Items filtered by date: February 2023

A podiatrist is a medical professional that specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of foot conditions. In some states, podiatrists can also treat ankle and lower limb issues. Podiatrists must obtain a 4-year bachelor’s degree, attend four years of podiatric medical school, and undergo residency training for three or more years in hospitals or clinics. After completing training, they must pass a series of board certification exams. Once fully licensed in their state, they can show the letters DPM after their names, which stands for Doctor of Podiatric Medicine. If they choose to specialize, they must complete a fellowship and pass certification exams in the area(s) of specialization. This can include a variety of sub-specialties, including but not limited to orthotics, diabetes, and pediatric foot care. Though podiatrists are not technically physicians, they undergo as much training as medical doctors. Podiatrists differ from orthopedists in that they treat lower limb disorders and not musculoskeletal disorders of the body. If you are suffering from pain, numbness, or swelling in your feet or have any questions related to the feet, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist who can talk to you at length.

If you are dealing with pain in your feet and ankles, you may want to seek help from a podiatrist. Feel free to 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 a Podiatrist?

A podiatrist is a doctor of podiatric medicine who diagnoses and treats conditions of the foot, ankle, and related structures of the leg. Your podiatrist may specialize in a certain field such as sports medicine, wound care, pediatrics, and diabetic care. Podiatrists have the ability to become board certified through training, clinical experience, and then taking an exam.

What Do Podiatrists Do?

On a daily basis, a podiatrist may perform the following activities:

• Diagnose foot ailments such as ulcers, tumors, fractures, etc.
• Use innovative methods to treat conditions
• Use corrective orthotics, casts, and strappings to correct deformities
• Correct walking patterns and balance
• Provide individual consultations to patients

It is very important that you take care of your feet. It’s easy to take having healthy feet for granted, however foot problems tend to be among the most common health conditions. Podiatrists can help diagnose and treat a variety of feet related conditions, so it is crucial that you visit one if you need assistance.

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.

Pain is a characteristic of many foot problems. While pain medications are easy to grab, there are other pain relievers that can be used instead of, or in conjunction with, medications. Using ice packs and warm foot soaks can help soothe and relax sore and aching feet. Foot massages can do the same by reducing tension and improving circulation, but one should take care not to massage an injured foot. If you have injured your foot or do not know what has caused the pain that you are feeling, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist who can do a thorough examination of your feet and provide the best treatment for proper healing.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with one of our podiatrists from Brondon Foot and 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 Centerville, OH . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Pointe is a particular kind of ballet dance that is especially thrilling and challenging. Pointe dancers essentially put all of their weight on the tips of their toes. These dancers must wear special shoes to support this activity. Given the extraordinary nature of the type of dance, pointe dancers can consider performing special foot stretches. These foot stretches are ultimately meant to increase resilience in the feet and strengthen the muscles of the feet. A pointe dancer might consider warming up their feet by gently rolling out their feet with a tennis ball. This can be performed from a seated position and placing the tennis ball beneath each foot, one at a time. Also, from a seated position, you might consider strengthening the feet and ankle areas by pointing your toes and writing the alphabet with the foot in the air. If you are a pointe dancer, contact a podiatrist today. 

Stretching the feet is a great way to prevent injuries. If you have any concerns with your feet consult with one of our podiatrists from Brondon Foot and Ankle. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Stretching the Feet

Being the backbone of the body, the feet carry your entire weight and can easily become overexerted, causing cramps and pain. As with any body part, stretching your feet can serve many benefits. From increasing flexibility to even providing some pain relief, be sure to give your feet a stretch from time to time. This is especially important for athletes or anyone performing aerobic exercises, but anyone experiencing foot pain or is on their feet constantly should also engage in this practice.

Great ways to stretch your feet:

• Crossing one leg over the others and carefully pull your toes back. Do 10-20 repetitions and repeat the process for each foot
• Face a wall with your arms out and hands flat against the wall. Step back with one foot and keep it flat on the floor while moving the other leg forward. Lean towards the wall until you feel a stretch. Hold for 30 seconds and perform 10 repetitions for each foot
• Be sure not to overextend or push your limbs too hard or you could risk pulling or straining your muscle

Individuals who tend to their feet by regular stretching every day should be able to minimize foot pain and prevent new problems from arising.

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 care needs.

Research has shown the foot condition that is known as clubfoot affects approximately one in 1,000 babies. Clubfoot develops in the womb, and it is speculated that the bones and ligaments develop improperly in utero. Additionally, studies have indicated that smoking while pregnant may increase the chances of delivering a baby who has clubfoot. This foot condition will force the infant’s foot to turn in at the ankle while pointing downward. An X-ray may be taken soon after birth to determine its severity, and it is generally followed by starting an effective treatment technique. The Ponseti method uses several plastic casts that can gently stretch and gradually turn the foot. The casts are replaced weekly, and are worn for approximately 12 weeks. This is followed by wearing a brace for several hours each day, which is done for approximately four years. When proper treatment is started as early as possible, the chances of walking and running normally may increase, and the child may lead a healthy life. If your child has clubfoot, it is strongly urged that you consult with a podiatrist who can guide you toward the correct treatment method for it.

Congenital foot problems require immediate attention to avoid future complications. If you have any concerns, contact one of our podiatrists of Brondon Foot and Ankle. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Congenital foot problems are deformities affecting the feet, toes, and/or ankles that children are born with. Some of these conditions have a genetic cause while others just happen. Some specific foot ailments that children may be born with include clubfeet, polydactyly/macrodactyly, and cleft foot. There are several other foot anomalies that can occur congenitally. What all of these conditions have in common is that a child may experience difficulty walking or performing everyday activities, as well as trouble finding footwear that fits their foot deformity. Some of these conditions are more serious than others. Consulting with a podiatrist as early as possible will help in properly diagnosing a child’s foot condition while getting the necessary treatment underway.

What are Causes of Congenital Foot Problem?

A congenital foot problem is one that happens to a child at birth. These conditions can be caused by a genetic predisposition, developmental or positional abnormalities during gestation, or with no known cause.

What are Symptoms of Congenital Foot Problems?

Symptoms vary by the congenital condition. Symptoms may consist of the following:

• Clubfoot, where tendons are shortened, bones are shaped differently, and the Achilles tendon is tight, causing the foot to point in and down. It is also possible for the soles of the feet to face each other.
• Polydactyly, which usually consists of a nubbin or small lump of tissue without a bone, a toe that is partially formed but has no joints, or an extra toe.
• Vertical talus, where the talus bone forms in the wrong position causing other bones in the foot to line up improperly, the front of the foot to point up, and the bottom of the foot to stiffen, with no arch, and to curve out.
• Tarsal coalition, when there is an abnormal connection of two or more bones in the foot leading to severe, rigid flatfoot.
• Cleft foot, where there are missing toes, a V-shaped cleft, and other anatomical differences.
• Macrodactyly, when the toes are abnormally large due to overgrowth of the underlying bone or soft tissue.

Treatment and Prevention

While there is nothing one can do to prevent congenital foot problems, raising awareness and receiving neonatal screenings are important. Early detection by taking your child to a podiatrist leads to the best outcome possible.

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.