Winter 2012 - Meritus Health

OWNER’S MANUALfeet:the body’sfoundationWith twenty-six bones,thirty-three joints, and over100 ligaments, our feet are thefoundation of our body and help us move.In one day, our feet can travel severalthousand steps. Given the intricacy ofour feet and their constant use, problemscan arise.“Foot structure is inherited and it canlead to foot problems and pain,” said ToddHarrison, DPM and physician at PodiatryAssociates of Hagerstown. But yourfootwear, activities, and lifestyle can alsocontribute to foot conditions.Foot StructureFlat feet, high arches, bunions, andhammertoes are all conditions related tostructural abnormalities of the foot. Abunion is a bony bump at the base of yourbig toe forming a misalignment of the toejoint. A hammertoe can rub against thetop of your shoe due to a bend in themiddle joint of the toe. By stepping outof the pool or shower, you can tell whetheryou’re blessed with flat feet or high arches.Most of these conditions can be treatedwith a change in footwear and insoles orcustom-made orthotics.Overuse InjuriesDr. Harrison also treats patients withstrains, sprains and fractures. But wearand tear on the foot can cause commonfoot conditions like plantar fasciitis,posterior tibialis tendonitis, metatarsalgia,Morton’s neuroma, and Tarsal Tunnelsyndrome—and with these conditions,pain usually gets worse with activity.“Foot pain, specifically plantar fasciitis,is common among people whose jobsrequire them to stand and walk a lot,”said Harrison.With plantar fasciitis, the thick bandof tissue at the bottom of foot becomesinflamed, causing a stabbing heel pain.Metatarsalgia and Morton’s neuromainvolve pain in the ball of the foot, whileTarsal Tunnel syndrome, the foot’s versionof Carpal Tunnel syndrome, involves apinched nerve that creates pressurearound the ligament and a tinglingsensation or numbness in the foot.How is Foot Pain Treated?Podiatrists take a conservative routewhen addressing foot pain. Shoe-wearmodifications, especially for neuromasand bunions, and custom-fitted orthoticscan slow down a condition’s progression.Orthotics are built according to the uniqueContinued top of page 98 MeritusHealth.com