Tuesday, 07 February 2023 00:00

Blisters on the Feet

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 any other part of the body, is a small pocket that is filled with fluid. It usually forms on the upper layer of the skin because these layers are loose enough to allow a blister to form. The most common fluid in a blister is just a clear, watery-like fluid that usually isn’t cause for concern. However, blisters can fill up with blood if they are deep enough and pus if they have become infected with bacteria.

Blisters almost always form on the feet due to shoes rubbing up against the foot, where the friction causes blisters. These can occur after you have walked for a long period of time or when your shoes do not fit you properly. Your feet are also more prone to blisters if they are moist, so keeping them dry and clean is one preventative step you can take.

Preventing infection should be the number one concern when treating blisters, as well as relieving the pain they can cause. Using a bandage to cover up the blister will help it heal and prevent bacteria from entering it. New skin will form under the blister and eventually cause it to pop. You can also take a sterilized pin and try to pop it yourself.

If the blister is filled with pus or blood, seeking treatment from a doctor is ideal. Antibiotics may need to be taken in order to completely eliminate the bacteria inside the blister. See a doctor to have an antibiotic prescribed.

The best way to treat blisters is to prevent them all together. Keeping your feet dry and making sure that your shoes fit properly are just two of the steps you can take to prevent blisters. Shoes that are too tight or shoes that are too loose and allow your feet to slide in them will cause blisters. Applying a bandage to an area where you think a blister is about to form is another way you can prevent them.

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Tuesday, 31 January 2023 00:00

Are Your Shoes Correct for Your Running Style?

There are various forms of running and most require a specific type of running shoe to be worn. Running can range from training for a marathon to a new hobby. Studies suggest that it is beneficial to begin the process of purchasing running shoes by examining the wear patterns on existing shoes. A person who pronates normally will often notice wear and tear on the sole where the ball of the foot is. If there is excessive wear on the inside of the sole, the runner may have overpronation. Conversely, wear on the outside of the sole can indicate underpronation, and knowing these patterns can make it easier to choose running shoes that fit correctly. Additionally, it is beneficial to decide what surface you will be running on, such as trail, road, or treadmill running. Buying running shoes can be overwhelming, so it is suggested that you confer with a podiatrist who can provide additional information as well as their recommendation for you.

If you are a runner, wearing the right running shoe is essential. For more information, contact one of our podiatrists from Lakeside Foot and Ankle Center. Our practitioners can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Choosing the Right Running Shoe for Your Foot Type

To increase performance and avoid the risk of injury, it is important to choose the right running shoe based on your foot type. The general design of running shoes revolves around pronation, which is how the ankle rolls from outside to inside when the foot strikes the ground.

Neutral runners are able to choose from a wide variety of shoes, including minimalist shoes or even going barefoot.
Runners who overpronate, or experience an over-abundance of ankle rolling, should choose shoes that provide extra motion control and stability.
Runners who underpronate, or supinate, have feet that have high arches and lack flexibility, preventing shock absorption. They require shoes with more flexibility and cushion.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Leesburg and The Villages, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

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Tuesday, 31 January 2023 00:00

Choosing the Right Running Shoe for Your Foot Type

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 foot type. Considerations such as trail versus road shoes are important. Your foot type dictates the degree of cushioning, stability and motion control you require. The most accurate way to learn your foot type is to visit a local shop that specializes in running shoes. Professionals can measure your arch type, stride and gait and help you with your shoe needs.

The design of running shoes is created around the idea of pronation. Pronation is the natural rolling movement of your ankle from the outside to inside when your foot strikes the ground. If you run properly you strike the ground on the outside of your heel and roll in the direction of your big toe before pushing off once more. Pronation is beneficial because it assists the lower half of your body in absorbing shock and storing energy. Those considered neutral runners pronate correctly and do not need running shoes that help correct their form. Neutral runners can choose from a wide variety of shoes, including barefoot or minimal types. However, those who have arch problems or who adopt an incorrect form while running may experience too much or too little pronation. They may require running shoes that offer additional support.

Those who overpronate experience an over-abundance of ankle rolling. Even while standing, those who severely overpronate display ankles that are angled inward. It is not uncommon for them to have flat feet or curved legs. The tendency to overpronate may cause many injuries. Areas that tend to become injured are the knees, ankles, and Achilles tendon. If you find that you have a tendency to overpronate, you should look at shoes that provide extra stability and motion-control. Motion-control shoes are straight and firm. Shoes of this type do not curve at the tip. The restricted flexibility along the middle of the shoe prohibits the foot from rolling too far inward as your foot strikes the ground.

