Blog Archive
Trauma to the foot, especially the toes, can occur in many ways. Banging them, stubbing them, or dropping something on them are a few different ways this trauma can occur. Given the fact that toes are positioned in front of the feet, they typically sustain the brunt of such trauma....
Platelet rich plasma, or PRP, is blood taken from a patient and spun in a centrifuge, concentrating the amount of platelets and growth factors. This plasma, containing a very high concentration of platelets, is re-injected into the site of injury or damage, inducing the body to repair damage to muscle,...
Hammertoe is a foot condition which affects the toes, causing the joints to become deformed. Choosing to wear shoes that fit tightly is often the cause of this condition, resulting in the toes bending into a forced, abnormal position. The shoes will rub on the toe which causes friction, and...
Hammertoes are painful deformities that frequently form on the second, third, or fourth toe. The condition is often caused by an issue in foot mechanics. This can be caused by the person’s specific gait or the manner in which they walk, or by shoes that do not comfortably fit the...
Many people are unaware of the differences between walking and running shoes. Both types of shoes have different features that are meant to support the foot. Walking shoes tend to be firmer, and they may not be as flexible as shoes that are made for running. This enables the walker...
Both running and walking are great exercises, but should a person wear the same shoes for both activities? The answer is no, because there is a difference between the way a person’s feet hit the ground when they are walking and when they are running. Therefore, the shoes for each...
A small area of skin that appears thickened on the foot may be a condition referred to as a corn. The general reason behind the development of corns commonly revolves around shoes not fitting properly, therefore putting pressure on the feet. An example of this are high-heels, which typically squeeze...
Experiencing leg and foot pain during pregnancy is a common ailment most women suffer from, especially during the second and third trimester. Swollen feet, also referred to as edema, is often caused by excess blood and fluids accumulating in the tissues. Additionally, an increase in estrogen and other hormones may...
Many pregnant women complain about foot pain while they are expecting. Foot pain can primarily be caused by weight gain and hormonal changes taking place in the body. By understanding how pregnancy impacts the health of a woman's feet, a pregnant woman can take action to keep her feet as...
Obesity is a worldwide issue, affecting people from many different countries, and is often seen as a gateway for serious health conditions. The extra weight may cause imbalanced walking, consequently putting people at risk for falls and ankle sprains or breaks. Some people experience swollen feet, often being a sign...
Standing on your feet all or most of the day often triggers foot pain. An effective way to treat this type of pain may be to incorporate foot exercises into your daily routine. There are a few optimal stretches that can be performed, such as pointing and flexing the toes....
Have you ever gotten up from a chair or out of bed in the morning, and upon taking that first step, feel like your heel has stepped on a tack? Many people experience a feeling of sharp pain which radiates into their arch from their heel and which does not...
There are numerous bones, joints and muscles in the foot, therefore making it a complicated structure. The intrinsic muscles that are attached to the foot help in forward movement and maintaining balance, whereas the extrinsic muscles allow pointing and flexing of the foot to occur. It’s important to stretch these...
Debilitating foot pain is a problem for many people. But just as stretching the torso can help alleviate back pain, stretching the feet can also help mend existing foot problems and prevent future ones.The feet, as the body’s foundation, carry the body’s entire weight and can get easily strained from...
Many seniors develop foot issues as they age, commonly due to loss of strength resulting from lack of exercise. Walking helps to maintain healthy feet, which aids in keeping the body balanced, therefore preventing falls. Good everyday foot care practices are crucial in avoiding foot problems and may include washing the...
Bone density loss, dry skin, poor circulation, and rough and brittle nails are some of the common problems that can occur as people age. The effect that these problems has on foot health should be of particular concern in comprehensive geriatric care.Feet that are diseased or injured have a negative effect...
The purpose of sweating is to regulate the body’s temperature. When this happens excessively, it’s known as hyperhidrosis. Most of the millions of people affected by this condition often feel a loss of control because sweating can occur independent of physical exertion. It may begin in childhood and is thought to be...
