Biomechanics in Podiatry
Podiatry is a branch of medicine that deals with the study, diagnosis, and treatment of foot and ankle conditions. There are various subdivisions in podiatry; biomechanics is one of them. Biomechanics is the way in which the bones, muscles, and joints of the feet and lower limb interact with each other.
Our feet play crucial roles in the way we move, and it is rare to have feet that are completely symmetrical. Common biomechanical issues include high or low arches or uneven leg heights. Excessive pronation often leads to fallen arches, or flat feet, and is a common cause of running injuries. People whose feet are over-pronated tend to have flexible and unstable feet. Pain is usually experienced during walking and running.
At times, people may be able to adapt to these abnormalities without any difficulties, but in other cases, these issues can cause a great deal of pain. This pain occurs because the joints, muscles, ligaments, and tendons are put under an excess amount of stress during movement. Common symptoms of biomechanical problems stemming from the feet include hip pain, knee pain, leg cramps, ankle pain, lower back pain, weak ankles, tripping, heel pain, Achilles pain, and shin splints.
Many biomechanical issues can be treated with orthotics. Orthotics are shoe insoles that are used to help control the way the foot operates. They can provide relief from foot pain, heel pain, and knee pain. Depending on your specific case, you may need to purchase over-the-counter orthotics or custom orthotics to fit your feet. Your podiatrist will be able to prescribe the perfect orthotic for your feet to help you walk around with ease.
Gait is defined as the way we move our bodies from one point to another. This is usually done by either walking or running. Gait analysis is a method used to assess the way we walk or run to highlight biomechanical abnormalities. Gait analyses are a great way to take a detailed look at how you walk and how your foot moves while you walk. An examination of the feet will help your podiatrist understand why you are suffering pain in other parts of your body.
Common Sources of Foot Pain
Foot pain affects many people due to the intricate structure of the foot and the stress it endures during daily activities. Bunions, caused by bone misalignment, can lead to discomfort and changes in foot shape. Deformities like claw toes and hammertoes, often linked to tight shoes or imbalanced muscles, can result in painful corns or calluses. Arthritis in the toes and ankles may cause stiffness and reduced mobility, with age and weight being contributing factors. Fractures from injuries, such as falls or missteps, and sprains from ligament damage can also be significant sources of pain. Conditions like athlete's foot, fungal infections, and nerve issues such as peripheral neuropathy, which causes tingling or burning sensations are other potential concerns. A podiatrist can evaluate any of these conditions and offer treatment ranging from orthotics for support to surgery, in more severe cases. If you have foot problems, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and treatment options.
Foot Pain
Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with One of our podiatrists from Battle Creek Foot & Ankle. 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 office located in Battle Creek, MI . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
Foot Pain
Our feet are arguably the most important parts of our bodies because they are responsible for getting us from place to place. However, we often don’t think about our feet until they begin to hurt. If you have pain in your feet, you need to first determine where on the foot you are experiencing it to get to the root of the problem. The most common areas to feel pain on the foot are the heel and the ankle.
Heel pain is most commonly attributed to a condition called plantar fasciitis. Plantar fasciitis occurs when the plantar fascia, which is the band of tough tissue connecting the heel bone to the toes becomes inflamed. Plantar fasciitis pain is usually worse in the morning, and it tends to go away throughout the day. If you have plantar fasciitis, you should rest your foot and do heel and foot muscles stretches. Wearing shoes with proper arch support and a cushioned sole has also been proven to be beneficial.
Some common symptoms of foot pain are redness, swelling, and stiffness. Foot pain can be dull or sharp depending on its underlying cause. Toe pain can also occur, and it is usually caused by gout, bunions, hammertoes, ingrown toenails, sprains, fractures, and corns.
If you have severe pain in your feet, you should immediately seek assistance from your podiatrist for treatment. Depending on the cause of your pain, your podiatrist may give you a variety of treatment options.
