Freiberg’s disease is a painful foot condition that affects the metatarsal bones, most often the second metatarsal located near the base of the toes. It occurs when the blood supply to the bone is disrupted, leading to tissue damage and collapse of the bone surface. Causes may include repetitive stress, trauma, or genetic predisposition, and it most often develops in adolescents and young adults. Symptoms include pain in the ball of the foot, swelling, stiffness, and difficulty bearing weight or wearing shoes comfortably. A podiatrist can help by diagnosing the condition, providing orthotics, recommending activity modifications, or discussing surgical options in severe cases. If you have persistent foot pain, it is suggested that you promptly consult a podiatrist who can accurately diagnose the problem and offer effective relief and management solutions.

Some foot conditions may require additional professional care. If you have any concerns, contact one of out podiatrists of Alta Ridge Foot Specialist. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Rare Foot Conditions

The majority of foot conditions are common and can be treated by a podiatrist.  Standard diagnostic procedures are generally used to identify specific conditions and treatment can be rendered. A podiatrist also treats rare foot conditions which can be difficult to diagnose and may need extra attention and care. 

There are many rare foot conditions that can affect children. Some of these can include:

• Freiberg’s disease
• Kohler’s disease
• Maffucci syndrome

Freiberg’s disease - This can be seen as a deterioration and flattening of a metatarsal bone that exists in the ball of the foot. It typically affects pre-teen and teenage girls, but can affect anyone at any age. Symptoms that can accompany this can be swelling, stiffness, and the patient may limp. 

Kohler’s disease - This often targets the bone in the arch of the foot and affects younger boys. It can lead to an interruption of the blood supply which ultimately can lead to bone deterioration. The patient may limp or experience tenderness, swelling, and redness.

Maffucci syndrome - This affects the long bones in a child’s foot leading to the development of abnormal bone lesions. They are benign growths and typically develop in early childhood and the bones may be susceptible to breaking. 

A podiatrist can properly diagnose and treat all types of rare foot conditions. If your child is affected by any of these symptoms or conditions, please don’t hesitate to call our office so the correct treatment method can begin.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Mars Hill, Spruce Pine, and Boone, NC . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Sinus tarsi syndrome is a painful condition affecting the lateral, or outer side of the foot, specifically in the sinus tarsi, a small cavity located between the talus and calcaneus bones. This syndrome often develops after an ankle sprain or from repetitive strain, leading to inflammation and instability in the area. People with flat feet or those engaged in activities involving quick turns and uneven surfaces, like runners and dancers, are more prone to sinus tarsi syndrome. Symptoms typically include tenderness, a feeling of instability, and a dull, persistent pain on the outer foot, which can worsen with activity or while walking on uneven ground. Diagnosis involves a physical examination, often followed by imaging, such as MRI scans to confirm. Treatment options include rest, anti-inflammatory medications, and supportive orthotics. In more severe cases, steroid injections or surgery may be recommended for lasting relief. If you have pain on the outer part of your foot, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and treatment.

Ankle pain can be caused by a number of problems and may be potentially serious. If you have ankle pain, consult with one of out podiatrists from Alta Ridge Foot Specialist. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Ankle pain is any condition that causes pain in the ankle. Due to the fact that the ankle consists of tendons, muscles, bones, and ligaments, ankle pain can come from a number of different conditions.

Causes

The most common causes of ankle pain include:

• Types of arthritis (rheumatoid, osteoarthritis, and gout)
• Ankle sprains
• Broken ankles
• Achilles tendonitis
• Achilles tendon rupture
• Stress fractures
• Bursitis
• Tarsal tunnel syndrome
• Plantar fasciitis

Symptoms

Symptoms of ankle injury vary based upon the condition. Pain may include general pain and discomfort, swelling, aching, redness, bruising, burning or stabbing sensations, and/or loss of sensation.

Diagnosis

Due to the wide variety of potential causes of ankle pain, podiatrists will utilize a number of different methods to properly diagnose ankle pain. This can include asking for personal and family medical histories and of any recent injuries. Further diagnosis may include sensation tests, a physical examination, and potentially x-rays or other imaging tests.

