Foot Injuries and Pain

The human foot is a marvel of nature. It is strong and powerful yet fragile and complex. The average foot is made up of 26 bones, 38 joints, 107 ligaments and 19 muscles and tendons. All of these work together to allow us to run, jump, hop, skip and swim.

Obviously, we depend on our feet for many reasons. When they become injured, diseased, or have an abnormal condition, we can find ourselves inactive, in pain and frustrated.

Fortunately, orthopaedic foot care has significantly improved with recent advancements in technology, and Dr. Jan-Eric Esway is highly skilled in the latest methods of caring for feet. Since entering private practice, he has helped thousands of patients enjoy greater comfort, stability and flexibility.

Dr. Esway is skilled in many surgical techniques, especially those that are minimally invasive. When compared to traditional surgical procedures, minimally-invasive techniques can produce superior results, including less scarring, reduced swelling, less pain, quicker recoveries and reduced chance of infection.

Dr. Esway treats a wide variety of foot conditions in the hindfoot, midfoot and forefoot.

THE HINDFOOT, also known as the heel, is the area between the ankle and the arch of the foot. Conditions include:

• Plantar fasciitis is the inflammation of a thick ligament that runs along the bottom of the foot, usually due to overuse. Plantar fasciitis can cause pain, stiffness or burning sensations associated with walking and other activities.

• An Achilles tendon rupture occurs when the tendon is torn. This injury causes sharp, immediate pain and often happens when athletes play sports like basketball that require jumping. The Achilles tendon is the strongest in the body and connects the calf to the heel bone.

• Achilles tendonitis is an inflammation of this tendon and usually results from overuse. Symptoms include pain and swelling in the back of the heel, which typically are made worse by activities that stretch the tendon, such as bending over or walking up hills or stairs.

THE MIDFOOT runs from the ball of the foot to the heel and includes the arch. This region can suffer overuse injuries and traumas related to overuse. Conditions include:

• Arthritis is caused by the erosion of cartilage between joints. Cartilage is the smooth, fibrous tissue that covers the ends of bones allowing them to glide over each other.

• Bone breaks in the midfoot area are common. They can occur due to automobile accidents, sports injuries, falls or having a heavy object dropped on the foot. Damage to the midfoot area is serious because it plays a major role in body movement and stability.

THE FOREFOOT extends from the ball of the foot to the toes. Tight shoes, injuries, toe deformities, and nerve damage can affect this area. Conditions include:

• Bunions are a common and easily-recognized foot condition. They appear as a prominence at the big toe's base.

• Toe Deformities are a source of pain. They may be caused by injuries, disease and choice of footwear. They typically develop over time.

• Neuromas are a source of pain in the ball of the foot and result from nerve inflammation. Non-surgical treatments are usually successful.

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