A less common problem is underpronation. Underpronation, also called supination, is when the feet are unable to roll inward during landing. Those who underpronate have feet that lack flexibility and high arches. This prevents any kind of shock absorption, even though it does place less rotational stress on ankles and knees. This added force can cause fractures, ligament tears, and muscle strains because the legs are trying to compensate for the impact. Those who underpronate need shoes with more cushioning and flexibility. If you have a tendency to underpronate, selecting stability or motion-control shoes may cause you more problems by continuing to prevent pronation.

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Tuesday, 17 January 2023 00:00

Types of Insoles

Foot pain can be caused for a variety of reasons, but ill-fitting shoes are the biggest culprit. And if shoe fit is the reason for foot pain, insoles can be the first line of defense. Insoles are the soft cushions that fit inside most shoes. They work as shock absorbers for the feet. If one wears the same shoe every day, the insoles can start to break down and may need to be replaced. There are different insoles for different needs. An insert, insole, and orthotic are often terms that are used interchangeably, however, they are different. An insert is a thin piece of shoe padding or gel cushion that is placed in shoes to provide relief to pain in heels, arches, and forefeet. They are used for shock absorption, cushioning against pressure, and keeping the feet supported while walking. Insoles are general-purpose, off-the-shelf overlays for shoes that are made of foam. Orthotics are customized inserts that are used to control movement in the feet and legs. They are typically made to order. Visiting a podiatrist is suggested for the proper determination of the best type of insole for your foot discomfort.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with one of our podiatrists from Lakeside Foot and Ankle Center. Our practitioners will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Causes

Foot pain is a very broad condition that could be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

Bunions
Hammertoes
Plantar Fasciitis
Bone Spurs
Corns
Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
Ingrown Toenails
Arthritis (such as Gout, Rheumatoid, and Osteoarthritis)
Flat Feet
Injury (from stress fractures, broken toe, foot, ankle, Achilles tendon ruptures, and sprains)
And more

Diagnosis

To figure out the cause of foot pain, podiatrists utilize several different methods. This can range from simple visual inspections and sensation tests to X-rays and MRI scans. Prior medical history, family medical history, and any recent physical traumatic events will all be taken into consideration for a proper diagnosis.

Treatment

Treatment depends upon the cause of the foot pain. Whether it is resting, staying off the foot, or having surgery; podiatrists have a number of treatment options available for foot pain.

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

Top Causes of Heel Pain in Seniors

As one ages, pain becomes a common theme, especially in the feet and back of the heel. The most common cause of heel pain is plantar fasciitis, characterized by sharp pain and stiffness in the bottom of the heel. It also may extend under the arch and into the ball of the foot, which can then interfere with walking or carrying out daily activities. Another cause of heel pain is bursitis in the calcaneus, or heel bone, which connects with the plantar fascia. This inflammation causes throbbing pain, particularly after taking off your shoes. Pain increases with each step you take. Other sources of pain at the back of the heel include Achilles tendonitis and Achilles bursitis. Both of these conditions inhibit mobility and can make wearing shoes extremely uncomfortable. If you have pain in the bottom or back of the heel, please visit a podiatrist who can make a professional evaluation of the cause and provide treatment options.

Many people suffer from bouts of heel pain. For more information, contact one of our podiatrists of Lakeside Foot and Ankle Center. Our practitioners 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 contact our offices located in Leesburg and The Villages, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

What to Do to Keep Your Child’s Feet Healthy

Being a parent involves caring for your child in every way you can. You make sure they are eating the right food, being nice to others, and staying out of any trouble. However, it is also important that you are watchful of their health, more specifically their foot health. Maintaining good foot health in childhood is important in preventing later conditions in life from happening. As children continue to develop, their feet require different techniques of care. Here are some various ways in which you can help your child’s feet stay healthy.

A baby needs a lot of care and attention overall, but the importance of their feet should never be forgotten. Before a baby turns one, their feet change and develop greatly. It is important that during this time, a mother avoids putting tight socks on their child. She should also encourage movement of their feet so the baby can begin to feel more comfortable using them.

As a baby enters the toddler years of his or her life, they are begin to walk around. When your baby begins to take those first steps, it is crucial that they are wearing protective shoes on their feet. As a mother that is observant of your child’s feet, you may notice changes in them. This is completely normal as the feet are becoming susceptible to the activity of walking. It is normal for a toddler to be a bit unsteady or to “walk funny” at first.