Sever's disease, also known as calcaneal apophysitis, is a medical condition that causes heel pain in children’s feet while they’re growing. Sever's disease occurs most commonly in boys and girls between the ages of 8 and 14.Sever's disease occurs when the child’s growth plate, or the calcaneal epiphysis, an area...
When you point your toes toward the floor and then stand up on your tiptoes, that's the Achilles tendon at work. It’s located at the back of the ankle and above the heel. When it is injured, there can be stiffness or burning pain in the lower part of the...
The Achilles tendon is the strongest tendon in the human body. Its purpose is to connect the lower leg muscles and calf to the heel of the foot. This tendon is responsible for facilitating all types of movement, like walking and running. This tendon provides an enormous amount of mobility...
Running can be a great way to stay healthy, however it can also lead to injuries. Knowing what to do to prevent running injuries is essential to ensure a healthy outcome. In addition to basic steps like drinking plenty of water, avoiding overuse, running properly, and wearing the right footwear...
Wearing shoes without socks has caught on in recent years as a new fashion trend partly due to the rise in popularity of slip-on shoes. However, this new trend in shoe fashion may have a negative impact on your foot health. The foot routinely sweats throughout the day, and socks...
Our feet are important in our everyday lives. The problem is that we tend to neglect them. When this becomes a habit, it can cause significant trouble. Ignoring foot problems can mean pain, limited mobility, and expensive doctor's visits. On the other hand, if feet are cared for and looked...
The branch of medicine that is focused on the treatment, diagnosis, and study of disorders of the lower leg, ankle and foot is referred to as podiatry. Because people often spend a great deal of their time on their feet, many problems in this area can occur. A person seeks...
Podiatrists are medical doctors who specialize in the foot and ankle. Officially known as a Doctor of Podiatric Medicine (DPM), podiatrists have the knowledge and ability to diagnose and treat any foot ailment. This includes minor ones such as toenail fungus, cracked heels, and heel pain, to more major problems...
Hallux valgus, better known as bunions, is an enlargement of the inner portion of the joint at the base of the big toe. This can cause pain, tenderness, and redness near the big toe. Movement can worsen the pain, and overtime, the misalignment can become worse. Several conditions have been...
A bunion is an enlargement of the base joint of the toe that connects to the foot, often formed from a bony growth or a patch of swollen tissues. It is caused by the inward shifting of the bones in the big toe, toward the other toes of the foot....
Gout, typically found in diabetic patients, is an unusually painful form of arthritis caused by elevated levels of uric acid in the bloodstream. The condition typically strikes the big joint on the big toe. It has also been known to strike the knees, elbows, fingers, ankles and wrists—generally anywhere that...
When it comes to choosing children’s footwear, children often favor style over comfort. This can cause a number of foot issues; children’s feet are still developing, and poorly fitted footwear can stymie growth. It is recommended to wear fitted shoes that not only offer some flexibility, but provide support and...
A major problem among those who suffer from diabetes is poor blood circulation and nerve damage. This can lead to diabetics developing foot ulcers that don’t heal properly or quickly. In more severe cases in which the wound has become infected, this can lead to amputation. The first step is...
Millions of people are affected by diabetes each year. Diabetes damages blood vessels in all parts of the body, especially the feet. The legs and feet may develop slow blood flow, which causes neuropathy, or nerve damage. Once a diabetic patient develops neuropathy, it is important that the feet are...
Many dancers focus primarily on stretching out tight muscles in their feet before they dance. While this is important, it is also recommended that dancers stretch their calves and make sure that they have good flex and pointe in their feet and ankles. Using an exercise band while seated on...
Shortstop Addison Russell of the Chicago Cubs has been placed on the disabled list with a strain in his right foot. Russell has been valuable to the Cubs’ lineup, hitting 10 home runs and 36 RBIs in 97 games. Nevertheless, the injury has forced the team to move infielder Javier...
Now that summer is here, it is especially important that you take care of your feet so you can enjoy the season. The American Podiatric Medical Association recently gave out some tips that are geared towards helping you maintain healthy feet. One of the most important tips you can follow...
