Common Foot Problems We Treat for Patients Throughout Richmond, Henrico, and Chesterfield

Your feet carry you through nearly every part of your day. From commuting to work and running errands to exercising, walking around Richmond, and spending time with family, healthy feet are essential for staying active and comfortable.

Unfortunately, foot problems are extremely common. Some develop gradually, while others can appear suddenly following an injury. Even seemingly minor foot problems can eventually interfere with your ability to walk, exercise, work, or enjoy your normal activities.

At RVA Foot & Ankle, we provide comprehensive podiatric care for patients throughout Richmond, Henrico, Chesterfield, and surrounding communities. Our team treats a wide range of foot and ankle conditions and works with each patient to develop an individualized treatment plan.

Here are some of the common problems we treat.

Heel Pain and Plantar Fasciitis

Heel pain is one of the most common reasons people seek care from a podiatrist.

One frequent cause is plantar fasciitis, which occurs when the plantar fascia—the strong band of tissue running along the bottom of the foot—becomes irritated.

Plantar fasciitis commonly causes pain underneath the heel or along the bottom of the foot. Symptoms may be particularly noticeable with the first steps in the morning or after sitting for a long time.

Treatment depends on the severity and cause of the condition but may include activity modification, stretching, supportive footwear, orthotics, and other conservative treatments.

If heel pain continues to interfere with your daily activities, a professional evaluation can help determine what’s causing it.

Bunions

A bunion is a structural deformity that causes the big toe to gradually move toward the other toes while the joint at the base of the big toe becomes more prominent.

Bunions can cause:

• Pain or tenderness
• Swelling
• Redness
• Difficulty finding comfortable shoes
• Irritation from footwear
• Changes in the appearance of the foot

Bunions can become increasingly uncomfortable over time. Depending on the severity of the deformity and your symptoms, treatment may range from footwear modifications and other conservative options to surgical correction.

Hammertoes

Hammertoes occur when one or more smaller toes become bent or contracted.

They can make certain shoes uncomfortable and may cause pressure, irritation, corns, or calluses.

Early treatment may help manage symptoms and prevent the problem from becoming more difficult to address. Treatment options depend on the flexibility and severity of the toe deformity.

Ingrown Toenails

An ingrown toenail occurs when the edge of a toenail grows into the surrounding skin.

The condition commonly affects the big toe and can cause:

• Pain
• Redness
• Swelling
• Tenderness
• Drainage or infection

While some mild cases can be managed with appropriate foot care, recurring or infected ingrown toenails may require professional treatment.

It’s especially important for people with certain medical conditions affecting circulation, sensation, or healing to have persistent foot problems evaluated by a medical professional.

Corns and Calluses

Corns and calluses develop when repeated pressure or friction causes the skin to thicken.

They can occur from:

• Poorly fitting shoes
• Foot deformities
• Repetitive activity
• Abnormal pressure distribution
• Changes in the way you walk

Although corns and calluses may seem like cosmetic issues, they can become painful and may sometimes indicate an underlying mechanical problem with the foot.

A podiatrist can evaluate why the thickened skin is developing and recommend ways to reduce pressure and irritation.

Neuromas

A neuroma involves irritation or thickening around a nerve in the foot. One of the more common types is Morton’s neuroma, which typically affects the area between the toes.

Patients may experience:

• Burning or sharp pain
• Tingling
• Numbness
• A sensation of having something inside the shoe
• Pain that becomes worse when wearing certain shoes

Because nerve-related foot pain can have different causes, an accurate diagnosis is important before determining treatment.

Flat Feet and Foot Mechanics

Flat feet occur when the arches of the feet are lower than normal or collapse when standing.

For some people, flat feet cause no symptoms. For others, changes in foot mechanics can contribute to discomfort in the feet, ankles, legs, or even other areas of the body.

Supportive footwear and custom orthotics may be recommended in certain situations to help improve support and foot function.

If you experience recurring pain while standing or walking, having your foot structure and mechanics evaluated may help identify contributing factors.

Sports and Activity-Related Foot and Ankle Injuries

Richmond, Henrico, and Chesterfield residents have plenty of opportunities to stay active. Running, recreational sports, exercise programs, and outdoor activities can all put stress on the feet and ankles.

Common injuries include:

• Ankle sprains
• Foot sprains
• Stress injuries
• Tendon injuries
• Overuse injuries
• Sports-related fractures

Some injuries may initially seem minor but continue causing pain or instability if they aren’t properly treated.

If you experience significant swelling, difficulty bearing weight, persistent pain, or repeated injuries, consider having your foot or ankle evaluated.

Diabetic Foot Problems

People living with diabetes need to pay particular attention to their foot health.

Diabetes can contribute to changes in circulation and sensation, which may make it harder to notice injuries or wounds. Small problems can potentially become more serious when they aren’t identified and treated appropriately.

Routine diabetic foot care can help monitor foot health and identify potential concerns.

If you have diabetes, regular foot examinations and daily foot checks can be an important part of protecting your long-term foot health.

Toenail Problems and Fungal Infections

Changes in your toenails can have several causes, including fungal infections, trauma, and other underlying conditions.

Toenail fungus may cause nails to become:

• Thick
• Discolored
• Brittle
• Difficult to trim
• Separated from the nail bed

Although toenail fungus isn’t usually considered an emergency, it can be persistent and difficult to treat on your own.

A podiatrist can evaluate abnormal nails and determine whether treatment is appropriate.

Plantar Warts

Plantar warts develop on the bottom of the feet and are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV).

Because they occur on weight-bearing areas, plantar warts can sometimes become painful when walking or standing.

They can also resemble calluses, making it difficult to determine what you’re dealing with without an examination.

Professional evaluation can help distinguish a plantar wart from other types of skin growths and determine appropriate treatment.

When Should You See a Podiatrist?

Many people wait to seek treatment until foot pain becomes severe. However, early evaluation may help prevent a minor problem from becoming a bigger disruption to your daily life.

Consider scheduling an appointment if you experience:

• Foot or ankle pain that doesn’t improve
• Repeated ankle sprains
• Difficulty walking
• Swelling or bruising
• Numbness or tingling
• Persistent heel pain
• A painful bunion or hammertoe
• Recurring ingrown toenails
• Changes in your toenails
• Foot wounds or sores
• Problems related to diabetes
• Pain that prevents you from exercising or participating in normal activities

You don’t have to wait until you’re unable to walk comfortably before getting your feet checked.

Comprehensive Foot and Ankle Care in Richmond

Foot problems can affect anyone, regardless of age or activity level. Whether you’re dealing with heel pain, a bunion, an ingrown toenail, a sports injury, or a more complex foot and ankle condition, getting the right diagnosis is an important part of effective treatment.

At RVA Foot & Ankle, we provide comprehensive podiatric care for patients throughout Richmond, Henrico, Chesterfield, and surrounding communities.

Our team takes the time to understand your symptoms, evaluate your condition, and recommend treatment based on your individual needs.

If foot or ankle pain is affecting your ability to work, exercise, walk, or enjoy your everyday life, don’t ignore it. Contact RVA Foot & Ankle to schedule an appointment and take the next step toward healthier, more comfortable feet.