When your child grows out of their toddler years, it is important that you begin to show him or her how to care for their feet on their own. Practice with your child proper hygiene in order to prevent foot fungus or infection. Since children are constantly on the move, it is crucial to be cautious of any accidents or injuries that might occur. If an injury occurs, it is advised that you take your child to be examined by a doctor immediately. Since your child is still growing, particular injuries can shift the way in which a bone or other important part of the foot is developing.

Babies and kids are always changing and growing. Your job as a parent is to make sure they stay healthy and making sure they are properly maintained. This involves proper foot care and making sure the feet stay healthy. Following this guide, your child can live a long and happy life.

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Tuesday, 03 January 2023 00:00

Rare Foot Conditions

A podiatrist will be able to address a variety of rare foot conditions, particularly the ones that affect children. The most common are Kohler’s disease, Maffucci syndrome, and Freiberg’s disease. They can be properly diagnosed by having an X-ray taken, but in more serious cases an MRI may be needed. Kohler’s disease generally affects younger boys and bone deterioration may result from an interruption of blood supply. Children who have Kohler’s disease may find relief when the affected foot is rested, and a special boot is worn. Benign growths in the long bones of a child’s foot may lead to the development of bone lesions, and this is known as Maffucci syndrome. People who have this condition find mild relief when custom-made orthotics are worn. Freiberg’s disease targets the ball of the foot and can typically affect pre-teen and teenage girls. The metatarsal bone becomes deteriorated and flattened, and common symptoms include swelling and stiffness. A cast is often necessary to wear with this disease as it can help to reduce existing pain. Erythromelalgia is a rare foot condition, and its cause is unknown. Symptoms of this disease can include intense burning pain and the feet may appear red or feel warm. Relief may be found when the affected foot is immersed in ice water. It can also be beneficial to elevate the foot frequently. If your child complains of foot pain, it is strongly suggested that you consult with a podiatrist who can diagnose and treat rare foot conditions.

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Tuesday, 27 December 2022 00:00

Common Causes of Running Injuries

Most running injuries are caused by overuse, overtraining, improper footwear, and problems with biomechanics. Overtraining can be described as adding speed or distance too quickly, which can lead to overuse injuries like stress fractures and tendonitis. Experts recommend adding no more than 10 percent a week to the schedule. Another source of running injuries is wearing running shoes that either do not fit properly or have worn out. The wrong type of shoe for your foot can affect the gait, which can lead to injury. Also, shoes that are worn down or lack proper cushioning can cause pain in the feet, such as plantar fasciitis. Replacing shoes every 350-500 miles is recommended, and alternating pairs is thought to be beneficial. The way you run can also put you at risk. Striking with the heel first can cause shin splints and joint pain. Awareness of foot placement and body alignment are also important factors to be considered. Even the way you tilt your head can affect your muscles and breathing. For more information on avoiding running injuries, it is a good idea to consult a podiatrist for guidance.

Exercising your feet regularly with the proper foot wear is a great way to prevent injuries. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact one of our podiatrists of Lakeside Foot and Ankle Center. Our practitioners will treat your foot and ankle needs.

How to Prevent Running Injuries

Many common running injuries are caused by overuse and overtraining. When the back of the kneecap starts wearing out and starts causing pain in your knee, this is commonly referred to as runner’s knee. Runner’s knee is a decrease in strength in your quadriceps and can occur if you’re not wearing properly fitted or supporting shoes. To prevent runner’s knee, focusing on hip strengthening is a good idea, as well as strengthening your quads to keep the kneecaps aligned.

What Are Some Causes of Running Injuries?
- One cause of a common running injury is called iliotibial band syndrome.
- Plantar fasciitis is also another common injury.
- Stress fractures can occur from overtraining, lack of calcium, or even your running style.

Best Ways to Prevent Running Injuries
- Wear footwear that fits properly and suits your running needs.
- Running shoes are the only protective gear that runners have to safeguard them from injury.
- Make a training schedule. Adding strengthening exercises as well as regular stretching can help keep you strong and limber and can lessen the possibility of injuries.
- Stretching keeps muscles limber; this will help you gain better flexibility.

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Tuesday, 27 December 2022 00:00

How to Prevent Running Injuries

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 due to either a decrease in strength in the quadriceps muscles or ill-fitting shoes that are lacking in proper support for the inside of the forefoot. Strengthening exercises focusing on the quad muscle and sports orthotics are the usual treatments for those suffering from runner’s knee. Prevention of the condition lies in a focus on hip strengthening and quad-strengthening to keep the kneecap aligned. To help learn the best exercise to heal runner’s knee, one can also undergo physical therapy.

