Items filtered by date: March 2023

Thursday, 30 March 2023 00:00

Heel Pain in the Morning?

Heel pain can negatively affect your day-to-day life. Simple activities like walking can become incredibly uncomfortable or painful due to heel pain.

Don’t live with heel pain and get treated.

Tuesday, 28 March 2023 00:00

What Is a Tongue in Running Shoes?

When shopping for running shoes, it can be quite easy for an individual to become overwhelmed by all of the different styles and potential options. It can therefore be helpful for an individual to be familiar with and well-versed in the different technical terms for elements of a running shoe. One important part of a running shoe is known as the tongue of the shoe. This part of the shoe serves several important functions. For example, the tongue essentially protects the upper part of the foot from the laces. The tongue typically runs to the toe area. There are two different types of tongues in running shoes. First, gusseted tongues connect to both sides of the foot. By contrast, a burrito tongue only connects to one side of the foot. If you are someone that is looking to purchase a good pair of running shoes, it is highly recommended that you contact a podiatrist who can help you meet all of your running shoe needs.

If you are a runner, wearing the right running shoe is essential. For more information, contact one of our podiatrists from Kokomo Foot & Ankle Center. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Choosing the Right Running Shoe for Your Foot Type

To increase performance and avoid the risk of injury, it is important to choose the right running shoe based on your foot type. The general design of running shoes revolves around pronation, which is how the ankle rolls from outside to inside when the foot strikes the ground.

  • Neutral runners are able to choose from a wide variety of shoes, including minimalist shoes or even going barefoot.
  • Runners who overpronate, or experience an over-abundance of ankle rolling, should choose shoes that provide extra motion control and stability.
  • Runners who underpronate, or supinate, have feet that have high arches and lack flexibility, preventing shock absorption. They require shoes with more flexibility and cushion.

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

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One of the most important things diabetic patients can do is to take proper care of their feet. Diabetes is a condition that is a result of elevated blood sugar levels, and this can damage the nerves in the feet. This may cause the inability to feel existing sores, bruises, and scrapes that have developed. These can become infected if prompt treatment is not received. Diabetic foot care can begin with washing the feet using warm water, and drying them thoroughly, especially between the toes. This is followed by checking the soles of the feet for any cuts, which can be done by using a mirror. If family members or caregivers are available, they may be able to help with this task. It is beneficial that the toenails be trimmed on a regular basis, and many people will have their podiatrist do this. Engaging in a gentle stretching and exercise routine can stimulate blood flow to the feet, and it is helpful to incorporate healthy eating habits into the daily regime. If you have diabetes, it is strongly suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can help you to manage this condition.

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 Kokomo Foot & Ankle Center. 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 Contact Us . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

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Children’s feet are different from those of adults in many ways. A baby’s foot is soft and flexible because their bones are still forming. It’s important to remember this fact when deciding on footwear for your young child. Experts warn against putting shoes on children too early. Even toddlers do better indoors without shoes, allowing their feet to become stronger and toes to develop a grasping action. A child needs to begin wearing shoes out of doors when they start to walk. These should not be too tight, and it is recommended to measure your child’s feet about every three months as they can grow quickly. Also, be on the lookout for abnormal walking patterns in your child as these may indicate underlying problems. However, do not worry that your child has flat feet, as they are born that way. The arch begins to develop as the child ages. Gait problems, such as in-toeing or out-toeing, may need to be looked at by a podiatrist, who is a medical professional trained to deal with problems of the feet, ankles, and toes.

The health of a child’s feet is vital to their overall well-being. If you have any questions regarding foot health, contact one of our podiatrists of Kokomo Foot & Ankle Center. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Tips for Keeping Children's Feet Healthy

  • Make sure their shoes fit properly
  • Look for any signs of in-toeing or out-toeing
  • Check to see if they have Clubfoot (condition that affects your child’s foot and ankle, twisting the heel and toes inward) which is one of the most common nonmajor birth defects.
  • Lightly cover your baby’s feet (Tight covers may keep your baby from moving their feet freely, and could prevent normal development)
  • Allow your toddler to go shoeless (Shoes can be restricting for a young child’s foot)
  • Cut toenails straight across to avoid ingrown toenails
  • Keep your child’s foot clean and dry
  • Cover cuts and scrapes. Wash any scratches with soap and water and cover them with a bandage until they’ve healed.

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

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Tuesday, 07 March 2023 00:00

Foot Melanomas

Melanoma is the most serious type of skin cancer, and it can occur in places on your body that would likely not be considered, such as the feet. Since the feet are often neglected, a foot melanoma can spread without being noticed, which can have serious consequences. Signs of foot cancer can include a mole that changes appearance, black or brown vertical lines under the toenails, or non-healing sores. There may also be pain, bleeding, or itching in these areas. A practice of routine foot care will help greatly in noticing that something may be amiss on the feet and allow treatment before dire consequences result. This routine starts with washing, drying, and applying moisturizer to the feet daily. It is imperative the feet be examined as well. If looking between the toes, on the sides, and soles of the feet is difficult, a hand mirror can be used for an examination. Foot areas that have been injured, even if well-healed, are susceptible to this type of cancer. If you notice a suspicious marking on your foot, it is suggested that you contact a podiatrist as soon as possible for a professional exam.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with one of our podiatrists from Kokomo Foot & Ankle Center. 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 Contact Us . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

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Wednesday, 01 March 2023 00:00

Causes of Plantar Fasciitis

The discomfort that comes from plantar fasciitis can cause difficulty in completing daily activities. It is felt in the heel, and if left untreated, the pain can become debilitating. This can happen as a result of an inflamed plantar fascia, which is the band of tissue that runs along the sole of the foot connecting the heel to the toes. There are various reasons plantar fasciitis may develop, including wearing shoes that do not have adequate cushioning in the heel area, or from standing on hard surfaces for extended periods of time. Obesity can contribute to developing this condition, in addition to overuse that can happen from exercising or participating in any sport that impacts the plantar fascia. Heel pain may be worse in the morning upon arising, and performing specific stretches may help to reduce the pain. Plantar fasciitis is treated by a podiatrist, and if you have developed this uncomfortable foot condition, it is strongly suggested that you consult with this type of doctor who can provide you with relief options.

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 Kokomo Foot & Ankle Center. 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 Contact Us . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Read more about Plantar Fasciitis

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