Patient Education
Welcome to the Patient Education Library of SureStep Foot & Ankle Medical Center
We invite you to explore our comprehensive list of resources and educational materials designed to help educate you about your podiatric condition or treatment. Simply click on a topic below to learn more.
If you have any questions or concerns regarding your condition or treatment, please feel free to contact SureStep in Cincinnati, Ohio at (513) 489-2400. To request an appointment, use our secure online appointment request form.
This information is intended for educational and informational purposes only. It should not be used in place of an individual consultation, examination or the medical advice of your doctor. This information should not be relied upon to determine a diagnosis or course of treatment.
Podiatry A-Z
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Did You Know?
Strong tissues, called ligaments, connect your leg and foot bones together. One ligament, called the Lateral Collateral Ligament (LCL), is very susceptible to ankle sprains.
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A Guide To Arthroscopy
Arthroscopic Surgery is a procedure that allows surgeons to see, diagnose, and treat problems inside a joint. The procedure, also called an Arthroscopy, requires only small incisions and is guided by a miniature viewing instrument or scope. Before arthroscopy existed, ... Read More
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Achilles Tendon Tear & Repair
The Achilles tendon is the most powerful tendon in the human body. Tendons are strong tissues that connect muscles to bone. The Achilles tendon is located in the lower back part of the leg and works with the calf muscles ... Read More
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Ankle Sprain
Ankle Sprains are a very common injury that can happen to anyone. Your ankles support your entire body weight and are vulnerable to instability. Walking on an uneven surface or wearing the wrong shoes can cause a sudden loss of ... Read More
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Arthritis
Arthritis is a common disease that causes joint pain, stiffness, immobility, and swelling. Arthritis is actually a term for a group of over 100 diseases that affect the muscle and skeletal system, particularly the joints. Arthritis alters the cartilage in ... Read More
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Athletes Foot
Athletes are not the only people who can get athlete’s foot. A fungus that thrives in warm environments, such as poolside surfaces and locker rooms, causes the skin infection to develop between the toes or on the soles of the ... Read More
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Bunion
Bunions are a common foot deformity, especially in females. They most frequently result from wearing shoes that are too small and or have a high heel. Abnormal pressure from poor fitting shoes causes the bones in the big toe and ... Read More
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Bunionette
A bunionette is a bump that occurs near the base of the little toe on the foot. They are not as common as bunions, a similar condition that develops near the base of the big toe. However, people with bunionettes ... Read More
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Claw Toe
Claw toe most frequently develops in older women. It causes the joint at the base of the toe to bend upward and the other joints on the toe to bend downward in the shape of a claw. Claw toe may be ... Read More
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Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) - Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy (RSD)
Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) is a type of chronic pain syndrome. CRPS was formerly called reflex sympathetic dystrophy (RSD) and shoulder-hand syndrome. CRPS causes severe burning pain and possible eventual deterioration of an affected arm or leg. The cause ... Read More
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Corns
Corns are small raised thick areas that develop on the tops of the feet or toes. Corns occur because of friction from wearing poorly fitting shoes or as the result of foot deformities. It is best to consult a podiatrist, ... Read More
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Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) - Blood Clots in Deep Veins
A deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a blood clot that forms in the deep large veins of the pelvis, legs, thighs, or arms. A DVT can reduce or block the flow of blood in a vein. It may dislodge and ... Read More
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Diabetes - Type 1
Diabetes is a disease that affects how the body uses glucose, a sugar that is used as a source of fuel for the body. Normally, the hormone insulin helps glucose enter the cells where it is used for energy. People ... Read More
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Diabetes - Type 2 & Pre-Diabetes
Type 2 diabetes, also known as non-insulin dependent diabetes is the most common form of diabetes. Diabetes is a disease that affects how the body uses glucose, a sugar that is a source of fuel. Normally, the hormone insulin helps ... Read More
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Diabetic Foot