While flip-flops may be convenient to wear around the pool and locker rooms, they should not be worn for long periods of time. The only benefit that these shoes provide is that they can help protect you from infection, but they tend to do more harm than good for your...
Overtraining and overusing the feet are the main causes of common running injuries. A number of these common injuries are caused by overrunning. Runner’s knee is a condition that is characterized by the back of the kneecap beginning to wear away and cause pain in the knee. This frequently occurs...
Injuries can be a major setback for people who love to run, so it is important that you take preventative measures in order to avoid them. One of the most vital tips for avoiding injury is to ease your way into any new routine. Jumping into more than you can...
The health of your feet is very important, and it is crucial that you are aware of what may be harming them so that you can avoid any serious conditions. A good tip to follow while shopping for shoes is to look for shoes made of leather material. Unlike other...
During your lifetime, you will probably walk about 75,000 miles, which is quite a lot of stress to put on your feet. As you get older, the 26 bones and 30 joints in each of your feet will lose flexibility and elasticity. Your foot’s natural shock absorbers will wear down...
Both blisters and calluses develop in response to repeated friction on the skin, however, blisters can be described as a fluid-filled bubble. As the outermost layer of skin, or the epidermis, is damaged, fluid helps to protect the bottom layers of skin from further infection. Blisters can also be caused...
Adults who have arthritis are likely to experience joint inflammation in their feet. Arthritic symptoms in the feet may include stiffness, limited mobility, or tenderness in the joints. Common ways to treat feet issues caused by arthritis are physical therapy, joint replacement surgery, and exercise. It is crucial for people...
Sesamoiditis is a condition that involves inflammation of the sesamoid bones in the feet. People who partake in physical activities that put stress on the toe-end of the foot are at a higher risk of developing sesamoiditis. The condition may also be caused by wearing improper footwear like high heels....
Blisters are a common ailment of people who wear shoes that are either too tight or rub against the feet in an uncomfortable way. Knowing the basics of blisters is important for understanding how they are formed and what treatments should be used for them.A blister on the foot, or...
One out of ten broken bones is reported to be in the feet. When an object crushes, bends, or stretches the bone beyond acceptable ranges, bones break. A break in the foot is either a fracture or a straight break.The location of any break can tell you how the break...
An ingrown toenail is a toenail that grows sideways into the nail bed, causing pain and swelling. Ingrown toenails can worsen and cause drainage, turning into a serious infection.Several factors affect whether a person is at risk from an ingrown toenail. The many causes include being overweight, diabetes, participating in...
An ingrown toenail is something that may be preventable by taking the right steps. One of the most important precautions you can take to avoid getting an ingrown toenail is to make sure your shoes fit properly. Your shoes should have space in the front so that your toes have...
Traveling can be exciting, but nothing can ruin a trip like foot pain. And that’s not all that you need to watch out for when jet setting. Sitting in a small airplane seat, especially on a long flight, can lead to cramping and discomfort. In order to avoid this, try...
Foot diseases and other foot-related problems often become more prevalent as we age. Years of bearing body weight and certain ailments can combine to wreak havoc on the feet and ankles. The foot problems we may experience as time goes on vary from minor to potentially very serious. First and foremost,...
Running shoe companies are looking to 3D-printing to provide customers with the comfort and customization many runners require in running shoes. A new 3D-printing process, “selective laser sintering,” creates components of a shoe one layer at a time and allows companies to engineer the structure of a shoe, from outsole...
Running may seem like a simple to do. However, running is actually a complex movement that puts stress on the ligaments, bones, and joints of the body. Selecting the correct running shoe is important for increasing performance and avoiding risk of injury. Running shoes should be selected based on your...
With the approach of warmer weather, many children are gearing up and preparing for fair-weather sports such as softball and soccer. Regardless of the sport your child may be participating in, injuries are bound to occur. To help protect your child’s feet for the upcoming season, consider the following tips....
While wearing proper-fitting shoes is a well-known tip for avoiding foot pain, sometimes it may not be enough. If your shoes are comfortable and fit properly to your feet and you’re still experiencing pain, trying certain foot exercises and stretches may help. Rolling a tennis ball underneath the toes is...
