What are the most frequent bone issues affecting the feet. How do age, genetics, and overall health impact foot bone health. What treatment options are available for various foot bone conditions.

The Importance of Foot Health: Understanding Your Body’s Foundation

Our feet serve as the foundation for our entire body, playing a crucial role in mobility and overall health. With approximately 25% of the body’s bones located in the feet, along with numerous ligaments, tendons, muscles, nerves, and blood vessels, it’s no wonder that bone problems in this area can have far-reaching effects on our well-being.

Why are feet so complex? The intricate structure of our feet allows them to provide stability while standing and enable efficient movement. Each component has a specific function, working together to create a stable base and facilitate locomotion. When bone issues arise in the feet, the consequences can extend beyond localized discomfort, potentially affecting our entire body.

Factors Influencing Foot Bone Health: From Genetics to Lifestyle

Several factors contribute to the overall health of our foot bones:

• Age: As we grow older, bone density naturally decreases, making us more susceptible to certain conditions.
• General health: Underlying medical conditions can impact bone health throughout the body, including the feet.
• Genetics: Some individuals may be predisposed to certain foot bone issues due to their genetic makeup.
• Nutrition: A balanced diet rich in calcium and vitamin D is essential for maintaining strong bones.
• Environmental factors: Lifestyle choices, such as wearing improper footwear or engaging in high-impact activities, can affect foot bone health.

How do these factors interplay? While we can’t control our age or genetics, we can make lifestyle choices that support optimal foot bone health. This includes maintaining a healthy diet, wearing appropriate footwear, and engaging in regular, low-impact exercise to strengthen the bones and muscles in our feet.

Common Bone Conditions Affecting the Feet: Symptoms and Causes

Several bone-related conditions can affect the feet, causing discomfort and impacting mobility. Here are some of the most common issues:

Arthritis

Arthritis in the feet can manifest in various forms, affecting people of all ages. The two most common types are:

1. Osteoarthritis: Often associated with wear and tear of bones and joints, as well as trauma.
2. Rheumatoid arthritis: An autoimmune condition that can significantly deform bones and joints in the feet.

What are the symptoms of foot arthritis? Common signs include joint pain, stiffness, swelling, and reduced range of motion in the affected areas of the foot.

Bunions

Bunions appear as bony bumps at the base of the big toe. They often have both genetic and environmental components and are frequently associated with arthritic changes in the bones and joints. Bunions can progressively worsen over time, causing redness, swelling, and difficulty wearing shoes or walking comfortably.

Fractures

Foot fractures can range from small stress fractures to complete breaks in the bone. These injuries can be caused by trauma or underlying systemic diseases. Fractures typically result in severe pain, swelling, and difficulty bearing weight on the affected foot.

Gout

Gout is a type of arthritis characterized by the body’s overproduction of uric acid crystals. When these crystals accumulate in the joints of the foot, they can cause sharp pain, redness, swelling, and heat. The big toe joint is often the first to be affected by gout.

Deformities and Structural Issues: Understanding Foot Bone Abnormalities

Some foot bone problems involve changes in the structure or alignment of the bones, leading to various deformities:

Hammertoes

Hammertoes are characterized by bent and contracted toes. They can be flexible or rigid and are often associated with arthritic changes in the toe joints. People with hammertoes may develop painful corns on the affected toes, making it uncomfortable to wear shoes.

Hallux Limitus/Rigidus

This condition involves decreased range of motion or stiffness in the big toe joint. It can be caused by inherited abnormal foot structure, fracture, repeated trauma, or inflammatory diseases like gout and arthritis.

Heel Spurs

Heel spurs are bony growths that develop on the heel bone (calcaneus). They are often related to plantar fasciitis, an inflammation of the ligament that runs along the bottom of the foot. Heel spurs can cause pain and discomfort when walking or standing for extended periods.

Soft Tissue and Bone Interactions: When Pain Originates from Multiple Sources

Some foot conditions involve both bone and soft tissue components, making diagnosis and treatment more complex:

Metatarsalgia

Metatarsalgia refers to pain in the ball of the foot. This condition can be associated with malpositioned bones, nerve issues, and arthritis. Patients often experience a burning or aching sensation in the affected area, particularly when walking or standing.

Sesamoiditis

Sesamoiditis involves pain and inflammation of one or both small bones (sesamoids) located beneath the head of the first metatarsal bone, behind the big toe. The sesamoid bones can become enlarged, fractured, or inflamed, causing discomfort when walking or engaging in physical activities.