Foot problems are a common complication of Diabetes. Diabetes is a disease that affects how the body uses glucose, a sugar that is a source of fuel for the body. Normally, insulin, a hormone, helps glucose get into ... Read More
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Ganglion Cysts - Foot - Podiatry
Ganglion cysts are a common condition that can develop on the top or bottom of the foot. They are not harmful or cancerous, although they may cause discomfort. Ganglion cysts that are painful or interfere with walking are treated with ... Read More
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Gout
Gout is a disorder that can cause sudden joint pain. It occurs most commonly in the big toe, although it may affect other joints. The buildup of uric acid, a substance found naturally in the body and in certain foods, ... Read More
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Hallux (Great Toe) Rigidus
Your big toes help you maintain balance. They receive a huge amount of stress each time you walk, stand, squat, or climb stairs. People with degenerative arthritis may develop a condition called hallux rigidus, meaning a “stiff big toe.” Hallux ... Read More
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Hammer Toe - Podiatry
Hammertoe most commonly affects the second toe on the foot. It causes the middle joint to bend. Hammertoe is most frequently caused by structural problems in the toe or from wearing poor fitting shoes. It is important to diagnose and ... Read More
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Heel Cracks
Cracked heels (heel fissures) are a common foot condition. The condition develops in dry skin or calluses on the heel if there is too much pressure on the skin. Moisturizing creams, clinical skin treatments, heel cups, or insoles can help. ... Read More
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Heel Pain - Podiatry
Your heels bear tons of pressure each day when you stand and walk. It’s no wonder that heel pain is a common complaint. Heel pain occurs for a variety of reasons, from wearing the wrong type of shoes to abnormal ... Read More
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Heel Spurs - Podiatry
Heel spurs are abnormal bony growths that develop at the back or under the heel as a result of ongoing soft tissue inflammation or irritation. The inflammation, more so than the heel spur, can cause significant pain. Fortunately, symptoms can be ... Read More
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Hindfoot Fracture (Heel/Ankle Joint)
It takes a lot of force to fracture the bones in the hindfoot. A fracture is a broken bone. Injuries most frequently result from car crashes or falls from a height. Fractures may occur in the heel or the bone located ... Read More
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Ingrown Toenails
Ingrown toenails are a common condition in adults. They occur when the corner of a toenail grows into the skin or when the skin grows over the toenail. Ingrown toenails cause pain and swelling. If left untreated, they can lead ... Read More
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Lisfranc Fracture Dislocation (Midfoot) - Podiatry
A Lisfranc fracture occurs in the bones of the midfoot. The fracture results from dropping something heavy on the foot or twisting the foot during sports or an accident. If you suspect you have a Lisfranc fracture, you should see ... Read More
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Mallet Toe
Mallet toe most commonly affects the longest toe on the foot, although any toe can be affected. It causes the joint closest to the tip of the toe to bend downward. Mallet toe is most frequently caused by structural problems ... Read More
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Metatarsal Fracture (Forefoot)
Your forefoot acts as a springboard with each step you take and a cushion when your foot touches the ground. The metatarsal bones located in the forefoot bear and shift your body weight to help maintain balance. Jumping, twisting, dancing, ... Read More
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Morton's Neuroma (Foot)
Morton’s Neuroma is a painful foot condition. It occurs when a nerve near the toes becomes compressed and inflamed. If diagnosed early, many cases of Morton’s Neuroma can be treated without surgery. However, surgery for the condition has a high ... Read More
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Neuropathy - Nerve Pain
Neuropathy, also referred to as neuralgia or neuritis, is a type of pain that involves the nerves. Neuropathy results from nerve degeneration, pressure, inflammation, or infection. There are several causes of neuropathy, including carpal tunnel syndrome, pinched nerves, spinal stenosis, ... Read More
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Orthotics
Orthotics are shoe inserts that are used to correct an irregular walking pattern. They perform functions that make standing, walking, and running more comfortable and efficient, by altering slightly the angles at which the foot strikes a walking or running ... Read More
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Peripheral Artery Disease - Poor Circulation
Peripheral artery disease (PAD), also referred to as arteriosclerosis of the extremities and peripheral vascular disease, is a condition that causes poor blood circulation to the kidneys, intestines, arms, legs, and feet. Blood flow may be reduced or blocked by ... Read More
