Do you suffer from heel pain when you get up in the morning? If so, you should seek the professional help of your podiatrist and have a proper diagnosis performed. Heel pain can be caused by several different foot-related conditions.
Most people know their shoe size and stick with it for life, but a proper shoe fitting could lead to better overall foot health. There are so many types of footwear, but everyone has specific needs when it comes to what is right for their foot. A proper shoe fitting involves both length and width. A shoe should have a wide enough toe box for the natural shape of an individual’s foot, as well as appropriate arch support. Some shoes provide mobility, while others hinder one’s mobility. A shoe that provides the greatest mobility for your feet, ankles, and legs is the best option. The foot is the first place to absorb the weight of our movements, therefore the wrong shoe can negatively affect all weight-bearing bones. If you would like more information on the right shoe for you, then it is recommended you consult with a podiatrist.
Finding a properly-fitting shoe is important in reducing injuries and preventing foot problems. For more information about treatment, contact Bruce Smit, DPM from Frankfort Foot & Ankle Clinic. 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:
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.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Frankfort, IL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
There are many people who enjoy the sport or hobby of running and jogging, and may experience trauma to the foot or ankle as a result of this. A common running injury may often include Achilles tendonitis, and this will affect the Achilles tendon which is located behind the heel. It typically becomes injured if the calf muscles are not properly stretched before engaging in a running activity, and the inflammation may produce pain and discomfort. Additionally, many people injure their ankles by suddenly stepping off a curb which may cause the ankle to roll inward. This may cause the tendons, ligaments, and muscles to tear, and the pain that accompanies this may cause instability in the ankle. If you have endured any ankle or foot injury, it is advised to seek the counsel of a podiatrist who can properly treat the condition.
Foot and ankle trauma is common among athletes and the elderly. If you have concerns that you may have experienced trauma to the foot and ankle, consult with Bruce Smit, DPM from Frankfort Foot & Ankle Clinic. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.
Foot and ankle trauma cover a range of injuries all over the foot; common injuries include:
Symptoms
Symptoms of foot and ankle injuries vary depending on the injury, but more common ones include:
Diagnosis
To properly diagnose the exact type of injury, podiatrists will conduct a number of different tests. Some of these include sensation and visual tests, X-rays, and MRIs. Medical and family histories will also be taken into account.
Treatment
Once the injury has been diagnosed, the podiatrist can than offer the best treatment options for you. In less severe cases, rest and keeping pressure off the foot may be all that’s necessary. Orthotics, such as a specially made shoes, or immobilization devices, like splints or casts, may be deemed necessary. Finally, if the injury is severe enough, surgery may be necessary.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Frankfort, IL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
Custom orthotics, or shoe inserts, should be periodically replaced. Orthotics must fit properly to give you the best results. Protect your feet and ankles!
If you have pain on the inner side of your pinky toe, you may have what is referred to as a corn. They can vary in size and can produce a significant amount of discomfort. This condition is typically caused by excess pressure that may originate from the type of shoe that is worn. The body manufactures this natural defense mechanism to protect the skin from pressure that is caused by friction. There may be medical conditions that may contribute to the onset of corns, and these may include hammertoe, or walking abnormalities. The easiest way to treat a corn is to remove the cause of the friction that may have caused it. Some patients claim partial relief may be found by using corn pads, or small pieces of cushioning, which may absorb some of the pressure. If you have a corn, it is advised to be under the care of a podiatrist who can properly determine the cause and offer the best treatment options for you.
If you have any concerns regarding your feet and ankles, contact Bruce Smit, DPM of Frankfort Foot & Ankle Clinic. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.
Corns: What Are They? and How Do You Get Rid of Them?
Corns can be described as areas of the skin that have thickened to the point of becoming painful or irritating. They are often layers and layers of the skin that have become dry and rough, and are normally smaller than calluses.