Whether your feet are over-worked or under-worked, chances are they could benefit from some special attention. Even those who exercise regularly probably do not spend any time strengthening their feet. This can be just as rewarding as strengthening the rest of the body, since the health of your feet affects...
Whether or not your shoes fit properly could be the difference between having healthy feet and having to walk around in pain. There are around 100 different working parts in your feet with 25% of all the bones of your skeleton residing inside your slippers. That being said, it is...
When it comes to maintaining foot health, wearing properly-fitting shoes is important. While wearing the appropriate pair of shoes may seem like a trivial concern, the reality is that improperly fitted shoes cause an astounding amount of injuries to the feet. The overall structure and the biomechanics of our bodies...
Broken ankles are a serious injury that can lead to an inability to walk, function, and also cause a significant amount of pain. A broken ankle is a break in one of the three bones in your body that connect at the ankle joint, the tibia, the fibula, and the...
Heel spurs are potentially painful abnormalities that result from calcium deposits forming a protrusion on the underside of the heel bone. They are most common among athletes and people who do a lot of running. They are typically caused by stretching of the plantar fascia or tearing of the heel...
Heel spurs most commonly result when calcium deposits on the back of the foot where the heel is. They may also be the result of small fragments of bone breaking off of one section of the foot and attaching to the back of the foot. Heel spurs can also be...
According to findings presented at the American College of Rheumatology Annual Meeting, patients with higher weights are more susceptible to foot pain. Instructor of Medicine Alyssa B. Dufour of Harvard Medical School and her colleagues studied 28 different measures over 57 years to identify the trajectories of weight in the...
Gaining weight can happen suddenly and at any time. Usually you won’t notice the extra weight until your feet start hurting at the end of the day. This happens as your feet begin adjusting to carrying more weight. Foot swelling and pain are two of the biggest side effects of...
The number of negative effects wearing high heels has on the body is high, to say the least. It is a wonder they are worn as much as they are. Part of the reason is that many office dress codes require them. This practice is being challenged more and more...
For hundreds of years, women have been wearing various kinds of high heels for aesthetic reasons. Women who wear high heels appear to be taller and have longer and thinner legs, and the wearer’s gait and posture changes. Though high heels have had an association with femininity and have kept...
Flatfoot is a foot condition in which the arch of the foot has either partially or totally dropped or has never developed. While it is common in babies and small children, it can become a problem for them in adulthood if the arch never forms. For adults, the development of...
Athlete’s foot is an extremely contagious infection caused by a fungus that results in itching, burning, dry, and flaking feet. The fungus that causes athlete’s foot is known as tinea pedis and thrives in moist, dark areas such as shower floors, gyms, socks and shoes, commons areas, public changing areas,...
If you have dried, cracked heels, you may also suffer from pain, especially when wearing tight footwear that puts stress on the heels. The following are some home remedies that can be used to treat cracked heels. Cocoa butter and shea butter can both be applied and left on overnight...
Cracked heels can make life very frustrating and embarrassing when displaying the bare feet. Aside from being unpleasing to the eye, they can also tear stockings and socks and wear out shoes at a faster rate. When severe, cracked heels may cause pain or infection.Cracked heels are a problem for those who...
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...
The holidays would not be complete without the endless gathering of family and friends, enjoying vast amounts of delicious food, decadent sweets, and festive cocktails. However, self-indulging in these treats go hand-in-hand with a heightened risk of health problems. Not only does weight gain increase your risk for things like...
A breakthrough in treating foot pain is beginning to get attention, particularly in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Doctors at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center have been studying fat pad atrophy, which is when people lose the fat on the balls or heels of their feet. When bones no longer have the...
Rheumatoid arthritis is known as “one of the most common autoimmune diseases in America,” affecting women more often than men. The disease is known for causing pain and swelling symptoms in the body’s joints, as the immune system begins attacking tissues in the joints. Other symptoms include stiffness, fever, fatigue,...
