Rare Foot Conditions (2024)

FAQs

What are 7 common foot problems? ›

Treat conditions such as: bone disorders, bunions, corns, calluses, cysts, heel spurs, infections, ingrown nails, and plantar fasciitis.

And many foot problems, including hammertoes, blisters, bunions, corns and calluses, claw and mallet toes, ingrown toenails, toenail fungus, and athlete's foot, can develop due to neglect, ill-fitting shoes, and simple wear and tear, says Saylee Tulpule, a podiatrist who practices in Maryland and Washington D.C.

Morton neuroma, plantar fasciitis, and Achilles tendinopathy are among the most common painful foot and ankle conditions.

The Roman Foot: This foot shape, also known as the square foot, is least common, found in less than 10% of the population. It is characterized by the first 3-4 toes being aligned in length, while the remaining toes are shorter.

Lupus, and other autoimmune diseases, can affect the feet. The most common symptoms of such diseases related to the lower extremities are swelling and pain from arthritis in the ankles and feet. Raynaud's phenomenon is a common ailment of those with lupus as well.

Sever's disease is the most common cause of heel pain in growing children, especially those who play sports or exercise regularly. Also known as calcaneal apophysitis, Sever's disease occurs when the growth plate in the back of the heel becomes inflamed and painful.

Sesamoiditis is an inflammation of the sesamoid bones in the ball of the foot and the tendons they are embedded in. It's usually caused by overuse, especially by dancers, runners and athletes who frequently bear weight on the balls of their feet.

Jason Grossman and Dr. Paul A. Osem*ne, is an expert in treating these conditions and the discomfort they can cause. Two of the most common foot and ankle deformities are bunions and hammertoes.

Neurological Conditions That Affect Feet

These include such issues as peripheral neuropathy, cerebral palsy, Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease, and certain toe deformities like hammertoe, mallet toe, and claw toe.

Common systemic diseases that affect the overall health of the feet, and the patient's ability to walk comfortably, include gout, diabetes mellitus, neurological disorders, and arthritis, among others.

What are the rare foot syndromes? ›

The most common are Kohler's disease, Maffucci syndrome, and Freiberg's disease. They can be properly diagnosed by having an X-ray taken, but in more serious cases an MRI may be needed. Kohler's disease generally affects younger boys and bone deterioration may result from an interruption of blood supply.

Morton's neuroma is inflammation or thickening of the nerves between the metatarsal bones, which are the bones located between the toes. Usually found between the second, third and fourth bones of the foot, it is often caused by compression of the nerves that causes irritation and swelling.

Plantar fasciitis can cause intense heel pain. Plantar fasciitis (PLAN-tur fas-e-I-tis) is one of the most common causes of heel pain. It involves inflammation of a thick band of tissue that runs across the bottom of each foot and connects the heel bone to the toes, known as the plantar fascia.

What is Sever's disease? Sever's disease is the most common cause of heel pain in growing children, especially those who play sports or exercise regularly. Also known as calcaneal apophysitis, Sever's disease occurs when the growth plate in the back of the heel becomes inflamed and painful.

Freiberg disease is osteochondrosis affecting the metatarsal heads. Osteochondroses are a family of disorders resulting from an epiphysis injury that alters enchondral ossification and produces irregularity at the joint surface.

Mueller-Weiss syndrome is a rare condition that causes severe arch pain on the inside of your mid- and hindfoot. It's mostly found in people ages 40-60, and it's much more common in women. It's a progressive disease, meaning it gets worse over time, and it usually affects both of your feet.

Kohler disease is a rare bone disorder characterized by a painful swollen foot. The foot is especially tender along the length of the arch. It may include redness of the affected area. Putting weight on the foot or walking is difficult, causing further discomfort and a limp.