Forefoot Injuries
- Bunions - big toe angled inward at an unusual angle.
- Sesamoiditis - pain under the big toe joint, especially in runners and kickers.
- Morton’s neuroma - pain and numbness between the third and fourth toes caused by a nerve entrapment.
- Metatarsalgia - pain under the ball of the foot.
- Plantar fascia strain - pain along the inside of the arch.
- Stress fractures - frequently appearing in athletes and those with C-curved feet.
- Heel spur - irregular bone formation resulting from arthritic change.
- Tendonitis is also common throughout the foot from overuse.
It’s best to wear a running shoe for exercise, even if you’re just walking. Running shoes are more supportive. You might need insoles to provide extra support.
Stretch your feet by sitting with your legs in front of use. Use a towel or band to gently pull the top of your feet toward you. Lie back, bend the knee and gently pull your foot back again. Extend the leg and use the band with each foot to stretch your leg muscles. Stand with your back to the wall and lift your toes a few times. Turn around and raise your heels for a few repetitions.
Listen as Dr. Jeffrey Ross joins Melanie Cole, MS, to discuss overuse injuries to the feet.
Jeffrey A. Ross, MD, is an associate professor in the Division of Vascular Surgery and Endovascular Therapy in the Michael E. DeBakey Department of Surgery at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, TX. Dr. Ross graduated with his Doctor of Podiatric Medicine degree in 1979 from New York College of Podiatric Medicine. He later fulfilled a two-year residency with the Harris County Podiatric Residency Program, Podiatric Medicine and Surgery from 1979-1981. Dr. Ross pursued additional podiatric training by completing a fellowship in Ein Kerem, Israel in December of 1988, with the American College of Foot Surgeons. Seeking to expand his knowledge base even further, Dr. Ross graduated with his Doctor of Medicine degree from the University of Health Sciences, Antigua School of Medicine in 2003.