Diagnosis and Treatment: Addressing Foot Bone Problems Effectively

When facing any foot bone issue, early diagnosis and treatment are crucial for optimal outcomes. Here’s an overview of the diagnostic and treatment process:

Diagnostic Approaches

• Physical examination: A podiatrist will assess the foot’s structure, alignment, and range of motion.
• Imaging tests: X-rays, MRI, or CT scans may be ordered to visualize the bones and surrounding tissues.
• Gait analysis: Observing how a patient walks can provide valuable information about foot mechanics and potential issues.

Treatment Options

Treatment for foot bone problems varies depending on the specific condition and its severity. Common approaches include:

1. Conservative measures: Rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE) can help alleviate pain and swelling.
2. Medications: Anti-inflammatory drugs or pain relievers may be prescribed to manage symptoms.
3. Orthotics: Custom shoe inserts can help correct alignment issues and provide support.
4. Physical therapy: Exercises and stretches can improve flexibility and strengthen the muscles supporting the foot.
5. Surgery: In severe cases or when conservative treatments fail, surgical intervention may be necessary to correct bone deformities or repair damage.

How long does recovery take? The recovery time for foot bone problems can vary widely depending on the condition and treatment approach. Some issues may resolve within a few weeks with conservative care, while others may require months of rehabilitation or surgical recovery.

Prevention Strategies: Maintaining Healthy Foot Bones for Life

While not all foot bone problems can be prevented, there are steps you can take to maintain optimal foot health:

• Wear properly fitting shoes that provide adequate support and cushioning.
• Maintain a healthy weight to reduce stress on your feet.
• Engage in regular, low-impact exercise to strengthen foot muscles and improve bone density.
• Practice good foot hygiene to prevent infections that could potentially affect the bones.
• Address any foot pain or changes in foot structure promptly by consulting a podiatrist.

Can dietary changes improve foot bone health? Absolutely. Consuming a diet rich in calcium, vitamin D, and other essential nutrients can help maintain strong bones throughout the body, including the feet.

When to Seek Professional Help: Recognizing the Signs of Serious Foot Bone Issues

While minor foot discomfort can often be managed at home, certain symptoms warrant immediate medical attention:

• Severe pain that doesn’t improve with rest or over-the-counter pain relievers
• Visible deformities or changes in foot shape
• Inability to bear weight on the affected foot
• Signs of infection, such as fever, redness, or warmth around the affected area
• Numbness or tingling in the foot

How quickly should you see a doctor for foot pain? If you experience persistent foot pain that lasts more than a few days or interferes with your daily activities, it’s best to consult a podiatrist or orthopedic specialist. Early intervention can prevent minor issues from developing into more serious conditions.

Understanding the complexities of foot bone health is crucial for maintaining overall well-being and mobility. By recognizing the signs of common foot bone problems, seeking timely medical attention, and adopting preventive measures, you can keep your feet healthy and strong throughout your life. Remember, your feet are the foundation of your body – taking care of them ensures a stable and pain-free future.

Common Bone Problems in Feet

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The underlying supports of a building are called footings (no pun intended)! This name makes sense when you understand that the bones, muscles, tendons and ligaments in your feet provide the structure and base for your entire body weight whenever you stand. Your feet contain about a fourth of the bones in your body, along with numerous ligaments, tendons, muscles, nerves and blood vessels. Each part has its own function so that your feet can provide a stable foundation and enable you to move about. That’s why, when there are bone problems in your feet, your whole body can suffer.

What Affects Your Bone Health

The general health of your bones is affected by many things including your age, your general health, your genetics, your nutrition and the environment. Underlying conditions can affect bones anywhere in your body, including your feet. Osteoporosis (low bone density) or osteogenesis imperfecta (a genetic disorder) can make bones thin, brittle and easy to break. Osteoarthritis affects bones, cartilage and causes inflammation and pain. Bone cancer, bone infection and other genetic disorders can affect how your bones grow and how strong they are.

Common Bone Problems in Feet

Arthritis: There are many different types of arthritis that can affect the feet and can affect people of all ages. Osteoarthritis is associated with “wear and tear” of bones and joints and trauma. Rheumatoid arthritis is a type of auto-immune response, and often significantly deforms bones and joints.

Bunions: “Bumps” just below the big toes are bunions. Bunions often have a genetic and an environment component, and are often associated with arthritic changes in the bones and joints. Bunions can progressively get worse over time, can become red and swollen, and interfere with patient’s ability to wear shoes and ambulate effectively.

