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Common Foot Ailments Resulting From Obesity

Monday, 26 February 2018

There can be several foot problems that may occur because of obesity. Some of these may include arthritis, skin issues, and general foot pain as a result of the weight the feet must endure. Excessive weight gain may cause a lack of mobility, potentially affecting the ability to perform proper exercises. Occasionally the feet may change sizes, which can affect the width and the arch of the foot. General foot pain may be experienced as the feet strain under body weight. Gout, a type of arthritis, is a common ailment that many obese people suffer from. It is an excess of uric acid that forms crystals in the joints, and in many cases, it may cause inflammation and severe pain. Please consider a consultation with a podiatrist for information about how obesity can be controlled to improve the condition of your feet.

Obesity has become very problematic at this point in time and can have extremely negative effects on the feet. If you’re an obese individual and are concerned about your feet, contact one of our podiatrists from Family Foot Care. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Obesity and Your Feet

Since your feet are what support your entire weight when standing, any additional weight can result in pain and swelling. Being overweight is one of the main contributors to foot complications.

Problems & Complications

Extra Weight – Even putting on just a few extra pounds could create serious complications for your feet. As your weight increases, your balance and body will shift, creating new stresses on your feet. This uneven weight distribution can cause pain, even while doing the simplest tasks, such as walking.

Diabetes – People who are overweight are at serious risk of developing type-2 diabetes, which has a drastic impact on the health of your feet. As you get older, your diabetes might worsen, which could lead to loss of feeling in your feet, sores, and bruises. You could also become more prone to various infections.

Plantar fasciitis – Pressure and stress that is placed on muscles, joints, and tendons can trigger plantar fasciitis, which is an inflammation of tissue that forms along the bottom of the foot.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Valatie, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Exercises to Help Plantar Fasciitis

Tuesday, 20 February 2018

If you have flat feet, or a loss of the instep in your foot, you may experience heel pain that’s referred to as plantar fasciitis. Severe pain in the heel is often the result of inflammation of the ligament that runs along the bottom of the foot, known as the plantar fascia. This can be caused by wearing shoes that fit poorly or from an injury that damages the tissues. The Achilles tendon, which connects the heel to the foot, may also be affected, and it’s beneficial to incorporate stretching exercises into your daily routine. This will enhance the healing process and possibly relieve any discomfort associated with this ailment. There are several effective exercises which can accomplish this when performed daily. Some of these include standing on a step with the heels slightly hanging off and raising and lowering the leg. Additionally, rolling the arch of the foot over a tennis ball or a similar object will aid in helping the plantar fascia to become stronger.

Plantar fasciitis can be very painful and inconvenient. If you are experiencing heel pain or symptoms of plantar fasciitis, contact one of our podiatrists from Family Foot Care. Our doctors 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.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Valatie, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Why Do My Heels Hurt?

Monday, 12 February 2018

The foot is comprised of several tendons and many bones, the largest being the heel bone. One of the purposes of this bone is to cushion the body from pressure the heel may endure during daily activities, such as running and walking. Heel pain is a common ailment, although some people may experience intense pain. This may be due to a condition referred to as plantar fasciitis, characterized by inflammation and irritation occurring in the tissues that support the arch of the foot. It’s generally experienced after sitting for extended periods of time or after the first few steps in the morning. People who are overweight may notice their heels hurt, often due to the additional stress the plantar fascia must withstand. Common symptoms may include numbness in the heel, throbbing pain, or lasting discomfort. A consultation with a podiatrist is advised for proper diagnosis and treatment.

Many people suffer from bouts of heel pain. For more information, contact one of our podiatrists of Family Foot Care. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Causes of Heel Pain

Heel pain is often associated with plantar fasciitis. The plantar fascia is a band of tissues that extends along the bottom of the foot. A rip or tear in this ligament can cause inflammation of the tissue.

Achilles tendonitis is another cause of heel pain. Inflammation of the Achilles tendon will cause pain from fractures and muscle tearing. Lack of flexibility is also another symptom.

Heel spurs are another cause of pain. When the tissues of the plantar fascia undergo a great deal of stress, it can lead to ligament separation from the heel bone, causing heel spurs.

Why Might Heel Pain Occur?

Wearing ill-fitting shoes
Wearing non-supportive shoes
Weight change
Excessive running

Treatments

Heel pain should be treated as soon as possible for immediate results. Keeping your feet in a stress-free environment will help. If you suffer from Achilles tendonitis or plantar fasciitis, applying ice will reduce the swelling. Stretching before an exercise like running will help the muscles. Using all these tips will help make heel pain a condition of the past.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Valatie, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Who is at Risk for Developing an Achilles Tendon Injury?

Monday, 05 February 2018

If pain and stiffness are experienced in the back of the heel, you may be suffering from an Achilles tendon injury. This is the thickest tendon in the body and its purpose is to connect the back of the heel to the calf muscle. Runners are often afflicted by Achilles tendon conditions because of the force of the impact that occurs when the foot meets the ground. People with compromised immune systems may be at risk for injuring an Achilles tendon, and having flat feet or weakened calf muscles may also be contributing factors. Achilles tendonitis generally begins with a dull ache in the back of the heel and if ignored, the pain in the tendon may become severe, possibly affecting the ability to run or walk. An Achilles tendon rupture is a much more immediate injury that is extremely painful. A consultation with a podiatrist is suggested for information about proper exercises and treatment that will aid in healing the Achilles tendon.

Achilles tendon injuries need immediate attention to avoid future complications. If you have any concerns, contact one of our podiatrists of Family Foot Care. Our doctors 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 our offices located in Valatie, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

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