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Foot Consult

Directory of Foot & Ankle Conditions

Detailed breakdown of common, complex, and specialized podiatric conditions evaluated during our $100 online second opinions.

1. Heel & Tendon Disorders

Plantar Fasciitis & Heel Spurs

Overview: Inflammation of the fibrous band stretching along the sole of the foot, often causing sharp heel pain with morning steps.

  • Biomechanical analysis to determine exact causes of fascia tension.
  • Hybrid custom orthotic design and insertional tension management.
  • Second opinion evaluation to prevent unnecessary heel spur surgery.

Achilles Tendonitis & Tendinopathy

Overview: Degeneration or inflammation of the main calf-to-heel tendon causing stiffness and swelling along the back of the ankle.

  • Diagnostic evaluation of ultrasound/MRI for micro-tears or bone spur formation.
  • Excentric calf stretching routines and custom heel lift alignment.
  • Surgical second opinion on Achilles repair and graft recommendations.

Posterior Tibial Tendon Dysfunction (PTTD)

Overview: Progressive weakening of the tendon supporting the arch, leading to progressive flatfoot deformity and medial ankle pain.

  • Staging of arch collapse and hindfoot alignment.
  • Custom orthotics and Ankle-Foot Orthosis (AFO) bracing strategies.

Peroneal Tendonitis

Overview: Inflammation of the tendons along the outer edge of the ankle, often resulting from high arches or recurrent ankle sprains.

  • Lateral ankle stabilization and custom lateral heel wedging.
  • Rehabilitation plans to prevent chronic ankle instability.

2. Forefoot & Toe Deformities

Bunions (Hallux Valgus)

Overview: Bony prominence at the base of the big toe joint causing severe friction, pain, and lateral deviation of the toe.

  • X-ray angle measurements (IMA and HVA) to determine deformity severity.
  • Conservative orthotic unloading vs. modern minimal-incision bunionectomy reviews.

Hammertoes, Claw Toes & Mallet Toes

Overview: Abnormal bending of toe joints due to muscle imbalances, leading to painful corns, friction, and joint stiffness.

  • Differentiating flexible from rigid digital deformities.
  • Orthotic crest pads, footwear adjustments, and tenotomy evaluations.

Bunionettes (Tailor's Bunion)

Overview: Painful enlargement or outward bowing on the outer head of the 5th metatarsal bone near the pinky toe.

  • Outer forefoot padding and shoe box width modifications.
  • Osteotomy surgical second opinions.

3. Nerve Disorders & Structural Pain

Morton's Neuroma & Metatarsalgia

Overview: Nerve entrapment between the 3rd and 4th toes causing burning, electric shock sensations, or a feeling of walking on a pebble.

  • Metatarsal pad placement and forefoot pressure redistribution.
  • Second opinions on sclerosing injections vs. surgical neurectomy.

Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome

Overview: Compression of the posterior tibial nerve along the inside of the ankle causing burning, tingling, and radiating arch pain.

  • EMG/NCS test interpretation and nerve decompression reviews.
  • Custom orthotics to stabilize the tarsal tunnel region.

Foot & Ankle Osteoarthritis / Hallux Rigidus

Overview: Degenerative wear of joint cartilage leading to painful stiffness in the big toe, midfoot joints, or ankle main joint.

  • X-ray joint space analysis and bone spur assessment.
  • Rocker-bottom footwear and joint fusion vs. total joint replacement guidance.

Stress Fractures & Turf Toe

Overview: Micro-cracks in metatarsal bones from repetitive impact, or hyperextension sprains of the big toe joint capsule.

  • MRI review to confirm subtle bone marrow edema and fracture lines.
  • Immobilization protocol review and gradual return-to-activity timelines.

4. Diabetic & Dermatological Conditions

Diabetic Foot Care & Neuropathy

Overview: Nerve damage and reduced circulation leading to numbness, loss of protective sensation, and ulcer risk.

  • Offloading diabetic shoe inserts and ulcer prevention protocols.
  • Evaluation of Charcot foot joint weakness and deformity protection.

Ingrown Toenails & Fungal Nails (Onychomycosis)

Overview: Curved nail borders penetrating surrounding soft tissue (ingrowns) or fungal infections causing thickened, discolored nails.

  • Permanent matrixectomy procedural guidance.
  • Topical, oral, and laser antifungal treatment comparisons.

Corns, Calluses & Plantar Warts

Overview: Thickened skin from friction/pressure points (corns/calluses) or viral HPV infections on the sole of the foot (plantar warts).

  • Differentiating viral warts from mechanical pressure lesions.
  • Biomechanical pressure redistribution to stop recurring calluses.

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