The most common reason people will seek medical attention for their feet or ankles is because of pain. If not treated properly foot or ankle problems can eventually spread to the knee, hip or back, as well as other skeletal structures.
At the Spokane Foot Clinic you will find podiatrist physicians who are specially trained to diagnose and clinically treat your foot or ankle problems. They will develop a treatment plan to meet the specific needs of the patient. Below is a list of the most common problems and procedures with the foot and ankle.
FOOT SURGERY
Pain and discomfort in your feet and ankles can be helped with podiatric surgery. Conservative treatment, such as a protective pad or cushion, only alleviates your pain temporarily.
Reconstructive foot surgery can correct conditions that are caused by improper footwear, physical stress, accident, infection, neoplastic and arthritic disorders, and inherited problems at birth.
Surgery can help alleviate pain from prains, fractures, bunions, warts, corns, flatfeet and other common problems.
SHOCKWAVE THERAPY & HEEL PAIN
A new outpatient procedure is available to treat your chronic heel pain. Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (ESWT) can be performed to relieve the pain and return you to normal daily activities after a short recovery without the risks or complications associated with invasive surgery.
The plantar fascia is a band of connective tissue beneath the skin at the bottom of the foot. Plantar fasciitis is a common condition caused by overuse or injury to this area. Symptoms include sharp heel pain, buring in the sole of the foot, recurring foot pain that is especially present in the morning or after sitting.
There are a number of predisposing factors including the way you walk, obesity, poorly fitting shoes, minor trauma, occupational risks and a change in your exercise program. Although everyone is at risk, plantar fasciitis is most commonly found in athletes, runners, overweight individuals, or thos required to stand on hard surfaces for prolonged periods.
ESWT is an appropriate treatment option for approximately 5 to 10 percent of people suffering from planar fasciitis - most others are treatable with therapies that are more conservative.
 BUNION and HAMMERTOE
"Bunion" is a lay term describing a painful swelling of the soft tissue overlying the big toe of the foot. The deformity arises when a progressive dislocation of the joint causes the big toe to drift toward the second toe. Simultaneously, the first metatarsal bone separates or spreads in the opposite direction, creating a bony enlargement on the inside of the foot. The pain and swelling you experience with a bunion are a result of shoe pressure against the bony prominence.
There are two ways to treat bunions, live with the problem and avoid excessive shoe pressure or correct the problem with surgery. Bunion surgery is categorized into three category types which depends upon the type of bunion deformity. Surgery is performed as an outpatient procedure. Most patients will be able to return to full activity in three months.
A "Hammertoe" is a term used to describe a crooked, deviated, or contracted toe. Although the condition usually stems from muscle imbalance, it is often aggravated by poor-fitting shoes or socks that cramp the toes. Over a period of years, the tendons that move the toe up and down begin to pull the toe with unequal tension, and the toe then begins to buckle or become contracted. Normally hammertoes by themselves are not painful, but with foot wear the prominent knuckle of the toe rubs the shoe, producing an area of irritation which eventually forms a corn. Hammertoes can be treated with protective pads, orthotic devices, medication and also surgically.
SPRAINS & FRACTURES
If an injury to your ankle doesn't result in a fracture, then it is likely sprained. An ankle sprain is a common injury, especially during sporting activities, and results in the stretching or tearing of the ligaments in the ankle. Usually all sprains occur on the outside of the ankle joints. Ankle sprains commonly happen from twisting your ankle, but some people are more prone to them due to their bone structure. We will examine your ankle and x-rays might be taken to see if there are other injuries or problems with your ankle.
A fracture (break) of your ankle usually happens due to a fall, an accident or hard blow. There are different types of fractures that occur depending upon the severity of the injury. Spiral, hairline, open, crushed bones are names used to describe fractures. We are experts in fracture care and will perform x-rays to determine the type fracture you have. Casting of the fracture, a walking boot, brace or splint are used to hold the bone in place during healing.
 ATHLETE'S FOOT
When your feet work up a sweat on a regular basis there is a risk of athlete's foot. Contrary to popular belief, walking barefoot in places like public showers, swimming pools, and locker rooms is not the primary wat to catch athlete's foot, but it can be a contributing factor. Tight-fitting shoes or socks, sweaty or damp feet, and a warm climate make for a setting for the fungi that causes athlete's foot to grow.
This common condition affects athletes and nonathletes alike. The most common signs and symptoms are cracked, blistered, and peeling in areas between the toes. Redness and scalling may appears on the soles of the feet. The foot may experience intense itching and burning.
If athlete's foot is ignored the infection can spread t oother parts of the body or in some cases lead to more serious skin problems. Seeking medical attention when you think you may have this condition is the best plan of attack.
Chances of catching Athlete's foot may be lowered by following some simple rules. Wash your feet daily. Dry your feet thoroughly, especially in between toes. Avoid tight footwear. Wear cotton socks and change them daily or more frequently if they become damp. Dust an antifungal powder into your shoes in the summertime. Clean bathroom mats and floors regularly.
INGROWN NAILS
Ingrown toenails are quite common in all age groups. It is a result of a nail growing into the skin that surrounds it. The improper trimming of the nails, tight shoes, or injury to the nail can cause ingrown toenails. Often they seem to occur for no reason at all.
If they become infected, you should soak them in warm water and Epsom salts, apply an antibiotic ointment and make an appointment to have them treated. Treatment is simple and painless in most situations. You can resume normal daily activities within a day.
 NEUROMA
Commonly called a Morton's neuroma, this problem begins when the outer coating of a nerve in your foot thickens. This condition has a number of different symptoms and side effects.
The most common symptoms are:
Burning and stinging between the toes radiating toward the ball of the foot.
An acute stabbing pain in the foot that comes and goes.
Numbness and tingling of the toes.
Sudden cramps or pain in the forefoot.
Some of the side symptoms associated with these neuromas are leg aches, low back pain with muscle spasm, chronic fatigue, a feeling of nervous tension, and cramps in the arch.
Although medication, physical therapy, injections, and arch supports may offer a temporary decrease in symptoms, the only permanent relief is minor outpatient surgery.
CORNS & CALLUSES
Painful corns have probably caused more foot pain and misery than any other single problem. The cause is usually a bone enlargement or a spur. Sometimes the toe will not lie down because of a contracted tendon: this is known as hammertoe. The shoe cannot fit comfortably over the toe and the patient suffers the agony of a viselike squeeze of the skin between a prominent bone and the shoe.
Calluses spread across your foot or along the outer edge of the heal or big toe. Treatment for these two conditions usually requires a change of shoes and/or use of orthotics, which cushion these problems. Surgery is another alternative if corns or calluses become too severe.
DIABETES
Diabetes is a disturbance in the utilization and storage of the dextrose (sugar) molecule by the body. The importance to the feet is this: body resistance is lowered and the circulation is affected, causing tissues to heal less rapidly. For people with diabetes, a lot of attention is focused on foot care.
If you have diabetes, you must take special care of your feet because they are susceptible to infection which can lead to serious foot problems including possible amputation. For those with diabetes, please follow these suggestions:
- Proper washing / drying of
feet (blot, not rub), paying particular attention between toes
- Use of an approved powder
after bathing
- Proper trimming of the
nails
- Application of mild soaps
and oils
- Soft comfortable shoes and
stockings
- Regular physical checkups
by your primary physician
- Routine visits to our
office
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