Wichita Falls Podiatrist

Dr. Harvey treats all conditions of the foot. The following is a brief list of the most common problems:

Also known as Plantar Fasciitis. The muscles on the bottom of the  foot insert at the heel bone. The constant pulling of these muscles at  the heel bone will cause pain. With proper treatment, such as  anti-inflammatories, orthotics, and proper shoes, we can gradually  eliminate the pain which then helps the entire foot and leg feel better.

An ingrown toenail is usually hereditary or due to an old injury. The  nail penetrates the skin allowing bacteria to enter. This will then  cause swelling, drainage, and pain. The pain may be at the front of the  toe but the cause is at the back of the toe where the nail cells grow.  Once the offending portion of the nail is removed the toe will feel  better quickly.

Tendons help control the motion and balance of the foot. Tendons are  present at the ankle, the top of the foot, and the toes. Tendons move  the toes up, down, and sideways… Various anti-inflammatories and  orthotics help control this motion and relieve pain.

Bunions are almost always hereditary from parents or grandparents. A  bunion is a large bump at the joint of the big toe. The big toe usually  leans toward the little toe a may even overlap the 2nd toe. Sometimes  bunions are asymptomatic and cause little discomfort or pain. In those  cases, it’s best to just wear wide or soft shoes. In some cases,  surgical correction may be necessary.

As we age it is relatively normal for the lesser toes to begin to  curl downward. This also is usually hereditary. This type of toe can  develop a hard “corn” on the top, tip, or side of the toe. This corn is  just hard skin. Proper padding may control a toe like this. Sometimes  surgical intervention may be necessary.

A neuroma is a pinched nerve usually between the 3rd and 4th toes.  The toes may become numb or ache. A frequent problem is being on the  foot, on hard floors, while shopping and the toes start to hurt so much  the person must stop, take off the shoes, sit down, and rub the toes for  a while. This condition is also usually hereditary. It can be treated  with anti-inflammatories. Some neuromas may require surgery.