Heel pain is a condition that plagues many people, and chronic cases of the condition can be especially difficult to endure. For many common cases of chronic heel pain, plantar fasciitis is the underlying culprit; plantar fasciitis affects all types of people, though most commonly active men between the ages...
Custom orthotics are foot devices that are inserted into your shoes to help accommodate and treat your foot conditions. Orthotics provide support for the arches of your feet, distributing pressure more evenly across the feet and helping to relieve pain in target areas, depending on your condition. Creating orthotics involves...
If you have symptoms of a burning sensation in your feet, you may have any number of conditions. The sensation of burning in the feet can be either minor or severe, affect people over 50, and occur most frequently during the night. Nerve damage from diabetes, vitamin deficiency or alcoholism,...
Arthritis is a condition that affects not only the hands and wrists, but feet and ankles as well. There are more than 50 million people in the US that are currently diagnosed with arthritis and there are a lot of different opinions on how to effectively treat the disease. Frequently...
The fifth metatarsal is the long bone that connects to the pinky toe on the outside of the foot. This bone is especially prone to fracture for people involved in any sort of prolonged physical activity, especially team sports. A stress fracture is one of the most common injuries in...
Stress fractures are small breaks in the bone that are caused by repetitive stress. They typically occur due to overuse, forcing the bones of the foot or ankle to continually absorb the full impact of each step someone takes. Stress fractures can also be caused by abnormal foot structure, osteoporosis,...
Working out at the gym can be one important way to maintain good physical health. When exercising in public places, however, there is always an elevated risk of coming into contact with bacteria and viruses that are new to our own personal immune system. Plantar warts are one of the...
With 26 bones in each foot, our feet play a large part in our everyday activities. Therefore, it’s important to take care of our feet to prevent conditions such as arthritis or other ailments. The Huffington Post recommends some particular tips in ensuring proper foot care. These include wearing properly-fitting...
Taking care of your feet means choosing the right shoes. Awareness of your feet’s comfort is vital to understanding what type of shoes you should buy. Avoid shoes such as heels and flats, which offer minimal shock absorption due to a lack of solid foundation. This may lead to potential...
Plantar fasciitis occurs when there is a strain or rupture of the long ligament that runs along the arch from the heel to the toe. Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common causes of heel pain. Symptoms can occur both after exercise and any time during daily activities. Wearing...
Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome is a rare condition that occurs when the nerve that passes through the leg into the foot becomes compressed. This condition affects people of all ages, however there are some risk factors. A few of the risk factors for Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome are: having a high foot...
Tarsal tunnel syndrome is a condition in which there is a compression of the posterior tibial nerve. The posterior tibial nerve runs along the inside of the ankle into the foot. Tarsal tunnel syndrome is named for the tarsal tunnel, which is a thin space along the inside of the...
Although running has been proven to have many benefits, there are still risks that come along with the activity. Approximately 60% of runners are injured every year while participating in endurance sports. It is important to pay attention to the signs provided by your body, so that you may recognize...
Finding comfortable shoes is important for ensuring overall foot health and stability. High heels can lead to long-term problems for our feet. Flat shoes can also cause damage to our feet, resulting in our arches to “fall,” potentially leading to plantar fasciitis. Tight-fitting shoes in general can lead to blisters....
Heel pain is very common and there can be many possible causes of it. Some causes of heel pain are Baxter heel compression, plantar fasciitis, and achilles tendonitis. Baxter nerve compression is caused when the first branch of the lateral plantar nerve becomes entrapped in the medial heel. The result...
3% of the population suffers from a condition called hyperhidrosis. Hyperhidrosis is the medical term for excessive sweating. The condition can interrupt a person’s quality of life, and it can embarrass them when they are around other people. Although some cases of hyperhidrosis are generalized, there are some instances where...
It is very important to make sure the shoes you wear fit properly. Manager of Charm City Run manager, Caroline Pinkin, says the biggest mistake shoe shoppers make is buying running shoes that are a size too small. Runners should always look for a shoe that is half a size...
Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disorder, or a condition in which the body attacks itself. Bacteria in the gut has been found to predict susceptibility of rheumatoid arthritis. Experts were able to study microbes that were normally low in healthy individuals, but high in people with rheumatoid arthritis. This study...
