Learning more about the biomechanics of how the feet work can help an individual better protect their feet from developing damaging conditions. One important thing to know about how the feet function is that there are critical areas of fat padding on the feet. Typically, individuals try to minimize the extent to which they have fat on their bodies, but fat can serve an important role on the soles of the feet. For example, fat padding on the bottom of the feet protect the plantar area from the repeated pressure that is felt on the feet from weight-bearing activity. If the feet are not properly cared for, then an individual might lose critical fat padding on the feet or experience fat pad atrophy of some kind. As a result, a patient may develop microtears as a result of the loss of fat. If you are someone that is especially concerned with protecting their feet, contact a podiatrist today for more help.
If you have any concerns about your feet, contact one of our podiatrists from Lovely Foot Associates, PC. 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
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 office located in Johnstown, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
The condition that is known as Charcot foot is considered to be a rare foot condition. It happens as a result of bones, joints, and soft tissues that gradually weaken in the foot and ankle. It can occur from nerve damage from diabetes and can cause the inability to feel pain. In severe cases, the bones may fracture from being weak, and the joints may become dislocated in the ankle or foot. If medical attention is not received, the foot can become deformed, and eventually may lead to the patient developing a bone infection or a foot ulcer. An additional reason why Charcot foot may happen can be from a fracture or sprain. The patient may continue to walk on the broken foot because they are unable to feel painful sensations, and the foot structure may change from trauma that is done to the bone. It is beneficial to begin treatment as early as possible, which generally starts with protecting the affected foot with a removable boot. Additionally, it is crucial to refrain from placing any weight on the foot until it begins to heal. If you have this rare foot condition, it is strongly advised that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can effectively diagnose and treat Charcot foot.
Some foot conditions may require additional professional care. If you have any concerns, contact one of our podiatrists of Lovely Foot Associates, PC. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
Rare Foot Conditions
The majority of foot conditions are common and can be treated by a podiatrist. Standard diagnostic procedures are generally used to identify specific conditions and treatment can be rendered. A podiatrist also treats rare foot conditions which can be difficult to diagnose and may need extra attention and care.
There are many rare foot conditions that can affect children. Some of these can include:
Freiberg’s disease - This can be seen as a deterioration and flattening of a metatarsal bone that exists in the ball of the foot. It typically affects pre-teen and teenage girls, but can affect anyone at any age. Symptoms that can accompany this can be swelling, stiffness, and the patient may limp.
Kohler’s disease - This often targets the bone in the arch of the foot and affects younger boys. It can lead to an interruption of the blood supply which ultimately can lead to bone deterioration. The patient may limp or experience tenderness, swelling, and redness.
Maffucci syndrome - This affects the long bones in a child’s foot leading to the development of abnormal bone lesions. They are benign growths and typically develop in early childhood and the bones may be susceptible to breaking.
A podiatrist can properly diagnose and treat all types of rare foot conditions. If your child is affected by any of these symptoms or conditions, please don’t hesitate to call our office so the correct treatment method can begin.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Johnstown, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.
Do you suffer from heel pain when you get up in the morning? If so, you should seek the professional help of your podiatrist and have a proper diagnosis performed. Heel pain can be caused by several different foot-related conditions.
Senior citizens are particularly at risk of experiencing complications in their foot health. This is due to several reasons, most of which involve the diminishing health and resilience of the feet among senior citizens. One of the most important parts of caring for the feet as a senior includes choosing to listen to the feet when they are trying to tell you that something is wrong. Often, if the feet are feeling painful, it is always the more cautious option to not ignore signs of pain. If you are a senior citizen, it can be important to remind yourself that having painful feet or sore feet is not an inevitable part of growing older. If you think that your feet are trying to tell you that something is not right, take this seriously and do not ignore any signs. If you are experiencing foot pain as a senior citizen, contact a podiatrist today. By meeting with a podiatrist, you can help draw up a plan to address any pain in the feet.
Proper foot care is something many older adults forget to consider. If you have any concerns about your feet and ankles, contact one of our podiatrists from Lovely Foot Associates, PC. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
The Elderly and Their Feet
As we age we start to notice many changes in our body, but the elder population may not notice them right away. Medical conditions may prevent the elderly to take notice of their foot health right away. Poor vision is a lead contributor to not taking action for the elderly.
