Diseases and disorders of the foot affect the quality of life and mobility of millions of Americans. Foot ailments can be the first sign of more serious medical problems such as arthritis, diabetes, nerve damage, and circulatory disorders.
UConn Health’s podiatrists have specialized training to diagnose and treat common and rare foot disorders. Our podiatrists use the latest technology and proven therapies to help you live healthier and more comfortable lives. We offer podiatry services for patients as young as six months.
Podiatry Services & Specialties
Feet are prone to many types of injuries and disorders. Three common causes of foot pain or disease are infections, structural problems, and diabetes.
We offer general podiatry, specialty foot services, foot ulcer and wound care, and diabetic and high-risk foot care for people of all ages. We use the latest computerized technology to analyze foot structure, measure pressure on the foot, and evaluate the way you walk. After assessing your condition, we work closely with you to prepare an individualized treatment plan.
If you’re struggling with foot pain, you could be suffering from one of these common disorders:
Athlete’s Foot - a fungus that usually starts between the toes or on the bottom of the feet and can spread to other body parts. The signs of athlete’s foot are dry, scaly skin, itching, inflammation, and blisters.
Bunions - a condition caused by misaligned big toe joints that can become swollen and tender. The deformity causes the first joint of the big toe to slant outward and the second joint to angle toward the other toes.
Corns and Calluses - occur when protective layers of compacted, dead skin cells. Corns ordinarily form on the toes and calluses on the soles of the feet.
Hammertoe - a condition that occurs when there is an imbalance of tendons or ligaments that hold the toe straight, and the toe bends abnormally at the middle joint.
Heel Pain - often occurs when too much stress is placed on the heel bone or nerves in the area. It can be caused by walking or jumping on hard surfaces, poorly made footwear, and general health conditions like arthritis, gout, and circulatory problems.
Heel Spurs - caused by growths of bone on the underside of the heel bone. Heel spurs are often due to plantar fasciitis.
Ingrown Nails - a condition where nails whose corners or sides dig painfully into the skin. They are frequently caused by improper nail trimming, shoe pressure, injury, fungus infection, heredity, and poor foot structure.
Warts - caused by a virus that enters the skin through minor cuts and infects the skin. Most warts are benign, but they can be painful.
Age-Related Foot Disorders
While foot problems can affect people of any age, some conditions are more prevalent in particular age groups. We offer podiatry services for patients as young as six months.
Children and adolescents as young as six months may need orthotics or treatment for toe walking, out-toeing, warts, athlete’s foot, flatfeet, and sports-related injuries.
Adults often experience heel pain, athlete’s foot, fungal and deformed toenails, ingrown toenails, corns, calluses, hammertoes, bunions, sports-related injuries, and diabetic foot concerns.
Seniors frequently seek treatment for toenail changes, dry and cracking skin, diabetic foot concerns, corns, calluses, hammertoes, and bunions.