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Peripheral Neuropathy
Peripheral neuropathy is a symptom rather than a disease in itself. It occurs when nerves are damaged resulting in pain and loss of function, such as motor movement or the sense of touch. Peripheral neuropathy commonly develops in the longest ... Read More
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Plantar Fasciitis - Podiatry
Plantar fasciitis is a painful foot condition. It occurs when connective tissue at the bottom of the foot, called the plantar fascia, is irritated and inflamed. The condition commonly occurs among people who spend a lot of time on their ... Read More
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Plantar Warts (Warts on Feet)
Plantar warts are small growths that appear on the bottom of the foot. A virus causes plantar warts. They are contagious and can be spread from person to person. Plantar warts should not be treated with over-the-counter treatments. A doctor should ... Read More
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Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Therapy
Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Therapy is a cutting-edge procedure that is revolutionizing the field of orthopedic medicine. PRP therapy is a new treatment that relieves pain and promotes long lasting healing of musculoskeletal conditions. PRP Therapy uses components of the body’s ... Read More
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Posterior Tibial Tendon Dysfunction - Acquired Flatfoot
Posterior tibial tendon dysfunction, also known as acquired flatfoot, results when the tendon at the back of the ankle is inflamed or torn. It is a progressive condition that can eventually lead to a fallen arch or flatfoot. Advanced cases, or those ... Read More
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Sesamoid Fracture & Sesamoiditis (Big Toe)
The sesamoids are two small bones near the base of the big toe. They help to bear weight and act as pulleys to help move your big toe when you walk. Too much repetitive pressure, force, or tension can cause ... Read More
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Shin Splints
Shin splints is a term to describe pain at the front or lower inside edge of the leg. The pain is most frequently caused by muscle overuse, improper form when exercising, or wearing the wrong type of athletic shoes. Most ... Read More
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Sports Medicine and Fitness Training
The benefits of exercise and fitness are well known. Physical activity is essential for overall health, injury prevention, rehabilitation, and quality of life. Sports medicine is a science that involves a team of specially trained health professionals from a wide ... Read More
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Sprains & Strains
Sprains and strains are common injuries that can happen to anyone, but occur most frequently in people who participate in sports, perform repetitive activities, or are at-risk for falls. Sprains involve the tissues that connect bones together (ligaments). Strains involve ... Read More
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Stress Fracture - Leg and Foot
Stress fractures are tiny hairline breaks in the bone. They tend to develop in the legs or feet of dancers, athletes, or military personnel who exercise when their muscles are fatigued or when their bodies are not yet conditioned to ... Read More
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Tendonitis
Tendonitis is an inflammatory condition that can develop in a tendon. Tendons are strong fibers that connect your muscles to your bones. Tendonitis most frequently results from overuse of a joint. Symptoms include pain and tenderness. Most cases of tendonitis ... Read More
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Toe (Phalange) Fracture
Toe fractures can certainly hurt, but they are rarely incapacitating. Toe fractures most frequently result from trauma. The majority of toe fractures heal without surgery. ... Read More
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Toenail Fungus
Not only is toenail fungus unsightly, but it is difficult to treat. You should consult a podiatrist at the first sign of toenail fungus, such as white or yellow spots on the nails. Your doctor will provide treatments to help stop ... Read More
Copyright © - iHealthSpot Interactive - www.iHealthSpot.com
This information is intended for educational and informational purposes only. It should not be used in place of an individual consultation or examination or replace the advice of your health care professional and should not be relied upon to determine diagnosis or course of treatment.
The iHealthSpot patient education library was written collaboratively by the iHealthSpot editorial team which includes Senior Medical Authors Dr. Mary Car-Blanchard, OTD/OTR/L and Valerie K. Clark, and the following editorial advisors: Steve Meadows, MD, Ernie F. Soto, DDS, Ronald J. Glatzer, MD, Jonathan Rosenberg, MD, Christopher M. Nolte, MD, David Applebaum, MD, Jonathan M. Tarrash, MD, and Paula Soto, RN/BSN. This content complies with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information. The library commenced development on September 1, 2005 with the latest update/addition on February 16, 2022. For information on iHealthSpot’s other services including medical website design, visit www.iHealthSpot.com.
