Items filtered by date: June 2023

The foot condition that is referred to as flat feet indicates the foot has no arch, or it may be very low. The majority of babies are born with flat feet, which may extend into adulthood as a result of genetics or enduring a foot injury. There are some patients who experience pain with flat feet, and their posture may be affected. People who have flat feet and enjoy running may have to learn specific stretches that can help to strengthen the overall foot before embarking on a run. It is beneficial to stretch the foot before and after every run. This can be done by placing the foot on top of a golf ball and rolling back and forth several times. The Achilles tendon can be stretched by performing appropriate calf stretches. It is beneficial to wear running shoes that are designed for people who have flat feet. These types of shoes may provide adequate arch support in addition to stability, support, and comfort. If you have flat feet and love to run, it is strongly suggested that you confer with a podiatrist who can provide you with information that can protect your feet while running. 

Flatfoot is a condition many people suffer from. If you have flat feet, contact one of our podiatrists from Kokomo Foot & Ankle Center. 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 office located in Contact Us . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Regularly exercising the feet can increase overall health, as well as help prevent injuries. Walking is the best exercise for the feet because it puts the feet through the full range of motion. It also improves circulation, cardiovascular health, muscle tone, and mood. Beyond walking, daily foot flexibility and resistance exercises can help to keep feet healthy. Note that underlying health conditions, such as arthritis or diabetes, as well as structural problems of the feet might impact the ability to exercise and need to be managed first. If you would like to embark on a regime of exercising and stretching your feet, it is suggested that you visit a podiatrist for an examination, help with any health or mechanical issues, and recommendations for a specific routine you can follow.

Why Stretching Is Important for Your Feet

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 Kokomo Foot & Ankle Center. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Stretching the Feet

Stretching the muscles in the foot is an important part in any physical activity. Feet that are tight can lead to less flexibility and make you more prone to injury. One of the most common forms of foot pain, plantar fasciitis, can be stretched out to help ease the pain. Stretching can not only ease pain from plantar fasciitis but also prevent it as well. However, it is important to see a podiatrist first to determine if stretching is right for you. Podiatrists can also recommend other ways to stretch your feet. Once you know whether stretching is right for you, here are some excellent stretches you can do.

• Using a foam roller or any cylindrical object (a water bottle or soda can will do), roll the object under your foot back and forth. You should also exert pressure on the object. Be sure to do this to both feet for a minute. Do this exercise three times each.
• Similar to the previous exercise, take a ball, such as a tennis ball, and roll it under your foot while seated and exert pressure on it.
• Grab a resistance band or towel and take a seat. If you are using a towel, fold it length wise. Next put either one between the ball of your foot and heel and pull with both hands on each side towards you. Hold this for 15 seconds and then switch feet. Do this three times for each foot.
• Finally hold your big toe while crossing one leg over the other. Pull the toe towards you and hold for 15 seconds. Once again do this three times per foot.

It is best to go easy when first stretching your foot and work your way up. If your foot starts hurting, stop exercising to ice and rest the foot. It is advised that you then see a podiatrist for help.

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.

People often take their feet for granted until they begin to hurt. Arthritis in the feet can cause severe pain and discomfort, and it is beneficial to learn proper arthritic foot care. Four types of arthritis can affect the feet. These are classified as osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, gout, and post-traumatic arthritis. Studies suggest that osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis and causes wear and tear to the joints over time. When crystals form in the joints of the big toe, it can be indicative of gout. This is a condition that is caused by genetic factors or by specific types of foods that are frequently eaten. Rheumatoid arthritis, or RA, is an autoimmune disease that can target the joints in the feet causing severe pain and inflammation. If the foot is injured, the patient may develop post-traumatic arthritis, which can be a result of ankle trauma. There are several treatment options available and this often depends on the type of arthritis the individual has. If you have arthritis in your feet, it is strongly suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can guide you toward the correct treatment method.

Arthritis can be a difficult condition to live with. If you are seeking treatment, 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.

Arthritic Foot Care  

Arthritis is a term that is commonly used to describe joint pain.  The condition itself can occur to anyone of any age, race, or gender, and there are over 100 types of it.  Nevertheless, arthritis is more commonly found in women compared to men, and it is also more prevalent in those who are overweight. The causes of arthritis vary depending on which type of arthritis you have. Osteoarthritis for example, is often caused by injury, while rheumatoid arthritis is caused by a misdirected immune system.

Symptoms

• Swelling
• Pain
• Stiffness
• Decreased Range of Motion

Arthritic symptoms range in severity, and they may come and go. Some symptoms stay the same for several years but could potentially get worse with time. Severe cases of arthritis can prevent its sufferers from performing daily activities and make walking difficult.

Risk Factors

• Occupation – Occupations requiring repetitive knee movements have been linked to osteoarthritis
• Obesity – Excess weight can contribute to osteoarthritis development
• Infection – Microbial agents can infect the joints and trigger arthritis
• Joint Injuries – Damage to joints may lead to osteoarthritis
• Age – Risk increases with age
• Gender –Most types are more common in women
• Genetics – Arthritis can be hereditary

If you suspect your arthritis is affecting your feet, it is crucial that you see a podiatrist immediately. Your doctor will be able to address your specific case and help you decide which treatment method is best for you.

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.

Limb salvage can be done to preserve function when diabetics have chronic ulceration. Chronic ulcerations of the feet can occur due to an abnormal gait, surgical incisions that do not heal or take a long time to heal, and from wounds on the feet that have not been treated. Sometimes joint immobility in a person with diabetes can lead to bony prominences on the sole of the foot, which will often cause ulcerations. A stiff foot can cause pressure to be applied in a diabetic foot which will also lead to ulcerations. If you have diabetes and problems with your feet or ankles, it is strongly suggested that you have a podiatrist on your roster of doctors. This medical professional can examine your feet regularly and help you to prevent and treat chronic and serious issues, such as ulcerations requiring limb salvage that may occur as the result of diabetes.

Limb salvage can be an effective way in preventing the need for limb amputation. If you have diabetes, cancer, or any other condition that could lead to foot amputation if left unchecked, 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.

What Is Limb Salvage?

Limb salvage is the attempt of saving a limb, such as the foot from amputation. Podiatrists also try to make sure that there is enough function in the foot after the salvage that it is still usable. Diabetes is the number one cause of non-traumatic amputations in the United States. Those with diabetes experience poor blood circulation, which prevents proper healing of an ulcer. If the ulcer is left uncheck, it could become infected, which could result in the need for amputation.

However, there are other causes as well, such as cancer and traumatic injury. Links between higher mortality rates and amputation have been found. This translates into higher healthcare costs, and a reduced quality of life and mobility for amputees. Podiatrists have attempted to increase the prevalence of limb salvage in an attempt to solve these issues.

Diagnosis and Treatment

Limb salvage teams have grown in recent years that utilize a number of different treatments to save the infected limb. This includes podiatrists that specialize in wound care, rehabilitation, orthotics, and surgery. Through a combination of these methods, limb salvage has been found to be an effective treatment for infected limbs, and as an alternative to amputation. Podiatrists will first evaluate the potential for limb salvage and determine if the limb can be saved or must be amputated. 

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.