A total of 33 joints connect the 26 bones in each foot. More than 100 ligaments and 20 muscles ensure that we walk safely - if we are healthy. Feet are sensitive organs.
Foot diseases develop due to
- Incorrect footwear
- Excessive strain
- Accidents or
- diseases
Experts distinguish between the following foot diseases
- Stress injuries
- Accidental injuries
- Congenital and acquired deformities
Acquired deformities include, for example
Common foot diseases and deformities include
Hallux valgus is usually caused by a predisposition (hereditary predisposition) @ banusevim /AdobeStock The most common reason why people consult an orthopaedist is pain in the feet. The symptoms that indicate a disease are as varied as the foot diseases themselves.
A heel spur, for example, may manifest itself 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 constriction syndromes, but also circulatory disorders caused by vascular diseases, for example.
Even a slipped disc occasionally manifests itself with pain in the foot. In diabetics, the onset of neuropathy often manifests itself with bilateral nerve pain in the feet.
Hallux valgus is a deformity in which the big toe and a metatarsal bone deviate to one side. This is noticeable with a displacement of the big toe and the metatarsal bone forms a protruding ball. This often causes a painful pressure point in the shoe.
Morton's neuralgia can manifest itself with electric shock-like pain between the toes.
Foot problems can be caused by
- Stresses and hazards in everyday life
- Incorrect footwear
- Lack of care or
- Diseases such as diabetes
High-heeled shoes or shoes that are too tight are not very beneficial. Instead, well-fitting, comfortable shoes help to prevent deformities. Careful care can protect against corns or athlete's foot.
Important risk factors for foot diseases at a glance:
- Unsuitable shoes
- Excessive strain due to being overweight
- Lack of or incorrect care
- Diseases that affect the feet
- Malpositions following accidents and injuries
- Genetic predisposition such as hallux valgus or arthrosis
An anamnesis is important for any diagnosis of foot disorders . The doctor asks about the history of the symptoms.
He then examines the foot. The doctor will also take a look at the rest of the musculoskeletal system. Manual examinations of the feet may be part of the diagnosis, as well as special tests, depending on the disease in question. Standardized x-rays are often taken.
These methods are also part of the diagnostic procedures for foot diseases:
- Ultrasound examinations
- computer tomography
- Nerve and vascular examinations or
- Dynamic foot pressure measurements with video analysis
Doctors diagnose splayfoot, for example, with visual diagnosis, x-rays and possibly other examinations to rule out other diseases.
Comparison of flat foot, hollow foot, splayfoot and kinked foot @ Henrie /AdobeStock
The right therapy for a foot condition is individual.
The following factors play a decisive role in the choice of therapy:
- Age of the patient
- Bone quality
- severity of the deformity and
- Everyday demands on the diseased foot
Before surgical treatment such as hallux valgus is even considered, the doctor first uses conservative treatment options.
These differ depending on the clinical picture: physiotherapy exercises specifically train joints, muscles, tendons and ligaments.
Some injuries and illnesses, such as fractures, require plaster cast treatment.
Swelling may subside with light compression and elevation of the foot.
Anti-inflammatory painkillers or injections of certain active ingredients are also part of the repertoire that podiatrists use to help their patients.
Last but not least, orthopaedic shoes and insoles offer relief, especially in the case of malalignment.
If conservative therapies do not help, surgical intervention is a solution. Doctors correct painful hammertoes and hallux valgus with minimally invasive procedures.
Diabetics often suffer from foot disorders: Depending on the course of the disease, surgical therapies are also sometimes necessary in more advanced stages.
The course of foot diseases varies greatly depending on the clinical picture. In principle, however, the earlier the cause of foot pain is known, the better the treatment.
A visit to the family doctor and specialist is therefore essential if foot pain without an identifiable cause makes walking a torture.
The symptoms of a heel spur often improve with conventional methods such as suitable exercises and adapted footwear.
The bunion or hallux valgus becomes worse if left untreated and can lead to osteoarthritis. Therapy can halt the progression of the deformity and also reduce the pain. If this is no longer sufficient, surgical treatment provides good or very good results for the majority of patients.
Adapted insoles from an orthopaedist help with fallen arches: They support the therapy and the correction of the deformity.
The insoles support the arch of the foot and straighten it. This in turn supports a healthy posture. All of this can lead to significant pain relief.