Possible Advantages for Flat-Footed People
There may be advantages for people who have flat feet. Flat feet are defined as the natural ability the feet have to roll inward, which may be helpful while running or jumping. The structure of the foot can absorb the shock, which may come easier than to people who have high arches. Additionally, the body may propel faster in people who are flat footed, and stability and balance may be enhanced. Despite this uplifting knowledge, there are some disadvantages to having flat feet. These can include difficulty in choosing shoes that fit correctly, and lower back pain may gradually develop. Observing flat feet can easily be done by standing with both feet on the floor. People who have flat feet will notice there is no gap between the floor and their feet. The majority of babies are born with flat feet, and the arches generally develop by the teenage years. Flat feet in adults may be the result of becoming obese, running or walking while barefoot, or possibly from lifting heavy weights. If you have flat feet, it is strongly suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can help you with useful information on how to manage this condition.
Flatfoot is a condition many people suffer from. If you have flat feet, contact one of our podiatrists from Ankle and Foot Centers of Missouri, P.C.. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.
What Are Flat Feet?
Flatfoot is a condition in which the arch of the foot is depressed and the sole of the foot is almost completely in contact with the ground. About 20-30% of the population generally has flat feet because their arches never formed during growth.
Conditions & Problems:
Having flat feet makes it difficult to run or walk because of the stress placed on the ankles.
Alignment – The general alignment of your legs can be disrupted, because the ankles move inward which can cause major discomfort.
Knees – If you have complications with your knees, flat feet can be a contributor to arthritis in that area.
Symptoms
- Pain around the heel or arch area
- Trouble standing on the tip toe
- Swelling around the inside of the ankle
- Flat look to one or both feet
- Having your shoes feel uneven when worn
Treatment
If you are experiencing pain and stress on the foot you may weaken the posterior tibial tendon, which runs around the inside of the ankle.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in the Greater Kansas City area . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
Flatfoot
Flatfoot is a foot disorder that is not as straightforward as many people believe. Various types of flatfoot exist, each with their own varying deformities and symptoms. The partial or total collapse of the arch, however, is a characteristic common to all types of flatfoot. Other signs of flatfoot include:
- “Toe drift,” or the pointing outward of the toes and the front part of the foot
- The tilting outward of the heel and the tilting inward of the ankle
- The lifting of the heel off the ground earlier when walking due to a tight Achilles tendon
- Hammertoes
- Bunions
One of the most common types of flatfoot is flexible flatfoot. This variation usually starts in childhood and progresses as one ages into adulthood. Flexible flatfoot presents as a foot that is flat when standing, or weight-bearing. When not standing, the arch returns. Symptoms of flexible flatfoot include:
- Pain located in the heel, arch, ankle, or along the outside of the foot
- Overpronation, or an ankle that rolls in
- Shin splint, or pain along the shin bone
- General foot aches or fatigue
- Pain located in the lower back, hip, or knee
Your podiatrist will most likely diagnose flatfoot by examining your feet when you stand and sit. X-rays may be taken to define the severity and help determine the treatment option best for your condition. Nonsurgical treatments can include activity modification, weight loss, orthotics, immobilization, medications, physical therapy, shoe modifications, and ankle foot orthoses (AFO) devices. If nonsurgical methods prove ineffective, surgery may be considered. Multiple surgical procedures can correct flatfoot; and depending on your specific condition, one may be selected alone or combined with other techniques to ensure optimal results.
Plantar Fasciitis Stretches
Plantar fasciitis is a foot condition that can cause severe pain and discomfort, and walking can be difficult. The plantar fascia is found on the sole of the foot, and it connects the heel to the toes. It can gradually become irritated or torn from standing on hard surfaces for most of the day, propelling many patients to look for relief. It may also come from wearing shoes that do not fit correctly. Additionally, an injury to the plantar fascia may cause it to become damaged, which can lead to sudden pain. Some people find it can help to perform specific stretches that can provide comfort. Grasping and releasing a towel with the toes can be effective in stretching the plantar fascia, in addition to standing on a book and curling the toes around the edge. This is followed by straightening them out, and can be repeated several times. Ankle circles are an easy exercise to perform. This can be accomplished by rotating the ankle in a clockwise direction, then switching to counter clockwise. Repeating this numerous times on each foot may help to reduce the pain of plantar fasciitis. If you have heel pain, it is strongly suggested that you confer with a podiatrist who can accurately diagnose plantar fasciitis, and guide you toward correct treatment solutions.
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 Ankle and Foot Centers of Missouri, P.C.. 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 offices located in the Greater Kansas City area . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
Plantar Fasciitis
The plantar fascia is a connective tissue in the heel that stretches across the bottom length of your foot. Plantar fasciitis occurs when the connective tissue becomes inflamed, causing heel pain and discomfort during physical activity. Although the condition is completely treatable, traditional methods can take up to a year to start becoming effective.