Blisters are a fairly common foot condition that can be easily prevented with a few simple steps. The first step is to always ensure the feet or kept clean to prevent any germs or bacteria from penetrating the skin. Wearing the right pair of socks can also help support the...
A study published by the Journal of Applied Physiology has determined that long-term high heel use can have detrimental effects on the legs’ muscles, such as muscle strain and muscle fatigue. According to the study’s abstract, long-term high heel use has been found to “shorten medial gastrocnemius muscle fascicles and...
You should always make sure to put in as much effort into taking care of your feet as you do your face. Your toenails should always be trimmed at the proper length in order to avoid getting dirt trapped underneath them. Another tip to maintain healthy feet is to make...
When the tendon at the bottom of the foot becomes inflamed and painful, plantar fasciitis occurs. There are risk factors that may make you more susceptible to getting plantar fasciitis. Some of these factors include being a female and being overweight. If your job requires you to stand for long...
Hyperhidrosis is the medical term used to describe excessive sweating. Although many people with hyperhidrosis tend to ignore it, they shouldn’t. Hyperhidrosis can interfere with social interaction and productivity at work. Sweat is our bodies’ natural response to hot weather. When the human body heats up in hot weather, it...
Although ankle sprains may not be as serious as a broken ankle, they should be given immediate attention and care. An ankle sprain can lead to a significant amount of pain, as well as limited mobility. They are often characterized by the swelling and discoloration of the skin. This occurs...
Red Sox left fielder, Brock Holt, has recently suffered a sprain in his left ankle after sliding into second base. Bryce Brentz replaced Holt after the injury took place. Holt limped off the field with the training staff after rolling around in pain. Holt’s X-ray results were negative and he...
Plantar warts are small white growths that can be caused by viral infections. These warts are typically found on the plantar surface of the feet. Surgical removal may be used in order to remove plantar warts, but it is not always necessary. However, some doctors advise their patients not to...
A woman’s body changes in various ways when she is pregnant. It is very common for pregnant women to experience swelling in their feet, hands and face. However, women who have swollen feet during pregnancy should mention them to their doctor. Alerting a doctor of swollen feet is important in...
Tennis player, Brad Fritsch, is battling sesamoiditis. Sesamoiditis is a form of tendinitis in the ball of the foot. Although the condition is painful, it can be treated. In Fritsch’s case, his condition hasn’t gotten any better, and he has been told to stay off his feet. The injury has...
Exercise is crucial when it comes to dealing with diabetes. Extra precautions need to be taken for people with diabetes compared to those without it. A doctor must always be consulted if a person with diabetes wants to change his exercise routine. For diabetics the best time to exercise is...
Holger Badstuber, Bayern Munich defender, was spotted having resumed training three months after his broken ankle incident. Badstuber had fractured his ankle while training in February. Badstuber came back in early May to run laps around the training pitches, preparing to play again for Bayern’s starting XI. Badstuber had previously...
Osteoarthritis, a form of arthritis, occurs when the body’s immune system begins attacking healthy cartilage and tissue. “Eighty percent of North Americans have X-ray evidence of osteoarthritis by age 65, and sixty percent have significant pain.” As osteoarthritis is a progressive chronic disease, the cartilage of the joints wears down...
In most cases, foot surgery is often chosen as the last-available option for conditions that have otherwise been unsuccessfully treated. Surgery may be necessary for several reasons, including the removal of foot deformities (e.g. bone spurs or bunions), arthritis problems, reconstruction due to injury, and congenital malformations (e.g. club foot...
Devin Robinson, forward for the Florida Gators, had to have foot surgery and was sidelined for up to four months in late April. Robinson had surgery for a stress fracture in his left foot. He had originally entered the NBA draft on April 4, meaning he can return to the...
The American Podiatric Medical Association recently published a study revealing that much of this nation’s foot pain goes untreated. In a survey of 1,000 people over the age of 18, 77% reported experiencing foot pain, but only a third of those claim they would see a podiatrist. Half of the...