Blog

Causes of Flat Feet

Monday, 30 October 2017

Flat feet, also known as fallen arches, is a common condition in infants, and typically disappears by age three as the foot grows. In adults, this condition can be caused by illness or injury. Being overweight can also be a contributing factor. Therefore, a change in diet may help alleviate symptoms of the condition. Sometimes flat feet are caused by a short Achilles tendon, resulting in pain. A rare cause can be if bones become fused together. When the tendon that connects the inside of the ankle to the calf muscle is injured, flat feet may occur. While flat feet are common, it is a good idea to consult with a podiatrist to avoid any potential complications.

Flatfoot is a condition many people suffer from. If you have flat feet, contact Dr. Sybil J. Fisher from Texas. Our doctor 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 one of our offices located in Houston and Sugar Land, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

What to Look for in Walking Shoes

Monday, 23 October 2017

When it comes to looking for a pair of walking shoes, there are many different options out there, and it could be easy to feel overwhelmed. Here are a couple of shoe features that you should be on the lookout for. A toe box that provides enough wiggle room for your toes is important. The shoes shouldn't be too tight or too loose. A good pair of shoes should conform to the shape of your foot. Knowing what type of arches you have can also help, as they will allow you to pick a pair that accommodates your foot type. Finally, walking shoes should be comfortable to wear. If a pair of shoes you want does not provide enough cushion, see if the insoles can be swapped out for more comfortable ones or custom-made orthotics. If you would like to know more about your foot type and which show would be best suited for you, a podiatrist can analyze your foot and provide you with personalized recommendations.

Finding a properly-fitting shoe is important in reducing injuries and preventing foot problems. For more information about treatment, contact Dr. Sybil J. Fisher from Texas. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Proper Shoe Fitting

A common concern when it comes to foot health, having properly fitted shoes can help prevent injuries to the foot. Out feet affect our posture and gait, which in turn affects the biomechanics and overall bodily structure. With 33 joints, 26 bones, and over 100 ligaments, the potential for serious injury is much greater than one realizes. Although the feet cease growth in adulthood, they still change shape as they mature. Here are some factors to consider when it comes to investing in proper fitting shoes:

Be sure the shoes fit correctly right away
Ensure the ball of your foot fits comfortably in the widest portion of the shoes
Even though they may look fashionable, improper fitting shoes can either create adverse conditions or exacerbate existing ones you may already have
Walk along a carpeted surface to ensure the shoes comfortably fit during normal activity

Keeping in mind how shoes fit the biomechanics of your body, properly-fitting shoes are vitally important. Fortunately, it is not difficult to acquire footwear that fits correctly. Be sure to wear shoes that support the overall structure of your body. Do your feet a favor and invest in several pairs of well-fitted shoes today.

Exercises for Plantar Fasciitis

Monday, 16 October 2017

Plantar fasciitis and heel pain can both be very painful and uncomfortable. While stretching won’t eliminate the pain, it can help mitigate it. Some stretches that you can perform include the quadruped stretch, isolated calf raise, and even a foot massage. Before you do these, ask your podiatrist whether stretching is right for you. To do a quadruped stretch, get on all fours and spread your toes on the floor. Next, lean back slowly and sit on your heels while holding this position for 30 seconds. For isolated calf raises, lunge with your left leg forward and right leg back. Then, with your right foot flat, lift up onto the ball of your right foot. Do this for 10-15 reps on each side and for three repetitions. To massage your foot, push down on the center of the bottom of the foot and use a circular motion while applying pressure. These stretches will not eliminate plantar fasciitis and are only meant to temporarily reduce pain. If you have heel pain, it is recommended that you see a podiatrist who can offer effective treatment strategies.

Plantar fasciitis can be very painful and inconvenient. If you are experiencing heel pain or symptoms of plantar fasciitis, contact Dr. Sybil J. Fisher from Texas. Our doctor 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.

Diet and Gout

Monday, 09 October 2017

Gout, a form of arthritis caused by uric acid crystals forming in joints, can be very painful and can occur in any joint in the body. Thankfully, gout can be managed with a good diet. Avoiding high intakes of acid-rich food is advised. Purines, which are converted into uric acid by the body, come from animal and plant foods. Purine-rich diets, especially from meat and seafood, increase the risk of gout attacks. While not completely preventing gout attacks, diets with plenty of vegetables do help. Low-fat dairy products have been found to prevent uric acid buildup as well. Alcohol has also been linked with dramatically increased rates of gout attacks, so cutting back on alcohol is a great way to prevent gout attacks. While improving your diet won’t eliminate gout, it will certainly help to lessen attacks and their effects.

Gout is a foot condition that requires certain treatment and care. If you are seeking treatment, contact Dr. Sybil J. Fisher from Texas. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Is Gout?

Gout is a type of arthritis caused by a buildup of uric acid in the bloodstream. It often develops in the foot, especially the big toe area, although it can manifest in other parts of the body as well. Gout can make walking and standing very painful and is especially common in diabetics and the obese.

People typically get gout because of a poor diet. Genetic predisposition is also a factor. The children of parents who have had gout frequently have a chance of developing it themselves.

Gout can easily be identified by redness and inflammation of the big toe and the surrounding areas of the foot. Other symptoms include extreme fatigue, joint pain, and running high fevers. Sometimes corticosteroid drugs can be prescribed to treat gout, but the best way to combat this disease is to get more exercise and eat a better diet.

What to Know About Achilles Tendon Injuries

Monday, 02 October 2017

The Achilles tendon, while the largest and thickest tendon in the body, is prone to being injured just like any body part. Tendinopathy, the breakdown of the tendon, generally occurs from overuse—especially from athletic activities. In some cases, the tendon can even rupture completely. While overuse directly causes the injury, there are other factors that increase the risk. These factors include bending the foot backwards, or dorsiflexion, weak calf muscles, and pronation. Compared to other muscle recoveries, tendons take longer to heal and can even take up to a year to fully recover. While anti-inflammatory medication may bring relief, it will not heal the injury. Ultimately, the best thing to do for an Achilles tendon injury is to see a podiatrist. Podiatrists offer the best treatment options and recovery programs for such injuries, and they can help patients heal properly so they can get back in the game.

Achilles tendon injuries need immediate attention to avoid future complications. If you have any concerns, contact Dr. Sybil J. Fisher of Texas. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is the Achilles Tendon?

The Achilles tendon is a tendon that connects the lower leg muscles and calf to the heel of the foot. It is the strongest tendon in the human body and is essential for making movement possible. Because this tendon is such an integral part of the body, any injuries to it can create immense difficulties and should immediately be presented to a doctor.

What Are the Symptoms of an Achilles Tendon Injury?

There are various types of injuries that can affect the Achilles tendon. The two most common injuries are Achilles tendinitis and ruptures of the tendon.

Achilles Tendinitis Symptoms

Inflammation
Dull to severe pain
Increased blood flow to the tendon
Thickening of the tendon

Rupture Symptoms

Extreme pain and swelling in the foot
Total immobility

Treatment and Prevention

Achilles tendon injuries are diagnosed by a thorough physical evaluation, which can include an MRI. Treatment involves rest, physical therapy, and in some cases, surgery. However, various preventative measures can be taken to avoid these injuries, such as:

Thorough stretching of the tendon before and after exercise
Strengthening exercises like calf raises, squats, leg curls, leg extensions, leg raises, lunges, and leg presses

If you have any questions please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Houston and Sugar Land, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Blog

Blog Archives