Causes of Heel Pain in the Morning
Heel pain, especially in the morning, is a common complaint, often caused by plantar fasciitis, an inflammation of the tissue connecting the heel to the toes. People with this condition experience sharp pain in the heel, especially when taking the first few steps after getting out of bed. The pain typically lessens after walking for a while, but can return after long periods of standing or activity. Plantar fasciitis is commonly caused by overuse, poor foot mechanics, tight calf muscles, or wearing unsupportive footwear. Other conditions like heel spurs or Achilles tendonitis can also contribute to morning heel pain. Relief options include stretching exercises and wearing supportive shoes or custom orthotics. In more severe cases, a podiatrist may recommend corticosteroid injections to reduce inflammation. If you have heel pain in the morning, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist.
Many people suffer from bouts of heel pain. For more information, contact One of our podiatrists of Battle Creek Foot & Ankle. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
Causes of Heel Pain
Heel pain is often associated with plantar fasciitis. The plantar fascia is a band of tissues that extends along the bottom of the foot. A rip or tear in this ligament can cause inflammation of the tissue.
Achilles tendonitis is another cause of heel pain. Inflammation of the Achilles tendon will cause pain from fractures and muscle tearing. Lack of flexibility is also another symptom.
Heel spurs are another cause of pain. When the tissues of the plantar fascia undergo a great deal of stress, it can lead to ligament separation from the heel bone, causing heel spurs.
Why Might Heel Pain Occur?
- Wearing ill-fitting shoes
- Wearing non-supportive shoes
- Weight change
- Excessive running
Treatments
Heel pain should be treated as soon as possible for immediate results. Keeping your feet in a stress-free environment will help. If you suffer from Achilles tendonitis or plantar fasciitis, applying ice will reduce the swelling. Stretching before an exercise like running will help the muscles. Using all these tips will help make heel pain a condition of the past.
If you have any questions please contact our office located in Battle Creek, MI . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
Heel Pain
Heel pain can be difficult to deal with, especially if you do not know what the underlying cause is. If you ignore your heel pain, the pain can magnify and potentially develop into a chronic condition. Depending on the location of your heel pain, you have developed a specific condition.
One condition is plantar fasciitis. Plantar fasciitis is caused by the inflammation of the plantar fascia, or the band of tissue that connects the heel bone to the base of the toes. The pain from this condition is initially mild but can intensify as more steps are taken when you wake up in the morning. To treat this condition, medication will likely be necessary. Plantar fasciitis is often associated with heel spurs; both require rest and special stretching exercises.
There are various options your podiatrist may suggest for heel pain. Treatment options for heel pain typically include non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS), which may reduce swelling and pain. Other options are physical therapy, athletic taping, and orthotics. In severe cases of heel pain, surgery may be required.
Preventing heel pain is possible. If you are looking to prevent heel pain from developing in the future, be sure to wear shoes that fit you properly and do not have worn down heels or soles. Be sure to warm up properly before participating in strenuous activities or sports that place a lot of a stress on the heels. If you are experiencing any form of heel pain, speak with your podiatrist to determine the underlying cause and receive the treatment you need.
Understanding Toenail Fungus
Toenail fungus, also known as onychomycosis, is a common condition that causes the toenail to become discolored, thickened, and brittle. It often starts as a white or yellow spot under the tip of the nail and can spread to affect the entire nail. Symptoms include discomfort, a foul odor, and in some cases, pain or swelling surrounding the affected nail. The primary cause of toenail fungus is a fungal infection, which thrives in warm, moist environments, such as sweaty shoes or public showers. Other risk factors include poor circulation, diabetes, and a weakened immune system. Treatment options for toenail fungus include topical antifungal creams or oral medications like terbinafine or itraconazole, which can be prescribed by a podiatrist. In severe cases, this foot doctor may recommend laser therapy or even nail removal to treat the infection effectively. If you have developed toenail fungus, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist.
For more information about treatment, contact One of our podiatrists of Battle Creek Foot & Ankle. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
Toenail Fungus Treatment
Toenail fungus is a condition that affects many people and can be especially hard to get rid of. Fortunately, there are several methods to go about treating and avoiding it.