Common Conditions
Susceptible Infections
Diabetes and poor circulation can cause general loss of sensitivity over the years, turning a simple cut into a serious issue.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Johnstown, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
Lawn bowling can be fun and provide competition in a friendly community of like-minded people. As with many sports, one can sustain foot and ankle injuries in lawn bowling. Common foot and ankle injuries from this activity include falls resulting in fractures, especially to the ankle. It is important to warm up properly, stretch, and do balance and strength training exercises before beginning any physical activity. Maintain proper form and technique during play. Also, it is imperative to let injuries heal properly before getting back to play, as this will help prevent worsening of the original injury, re-injury, strains, and sprains. See a podiatrist if your feet or ankles have been injured during lawn bowling. This foot and ankle care professional can evaluate the problem and provide treatment that will get you back into the sport you derive so much enjoyment from as soon as possible.
Ankle and foot injuries are common among athletes and in many sports. They can be caused by several problems and may be potentially serious. If you are feeling pain or think you were injured in a sporting event or when exercising, consult with one of our podiatrists from Lovely Foot Associates, PC. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.
Common Injuries
The most common injuries that occur in sporting activities include:
Symptoms
Symptoms vary depending upon the injury and in some cases, there may be no symptoms at all. However, in most cases, some form of symptom is experienced. Pain, aching, burning, bruising, tenderness, tightness or stiffness, sensation loss, difficulty moving, and swelling are the most common symptoms.
Treatment
Just as symptoms vary depending upon the injury, so do treatment options. A common treatment method is known as the RICE method. This method involves rest, applying ice, compression and elevating the afflicted foot or ankle. If the injury appears to be more serious, surgery might be required, such as arthroscopic or reconstructive surgery. Lastly, rehabilitation or therapy might be needed to gain full functionality in the afflicted area. Any discomfort experienced by an athlete must be evaluated by a licensed, reputable medical professional.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Johnstown, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
The foot condition that is known as Sever’s disease can affect children and young teenagers who participate in running and jumping activities. It is considered to be an ailment that comes from overuse in and around the growth plate in the heel. The child may complain of having heel pain, and can have difficulty in walking. A podiatrist can perform a proper diagnosis, which consists of having a physical examination done, in addition to learning about the child's choice of activities. The child will eventually outgrow Sever’s disease, and until then, mild relief can be found when the activity that caused this condition is temporarily stopped. Patients may also find that it helps to elevate the affected foot as often as possible, and it may be beneficial to wear a heel pad in the shoe. It is strongly suggested that your child sees a podiatrist at the first sign of heel pain, so a proper diagnosis can be performed, and the correct treatment can promptly begin.
Sever's disease often occurs in children and teens. If your child is experiencing foot or ankle pain, see one of our podiatrists from Lovely Foot Associates, PC. Our doctors can treat your child’s foot and ankle needs.
Sever’s Disease
Sever’s disease is also known as calcaneal apophysitis, which is a medical condition that causes heel pain I none or both feet. The disease is known to affect children between the ages of 8 and 14.
Sever’s disease occurs when part of the child’s heel known as the growth plate (calcaneal epiphysis) is attached to the Achilles tendon. This area can suffer injury when the muscles and tendons of the growing foot do not keep pace with bone growth. Therefore, the constant pain which one experiences at the back of the heel will make the child unable to put any weight on the heel. The child is then forced to walk on their toes.
Symptoms
Acute pain – Pain associated with Sever’s disease is usually felt in the heel when the child engages in physical activity such as walking, jumping and or running.
Highly active – Children who are very active are among the most susceptible in experiencing Sever’s disease, because of the stress and tension placed on their feet.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Johnstown, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle injuries.
The purpose of wearing orthotics is to relieve foot pain which may happen from having an abnormal foot structure, or if a foot condition has occurred. The average adult walks approximately 5000 steps per day, and foot pain can make this uncomfortable and difficult to accomplish. The three groups of orthotics are soft, rigid, and semi-rigid. A podiatrist can determine which type is right for you based on your foot condition. Flexible materials are used to design soft orthotics which can help to reduce pressure and absorb shock as walking and running are done. A more durable orthotic is referred to as a rigid orthotic and is made of plastic or graphite materials. This type of device can provide stability to the lower body. The most common orthotics are known as semi-rigid and are designed with a combination of both soft and rigid materials. If you would like additional information about how wearing orthotics can minimize specific foot conditions, please consult with a podiatrist who can determine if this is the correct choice for you.
If you are having discomfort in your feet and would like to try orthotics, contact one of our podiatrists from Lovely Foot Associates, PC. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
What Are Orthotics?
Orthotics are inserts you can place into your shoes to help with a variety of foot problems such as flat feet or foot pain. Orthotics provide relief and comfort for minor foot and heel pain but can’t correct serious biomechanical problems in your feet.
Over-the-Counter Inserts
Orthotics come in a wide variety of over-the-counter inserts that are used to treat foot pain, heel pain, and minor problems. For example, arch supports can be inserted into your shoes to help correct overarched or flat feet, while gel insoles are often used because they provide comfort and relief from foot and heel pain by alleviating pressure.
