BUNIONS
A bunion is a localized painful swelling at the base of the big toe -- a medical condition known as Hallux Valgus. Caused by the tilting of the bit toe towards the smaller toes, it is usually characterized by a bump that is red, swollen and/or painful at the base of the big toe (near the joint). A less common bunion is located at the joint at the base of the smallest (fifth) toe, which is sometimes referred to as a tailor’s bunion. There are many causes of bunions, but the primary one is tight, ill-fitting shoes, shoes that constrict the forefoot over a long period of time.

CALLUSES & CORNS
Calluses and corns are the most common conditions on the skin of the foot. A corn, which is a thickening and hardening of the outer layer of skin, usually occurs on the tops of the toes. Calluses, which are the same condition on the bottom of the feet, are caused by repetitive friction and excessive pressure. Calluses normally form on the ball or heel of the foot. A severe form of callus is considered an IPK (Intractable Plantar Keratosis). These conditions are usually painful and can respond to conservative care.

HAMMER TOES
Hammer toes (a.k.a., claw toes, and mallet toes) are when the toes become crooked, bent, or buckle under in a hammer-like position causing joints to protrude. This usually causes pain at the top of the toe where it rubs against the inside of the shoe and can result corns. Since there is usually an increased pressure under the ball of the foot, calluses commonly form. Hammer toes, medically known as exostosis (bone spurs), could also be grouped under arthritis. Hammer toes, bone spurs, and exostosis are all a result of an imbalance of the muscle structures of the toes causing a biomechanical imbalance.

HEEL SPURS
Heel spurs are painful overgrowths of bone on the bottom front of the heel bone. The heel spur is usually a result of an inflamed ligament (plantar fascia) on the bottom of the foot that attaches to the heel bone. Constant abnormal pulling of this ligament irritates the heel bone and the body lays down a bone spur as a protective mechanism. Heel spurs at the back of the heel are frequently associated with inflammation of the Achilles tendon (tendonitis) and cause tenderness and pain at the back of the heel made worse while pushing off the ball of the foot.

MORTON'S NEUROMA
A Morton's Neuroma is a swollen, inflamed nerve located between the bones at the ball of the foot (usually either the second or the third spacing from the base of the great toe). It is caused by compression of the nerve of sensation between the ends of the metatarsal bones at the base of the toes and causes a "burning" sharp pain on the bottom of the foot in the involved area. The pain of a Morton's Neuroma can radiate to the nearby toes and is usually increased by walking or when the ball of the foot is squeezed together and decreased with massaging. It may force a person to stop walking. Symptoms of a Morton's Neuroma can completely resolve with simple treatments, such as resting the foot and better fitting shoes (use of custom insoles).

PLANTAR FASCIITIS
Plantar Fasciitis is the most common cause of heel pain. On the bottom (plantar) surface of the foot, a thick ligament-like band (fascia) runs from the toes to the heel. This plantar fascia stretches with standing, running and jumping; and may become irritated or inflamed where it attaches to the heel, producing heel pain and plantar fasciitis. This condition can sometimes be confused with heel spurs. Common symptoms of plantar fasciitis are severe pain in the bottom of the heel, especially in the morning with your first steps, or upon getting up after sitting for a while. The pain may be sharp, burning and cause a limp. Custom insoles are often prescribed in treatment of this condition.

Pronation (low arch, flat)
This is a complex inward motion around the joint beneath the ankle. These associated symptoms benefit from supportive custom insoles.

Supination (high arch, cavus)
Just as in pronation this is a motion around the joint beneath the ankle in a outward motion. These symptoms benefit from the support of custom insoles.