FOOT HEALTH INFORMATION
Superfeet wants to keep you healthy and active all day, every day. Read up on common lower leg ailments such as plantar fasciitis, bunions, blisters and Patella Tendonitis below. Use the key word search or search alphabetically by clicking on a letter.
If you are experiencing pain, we recommend visiting your family doctor or podiatrist immediately.
Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis is the deterioration of cartilage within joints whether it is the hand, hip, knee, ankle or foot. Cartilage covers the end of bones and allows two bones to glide over one another within a joint. If the cartilage becomes damaged, the process of degenerative joint disease, or osteoarthritis, begins. Factors that significantly contribute to osteoarthritis are trauma, overuse, aging and structural abnormalities. Pain, stiffness and loss of flexibility are typical symptoms. One of the most common sites of osteoarthritis in the foot is the big toe joint and because of this, the joint becomes stiff and does not bend properly. The diagnosis of osteoarthritis can be made with an X-ray. Bone spurring and joint space narrowing are common X-ray findings. Steroid injections, anti-inflammatories, orthotics and shoe modifications are used conservatively. If the pain becomes severe enough, surgery to repair or replace the joint may be indicated.
James D. Yakel, D.P.M.Associate, American Academy of Podiatric Sports Medicine
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