Items filtered by date: November 2024

Excessive supination, or underpronation, occurs when too much weight is placed on the outer edges of the feet while walking or running. This gait problem is often due to structural factors like high arches, genetic foot shape, or ankle instability. Supination of the foot strains the ankles and outer foot areas, potentially leading to ankle sprains, shin splints, and plantar fasciitis. Improper footwear and misalignment can also contribute to supination. Old injuries, prolonged impact on hard surfaces, and restricted range of motion may worsen these issues, increasing susceptibility to calluses, bunions, and stress fractures. Identifying signs of supination involves examining shoe wear patterns or footprint analysis, but a professional gait analysis by a podiatrist provides the most accurate assessment. A podiatrist can recommend custom orthotics and appropriate footwear to support proper foot alignment, reduce pain, and avoid injury. If you have foot problems related to gait issues, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for analysis and treatment.

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.

Toe fractures can occur for various reasons, with some common causes being crushing injuries and joint hyperextension. A crushing injury often happens when a heavy object falls onto the foot, resulting in significant trauma. Joint hyperextension, where the toe is forced beyond its normal range of motion, can also result in fractures. Stress fractures are another concern, typically caused by repetitive impact or overuse, often seen in athletes or those engaged in high-intensity activities. Symptoms of a toe fracture include intense pain, swelling, bruising, and difficulty in moving the affected toe. In some cases, the toe may appear to be misaligned or deformed. If you have symptoms of a broken toe, it is suggested that you contact a podiatrist who can offer you appropriate treatment options.

A broken toe can be very painful and lead to complications if not properly fixed. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact one of our podiatrists from Comprehensive Foot & Ankle Centers. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What to Know About a Broken Toe

Although most people try to avoid foot trauma such as banging, stubbing, or dropping heavy objects on their feet, the unfortunate fact is that it is a common occurrence. Given the fact that toes are positioned in front of the feet, they typically sustain the brunt of such trauma. When trauma occurs to a toe, the result can be a painful break (fracture).

Symptoms of a Broken Toe

• Throbbing pain
• Swelling
• Bruising on the skin and toenail
• The inability to move the toe
• Toe appears crooked or disfigured
• Tingling or numbness in the toe

Generally, it is best to stay off of the injured toe with the affected foot elevated.

Severe toe fractures may be treated with a splint, cast, and in some cases, minor surgery. Due to its position and the pressure it endures with daily activity, future complications can occur if the big toe is not properly treated.

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.

Wearing the right shoes on construction sites is essential for ensuring safety and comfort. Proper footwear is designed to provide adequate support, protection, and traction on uneven surfaces. Construction environments often expose workers to heavy machinery, sharp objects, and potential slip hazards, making sturdy shoes vital for preventing injuries. Steel-toed boots, for example, protect against falling objects, while slip-resistant soles reduce the risk of slips and falls. Additionally, appropriate footwear can help alleviate fatigue during long hours on the job, while promoting better posture and reducing strain on the feet and legs. Investing in high-quality work shoes not only enhances safety but also improves overall job performance. If you have endured a foot injury while at work, it is suggested that you contact a podiatrist who can offer you a diagnosis and treatment solutions, in addition to discussing correct footwear choices.

While working on the feet, it is important to take the proper care of them. For more information about working on your feet, contact one of our podiatrists from Comprehensive Foot & Ankle Centers. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Working on Your Feet

Standing on your feet for long periods of time can cause stress and pain in your feet. Your whole body may experience change in terms of posture, back pain, bunions, callouses and or plantar warts. There are ways to avoid these conditions with proper foot care, smart choices and correct posture.

Positive Changes

Negative heeled shoe – Choosing this shoe type places the heel slightly lower than the ball of the foot. These are great for overall foot health. Find shoes that fit you correctly.

Go barefoot – Our feet were not designed to be enclosed for all hours of the day. Try to periodically expose your feet to air.

Eliminate Pain

Foot Exercises – Performing simple exercises, incorporating yoga and doing stretches are beneficial. This will allow increased blood flow to the area and muscles of the foot.

Achilles tendon – Stretching the foot out flat on the floor will relax the calf muscles and tendon. These exercises can be performed almost anywhere. Make sure you add these exercises to your daily regimen. 

With a little bit of this information and knowing more about foot health, you will notice changes. Foot stretches and proper footwear will help with pain and prevent further issues.

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.

Achilles tendon ruptures are serious injuries that can occur while playing basketball, often resulting from sudden jumps, rapid direction changes, or intense physical exertion. This injury typically causes a sharp pain in the back of the ankle, often described as feeling like a kick or a pop. Risk factors include inadequate warm-up, previous injuries, and lack of conditioning. Players may struggle with mobility and experience swelling, making it difficult to walk. Treatment options vary based on severity, ranging from rest and rehabilitation to surgical intervention for complete tears. Recovery can take several months to regain strength and flexibility. Awareness of this injury and proper preventive measures, such as strengthening exercises and appropriate footwear, can help players minimize their risk while enjoying the game. This type of injury can temporarily cause players to stop playing basketball. If you have an Achilles tendon injury, it is suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can offer you appropriate treatment options.

Achilles tendon injuries need immediate attention to avoid future complications. If you have any concerns, contact one of our podiatrists of Comprehensive Foot & Ankle Centers. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is the Achilles Tendon?

The Achilles tendon is a tendon that connects the lower leg muscles and calf to the heel of the foot. It is the strongest tendon in the human body and is essential for making movement possible. Because this tendon is such an integral part of the body, any injuries to it can create immense difficulties and should immediately be presented to a doctor.

What Are the Symptoms of an Achilles Tendon Injury?

There are various types of injuries that can affect the Achilles tendon. The two most common injuries are Achilles tendinitis and ruptures of the tendon.

Achilles Tendinitis Symptoms

• Inflammation
• Dull to severe pain
• Increased blood flow to the tendon
• Thickening of the tendon

Rupture Symptoms

• Extreme pain and swelling in the foot
• Total immobility

Treatment and Prevention

Achilles tendon injuries are diagnosed by a thorough physical evaluation, which can include an MRI. Treatment involves rest, physical therapy, and in some cases, surgery. However, various preventative measures can be taken to avoid these injuries, such as:

• Thorough stretching of the tendon before and after exercise
• Strengthening exercises like calf raises, squats, leg curls, leg extensions, leg raises, lunges, and leg presses

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