Having pain during walking or jumping is a sign of foot deformities. A common foot condition occurs when the shape of your foot is misaligned from its natural structure, causing pain and discomfort during walking. Knowing the type of foot deformity you have can help you determine what treatment options are appropriate for managing your symptoms. Learn important facts about foot deformities in this article. Get a consultation with the best Podiatrists in Brooklyn.
What are foot deformities?
Foot deformities come in various shapes and sizes. All of these may be present at birth, while others may develop later in life. This variation in the foot causes pain, discomfort, and difficulty with mobility.
Treatment may be necessary for some foot conditions, depending on the severity of the deformity. Surgery may be necessary to correct a slightly deformed foot, but a more severe foot deformity may require special bracing and orthotics.
Common Malformations
Orthopedic doctors can advise you on the best way to fix a misaligned foot if you’re worried about it.
The following are some of the most common foot deformities:
- Bunions
One of the most painful foot deformities is the bunion. They are more common in women and can be caused by wearing shoes that don’t fit properly, putting an excessive amount of pressure on the feet. When this happens, the big toe’s bones move out of place, causing swelling and irritation.
A hard, bony lump forms at the base of the big toe in a bunion. One of the toes begins to point toward the other toes. The feet become inflamed on the side or bottom (which is often worse when walking and wearing shoes).
If the condition is severe, treatment options may differ. Depending on the severity of your condition, an orthopedist may recommend inserts (orthotics) or even surgery.
- Claw Toe, Hammer Toe, and Mallet Toe
This condition usually affects the second toe (the one immediately following the big toe), resulting in a “hammer”-shaped joint where the middle joint points up. Claw toe is a similar condition, and it is most common in women over 50. The toes form a claw-like shape as they bend downward.
If you have a mallet toe, it can affect any toe on your foot and cause a downward bend in the joint closest to the toenail. Hammertoe and mallet toe are most commonly caused by wearing too-tight shoes or shoes that don’t fit properly.
- Pes Planus (Flat Feet)
In most cases, we are born with flat feet, but as we grow older, our bones and joints begin to round out. It is possible to have flexible flat feet, in which arches of the feet disappear while standing, but reappear while sitting. Flatfoot is a common childhood condition, but it usually goes away on its own, and most children don’t experience any symptoms.
It can be excruciatingly painful if you have flat feet. Surgery may be recommended if orthotics and arch supports fail to alleviate your pain.
- Pes Cavus (Arches with High Height)
The sole of the foot is defined as having a high arch if it appears raised or hollow when bearing weight. An underlying neurological, orthopedic, or neuromuscular condition may be to blame for these symptoms.
It’s not as common as flatfoot, but the compression of the metatarsal bones can cause pain and lead to limited function, making it difficult to walk. Surgery may be necessary if the symptoms are so severe that physical therapy is ineffective.
Our health experts specialize in podiatry cases
The podiatrist experts at Doral Health & Wellness are always ready to help if you’re suffering from foot pain or reduced function due to a foot deformity. When you experience foot pain, you should seek medical attention right away to prevent the problem from getting worse. Trauma to the tendons, muscles, and bones of the foot is quite common. It’s not a good idea to put off seeing Foot Doctor Brooklyn until you are in a lot of pain. Our address is 1797 Pitkin Avenue, New York, NY 11212. To make an appointment, please call + 1 718 367 2555 or send an email to info@doralhw.org.