Plantar fasciitis is caused by a number of everyday activities, so understanding the condition is important for managing and treating it. One of the most common causes of plantar fasciitis is excessive running, especially with improper fitting or non-supportive shoes. Too much exercise can lead to the plantar fascia being overworked and overstretched, which can cause tears in the tissue. Along with improper fitting shoes, pronation, the rolling of the feet inward, is a common cause of plantar fasciitis. If not treated properly, the plantar fascia becomes overstretched and starts to tear, causing inflammation.
Despite the common causes of plantar fasciitis, there are many different treatment options. For less severe cases, conservative home remedies include taking anti-inflammatory drugs to alleviate pain, applying ice packs to the bottom of your foot and heel, slowly stretching and exercising your feet to re-strengthen the tissue, and using orthotic devices are all ways to help manage your plantar fasciitis.
For more severe cases, shockwave therapy has become a common solution for plantar fasciitis. Shockwave therapy can effectively break up the tissue on the bottom of your foot which facilitates healing and regeneration. This fights the chronic pain caused by plantar fasciitis. Even if this doesn’t work, surgery is always a final option. Surgery on the tissue itself can be done to permanently correct the issue and stop the inflammation and pain in your heels.
No matter what the case may be, consulting your podiatrist is the first and best step to recovery. Even the slightest amount of heel pain could be the first stage of plantar fasciitis. Untreated symptoms can lead to the tearing and overstretching of tissue. Because the tearing of tissue can be compounded if it remains ignored, it can evolve into a severe case. The solution is early detection and early treatment. Talk to your podiatrist about the possibilities of plantar fasciitis if you’re experiencing heel pain.
Various Types of Orthotics
Many people choose to wear orthotics that can help to protect and realign the structure of the feet. Having plantar fasciitis, flat feet, and heel spurs are common conditions that may be helped by wearing custom-made orthotics. There are various types of insoles, consisting of every day and running. Insoles that are worn daily may last up to six months, and this can depend on how many hours they are worn. People who are athletes may be interested in learning about running insoles, which may last between three and four months. Patients who stand on their feet during the workday may benefit from wearing insoles in their work boots, and this can be successful in providing the necessary support while working. If you would like additional information about the types of orthotics that can be purchased, it is strongly suggested that you consult with a podiatrist who can guide you toward the type of orthotics that are best for you.
If you are having discomfort in your feet and would like to try orthotics, contact one of our podiatrists from Ankle and Foot Centers of Missouri, P.C.. 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 offices located in the Greater Kansas City area . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
Ankle Foot Orthotics for Athletes
Ankle foot orthotics are shoe inserts that offer support to control the placement and movement of the ankle, correct deformities, and compensate for weakness. These inserts are used to stabilize the foot and ankle and provide toe clearance during the swing phase of gate.
Athletes often suffer foot problems because their feet are not being supported within the shoe. Ankle and foot orthotics are custom made inserts that alleviate stress on the foot. However custom orthotics should be prescribed by a podiatrist who specializes in customized footwear and orthotics design. These inserts are used by athletes for different reasons. Runners use orthotics to absorb shock at heel contact and to set up the forefoot for push-off. Basketball players wear them to control their forefeet while jumping and running.
The two main types of orthotics are over-the-counter orthotics and custom-made orthotics. To be eligible for custom orthotics, an examination of the foot and ankle will need to be completed. Afterward, both the foot and ankle will need to be casted and fitted for the proper orthotic. When the fitting process is complete, adjustments can be made to make sure everything fits perfectly.
Over the counter orthotics tend to be more popular than custom fit ones. Athletes who have less severe aches and pains in the foot, ankle or lower back area can use the over-the-counter version of orthotics. Unfortunately, over-the-counter orthotics tend to not work in treating severe injuries or ailments. Whenever you suspect you may need an ankle foot orthotic, you should consult with your podiatrist to determine which type of orthotic is right for you.
Are You Suffering From Ingrown Toenails?
If left untreated, an ingrown toenail can lead to more serious concerns, such as an infection. Knowing proper nail care can help in the prevention of an ingrown toenail. Give us a call, and get treated!
Why Your Feet Sweat and Smell Bad
If you notice that your feet smell bad, it is likely caused by having sweaty feet. When the skin stays damp it invites bacteria, which thrive in moist, warm environments. When the bacteria grow, they break down the sweat and produce chemicals with a foul odor. The main cause of the odor is sweating in your socks and shoes and not allowing your feet to dry out. Common causes of sweaty feet include standing on the feet for long periods of time, wearing tight shoes that do not breathe, and wearing shoes that have not completely dried out. Other causes can include not changing your socks or washing your feet daily, certain hormonal changes, and a condition called hyperhidrosis. This condition causes the sweat glands to overproduce moisture. If you have both sweaty and malodorous feet, it is suggested that you seek the help of a podiatrist who is trained to deal with such ailments.
If you are suffering from hyperhidrosis contact one of our podiatrists of Ankle and Foot Centers of Missouri, P.C.. Our doctors can provide the care you need to attend to all of your foot and ankle needs.
Hyperhidrosis of the Feet
Hyperhidrosis is a rare disorder that can cause people to have excessive sweating of their feet. This can usually occur all on its own without rigorous activity involved. People who suffer from hyperhidrosis may also experience sweaty palms.
