Bessel-Hagen disease, also called hereditary multiple osteochondromas, is a rare condition where bony growths called osteochondromas form near the ends of bones. These growths often appear in childhood and can affect many parts of the skeleton, including the feet and ankles. When present in the lower limbs, these bony outgrowths may alter alignment and put added stress on surrounding joints. In the feet, Bessel-Hagen disease can lead to pain, stiffness, and changes in the way a person walks. Growths that press on nerves or blood vessels may cause numbness, swelling, or tenderness. In children, osteochondromas near growth plates may interfere with normal bone development, sometimes leading to uneven limb lengths or changes in foot posture. Although these growths are benign, they can limit mobility and, in rare cases, may become malignant. Because the condition can create ongoing complications, regular monitoring is important. If symptoms affect daily movement or comfort, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for an evaluation and management.

Some foot conditions may require additional professional care. If you have any concerns, contact Cathy Coker, DPM of Arch Advantage Foot & Ankle Center. Our doctor 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 office located in Indianapolis, IN . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

A common form of foot surgery is performed on the toes. It can be done to improve a toe deformity, remove joint pain originating from the toes, or to repair a broken toe. The surgery technique may involve lengthening the tendons that may have become shorter if hammertoe has developed, or the shape of the bone may be changed to a correct position. The recovery process may consist of resting and elevating the foot to reduce existing swelling, and practicing a gentle stretching and exercise regime may accelerate the healing process and allow you to resume everyday activities. If you are interested in learning more about toe surgery, it is suggested that you consult with a podiatrist who can help you to make the correct decision for you.

Foot surgery is sometimes necessary to treat a foot ailment. To learn more, contact Cathy Coker, DPM of Arch Advantage Foot & Ankle Center. Our doctor will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.

When Is Surgery Necessary?

Foot and ankle surgery is generally reserved for cases in which less invasive, conservative procedures have failed to alleviate the problem. Some of the cases in which surgery may be necessary include:

• Removing foot deformities like bunions and bone spurs
• Severe arthritis that has caused bone issues
• Cosmetic reconstruction

What Types of Surgery Are There?

The type of surgery you receive will depend on the nature of the problem you have. Some of the possible surgeries include:

• Bunionectomy for painful bunions
• Surgical fusion for realignment of bones
• Neuropathy decompression surgery to treat nerve damage

Benefits of Surgery

Although surgery is usually a last resort, it can provide more complete pain relief compared to non-surgical methods and may allow you to finally resume full activity.

Surgical techniques have also become increasingly sophisticated. Techniques like endoscopic surgery allow for smaller incisions and faster recovery times.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Indianapolis, IN . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Ingrown toenails occur when the edge of the nail grows into the surrounding skin, often leading to pain, redness, swelling, and sometimes infection. Common causes include improper nail trimming, wearing tight shoes, injury, or genetic predisposition. The affected toe, usually the big toe, may feel tender to the touch and appear red or swollen, sometimes with drainage or pus, if infected. Walking can become uncomfortable or even painful. A podiatrist can diagnose the condition through a physical exam and recommend appropriate treatment. Mild cases may be managed with proper nail care and antibiotics, if infection is present. For recurring or severe cases, surgical options, such as partial or full nail removal or removal of the nail root, may be necessary. Aftercare typically includes keeping the area clean, applying medication, and wearing open-toed or loose-fitting shoes to allow healing. If you have a painful ingrown toenail, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist to relieve pain and prevent complications.

Ingrown toenails can become painful if they are not treated properly. For more information about ingrown toenails, contact Cathy Coker, DPM of Arch Advantage Foot & Ankle Center. Our doctor 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

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 office located in Indianapolis, IN . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Cracked heels are more than a cosmetic concern and may signal underlying health issues, including vitamin deficiencies. Lack of vitamin E can reduce skin elasticity, vitamin B3 deficiency may cause dryness and inflammation, and low vitamin C can impair healing and collagen production. Other causes of cracked heels include skin conditions like eczema, fungal infections such as athlete's foot, or frequently walking barefoot which increases pressure on the skin. A podiatrist can assess the root cause, provide treatments to soften and heal the skin, and recommend lifestyle changes or supplements, if needed. Cracked heels can be painful, and may interfere with completing daily activities. If you have developed this condition, it is suggested that you promptly consult a podiatrist who can provide effective relief and treatment remedies.

If the skin on your feet starts to crack, you may want to see a podiatrist to find treatment. If you have any concerns, contact Cathy Coker, DPM from Arch Advantage Foot & Ankle Center. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Cracked Heels

It is important to moisturize your cracked heels in order to prevent pain, bleeding, and infection. The reason cracked heels form is because the skin on the foot is too dry to support the immense pressure placed on them. When the foot expands, the dry skin on the foot begins to split.

Ways to Help Heal Them

• Invest in a good foot cream
• Try Using Petroleum Jelly
• Ease up on Soaps
• Drink Plenty of Water

Ways to Prevent Cracked Heels

• Moisturize After Showering
• Skip a Shower
• Keep Shower Water Lukewarm
• Don’t Scrub Your Feet

If you are unsure how to proceed in treating cracked heels, seek guidance from a podiatrist. Your doctor will help you with any questions or information you may need. 

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Indianapolis, IN . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.