Treatment

Just as the range of causes varies widely, so do treatments. Some more common treatments are rest, ice packs, keeping pressure off the foot, orthotics and braces, medication for inflammation and pain, and surgery.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Mars Hill, Spruce Pine, and Boone, NC . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Rheumatoid arthritis can significantly impact the feet and cause pain, swelling, and stiffness that can interfere with daily life. Education plays an important role in helping individuals manage these challenges effectively. Learning how the disease affects joints allows patients to better understand flare-ups and long-term changes. Wearing proper footwear with supportive cushioning can reduce pressure on tender joints, while custom orthotics may provide additional relief. Low-impact exercises such as swimming or cycling are often encouraged to maintain mobility without putting stress on the feet. Regular monitoring by a podiatrist can help detect changes early and prevent deformities from worsening. Self-care strategies such as warm soaks or gentle stretching may also ease discomfort. If rheumatoid arthritis is affecting your feet, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist to explore supportive treatment options and provide further guidance on this condition.

Because RA affects more than just your joints, including the joints in your feet and ankles, it is important to seek early diagnosis from your podiatrist if you feel like the pain in your feet might be caused by RA. For more information, contact one of out podiatrists of Alta Ridge Foot Specialist. Our doctors will assist you with all of your podiatric concerns.

What Is Rheumatoid Arthritis?

Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disorder in which the body’s own immune system attacks the membranes surrounding the joints. Inflammation of the lining and eventually the destruction of the joint’s cartilage and bone occur, causing severe pain and immobility.

Rheumatoid Arthritis of the Feet

Although RA usually attacks multiple bones and joints throughout the entire body, almost 90 percent of cases result in pain in the foot or ankle area.

Symptoms

• Swelling and pain in the feet
• Stiffness in the feet
• Pain on the ball or sole of feet
• Joint shift and deformation

Diagnosis

Quick diagnosis of RA in the feet is important so that the podiatrist can treat the area effectively. Your doctor will ask you about your medical history, occupation, and lifestyle to determine the origin of the condition. Rheumatoid Factor tests help to determine if someone is affected by the disease.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Mars Hill, Spruce Pine, and Boone, NC . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Ingrown toenails develop when the corner or edge of a toenail grows into the skin beside it, most often affecting the big toe. Several factors can contribute to the formation of ingrown toenails. Trimming toenails too short or curving them at the edges can direct the nail into the skin. Naturally curved or thickened nails may also increase the risk. Shoes that are too tight or narrow can compress the toes and force the nail edges downward. Repeated toe injuries, such as stubbing or dropping a heavy object on it, also may trigger the problem.  Additionally, sweaty feet and prolonged athletic activities, especially sports that involve kicking or pressure on the toes, can make ingrown toenails more likely. When left untreated, pain, swelling, and infection can occur. A podiatrist can evaluate the severity of the ingrown toenail and provide treatment, which may include nail correction or surgery, if necessary. If you are experiencing pain around your toenails, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an evaluation and appropriate treatment.

Ingrown toenails can become painful if they are not treated properly. For more information about ingrown toenails, contact one of out podiatrists of Alta Ridge Foot Specialist. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Ingrown Toenails

Ingrown toenails occur when a toenail grows sideways into the bed of the nail, causing pain, swelling, and possibly infection.

Causes

• Bacterial infections
• Improper nail cutting such as cutting it too short or not straight across
• Trauma to the toe, such as stubbing, which causes the nail to grow back irregularly
• Ill-fitting shoes that bunch the toes too close together
• Genetic predisposition

Prevention

Because ingrown toenails are not something found outside of shoe-wearing cultures, going barefoot as often as possible will decrease the likeliness of developing ingrown toenails. Wearing proper fitting shoes and using proper cutting techniques will also help decrease your risk of developing ingrown toenails.

Treatment

Ingrown toenails are a very treatable foot condition. In minor cases, soaking the affected area in salt or antibacterial soaps will not only help with the ingrown nail itself, but also help prevent any infections from occurring. In more severe cases, surgery is an option. In either case, speaking to your podiatrist about this condition will help you get a better understanding of specific treatment options that are right for you.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Mars Hill, Spruce Pine, and Boone, NC . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.