Common Complaints of the Hands and Feet

Primary care providers frequently care for complaints of the hands and feet. Here, the author describes the typical presentations of hand osteoarthritis, carpal tunnel syndrome, ganglion cysts, plantar fasciitis, onychomycosis, and Morton neuroma. Useful physical examination techniques are described. The history and physical examination are usually sufficient to diagnose these conditions without the need for more advanced testing. All of these conditions have evidence-based therapy that can be initiated by the primary care provider. These treatments as well as reasons to refer to a specialist are reviewed.