Prescription Orthotics
If over-the-counter inserts don’t work for you or if you have a more severe foot concern, it is possible to have your podiatrist prescribe custom orthotics. These high-quality inserts are designed to treat problems such as abnormal motion, plantar fasciitis, and severe forms of heel pain. They can even be used to help patients suffering from diabetes by treating foot ulcers and painful calluses and are usually molded to your feet individually, which allows them to provide full support and comfort.
If you are experiencing minor to severe foot or heel pain, it’s recommended to speak with your podiatrist about the possibilities of using orthotics. A podiatrist can determine which type of orthotic is right for you and allow you to take the first steps towards being pain-free.
If you have any questions please contact our office located in Johnstown, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
Custom orthotics, or shoe inserts, should be periodically replaced. Orthotics must fit properly to give you the best results. Protect your feet and ankles!
Everyday foot care practice is simple to follow. The benefits outweigh the amount of time it takes to have healthy feet, and many unwanted foot conditions may be avoided. It can begin by washing and drying the feet thoroughly, followed by applying a good moisturizer on them. Properly trimming the toenails may prevent an ingrown toenail from developing, which often requires expert medical attention. One of the most important things you can do for your feet is to wear shoes and socks that are comfortable. This may be helpful in preventing corns, bunions, and hammertoe from developing. Many people enjoy practicing foot exercises and stretches, and strong feet may help to prevent falling episodes. Depending on the specific foot condition, research has shown that pain may be relieved by having regular foot massages performed, and may invoke a feeling of well-being throughout the body. If you would like more information about how to practice everyday foot care tips, please consult with a podiatrist.
Everyday foot care is very important to prevent infection and other foot ailments. If you need your feet checked, contact one of our podiatrists from Lovely Foot Associates, PC. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
Everyday Foot Care
Often, people take care of their bodies, face and hair more so than they do for their feet. But the feet are a very important aspect of our bodies, and one that we should pay more attention to. Without our feet, we would not be able to perform most daily tasks.
It is best to check your feet regularly to make sure there are no new bruises or cuts that you may not have noticed before. For dry feet, moisturizer can easily be a remedy and can be applied as often as necessary to the affected areas. Wearing shoes that fit well can also help you maintain good foot health, as well as making it easier to walk and do daily activities without the stress or pain of ill-fitting shoes, high heels, or even flip flops. Wearing clean socks with closed shoes is important to ensure that sweat and bacteria do not accumulate within the shoe. Clean socks help to prevent Athlete’s foot, fungi problems, bad odors, and can absorb sweat.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Johnstown, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
Although many cases of cracked heels are not necessarily severe and painful, the condition can nonetheless be an annoyance and potentially uncomfortable. The condition is defined as a lack of moisture on the back of the heels that causes the skin to crack and fissure. There are many ways in which cracked heels might be prevented. Socks might play an important role in achieving this end. For example, to prevent the heels from becoming dry, an individual could generously apply moisturizer to the feet at night before bed and put on a pair of socks. The socks can essentially lock in the moisturizer and help improve the extent to which the moisturizer is absorbed by the feet. If you are worried about cracked heels and want to learn more preventative methods, contact a podiatrist today. This foot specialist can help you address any problems you might have.
Cracked heels are unsightly and can cause further damage to your shoes and feet. If you have any concerns, contact one of our podiatrists from Lovely Foot Associates, PC. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
Cracked Heels
Cracked heels appear unappealing and can make it harder for you walk around in sandals. Aside from looking unpleasant, cracked heels can also tear stockings, socks, and wear out your shoes. There are several methods to help restore a cracked heel and prevent further damage.
How Do You Get Them?
Dry skin is the number one culprit in creating cracked heels. Many athletes, walkers, joggers, and even swimmers suffer from cracked heels. Age and skin oil production play a role to getting cracked heels as well.
Promote Healing
Over the counter medicines can help, especially for those that need instant relief or who suffer from chronic dry feet.
Wear Socks – Wearing socks with medicated creams helps lock in moisture.
Moisturizers – Applying both day and night will help alleviate dryness which causes cracking.
Pumice Stones – These exfoliate and remove dead skin, which allows for smoother moisturizer application and better absorption into the skin.
Change in Diet
Eating healthy with a well-balanced diet will give the skin a fresh and radiant look. Your body responds to the kinds of food you ingest. Omega-3 fatty acids and zinc supplements can also revitalize skin tissue.
Most importantly, seek professional help if unsure how to proceed in treating cracked heels. A podiatrist will help you with any questions or information needed.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Johnstown, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