One common injury, called iliotibial band syndrome, is often caused by overtraining. This condition occurs when the iliotibial band gets irritated, creating pain and discomfort in the outside knee area. Plantar fasciitis, another common running injury, also occurs as a result of inflammation and irritation. Plantar fasciitis is an inflammation and irritation of the bone in the foot. A large amount of pain is often experienced due to plantar fasciitis. The condition can be caused by a high arch, improper footwear, tight muscles, or flat feet. It can best be avoided by stretching and wearing appropriate footwear that supports the foot.

Another common injury for runners is stress fractures. These injuries occur due to running style, overtraining, or a lack of calcium. Stress fractures most often occur in several locations in runners, including the inner bone of the leg, the thighbone, the bone at the base of the spine and the bones of the toes. Stress fractures are best prevented by wearing proper footwear and by running on flat and hard surfaces; this will absorb some of the shock created during running.

Aside from overtraining, other causes of common running injuries include ill-fitting footwear, a lack of flexibility and strength, and irregular biomechanics. The best way to avoid running injuries is to prevent them from even occurring. Both iliotibial band syndrome and stress fractures are preventable. The first step that should be taken to prevent running injuries is to only wear footwear that fits properly and that is appropriate for whatever activity you are doing. Running shoes are the only protective gear available to runners that can safeguard them from sustaining injuries. Choosing the right pair of shoes is therefore extremely important. While running shoes are an important factor, it is also important to consider other facets of your running routine such as training schedules, flexibility, and strengthening. These elements should be considered and altered according to your running needs to best maximize your run and minimize the possibility of injury. Careful stretching before and after a run should also be considered to help prevent running injuries. Stretching muscles enables greater flexibility and a lesser chance of sustaining injury.

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Tuesday, 20 December 2022 00:00

Plantar Fasciitis From Golf

Plantar fasciitis is inflammation of the plantar fascia, the thick band of connective tissue that supports the bottom of the foot. It is most often associated with high impact activities, like running, soccer, and football. One would not normally think of this condition with respect to a low impact game, like golf. However, in addition to trauma to the plantar fascia from high impact sports, plantar fasciitis can be caused by chronic overuse. Golf involves prolonged standing and walking. This can gradually flatten, inflame, and cause small tears in the arch of the foot, leading to heel pain and plantar fasciitis. Improperly swinging the golf club can also be a risk factor for plantar fasciitis. If one overextends while swinging, particularly while wearing shoes that do not support the heel and that might allow the foot to slide around, plantar fasciitis can result. Symptoms of this condition include extreme pain in the heel when walking, especially first thing in the morning. If you feel heel and arch pain that is interfering with your golf game and walking in general, consult with a podiatrist who can make an accurate diagnosis and provide treatment.

Sports related foot and ankle injuries require proper treatment before players can go back to their regular routines. For more information, contact one of our podiatrists of Lakeside Foot and Ankle Center. Our practitioners can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Sports Related Foot and Ankle Injuries

Foot and ankle injuries are a common occurrence when it comes to athletes of any sport. While many athletes dismiss the initial aches and pains, the truth is that ignoring potential foot and ankle injuries can lead to serious problems. As athletes continue to place pressure and strain the area further, a mild injury can turn into something as serious as a rupture and may lead to a permanent disability. There are many factors that contribute to sports related foot and ankle injuries, which include failure to warm up properly, not providing support or wearing bad footwear. Common injuries and conditions athletes face, including:

Plantar Fasciitis
Plantar Fasciosis
Achilles Tendinitis
Achilles Tendon Rupture
Ankle Sprains

Sports related injuries are commonly treated using the RICE method. This includes rest, applying ice to the injured area, compression and elevating the ankle. More serious sprains and injuries may require surgery, which could include arthroscopic and reconstructive surgery. Rehabilitation and therapy may also be required in order to get any recovering athlete to become fully functional again. Any unusual aches and pains an athlete sustains must be evaluated by a licensed, reputable medical professional.

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Blog

Blisters on the Feet

Are Your Shoes Correct for Your Running Style?

Choosing the Right Running Shoe for Your Foot Type

Types of Insoles

Top Causes of Heel Pain in Seniors

What to Do to Keep Your Child’s Feet Healthy

Rare Foot Conditions

Common Causes of Running Injuries

How to Prevent Running Injuries

Plantar Fasciitis From Golf

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