Items filtered by date: September 2022

Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease that affects joints in any part of the body, including the ankle and foot. Commonly affected joints of the foot are the ankle, the three joints of the hindfoot, the midfoot, and the big toe. Symptoms of osteoarthritis include stiffness and pain. There may also be swelling, a limited range of motion, bone spur development, and difficulty in walking. When one has osteoarthritis, cartilage, serving as a protective layer for the ends of bones that form joints, gradually wears down. Injury (such as severe sprains and fractures) and abnormal foot structure or mechanics (like flat feet) can lead to osteoarthritis. Other types of arthritis may mimic osteoarthritis, which is why it is important to consult with a podiatrist. Such a professional will provide a proper diagnosis and treatment options for you.

Arthritis can be a difficult condition to live with. If you are seeking treatment, contact one of our podiatrists from Brondon Foot and Ankle. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Arthritic Foot Care  

Arthritis is a joint disorder that involves the inflammation of different joints in your body, such as those in your feet. Arthritis is often caused by a degenerative joint disease and causes mild to severe pain in all affected areas. In addition to this, swelling and stiffness in the affected joints can also be a common symptom of arthritis.

In many cases, wearing ill-fitting shoes can worsen the effects and pain of arthritis. Wearing shoes that have a lower heel and extra room can help your feet feel more comfortable. In cases of rheumatoid arthritis, the arch in your foot may become problematic. Buying shoes with proper arch support that contour to your feet can help immensely.

Alleviating Arthritic Pain

• Exercises that stretch the foot can prevent further pain and injury and increase mobility
• Most of the pain can be alleviated with anti-inflammatory drugs, heat, and topical medications
• Massages can help temporarily alleviate pain.

It is best to see your doctor for the treatment that is right for your needs and symptoms. Conditions vary, and a podiatrist can help you determine the right method of care for your feet.

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

Although you may not always think about it, there are many different bones in your feet that play important roles and are constantly supporting your every movement. The metatarsal bones are one example of critical bones that are located in the feet. There are five metatarsals that comprise the arches of your feet. This makes them play an important role in bearing and supporting weight. The 1st metatarsal bone is the thickest bone, and consequently, it bears more weight than the other metatarsals. It is important to note that although fractures are rare, an individual can fracture the metatarsals when large objects that are heavy fall on them. Hallux Valgus, or bunions, is also a condition that can negatively impact the 1st metatarsal. If you want to learn more about the metatarsal bones, or are concerned about your metatarsals, contact a podiatrist today.

If you have any concerns about your feet, contact one of our podiatrists from Brondon Foot and Ankle. 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 office located in Centerville, OH . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Plantar fasciitis is a very common foot condition that affects a wide variety of individuals across the country. This condition occurs when the plantar fascia, which is the band of tissue that runs along the arch of the foot, becomes aggravated and inflamed due to repeated pressure and strain. Although plantar fasciitis causes pain that is primarily in the arch and heel of the foot, pain can sometimes feel like it is emanating to other areas such as the ankle. Plantar fasciitis can be confused with a ruptured plantar fascia. Although both conditions involve the plantar fascia, plantar fasciitis is defined by micro-tears to this band of tissue, as opposed to the more significant tears involved in a ruptured plantar fascia. Additionally, plantar fasciitis is often confused with the entrapment of the nerves. For example, when the tibial nerve becomes pinched, sensations of pain can be felt in the soles of the feet in a way that is similar to plantar fasciitis. One of the distinguishing factors, however, is that tingling and numbness can be felt in the soles of the feet with a pinched tibial nerve. If you are having difficulty determining whether or not your pain is due to plantar fasciitis or another condition, contact a podiatrist who can perform a proper diagnosis.

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 Brondon Foot and Ankle. 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 office located in Centerville, OH . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

People who are serious about protecting their foot health ought to be familiar with stress fractures. A stress fracture can affect the bones of the feet and lower legs. It occurs typically when a bone develops a crack or break due to repeated pressure, trauma, or impact. One stress fracture to be aware of is the calcaneal stress fracture. This condition affects the heel bone. There is a wide variety of different symptoms that an individual might experience if they develop a calcaneal stress fracture. Notably, one can experience pain underneath the heel. This pain can worsen when the individual is engaged in weight-bearing activities, such as running, walking, or jumping. Individuals who are particularly at risk for this type of stress fracture include runners and ballet dancers. Stress fractures in the heel can be a serious threat to the health of your feet. Do not take chances, contact a podiatrist if you think you have a calcaneal stress fracture.

Activities where too much pressure is put on the feet can cause stress fractures. To learn more, contact one of our podiatrists from Brondon Foot and Ankle. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep your pain free and on your feet.

Dealing with Stress Fractures of the Foot and Ankle

Stress fractures occur in the foot and ankle when muscles in these areas weaken from too much or too little use.  The feet and ankles then lose support when walking or running from the impact of the ground. Since there is no protection, the bones receive the full impact of each step. Stress on the feet can cause cracks to form in the bones, thus creating stress fractures.

What Are Stress Fractures?

Stress fractures occur frequently in individuals whose daily activities cause great impact on the feet and ankles. Stress factors are most common among:

• Runners                                  
• People affected with Osteoporosis
• Tennis or basketball players
• Gymnasts
• High impact workouts

Symptoms

Pain from the fractures occur in the area of the fractures and can be constant or intermittent. It will often cause sharp or dull pain with swelling and tenderness. Engaging in any kind of activity which involves high impact will aggravate pain.

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