Fracture: Whether just a small crack (stress fracture) or a complete break of the bone, fractures can cause you a lot of pain. Fractures (or broken bones) can be caused by trauma or a systemic disease.

Gout: Gout is a type of arthritis associated with the body’s overproduction of uric acid crystals in the blood which spill into joints and cause sharp pain, redness, swelling and heat.

Hammertoes: Describes toes that are bent and contracted. The toes can be flexible or rigid, and are associated with arthritic changes in the toe joints. Patients can develop painful corns on these malpositioned toes that hurt in shoes.

Hallux limitus/rigidus: Decreased range of motion or stiffness in the big toe joint; caused by inherited abnormal foot structure, fracture or repeated trauma, or inflammatory diseases like gout and arthritis.

Heel Spurs: Are related to plantar fasciitis, an inflammation of the ligament (fascia) that stretches along the bottom of your foot. It is thought that the overstretching of the plantar fascia contributes to the formation of heel spurs. Heel spurs can be found on the bottom and back of the heel bone (calcaneus), and are arthritic bone changes.

Metatarsalgia: Describes pain on the balls of the feet. The pain can be associated with malposition bones, nerves and arthritis.

Sesamoiditis: Describes pain and inflammation of one or two small bones located beneath the head of the bone behind the big toe. The sesamoid bones can enlarge (hypertrophic), fracture or become inflamed.

This list is not exhaustive. Other conditions can affect the bones of the feet, such as tarsal coalition, Kohler’s disease, Jones fracture, or bone tumors mention a few of the other bone related conditions that can affect your feet.

Anytime your feet hurt, your activities can be limited by the pain. If you notice anything different about your feet’s appearance or function, don’t wait. Call Country Foot Care and let our doctors take a look. Treatment is always more effective when it is started early. The staff at our friendly, boutique style New York offices are ready to give you the best foot care with a warm and caring attitude. Appointments can be made by phone to either of our New York offices or online using the MAKE AN APPOINTMENT button at the top of this page.

Call the office to schedule your consultation at 516-741-3338 or click here to fill out your online request.

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​Foot problems | NHS inform

Foot problems can cause a range of symptoms including:

• pain
• swelling
• limping

In many cases, new pain or a flare-up of long-standing foot problems should begin to settle within 6 weeks without the need to see a healthcare professional.

When to seek help

What causes foot problems?

Foot problems are fairly common and can be caused by:

• injury
• normal age-related changes
• a flare-up of an existing problem

As you get older, normal age-related changes can cause your foot problem to flare-up now and again, often for no reason.

Can foot pain cause problems anywhere else?

You may feel some pain in your toes, ankle, calf, knee and even in your back. This should improve as your foot problem gets better.

Occasionally, problems felt in your foot and leg can be due to a back problem – even though you don’t feel pain in your back. People with this sort of problem often describe the pain as pins and needles, sharp, hot or burning pain.

If you have any of these symptoms it would be helpful to read about back problems.

Foot problems can also cause limping. If the limp is severe, using a walking stick on the opposite side to your foot problem may help.

How to use a walking stick.

Self-help

There are a number of things you can do to help your foot problem.

Keeping your foot moving is an essential part of your treatment and recovery.

How to get moving

Within the first 24 to 48 hours of symptoms starting you should try to:

• reduce your activities but move as much as your symptoms allow
• rest your foot but avoid long periods of not moving
• move your foot gently for 10 to 20 seconds every hour when you’re awake
• avoid long periods on your feet

When using stairs it may help to:

• lead with your good leg when going upstairs to reduce the strain on your foot
• lead with your problem leg when going downstairs to reduce the strain on your foot
• use a handrail (if available) when going up and downstairs

After 48 hours:

• try to slowly return to normal activity by gradually building your activities up
• do whatever you normally would and stay at or return to work – this is important and is the best way to get better

It’s beneficial to do specific exercises that can help in your recovery. They may be challenging at the beginning so just do what you can and try to build it up over time.

Exercises to help with foot problems

Benefits of keeping active

Keeping active’s the single best thing you can do for your general health.

Being physically active can:

• maintain your current levels of fitness – even if you have to modify what you normally do, any activity is better than none
• keep your other muscles and joints strong and flexible
• prevent a recurrence of the problem
• help you aim for a healthy body weight

Avoid sports or heavy lifting until you have less discomfort and good movement.

