Risks of Online Shoe Shopping
When shoes are purchased in a store, determining the right shoe size is often accomplished by using a Brannock device. This is done by stepping on this metal device, and measuring the length and width of the foot. Online shopping is becoming increasingly popular, and it can be difficult to choose shoes that will fit correctly. An effective method in learning what your correct shoe size is can be obtained by standing on a piece of paper, and tracing the foot. It is beneficial to do this at the end of the day, when the feet are at their largest. Many online shopping sites will have conversion charts, which can make it easier to choose the right shoe size. Feet can become swollen during the summer months, and shoes that are purchased may feel bigger during the colder months. If you would like additional information about correct pointers on how to get your right shoe size, please consult with a podiatrist who can answer any questions you may have.
Getting the right shoe size is an important part of proper foot health. Seek the assistance of Philip Hahn, DPM from Advanced Foot & Ankle Center. Our doctor will provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
Getting the Right Shoe Size
There are many people who wear shoes that are the incorrect size, negatively affecting their feet and posture. Selecting the right shoes is not a difficult process, so long as you keep several things in mind when it comes to choosing the right pair.
- When visiting the shoe store, use the tools available to measure your foot.
- Be sure there is ‘wiggle room’. There should be about an inch between your toes and the tip of your shoes.
- Do not always assume you are the same size, as manufacturers run differently.
- Purchase shoes later in the day, as your feet swell as the day progresses.
- If a shoe is not comfortable, it is not suitable. Most shoes can’t be ‘broken in’, and comfort should be the ultimate goal when it comes to choosing the right pair of shoes
As our feet hold our body weight and keep us moving, it is important to treat them right. Picking the right pair of shoes can provide your feet comfort and mobility without pain.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Texarkana, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
Getting the Right Shoe Size: To Keep Your Feet Happy
People are constantly wearing improperly-fitting shoes. Though it isn’t hard, picking the right shoes does require keeping a few things in mind.
Shoe stores have rulers so you can get an exact measurement of your feet. Be sure to always measure your feet with your shoes on. Measuring just your foot will give you a shoe size that is 1-2 inches too small for picking the right size shoe.
To ensure that your toes won’t be cramped, make sure there is wiggle room. Approximately one inch should be between your toes and the tip of your shoe. It is easy to tell if your shoes are too tight, because you will start to experience pain, blisters, and swelling.
Additionally, do not always assume your shoe size will be the same at every store. Manufacturers sometimes run differently, and your size will vary from brand to brand. Make sure the stores you purchase from have return policies, in case there is a problem.
Rather than shoe shopping in the morning, it is advised to shop for shoes later in the day. Your feet will swell as the day passes. If shoes are purchased in the morning, they may not be as snug as they should be. Furthermore, not all two feet are the same size. Therefore, accommodations may be necessary.
An overall concern in buying shoes is making sure they are comfortable and supportive. There is no such thing as a shoe being ‘broken in’. If they are uncomfortable at the store, they likely will always be uncomfortable.
Since we do a lot of walking, it is important that we pick the right shoes. Our feet will benefit from this, and we will be happier and healthier because of it.
Are You Suffering From Ingrown Toenails?
If left untreated, an ingrown toenail can lead to more serious concerns, such as an infection. Knowing proper nail care can help in the prevention of an ingrown toenail. Give us a call, and get treated!
Various Reasons Heel Pain Can Occur
There are twenty six bones in the foot, and the heel bone is considered to be the largest one. Common causes of heel pain are overuse, and wearing shoes that do not fit correctly. These reasons can lead to painful conditions that can include plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendonitis, reactive arthritis, or heel spurs. Plantar fasciitis is an ailment that can occur when the tissue that runs along the sole of the foot becomes inflamed, which is known as the plantar fascia. It may be treated by using anti-inflammatory medications, or relief may possibly come from wearing custom-made orthotics. The Achilles tendon is found on the calf, and it connects the heel to the calf muscles. An Achilles tendon injury can lead to heel pain, and it can cause difficulty in walking. There are several types of arthritis, and reactive arthritis is triggered by an infection. It can appear in the joints of the body after the infection has been treated. Patients who develop a heel spur often confuse it with plantar fasciitis. The symptoms are similar, despite the fact that they are two different conditions. A bony growth on the heel is defined as a heel spur, and often needs medical treatment for proper healing. If you have any type of heel pain, it is strongly suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can determine what the cause of your heel pain is, and offer correct treatment solutions.
