo.
Lateral Cuneiform
Definition of lateral cuneiform with photo.
Tibia
Definition of tibia with photo.
Cuboid
Definition of cuboid with photo.
Phalanges
Definition of phalanges with photo.
Intermediate Cuneiform
Definition of intermediate cuneiform with photo.
Distal Phalanx
Definition of distal phalanx with photo.
Hallux
Definition of hallux with photo.
Compressed Air Foot Massage
Compressed air foot massage was used in a research study to help treat diabetic foot ulcers. Over a lifetime, a person diagnosed with diabetes has a 15 to 25 percent chance of developing a foot ulcer (open sore). Some foot ulcers can take a long time to heal. Compressed air foot massage is not a new treatment, but it has gained attention as a possible way to help decrease the time it takes to heal a diabetic foot ulcer. Learn more about compressed air foot massage.
Tarsal Coalition
Definition of a tarsal coalition
Navicular
Definition of navicular with photo.
Third Metatarsal
Definition of third metatarsal and photo.
Biomechanics
Definition and description of biomechanics
Ankle Joint
Definition of ankle joint with photo.
Talus Definition
Definition of talus with photo.
Dragonfly Ankle Tattoo
Photo of a foot with a dragonfly ankle tattoo. Learn more about ankle tattoos on about.com's podiatry and foot health site.
Dolphin Ankle Tattoo
Photo of a foot with a dolphin ankle tattoo. Learn more about ankle tattoos on about.com's podiatry and foot health site.
Fourth Metatarsal
Definition of fourth metatarsal with photo.
Podiatry
Definition of Podiatry
Photos of Ankle Tattoos
Photo gallery of ankle tattoos. Learn more about ankle tattoos on about.com's podiatry and foot health site.
Five Amazing Feets
Most of us walk on our feet everyday and if they are not hurting, we rarely give them a second thought.
Fascia
Definition of fascia.
Rutoside
The definition of rutoside (rutin).

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