Pain treatments

The following can help to reduce the pain:

• pain medication – this can help you move more comfortably, which can help your recovery
• heat or ice packs

More about taking painkillers.

Treating with ice or heat

Heat or ice can be beneficial in the management of musculoskeletal pain.

Ice is most beneficial if your foot problem is related to an injury. You can try heat to help your pain levels if there’s no swelling and your symptoms are not related to a recent injury.

Never place ice or heat directly on your skin. Use a barrier, like a towel, to protect your skin from a burn.

How long you use ice as a treatment can vary. However, you should generally apply heat or ice for up to 15 minutes. You should also leave a few hours between treatments.

You should stop treating the area with ice or heat and seek advice from a medical professional if you notice an increase in redness, discolouration or blistering of the skin.

If you have any issues with circulation or sensation, you shouldn’t use ice or heat as a treatment for foot pain.

Work

It’s recommended you stay at or return to work as quickly as possible during your recovery. You don’t need to be pain and symptom-free to return to work.

Help and support

Following this advice, you should see gradual improvements over time.

You should see the biggest change in your symptoms within the first couple of weeks. Most problems should have improved within 6 weeks.

If your foot problem hasn’t improved within 6 weeks of following this advice, it’s a good idea to talk to a healthcare professional about your symptoms.

Find out how to access MSK services in your area.

Bones on the legs: what is the cause of hallux valgus?

Bones in the feet (valgus deformity of the first toe or hallux valgus) is a problem that brings inconvenience to many. Together with an orthopedist-traumatologist, candidate of medical sciences, associate professor Roman Ostapchuk, we deal with the cause of the appearance of bones on the legs, prevention and treatment of this problem.

The first metatarsal “goes out” and the big toe is pushed in by tendons. Due to this, the width of the foot increases in the part where the bone is located.

Further, chronic inflammation (bursitis) of the first metatarsophalangeal joint occurs due to the constant pressure of the outwardly displaced head of the first metatarsal bone. In addition, there are significant changes in the direction of the force of the muscles and tendons that move the first finger. Because of this, deformity increases or even the formation of sometimes complete dislocation in the first metatarsophalangeal joint.

However, the changes do not end with the deformity: arthrosis of the I metatarsophalangeal joint develops behind disorders in the functioning of the joints, which prevents normal walking. There are calluses and corns, dislocations and subluxations in the metatarsophalangeal joints and other unpleasant problems, which again do not contribute to the patient’s comfortable walking. Further, if you do not seek treatment and do not deal with this problem, osteoarthritis may appear.

Causes of bunions on the legs (valgus deformity of the foot)

One of the reasons why bunions appear on the inner surface of the foot is the weakness of the ligamentous apparatus. Most often, women suffer from this problem – due to wearing uncomfortable shoes, for example, high heels, pointed or narrow socks, and so on. Also among the reasons for the appearance of bones on the legs are overweight, hereditary factors and untimely treatment and prevention.

What symptoms are a signal to visit an orthopedist?

The first symptoms are pain when walking and slight visual deformity of the foot. Already in this case, you need to immediately contact an orthopedist-traumatologist to solve the problem at the initial level.

Also among the symptoms are the following:

• pain in the foot and fingers, rapid fatigue;
• bones, growths, bumps and other formations on the inside of the foot;
• swelling, redness of neoplasms;
• a large number of corns – callosity of the skin, corns;
• significant visual changes in the appearance of the foot.

How are bones in the legs treated?

To begin with, an orthopedic traumatologist must conduct an examination and determine the “degree of damage” in order to select a specific type of treatment, among which are the following:

Conservative – may be effective in the initial stages. It is based on performing exercises using special rollers that are placed under the foot. In addition, the patient must wear shoes with orthopedic insoles. The doctor may also prescribe other methods of aligning the position of the big toe (splints or silicone spacers), procedures that will contribute to these changes (baths, massages, physical exercises to strengthen the foot), or changing the patient’s habits (for example, wear only shoes that are suitable for size, orthopedic and exclude models with a narrow toe).

Operative – used for more pronounced deformity of the thumb. In total, there are more than 300 methods of surgical treatment in this situation, but even they are divided into three groups: operations on soft tissues, on bones and joints, as well as combined operations. Each specific case of the appearance of banal bones on the legs requires careful examination and research, especially in situations where conservative treatment will no longer be effective. In a situation with surgical intervention, the orthopedic traumatologist must individually select the method that is suitable for the patient in his case.

