Achilles tendonitis: Irritation and
inflammation of the tendon that attaches to the back of the heel bone.
Bunions: Painful enlargements of the joint of either the little toe
(tailor's bunion) or the big toe.
Calluses/corns: Areas of thick, dead layers of skin. Caused by
friction and pressure from skin rubbing against bony areas when wearing shoes.
Flatfoot: A deformity of the feet, caused by
weakened muscles and ligaments of the arch.
Hammertoe: A condition, usually stemming
from muscle imbalance, in which the toe is bent in a claw, or hammer-like
position.
Heel spurs: Painful growths of bone on the
underside, front of the heel bone.
Ingrown toenail: Nails whose corners or
sides dig painfully into the skin of the toes.
Neuromas: Enlarged benign growths of nerves. They are most common
between the third and fourth toes. Caused by tissue rubbing against and
irritating the nerves.
Orthopaedics/orthopedics: The medical
specialty devoted to the diagnosis, treatment, rehabilitation and prevention of
injuries of your musculoskeletal system.
Orthopaedists/orthopedists: An orthopaedic
physician/surgeon with up to 14 years of formal education including four years
in medical school, and five years in orthopaedic residency at a major medical
center. See orthopaedics.
Plantar warts: Condition on the sole (plantar or bottom surface) of
the foot caused by a virus that may invade the foot through cuts and breaks in
the skin. Walking barefoot on dirty pavements or littered ground can expose you
to this sometimes painful skin infection.
Podiatry: The health care field that specializes in conditions and
function of the human foot. It includes examination, diagnosis and treatment by
medical and surgical methods.
Podiatrist: A podiatric physician, Doctor of Podiatric Medicine (DPM),
specializing in treatment and conditions of the foot.
Tarsals: The bones that make up the heel and
the back of the instep. There are seven tarsals in each foot. Together with the
metatarsals, they form the arch of the foot.
Talipes: Also known as clubfoot. This
serious condition of the foot is caused by shortening of muscles and tendons and
is usually a congenital deformity.
Metatarsals: The bones that form the front
of the foot's instep. There are five parallel metatarsal bones in each foot,
forming the ball of the foot. Together with the tarsals, they form the arch of
the foot.
Phalanges: The fourteen small bones that make up the toes. There are
two phalanges in each large toe, and three in each smaller toe