Educational Articles: Conditions

Shin splints are a lower extremity health problem involving pain and tenderness along or behind the inner edge of the lower two-thirds of the tibia—the larger of the two bones in the lower leg. Shin splints commonly occur following vigorous physical activity, including endurance exercise and other sports involving running. Shin splints occur when certain muscles and tendons as well as the periosteum—a membrane that covers the... Read more

Shin splints are a common cause of lower leg pain in many people, especially athletes. In this video, Dr. Ray McClanahan, a sports podiatrist at Northwest Foot and Ankle and the inventor of Correct Toes, describes the two unique types of shin splints and how this painful lower leg problem is addressed using both conventional podiatric methods and natural, conservative treatments. Dr. Ray states that most people... Read more

Tarsal bones are the short bones located in the midfoot and rearfoot that form a bridge between the ankle and the metatarsal bones. The tarsal tunnel is a space located just below the bony prominence on the inside of the ankle, or medial malleolus, and is made up of bone on the inside and the flexor retinaculum—a band of connective tissue—on the outside. Several important structures pass... Read more

Tendinitis occurs when tendons—the fibrous connective tissue structures that connect muscles to bones—become irritated and inflamed. Inflammation is the localized response by the body to injury or damage caused by chemical, physical, or biological agents. Most tendinitis treated by foot care professionals is caused by overuse, usually from repetitive work tasks or recreational sports. Foot and lower extremity tendinitis can significantly affect a person’s ability to perform... Read more

Toenail fungus, also known as onychomycosis, occurs when fungi invade the toe’s nail bed and other structures. Toenail fungus can be difficult to treat, and some infections may require the use of anti-fungal medicines. Fungi, including the fungi that invade the toenails, thrive in moist, dark, and humid environments—common conditions found in many types of footwear. People of all ages may develop this health problem, though toenail... Read more