Although it is said that sweating is a healthy process meant to cool down the body temperature and to maintain a proper internal temperature, hyperhidrosis may prove to be a huge hindrance on a person’s everyday life.
Plantar hyperhidrosis is considered to be the main form of hyperhidrosis. Secondary hyperhidrosis can refer to sweating that occurs in areas other than the feet or hands and armpits. Often this may be a sign of it being related to another medical condition such as menopause, hyperthyroidism and even Parkinson’s disease.
In order to alleviate this condition, it is important to see your doctor so that they may prescribe the necessary medications so that you can begin to live a normal life again. If this is left untreated, it is said that it will persist throughout an individual’s life.
A last resort approach would be surgery, but it is best to speak with your doctor to find out what may be the best treatment for you.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in the Greater Kansas City area . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
Hyperhidrosis of the Feet
Hyperhidrosis of the feet, also termed plantar hyperhidrosis, is characterized by excessive sweating of the feet that can be onset by any cause, such as exercise, fever, or anxiety. Most people suffering from hyperhidrosis of the feet also experience hyperhidrosis of the hands, or palmar hyperhidrosis. Approximately 1-2% of Americans suffer from this disorder.
Sweating is a healthy process utilized by the body in order to cool itself and maintain a proper internal temperature, which is controlled by the sympathetic nervous system. In individuals with hyperhidrosis, the sympathetic nervous system works in "overdrive", producing far more sweat than is actually needed.
Plantar hyperhidrosis is considered primary hyperhidrosis. Secondary hyperhidrosis refers to excessive sweating that occurs in an area other than the feet, hands, or armpits, and this indicates that is related to another medical condition, such as menopause, hyperthyroidism, or Parkinson's disease.
Symptoms of hyperhidrosis of the feet can include foot odor, athlete's foot, infections, and blisters. Because of the continual moisture, shoes and socks can rot which creates an additional foul odor and can ruin the material, requiring shoes and socks to be replaced frequently. In addition to the physical symptoms, emotional health is often affected as this disorder can be very embarrassing.
If left untreated, hyperhidrosis will usually persist throughout an individual's life. However, there are several treatment options available. A common first approach to treating hyperhidrosis of the feet is a topical ointment. Aluminum chloride, an ingredient found in antiperspirants, can be effective at treating hyperhidrosis if used in high concentration and applied to the foot daily. Some individuals can experience relief this way, while others encounter extreme irritation and are unable to use the product. Another procedure is the use of Botulinum Toxin A, commonly referred to as Botox. This is injected directly into the foot, and is effective at minimizing the sweat glands in the injected area. These injections must be repeated every 4 to 9 months.
If these treatments are ineffective, oral prescription medications may be taken in an effort to alleviate the symptoms. Again, some will experience relief while others do not. Going barefoot reportedly provides relief for most sufferers.
A final approach to combating hyperhidrosis of the feet is through surgery. Surgery has been less successful on patients with plantar hyperhidrosis than on those with palmar hyperhidrosis. It is only recommended when sweating is severe and other treatments have failed to work. This kind of surgery usually involves going into the central nervous system, and cutting nerves to stop the transmission of signals telling the foot to sweat.
Why Different Shoes Are Made For Walking and Running
Both running and walking can be beneficial to your health. Running is an aerobic activity that assists with strengthening muscles and bones, in addition to improving heart function. Walking engages the legs and core while helping to alleviate stress, enhancing cardiovascular health and overall fitness. Whether you walk or run, you may want to consider getting athletic shoes that match the activity. Doing so can ensure a more efficient workout and lessen injuries. The shoes for these two activities are different because of the various ways the feet strike the ground and the amount of force sustained by the feet. While running, you may have both feet off the ground at once, while when walking, one foot is always on the ground. Both exercisers land on their heels first, but walkers roll forward onto their toes immediately. Runners distribute more body weight across their feet than walkers. Shoes for running and walking are made to manage these different movements. If you enjoy walking or running and want to make sure your shoes are serving you well, it is suggested that you consult with a podiatrist.
For more information about walking shoes versus running shoes, consult with one of our podiatrists from Ankle and Foot Centers of Missouri, P.C.. Our doctors can measure your feet to determine what your needs are and help you find an appropriate pair of footwear.
Foot Health: The Differences between Walking & Running Shoes
There are great ways to stay in shape: running and walking are two great exercises to a healthy lifestyle. It is important to know that running shoes and walking shoes are not interchangeable. There is a key difference on how the feet hit the ground when someone is running or walking. This is why one should be aware that a shoe is designed differently for each activity.
You may be asking yourself what the real differences are between walking and running shoes and the answers may shock you.
Differences
Walking doesn’t involve as much stress or impact on the feet as running does. However, this doesn’t mean that you should be any less prepared. When you’re walking, you land on your heels and have your foot roll forward. This rolling motion requires additional support to the feet.
Flexibility – Walking shoes are designed to have soft, flexible soles. This allows the walker to push off easily with each step.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in the Greater Kansas City area . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
