
16 Oct 3 Scary Sounding Foot Conditions
At Alta Ridge Foot Specialists we know it’s the season of frights and horrors with Halloween right around the corner. It seems the right season to talk about some podiatric disorders with scary names. Below are three whose names might sound frightening but are actually fairly common and very treatable.
Calcaneal Apophysitis
“My child has what?!” This scary diagnosis is frequently given to youth ages 8 to 15 who are experiencing heel pain. It’s an issue that occurs because young bones are still developing, and in the heel, a small area at the back is subject to inflammation as new bone develops. Young athletes, in particular, who do a sport that continually puts pounding stress on the heel are prime candidates for this condition which is usually alleviated with rest from activities that are causing the pain.
Onychomycosis
You are probably more familiar with the non-medical term for this disorder: toenail fungus. Signs of onychomycosis include discoloration of the nail along with chipping and crumbling edges. In some cases, the nail may separate from the bed. Laser nail fungus treatment has proven very effective in getting rid of nail fungus and making your nail look attractive again.
Subungual hematomas
A black toenail might look like part of a ghoulish costume but it’s the characteristic symptom of the condition known as subungual hematoma. The black color comes from bruising and blood that has collected under the nail. Subungual hematomas can be caused by acute trauma, such as dropping a heavy object on your toe or from a repetitive action like your foot hitting the front of your sneaker as you run. In either case, black toenails don’t usually require treatment unless they are very painful or accompanied by other symptoms.
Even common foot problems can develop into something worse if not treated promptly. If you have any of the above symptoms, make an appointment with Alta Ridge Foot Specialists at one of our three offices at 105 Chestnut Street, Mars Hill or 440 Alta Pass Highway, Spruce Pine or 2211 NC Hwy 105 Boone, NC. We are a proud member of the Instride Foot and Ankle Partnership, a statewide partnership of doctors dedicated to providing state-of-the-art care to our patients. Dr. W. Aaron Broyles, Dr. Robert L. Van Brederode and Dr. Thomas Verla and their staff look forward to serving you. Contact us today!