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.