It’s good to have a nice arch in your foot. It’s certainly better than not having one at all (being flat footed).  However, a foot with an extremely high arch is known as a cavus foot.  High-arched . . . → Read More: Not-So-Golden Arches]]> There really can be too much of a good thing… especially when it comes to your arches.

It’s good to have a nice arch in your foot. It’s certainly better than not having one at all (being flat footed).  However, a foot with an extremely high arch is known as a cavus foot.  High-arched feet are generally inflexible and are not good shock absorbers, which is a key function of the foot.  Calluses often develop in the ball of the foot along with pain in the ankle, knee or hip.  In addition, the top of the foot can get irritated from constant pressure from the shoe.  Over time, a cavus foot can become arthritic.

A podiatrist can tell you if you have high arches or a cavus foot.  Often, a custom-made arch supporting device can help, but in severe cases surgical correction may be the best option.  If a child has a high arched foot, he/she should be checked early in their development as it may be a sign of a neurological disorder.

You can learn more about cavus foot in our free Special Report “Oh, My Aching Feet” available here.

This . . . → Read More: You’ve Got Some Nerve!]]> Did you know that you can get a pinched nerve in your foot?  Some people who experience this condition, which feels like a stabbing, burning pain with cramps, think that simply massaging it will make it go away.  But it doesn’t.  That’s because it is not a muscular problem but a nerve issue.

This type of pinched nerve involves thickened tissue which develops as a response to constant pressure on the nerve.  Most often, the problem is in the front of the foot.  Narrow shoes prevent the toes from spreading, distributing the pressure. The constriction causes the nerves to scar and thicken, which then pushes against the bone causing pain.

If caught in its early stages by a podiatrist, this condition, known as neuroma, can be treated through padding, strapping and injections.  If surgery is required, new state-of-the-art, minimally invasive procedures are available in our office to get you back on your feet in no time!

For more information about neuromas in the feet, download our free Special Report “Oh, My Aching Feet.”

Bunions occur as an unsightly deformity that looks like a bump on the outside of the base of the big toe.  They are caused when your big toe veers inward towards . . . → Read More: Bunion Basics: How to Care For Bunions]]> Bunions are one of the most common foot ailments.  So, if you have one, here are the basic things you need to know.

Bunions occur as an unsightly deformity that looks like a bump on the outside of the base of the big toe.  They are caused when your big toe veers inward towards your other toes. There may be swelling, redness and deep aching pain associated with the bunion.

A bunion can begin early in childhood and show symptoms as early as 12 years of age. They are not caused by improper footwear, though they can be aggravated by shoes. Women tend to get bunions more often than men, and it could be because of the shoes they wear.

Every bunion is different, as is every patient.  Consulting with a podiatrist will let you know how best to treat the condition, which may require surgery to correct the problem.

For more information about how to treat a bunion, download our free Special Report “Hey, Why Do My Feet Look Funny?”

The foot is the body part that is furthest from the heart. This means your blood cells, carrying much needed oxygen to the foot’s tissues, has a long journey from . . . → Read More: Cold Feet: Peripheral Vascular Disease]]> No, we’re not referring to those pre-wedding day second thoughts. Cold feet is a real condition brought on by poor circulation throughout your body. 

The foot is the body part that is furthest from the heart. This means your blood cells, carrying much needed oxygen to the foot’s tissues, has a long journey from your heart to your feet. The reverse trip is equally as long.  If your circulation is diminished in any way, blood cells are slower getting to your feet, causing them to feel intensely cold. This condition is sometimes referred to as PVD, Peripheral Vascular Disease.

Several factors can contribute to the body’s inability to circulate blood properly. A prime cause is smoking. Every time smoke is inhaled, arteries are constricted, reducing the flow of blood through the body. Diabetes can also affect the blood vessels and circulation over time.  A symptom of PVD can be the inability for the feet to warm themselves.  In severe cold, this can lead to frostbite. 

Your physician or podiatrist can let you know if your circulation is causing your cold feet.  Some simple tests of the pulse and blood flow can determine if you have PVD. If so, the best treatment is to avoid smoking, keep your feet warm and exercise regularly. Walking is an especially good exercise.

Either way, if your feet are consistently cold, you should get them checked by a podiatrist as soon as possible.

You can learn more about PVD by downloading our free Special Report, “Oh, My Aching Feet.

Here are a few do’s and don’ts to help you avoid diabetic complications.

There can be other causes of nail . . . → Read More: A Fungus Among Us: Mycotic Nails]]> Any fungus loves a warm, dark, moist place to live and grow.  So dark shoes and socks are the ideal hangout for any fungal bug, which is why it’s so common for people to develop a toe nail fungus known as mycotic nail or fungal toe nails.

There can be other causes of nail fungus, including trauma, sweaty feet and heredity. An injury to the toe nail also allows  fungus to grow. The nail then develops a yellowish discoloration and often becomes very thick. This can sometimes be treated with topical creams but more often requires stronger medicines. If left untreated, a fungal nail can infect other nails over time.

For more information about fungal nail and the proper care of your toenails, download our free Special Report, “Problems With Toenails.”

True orthotics are prescription appliances custom-made by using a cast molding of the foot. Then, special shoe inserts, or in some cases special . . . → Read More: Why Orthotics?]]> Many people need glasses to read or see distances.  Some people need hearing aids to hear better.  These devices make life a lot more enjoyable.  That’s how we think of orthotics.

True orthotics are prescription appliances custom-made by using a cast molding of the foot. Then, special shoe inserts, or in some cases special shoes, are made to compensate for irregularities in the foot, much like lenses are created to compensate for weaknesses in the eyes.

Can orthotics help you?  If you suffer from any of the following symptoms, the answer is yes:

- Tired legs or feet

- Low back pain

- Feet that aren’t comfortable in one position for very long

- Always wanting to sit down and rest

- Painful feet or legs at the end of the day

- Arch or heel pain

- Flat or high-arched feet

Orthotics are one of the most rewarding parts of our practice because of the relief our patients experience.  “I never knew I could get of rid of foot pain so easily!  I wish I had gotten orthotics a year ago.”  Our podiatrists are trained in the biochemical function of the feet and can prescribe just the proper orthotics, created to our specifications by leading labs.

Get more joy out of life and see the world…on your feet!

The term is ironic, though, because the Achilles tendon is in fact the . . . → Read More: Achilles Heel and Tippy Toes]]> In Greek mythology, Achilles is a god invulnerable in all of his body… except his heel. As the story goes, he dies from a small wound inflicted there.  Therefore, the term “Achilles Heel” has come to mean a person’s principle weakness.

The term is ironic, though, because the Achilles tendon is in fact the body’s strongest tendon.  It is the tendon that is responsible for flexing our foot and picking up the heel, thus propelling us forward while walking. It’s also the tendon that allows us to stand up on our “tippy toes.”

If overused or misused, the Achilles tendon can become swollen or inflamed, resulting in tendonitis. If left untreated, this condition can result in a scarred, thickened tendon and create a permanent problem that is very difficult to cure. So, it is critical to treat Achilles tendonitis early on.

In sports requiring intense foot work, like football, tennis or basketball, an Achilles tendon can suddenly snap.  If this happens, it will require surgery to repair, followed by a long period of immobilization.

If you feel a tightness or pain in your heel area, this could be a stress of the Achilles tendon.  Visit one of our trained podiatrists for a full examination to determine the cause.

You can also download our free Special Report, “Sports Injuries” for more information on the Achilles tendon.