What is considered when choosing a treatment method?

Among the factors that influence the choice of treatment method are the following:

• what type of foot the patient has;
• whether the patient has osteoarthritis of the I metatarsophalangeal joint;
• how the first metatarsal bone is located;
• whether the forefoot is deformed;
• whether the patient has a “soft” foot;
• General information about the patient – gender, age, body weight, profession, symmetry of the deformity, concomitant diseases, etc.

Contraindications for surgery for hallux valgus

Despite the low trauma and high efficiency of modern methods, there are still indications in which surgical intervention is not performed. Among these:

• diabetic foot;
• purulent infections;
• pathology of hematopoietic organs;
• Pathology of the vessels of the extremities.

Prevention of hallux valgus

An important method of prevention is a timely visit to the doctor. Fortunately, regular examination and consultation with an orthopedic traumatologist will help identify this problem at an early stage. However, there are other rules that should be followed:

• strengthening the arch of the foot with physical exercises;
• wearing comfortable shoes and orthopedic insoles.

If you notice a deformity of your foot or suffer from pain in your foot or toes, you should immediately seek advice from an orthopedic traumatologist.

Author of the article: Ostapchuk Roman Nikolaevich

Date: March 24, 2021

Used sources:

Bellaaj Z, Dhia SB, Allagui M, Aloui I, Othmen Y, Zrig M, Koubaa M, Abid A. Treatments associated with scarf osteotomy for hallux valgus correction]. Pan Afr Med J. 2018;31:148

Leiß F, Baier C, Schwarz T, Grifka J. [Degenerative forefoot : Diagnostics and treatment]. Z Rheumatol. 2019 Apr;78(3):255-264.

Wagner P, Wagner E. Is the Rotational Deformity Important in Our Decision-Making Process for Correction of Hallux Valgus Deformity? Foot Ankle Clin. 2018 Jun;23(2):205-217

Diseases of the foot – operations and treatment of hallux valgus in Moscow, prices on the website of the GVKG im. N.N. Burdenko

Center for Traumatology and Orthopedics
Main military clinical hospital named after ak. N.N. Burdenko

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Diseases of the foot

Ladies and gentlemen!
If you are visiting this page of our site, then you have problems with your feet. The most common foot pathology with which patients turn to an orthopedist is the deformity of the forefoot (transverse flatfoot with hallux valgus deformity of the first toe (bumps or bones in the area of ​​the first toe).

This disease occurs in young people and is characterized by a progressive course. Spreading of the forefoot with hallux valgus is accompanied by pain, disrupts the support function of the limb, makes it difficult to use standard shoes, and in severe cases leads to a decrease in working capacity and impaired social adaptation.

Transverse flat feet can be both congenital and acquired as a result of injuries or various diseases. The reasons are hereditary-constitutional predisposition, weakness of the muscular-ligamentous apparatus, lifestyle, occupation, wearing tight shoes with heels.

Most often, valgus deformity of the big toe (hallux valgus) occurs in women. According to statistics, for every man suffering from this disease, there are ten women. This may be due to the genetic or anatomical predisposition of women to develop the condition. But the main reason for such a “sexual differentiation” of this pathology is the style of shoes that is inherent in women – narrow socks and high heels.

Treatment of valgus deformity of the big toe.

Surgeons have been developing methods for treating hallux valgus deformity of the big toe for centuries (according to Sheda, Reverden, Yuvar, Mayo, McBride, etc.). To date, more than 150 methods of surgical treatment of this pathology are known in the world. The basic principle of the surgical treatment of hallux valgus deformity of the big toe is that the top or edge of the first metatarsophalangeal joint (this very bump) is excised, as well as the removal and comparison of soft tissues and bones in order to reduce pain and restore the normal configuration of the joint. Among the existing operations, at the same time, physiological ones can be distinguished, that is, those that normalize the arches of the foot, bone axes and relationships in the joints, while other operations purely mechanically eliminate the existing deformity without eliminating the causes of its development.

In our practice, we have long gone from conventional exostosectomies (excision of a bone growth – the notorious bump or bone) and operations only on soft tissues (restoration and comparison of the ligaments around the first metatarsophalangeal joint (the junction of the big toe with the metatarsal bone)), in order to normalize of the transverse arch of the foot, our clinic uses a system of minimally invasive operations developed by one of the apologists for forefoot surgery, French orthopedist L.