Antifungals & Deterrence
Oral antifungal medicine has been shown to be effective in many cases. It is important to consult with a podiatrist to determine the proper regiment for you, or potentially explore other options.
Applying foot powder on the feet and shoes helps keep the feet free of moisture and sweat.
Sandals or open toed shoes – Wearing these will allow air movement and help keep feet dry. They also expose your feet to light, which fungus cannot tolerate. Socks with moisture wicking material also help as well.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Battle Creek, MI . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.
Toenail Fungus
Toenail fungus is a frustrating problem that affects many people. It can be persistent and hard to get rid of. As many different types of fungi are present throughout the environment, it is very easy to contract toenail fungus.
The feet are especially susceptible to toenail fungus because shoes and socks create the ideal dark and moist environment that fungal infections thrive in. While fungal infections of the nail plate are quite common, if left untreated they can spread beyond the toenail and into the skin and other parts of the body.
Signs of toenail fungus include a thickened nail that has become yellow or brown in color, a foul smell, and debris beneath the nail. The toe may become painful due to the pressure of a thicker nail or the buildup of debris.
Treatment for toenail fungus is most effective during the early stages of an infection. If there is an accumulation of debris beneath the nail plate, an ingrown nail or a more serious infection can occur. While each treatment varies between patients, your podiatrist may prescribe you oral medications, topical liquids and creams, or laser therapy. To determine the best treatment process for you, be sure to visit your podiatrist at the first signs of toenail fungus.
Custom Orthotics For Ankle Stability
Step with assurance, thanks to enhanced ankle stability from orthotics! If you're active and on the move, Custom Orthotics are your ally for stronger, steadier ankles. They align your foot and ankle, reducing the risk of sprains and offering solid support for every stride. Don’t let instability hold you back. Try Custom Orthotics from our office, and discover unshakable confidence in every step!
Ankle Fracture? Don’t Wait for Treatment
If you're suffering from an ankle fracture, professional attention shouldn't wait. Fractures may worsen over time and can make completing everyday activities incredibly difficult. See your specialist for treatment and guidance through the healing process.
Treating Diabetic Foot Ulcers
Diabetic foot ulcers can be a significant complication for people with diabetes due to reduced sensation and poor circulation in the feet. These ulcers often develop from minor injuries or pressure points that go unnoticed, as decreased nerve function can mask pain, and poor circulation inhibits healing. A podiatrist plays an essential role in diagnosing and managing foot ulcers to prevent serious infections. Treatment typically includes debridement, which involves removing dead or infected tissue to clean the wound and stimulate recovery. A podiatrist will also assess the depth and severity of the ulcer, ensuring that no foreign materials are present. Protective measures, such as specialized footwear or casts, may be recommended to reduce pressure on the affected area. Regular wound care, including cleaning and dressing changes, further supports recovery. Maintaining controlled blood sugar levels is vital, as it aids in faster healing and reduces the risk of infection. If you have foot ulcers as a result of diabetes, it is suggested that you schedule regular appointments with a podiatrist.
Diabetic foot care is important in preventing foot ailments such as ulcers. If you are suffering from diabetes or have any other concerns about your feet, contact One of our podiatrists from Battle Creek Foot & Ankle. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
Diabetic Foot Care
Diabetes affects millions of people every year. The condition can damage blood vessels in many parts of the body, especially the feet. Because of this, taking care of your feet is essential if you have diabetes, and having a podiatrist help monitor your foot health is highly recommended.
The Importance of Caring for Your Feet
- Routinely inspect your feet for bruises or sores.
- Wear socks that fit your feet comfortably.
- Wear comfortable shoes that provide adequate support.
Patients with diabetes should have their doctor monitor their blood levels, as blood sugar levels play such a huge role in diabetic care. Monitoring these levels on a regular basis is highly advised.
It is always best to inform your healthcare professional of any concerns you may have regarding your feet, especially for diabetic patients. Early treatment and routine foot examinations are keys to maintaining proper health, especially because severe complications can arise if proper treatment is not applied.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Battle Creek, MI . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
