They carry us through life day after day. We don’t realize how important they are to our health until problems arise: Feet are complex structures made up of bones, tendons, and joints. Foot conditions such as hallux valgus, flat feet, and other problems can have many causes.
Below, we’ll take a closer look at the most common foot conditions, their causes, and diagnostic and treatment options. You’ll also find recommended specialists for the treatment of foot conditions here.
A total of 33 joints connect the 26 bones in each foot. More than 100 ligaments and 20 muscles ensure that we walk safely—when we are healthy. Feet are sensitive organs.
Foot conditions develop as a result of:
Experts distinguish between the following types of foot conditions:
Acquired deformities include, for example:
Common foot conditions and deformities include:
Hallux valgus is usually caused by a genetic predisposition (hereditary factors) @ banusevim /AdobeStock
The most common reason people visit an orthopedic surgeon is foot pain. The symptoms that indicate a foot condition are as varied as the conditions themselves.
A heel spur, for example, may present with pain in the heel and under the sole of the foot.
Wear and tear or tears in the Achilles tendon cause unpleasant nerve pain.
Pain in the foot can indicate nerve entrapment syndromes, but it can also be a sign of circulatory disorders, such as those caused by vascular diseases.
Even a herniated disc can occasionally cause pain in the foot. In people with diabetes, early-stage neuropathy often presents with bilateral nerve pain in the feet.
Hallux valgus is a deformity in which the big toe and a metatarsal bone deviate to the side. This is noticeable as a shift in the position of the big toe, and the metatarsal bone forms a protruding bunion. This often causes a painful pressure point inside the shoe.
Morton’s neuralgia can present with electric shock-like pain between the toes.
Causes of foot problems can include:
For example, high-heeled or overly tight shoes are considered detrimental. Instead, well-fitting, comfortable shoes help prevent misalignments. Careful foot care can protect against corns or athlete’s foot.
An overview of key risk factors for foot conditions:
The medical history is crucial for any diagnosis of foot conditions. The doctor asks about the history of the symptoms.
The doctor then examines the foot. The doctor also assesses the rest of the musculoskeletal system. Manual examinations of the feet may be part of the diagnostic process, and depending on the suspected condition, specialized tests may also be performed. Standardized X-rays are frequently taken.
The following methods are also part of the diagnostic procedures for foot disorders:
Doctors diagnose a splayfoot, for example, through visual examination, X-rays, and possibly additional tests to rule out other conditions.
Comparison of flat feet, high arches, splayfoot, and valgus foot @ Henrie /AdobeStock
The appropriate treatment for a foot condition is determined on an individual basis.
The following factors play a decisive role in selecting a treatment:
Before surgical treatment—such as for hallux valgus—is even considered, the doctor first explores conservative treatment options.
These vary depending on the specific condition: Physical therapy exercises specifically target joints, muscles, tendons, and ligaments.
For some injuries and conditions, a cast is necessary, such as in the case of fractures.
Swelling may subside with light compression and by elevating the foot.
Anti-inflammatory pain relievers or injections of certain active ingredients are also part of the arsenal that foot specialists use to help their patients.
Last but not least, orthopedic shoes and insoles provide relief, especially in cases of misalignment.
If conservative therapies are ineffective, surgery may be a solution. Doctors correct painful hammertoes and hallux valgus with minimally invasive procedures.
People with diabetes often suffer from foot conditions: depending on the course of the disease, surgical treatments may also be necessary in more advanced stages.
Depending on the clinical picture, foot conditions can progress very differently. However, as a general rule: the sooner the cause of foot pain is identified, the more effective the treatment.
Therefore, a visit to your primary care physician and a specialist is essential if foot pain with no apparent cause makes walking a struggle.
Symptoms of a heel spur often improve with conventional methods such as appropriate exercises and properly fitted footwear.
A bunion (hallux valgus) worsens if left untreated and can lead to osteoarthritis. Treatment can halt the progression of the deformity and also reduce pain. If this is no longer sufficient, surgical treatment yields good or very good results in the majority of patients.
For flat feet, custom orthotics prescribed by an orthopedist can help: they support treatment and the correction of the misalignment.
The insoles support the arch of the foot and realign it. This, in turn, promotes healthy posture. All of this can lead to significant pain relief.
