Shin Splints

It is common to develop shin splints if you are an avid runner. They may appear after increasing the intensity of your workout or changing the surface you run on - i.e. going from running on trails to running on concrete. Most commonly, shin splints feel like a throbbing ache in your shin area. They can be caused by overused muscles, stress fractures, or flat feet. If you are experiencing this type of pain during or after your workout, it is time to consider seeing a doctor.

Rest, ice, anti-inflammatory painkillers, shin stretches and orthotics can help to heal shin splints.  Your physician may do an x-ray to see if any bones are fractured. While healing, it is best to avoid high impact workouts. Changing to something like swimming will give your body time to heal.

To help prevent this injury, wear shoes that provide the support you need. Shoes should be bases on the type of arch you have and the way you run. You should always warm up before exercising and stop if you feel pain.

Image by Chris Hunkeler. Woman Triathlete. (2013). Flickr.

Community Associated MRSA

MRSA is a bacterium that causes infections in different areas of the body. It is tough to treat because it is resistant to some antibiotics. MRSA is spread by contact and is most common among people in hospitals or nursing homes. It does however appear in healthy people who have not been hospitalized. This type of MRSA is called Community-Associated MRSA (CA-MRSA). CA-MRSA infections can develop around minor foot problems such as athlete’s foot, calluses, corns, eczema, ingrown toe nails and psoriasis. If these problems create cracks in the skin, it is possible for bacteria to get into the body. CA-MRSA can be picked up in fitness centers, schools, community pools, and other public places.

If you have infected cuts, scrapes, or cracks on your feet that are not healing in a timely manner, it should be checked out by a physician. 

Image by DLSimaging. More Feet. (2011). Flickr.

Congenital Foot Problems

There are many different types of foot problems you can experience; some are genetic and appear at birth. These conditions are called congenital foot problems. A few congenital problems include:

Clubfoot

Most types of clubfoot appear at birth, and can take on a variety of characteristics. Clubfoot is a term used for any of the following; the foot is smaller than normal, pointed downward, twisted inward at the ankle, etc. Clubfoot can affect one or both feet, can be mild or severe, and usually can be treated successfully by a physician. Treatment should begin immediately to avoid problems as the child grows.

Digital Deformities

Digital deformities include underlapping toes, overlapping toes and hammertoes. These toes that do not lay straight can cause discomfort and affect normal movement. If these are congenital problems and are discovered at birth, treatment can begin early.

Webbed Toes

Webbed/conjoined toes are the fusion of two or more toes. This does not generally cause any other health problems, so surgery is typically not necessary, but an option to discuss with your physician. 

Image by RoseAnnaDana. PB240109.sm. (2012). Flickr.

Bunionette

A bunionette is a bony protuberance on the outer side of the pinky toe. The deformity can become larger and more painful over time due to the growth of the bump. Bunionettes are most commonly developed from feet rubbing against the inside of shoes. If you are experiencing redness, swelling, pain on the outside of the pinky toe and notice a bump, it may be a bunionette. It is best to see a podiatrist to get an accurate diagnosis and a course of treatment.

Bunionettes can usually be treated non-surgically by:

• Wearing roomier shoes that do not cause friction against the area
• Padding the pinky toe
• Using custom inserts in your shoes
• Treating the inflamed area with medication like corticosteroid

If those methods do not help to alleviate your symptoms, surgery may be necessary. Surgery usually involves the removal of the painful soft tissue. 

Image by Jorge in Brazil. Feet 1. (2013). Flickr.