Podiatry Blog
Posts for: January, 2022
Fallen arches, better known as flat feet, are more common than you might realize. While many people have flat feet and don’t even know it, others are dealing with regular aches and pains in their feet due to fallen arches. If you think this could be you, a podiatrist can quickly diagnose this problem and provide you with effective strategies to keep fallen arches from also causing you pain.What are some complications of fallen arches?
Some people have fallen arches but never experience any issues; however, sometimes fallen arches can lead to,
- Foot, heel, and arch pain, particularly when standing or walking
- Muscle pain
- Leg cramps
- Shooting leg pains that start at the soles of the feet
- Swelling of the feet or tenderness in the soles
Flat feet can also increase your risk for,
- Plantar fasciitis
- Shin splints
- Bone spurs
- Arthritis
- Bunions
- Lower back pain, hip pain, or knee pain
If you are experiencing pain with movement, trouble walking, or balancing issues, it’s important that you turn to a podiatrist to find out whether flat feet could be to blame.
What causes fallen arches?
Arches develop around the age of 2 or 3 years old; however, sometimes arches never develop. Genetics can increase your risk for flat feet. Sometimes injuries or other foot problems can cause flat feet to develop as an adult. Certain conditions can also increase your risk for flat feet including,
- Diabetes
- Cerebral palsy
- Achilles tendonitis
- High blood pressure
- Obesity
- Pregnancy
- Rheumatoid arthritis
How are fallen arches treated?
If fallen arches do not cause any problems then you don’t really need to do anything about them; however, it is important to recognize whether certain issues you’re dealing with could be the result of fallen arches. If so, your podiatrist may recommend a wide range of nonsurgical treatment options including,
- Nonsteroid anti-inflammatory medications
- Physical therapy
- Orthotics and arch support
- Stretching exercises
- Bracing
- Custom shoes
If your flat feet are causing you to deal with easily achy, sore, and fatigued feet, know that a podiatrist can help you get your foot problems back on track with the proper care. Call your podiatrist today!
The simple answer is that there is no difference between a fracture and a break. From shattered bones to hairline cracks, any damage done to the bones of the feet is considered a fracture. No matter what you want to call it, it’s still important that you visit your podiatrist right away for treatment.What are the types of fractures?
There are different kinds of foot fractures based on the type of bone that’s impacted. Fractures can impact the toes, heel, sesamoid bone, and metatarsal bone, as well as the ankles. Stress fractures are hairline fractures that occur as a result of repeated stress placed on the foot. This is common in athletes.
What are the warning signs of a fractured foot?
There are certain symptoms to be on the lookout for if you suspect that you might have a fractured foot. Some signs of a foot fracture include:
- Pain that gets worse with movement
- Swelling
- Bruising
- Limited mobility or restricted range of motion
- Trouble bearing weight on the injured foot
- Weakness
- Deformity or misshapen foot
Foot pain, particularly after an accident or injury, is a telltale sign of a fractured foot that should be addressed by a podiatrist.
How is a fractured foot treated?
How your podiatrist treats your foot fracture will depend on the location, severity, and type. This is why it’s important to visit your foot doctor as soon as possible after injury. Some minor fractures can be treated with home care including:
- Ample rest
- Elevation
- Compression
- Pain relievers to alleviate pain and swelling
- Icing
More moderate or severe fractures may require more aggressive treatment options to speed up the recovery process. Additional treatment options include,
- Physical therapy and rehabilitation
- Specialized exercises
- Splinting
- Protective shoe or boot
- Casting, crutches, or immobilization (for more severe fractures)
Don’t ignore the warning signs of a fractured foot. If you are having trouble moving around or you are suddenly experiencing foot pain, particularly after an injury, the first call you should make is to your podiatrist. Call a foot and ankle specialist today to get the care you need.
How your podiatrists in Meredith, and Concord, NH, can help when you experience a sports injury.
Even if you are in great shape, sports injuries can happen, especially to your extremities. Your feet, ankles, and toes may be affected due to inadequate protection. Fortunately, your podiatrist can help when you experience a sports injury.
Drs. Jeffery Davis, Thomas Detwiller, and William McCann at Affiliates in Podiatry offer comprehensive foot and ankle services, including treatment of sports injuries.
If you play a sport, you need to know the facts about sports injuries. These are just a few commonly asked questions and answers about sports injuries:
What can I do to prevent a sports injury?
Fortunately, you can do a lot to prevent sports injuries to your feet or ankles. Remember to:
- Always wear appropriate footwear for the activity you are doing
- Start out slowly, especially if you are new to the sport
- Stretch thoroughly to boost circulation and increase flexibility
- Rest frequently, especially if you haven’t been active
What are some common sports injuries to the feet and ankles?
- Plantar fasciitis, caused by inflammation of the band of tissue on your heel
- Shin splints, caused by inflammation of the tibia, the large bone in front of your leg
- Foot and ankle fractures, caused by trauma from contact sports
- Achilles’ tendonitis, caused by overuse and excessive foot stress
What can I do at home to heal from a sports injury?
Minor sports injuries may be treated at home. You can try:
- Icing the area to reduce swelling
- Taking over-the-counter anti-inflammatory and pain medication
- Resting and taking the weight off your feet and ankles
How can my podiatrist help with a sports injury?
Your podiatrist is an expert at treating sports injuries affecting your feet, ankles, and toes. Common professional treatments include:
- Custom orthotics or footwear to protect your feet
- Prescription-strength anti-inflammatory medication
- Assistive devices including casts, walking boots, or crutches
- Stretching and physical therapy to increase mobility
- Surgical treatment to realign bones in your feet or ankles
To learn more about the types and treatment of sports injuries and how your podiatrist can help, call Drs. Jeffery Davis, Thomas Detwiller, and William McCann at Affiliates in Podiatry. You can reach them in Meredith, NH, at (603) 279-0330, or in Concord, NH, by calling (603) 225-5281, so call today.