Items filtered by date: March 2023

The onset of warm weather in many parts of the world may bring the desire to lose the shoes and walk barefoot. It can be interesting to look closely at the feet, which is often done during the day while the shoes are off. Each foot has 26 bones, several tendons, muscles, and ligaments that work together to make the foot move. The joints in the feet enable the bones to change position, and they are held together by portions of tissues that are stretched between the bones. The soles of the feet have thicker skin than the rest of the body, and they are designed to absorb the weight of the body. The various components of the feet work together to balance and support the body, in addition to providing the ability to move from place to place. If you would like additional information about how the feet are designed, it is suggested that you consult with a podiatrist who can provide you with the information you are seeking.

If you have any concerns about your feet, contact one of our podiatrists from Comprehensive Foot & Ankle Centers. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Biomechanics in Podiatry

Podiatric biomechanics is a particular sector of specialty podiatry with licensed practitioners who are trained to diagnose and treat conditions affecting the foot, ankle and lower leg. Biomechanics deals with the forces that act against the body, causing an interference with the biological structures. It focuses on the movement of the ankle, the foot and the forces that interact with them.

A History of Biomechanics

• Biomechanics dates back to the BC era in Egypt where evidence of professional foot care has been recorded.
• In 1974, biomechanics gained a higher profile from the studies of Merton Root, who claimed that by changing or controlling the forces between the ankle and the foot, corrections or conditions could be implemented to gain strength and coordination in the area.

Modern technological improvements are based on past theories and therapeutic processes that provide a better understanding of podiatric concepts for biomechanics. Computers can provide accurate information about the forces and patterns of the feet and lower legs.

Understanding biomechanics of the feet can help improve and eliminate pain, stopping further stress to the foot.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Shepherdsville and Louisville, KY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

If you have experienced sudden pain in the big toe and it is accompanied by swelling, you may have gout. This is especially likely if you have been ill or sustained a recent injury. Gout is a type of inflammatory arthritis that results in a buildup of uric acid in the blood. Uric acid is a chemical naturally produced by the body that helps break down foods containing purines. Once this happens, uric acid and purines are both released from the body through urine. If uric acid is not released from the body, it can build up and turn into urate crystals, which can settle in soft tissues and joints. This in turn can turn into inflammation or gout. Gout is more common in men and is often hereditary. It is also more common among those who eat foods that are high in purines or have other conditions, like high cholesterol, high blood pressure, or diabetes. Gout can affect other parts of the body but often presents itself as pain in the big toe. If this description fits you, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist so that you can get this condition under control in a timely manner.

Gout is a foot condition that requires certain treatment and care. If you are seeking treatment, contact one of our podiatrists from Comprehensive Foot & Ankle Centers. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Is Gout?

Gout is a type of arthritis caused by a buildup of uric acid in the bloodstream. It often develops in the foot, especially the big toe area, although it can manifest in other parts of the body as well. Gout can make walking and standing very painful and is especially common in diabetics and the obese.

People typically get gout because of a poor diet. Genetic predisposition is also a factor. The children of parents who have had gout frequently have a chance of developing it themselves.

Gout can easily be identified by redness and inflammation of the big toe and the surrounding areas of the foot. Other symptoms include extreme fatigue, joint pain, and running high fevers. Sometimes corticosteroid drugs can be prescribed to treat gout, but the best way to combat this disease is to get more exercise and eat a better diet.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Shepherdsville and Louisville, KY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

When you take a step, the foot takes on the entire weight of your body. After a while, whether through exercise, weight gain, or simply aging, foot pain can become a part of life. This can be true whether you walk on pavement or use a treadmill to get in shape. A number of factors should be taken into account to determine the cause of treadmill-related foot pain. First on the list is footwear. Wearing the wrong shoes while on the treadmill can cause weight to be distributed poorly. When selecting the proper shoe, pay attention to arch support, the width of the toe box, and how the sole is constructed. Another cause of foot pain from treadmill walking may involve the incline being used. If it is too high, it may put tendons and ligaments at risk of injury. Working out on a treadmill may not be the best choice for people who are overweight, as the extra force with each step can increase the chances of incurring a foot injury. Finally, walking on a treadmill can cause plantar fasciitis and stress fractures, both of which are common repetitive stress foot injuries. For more information on foot pain related to treadmill exercise, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with one of our podiatrists from Comprehensive Foot & Ankle Centers. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Causes

Foot pain is a very broad condition that could be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

• Bunions
• Hammertoes
• Plantar Fasciitis
• Bone Spurs
• Corns
• Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
• Ingrown Toenails
• Arthritis (such as Gout, Rheumatoid, and Osteoarthritis)
• Flat Feet
• Injury (from stress fractures, broken toe, foot, ankle, Achilles tendon ruptures, and sprains)
• And more

Diagnosis

To figure out the cause of foot pain, podiatrists utilize several different methods. This can range from simple visual inspections and sensation tests to X-rays and MRI scans. Prior medical history, family medical history, and any recent physical traumatic events will all be taken into consideration for a proper diagnosis.

Treatment

Treatment depends upon the cause of the foot pain. Whether it is resting, staying off the foot, or having surgery; podiatrists have a number of treatment options available for foot pain.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Shepherdsville and Louisville, KY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Patients who have developed plantar fasciitis often look to find relief. It is a condition that is characterized by heel pain, and it may affect the Achilles tendon. Plantar fasciitis is an inflammation of the plantar fascia, which is the band of tissue that connects the heels to the toes. It is located on the soles of the feet, and can happen from standing on hard surfaces for the majority of the day. Additionally, wearing shoes that do not have adequate support may contribute significantly to getting plantar fasciitis. Many people choose to ignore the aches that this condition often begins with, and this may extend the recovery period. There are simple stretching techniques that may help to reduce the pain from plantar fasciitis. A stretch for the plantar fascia is done by rolling the affected foot on a tennis ball or frozen water bottle. A standing heel raise is also an effective stretch. This is accomplished by standing on a step, while lowering heels one at a time until a gentle stretch is felt. Plantar fasciitis is a serious foot condition, and it is suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can help you with effective relief methods.

Plantar fasciitis can be very painful and inconvenient. If you are experiencing heel pain or symptoms of plantar fasciitis, contact one of our podiatrists  from Comprehensive Foot & Ankle Centers. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is the inflammation of the thick band of tissue that runs along the bottom of your foot, known as the plantar fascia, and causes mild to severe heel pain.

What Causes Plantar Fasciitis?

• Excessive running
• Non-supportive shoes
• Overpronation
• Repeated stretching and tearing of the plantar fascia

How Can It Be Treated?

• Conservative measures – anti-inflammatories, ice packs, stretching exercises, physical therapy, orthotic devices
• Shockwave therapy – sound waves are sent to the affected area to facilitate healing and are usually used for chronic cases of plantar fasciitis
• Surgery – usually only used as a last resort when all else fails. The plantar fascia can be surgically detached from the heel

While very treatable, plantar fasciitis is definitely not something that should be ignored. Especially in severe cases, speaking to your doctor right away is highly recommended to avoid complications and severe heel pain. Your podiatrist can work with you to provide the appropriate treatment options tailored to your condition.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Shepherdsville and Louisville, KY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.