Items filtered by date: May 2023

Flat feet, also termed pes planus, is a condition where the arch of the foot collapses and the bottom of the foot lies flat on the ground. Three common types of flat feet are flexible, rigid, and adult-onset. Flexible flat feet are the most common, where the arch is visible while sitting, but disappears when weight is taken off of the foot. It affects both feet and gradually worsens with age. With rigid flat feet, the foot arch is missing in all conditions. The feet may become painful and it may be difficult to flex the foot or even move it from side to side. This may affect one or both feet. Adult-acquired, or fallen arches, occurs when the arch suddenly collapses. This problem commonly affects only one foot, and is frequently the result of an injury to the tendon that supports the arch. Certain conditions can bring on the occurrence of flat feet, including Achilles tendon injuries, broken bones, obesity, and pregnancy. To manage flat feet, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can determine the cause and offer treatment options.     

Flatfoot is a condition many people suffer from. If you have flat feet, contact Thomas Vail, DPM from Step Alive Foot & Ankle Center. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Are Flat Feet?

Flatfoot is a condition in which the arch of the foot is depressed and the sole of the foot is almost completely in contact with the ground. About 20-30% of the population generally has flat feet because their arches never formed during growth.

Conditions & Problems:

Having flat feet makes it difficult to run or walk because of the stress placed on the ankles.

Alignment – The general alignment of your legs can be disrupted, because the ankles move inward which can cause major discomfort.

Knees – If you have complications with your knees, flat feet can be a contributor to arthritis in that area.  

Symptoms

• Pain around the heel or arch area
• Trouble standing on the tip toe
• Swelling around the inside of the ankle
• Flat look to one or both feet
• Having your shoes feel uneven when worn

Treatment

If you are experiencing pain and stress on the foot you may weaken the posterior tibial tendon, which runs around the inside of the ankle. 

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Findlay, OH . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

A popular type of foot therapy is a foot massage. Many people enjoy the benefits foot massages can provide, including a feeling of general well-being and improved health. When a foot massage is performed, pressure is applied by the hands to more than 7000 nerves and this can help to release energetic blockages in the body. Additional benefits of getting a foot massage may include improved circulation, a reduction in stress levels, and cell growth and repair may be accelerated. There are specific areas of the foot that are linked to organs. For example, the outside of the right foot connects to the liver, the sole of the foot links to the kidneys, and the head and face are controlled by the reflexology points in the toes. If you would like to have additional information about foot massages, it is suggested that you confer with a podiatrist who can answer any questions you may have.

Foot therapy is often necessary for those recovering from either foot deformities or foot injuries. If you have concerns regarding therapy, consult with Thomas Vail, DPM from Step Alive Foot & Ankle Center. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Most Common Injuries

People who are active or athletes are prone to a variety of injuries. Therefore, it is often important to take part in physical therapy in order to quickly get back on the right track. 

What to Do When Injured

Physical Therapy – This specialized treatment will focus on the affected area, speeding up recovery and the overall healing process. It is a proven method that has helped millions of people return from any injury.

During physical therapy you will undergo regimented training to get back into full form. Training is often very difficult, especially at first when the foot feels weak. Physical therapy often involves:

Basic stretching and twisting exercises – getting the feet’s mobility and flexibility up.

Massaging – the therapist will massage the injured area in order to activate the muscles and relax them.

Strengthening Exercises – this allows the muscles in the affected area to regain their full strength, a vital step towards full recovery.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Findlay, OH . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Hammertoe is a particular kind of foot affliction that can occur when the middle of the toe points upward at the joint. Often, this foot condition can be accompanied by other foot conditions. For example, as the middle of the affected toe points upwards, the toe can rub against footwear, making corns more likely to develop. Also, a hammertoe can be associated with bunions, which are bony bumps on the sides of the big toe. If you are someone that is currently struggling with a hammertoe, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment today with a podiatrist who can assess your situation, and offer correct treatment options. 

Hammertoe

Hammertoes can be a painful condition to live with. For more information, contact Thomas Vail, DPM from Step Alive Foot & Ankle Center. Our doctor will answer any of your foot- and ankle-related questions.

Hammertoe is a foot deformity that affects the joints of the second, third, fourth, or fifth toes of your feet. It is a painful foot condition in which these toes curl and arch up, which can often lead to pain when wearing footwear.

Symptoms

• Pain in the affected toes
• Development of corns or calluses due to friction
• Inflammation
• Redness
• Contracture of the toes

Causes

Genetics – People who are genetically predisposed to hammertoe are often more susceptible

Arthritis – Because arthritis affects the joints in your toes, further deformities stemming from arthritis can occur

Trauma – Direct trauma to the toes could potentially lead to hammertoe

Ill-fitting shoes – Undue pressure on the front of the toes from ill-fitting shoes can potentially lead to the development of hammertoe

Treatment

Orthotics – Custom made inserts can be used to help relieve pressure placed on the toes and therefore relieve some of the pain associated with it

Medications – Oral medications such as anti-inflammatories or NSAIDs could be used to treat the pain and inflammation hammertoes causes. Injections of corticosteroids are also sometimes used

Surgery – In more severe cases where the hammertoes have become more rigid, foot surgery is a potential option

If you have any questions please contact our office located in Findlay, OH . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.