Ways to Prevent Corns
There are many ways to get rid of painful corns such as wearing:
Treating Corns
Treatment of corns involves removing the dead skin that has built up in the specific area of the foot. Consult with Our doctor to determine the best treatment option for your case of corns.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Frankfort, IL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
If you are experiencing pain in the toe area of your foot, you may have a condition that is referred to as Morton’s neuroma. It may generally develop as a result of the nerves, that provide sensation between the toes, becoming compressed. Typical symptoms that may develop from this ailment may be intense pain or a burning feeling and may often be noticed on the bottom of the foot that extends to the toe area, which may cause walking to become difficult. Research has shown that it may develop by wearing improper footwear, which may include specific styles of high heels. Additional reasons why Morton’s neuroma may happen may be a result of an injury that occurs to the nerves in the surrounding area, or foot conditions, which may include bunions, hammertoes, or abnormal arches. If you have pain that involves your toes, it is suggested to consult with a podiatrist to learn about correct treatment techniques for Morton’s neuroma.
Morton’s neuroma is a very uncomfortable condition to live with. If you think you have Morton’s neuroma, contact Bruce Smit, DPM of Frankfort Foot & Ankle Clinic. Our doctor will attend to all of your foot care needs and answer any of your related questions.
Morton’s Neuroma
Morton's neuroma is a painful foot condition that commonly affects the areas between the second and third or third and fourth toe, although other areas of the foot are also susceptible. Morton’s neuroma is caused by an inflamed nerve in the foot that is being squeezed and aggravated by surrounding bones.
What Increases the Chances of Having Morton’s Neuroma?
Morton’s neuroma is a very treatable condition. Orthotics and shoe inserts can often be used to alleviate the pain on the forefront of the feet. In more severe cases, corticosteroids can also be prescribed. In order to figure out the best treatment for your neuroma, it’s recommended to seek the care of a podiatrist who can diagnose your condition and provide different treatment options.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Frankfort, IL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
Read more about Morton's NeuromaIf running and jumping are frequent activities that you participate in, you may experience stress fractures in your feet. It may typically occur as a result of repeated impact the feet endure and will appear as tiny cracks in the bone. The bones in the feet absorb the weight of the body, and this type of fracture is most likely to appear in the lower extremities. Stress fractures may happen to individuals who suddenly increase the intensity or change the type of sport they are engaging in, in addition to having certain medical conditions that may include osteoporosis, which can weaken the bones. There are several symptoms that are associated with this condition, including severe pain and discomfort, swelling, or possible bruising. Research has shown there may be methods than can be implemented, which may prevent a stress fracture from occurring. These may include ingesting a diet that is rich in calcium, which may aid in strengthening the bones, gradually increasing the power of your workout or chosen sport, in addition to wearing shoes that fit correctly. After a proper diagnosis is performed, which will typically include having an X-ray or MRI performed, recovery may begin. If you feel you may have endured a stress fracture, it is suggested to consult with a podiatrist, to discuss correct treatment options.
Activities where too much pressure is put on the feet can cause stress fractures. To learn more, contact Bruce Smit, DPM from Frankfort Foot & Ankle Clinic. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep your pain free and on your feet.
Dealing with Stress Fractures of the Foot and Ankle
Stress fractures occur in the foot and ankle when muscles in these areas weaken from too much or too little use. The feet and ankles then lose support when walking or running from the impact of the ground. Since there is no protection, the bones receive the full impact of each step. Stress on the feet can cause cracks to form in the bones, thus creating stress fractures.
What Are Stress Fractures?
Stress fractures occur frequently in individuals whose daily activities cause great impact on the feet and ankles. Stress factors are most common among:
Symptoms
Pain from the fractures occur in the area of the fractures and can be constant or intermittent. It will often cause sharp or dull pain with swelling and tenderness. Engaging in any kind of activity which involves high impact will aggravate pain.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Frankfort, IL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
Suffering from this type of pain? You may have the foot condition known as Morton's neuroma. Morton's neuroma may develop as a result of ill-fitting footwear and existing foot deformities. We can help.