Many people suffer from bouts of heel pain. For more information, contact Philip Hahn, DPM of Advanced Foot & Ankle Center. Our doctor 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 office located in Texarkana, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
Heel Pain
Heel pain can be difficult to deal with, especially if you do not know what the underlying cause is. If you ignore your heel pain, the pain can magnify and potentially develop into a chronic condition. Depending on the location of your heel pain, you have developed a specific condition.
One condition is plantar fasciitis. Plantar fasciitis is caused by the inflammation of the plantar fascia, or the band of tissue that connects the heel bone to the base of the toes. The pain from this condition is initially mild but can intensify as more steps are taken when you wake up in the morning. To treat this condition, medication will likely be necessary. Plantar fasciitis is often associated with heel spurs; both require rest and special stretching exercises.
There are various options your podiatrist may suggest for heel pain. Treatment options for heel pain typically include non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS), which may reduce swelling and pain. Other options are physical therapy, athletic taping, and orthotics. In severe cases of heel pain, surgery may be required.
Preventing heel pain is possible. If you are looking to prevent heel pain from developing in the future, be sure to wear shoes that fit you properly and do not have worn down heels or soles. Be sure to warm up properly before participating in strenuous activities or sports that place a lot of a stress on the heels. If you are experiencing any form of heel pain, speak with your podiatrist to determine the underlying cause and receive the treatment you need.
Babies Feet and How They Grow
Baby’s feet are generally adorable, and you may yearn to touch them. They are soft and pliable as a result of the fatty tissue they are composed of. This will gradually convert into bone as the growing process occurs. Research has shown that babies are born with a stepping reflex, and this can be seen while they are held in a standing position as they move their legs as if they are walking. This will eventually disappear, and crawling will begin first, then walking will start at approximately one year of age. The majority of babies are born with flat feet, and the arch will be fully developed as they approach their teenage years. There are parents who choose to trim their baby's nails after they have had a bath, when the nails are the softest. An interesting fact is that baby’s feet will reach half of their adult foot size before they are one year old. Additionally, it is beneficial that the first shoes are made with a flexible sole, and padded ankle. This may be helpful in providing the necessary support as the first steps are taken. Please consult with a podiatrist if you would like to know more about what to expect as your child’s feet grow.
The health of a child’s feet is vital to their overall well-being. If you have any questions regarding foot health, contact Philip Hahn, DPM of Advanced Foot & Ankle Center. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
Tips for Keeping Children's Feet Healthy
- Make sure their shoes fit properly
- Look for any signs of in-toeing or out-toeing
- Check to see if they have Clubfoot (condition that affects your child’s foot and ankle, twisting the heel and toes inward) which is one of the most common nonmajor birth defects.
- Lightly cover your baby’s feet (Tight covers may keep your baby from moving their feet freely, and could prevent normal development)
- Allow your toddler to go shoeless (Shoes can be restricting for a young child’s foot)
- Cut toenails straight across to avoid ingrown toenails
- Keep your child’s foot clean and dry
- Cover cuts and scrapes. Wash any scratches with soap and water and cover them with a bandage until they’ve healed.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Texarkana, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
How to Care for Your Child's Feet
It is never normal for a child to experience pain in his or her feet. Foot pain that lasts more than a few days and limits a child’s ability to walk should be examined by a podiatrist. Many adult foot ailments originate in childhood and may be present at birth. Common foot issues that are experienced by children are pediatric flat foot, Sever’s disease, ingrown toenails, and plantar warts.
A child’s foot grows rapidly during the first year, allowing it to reach almost half of their adult foot size. Consequently, foot specialists consider the first year to be the most crucial point in the foot development process. There are ways you can help ensure that your child’s foot develops properly. One way is to carefully look at your baby’s feet. If you notice any deformities, you should immediately seek professional care. You should also loosely cover your child’s foot, since tight coverings may prevent movement and inhibit normal development. Another tip is to change the baby’s positioning throughout the day. If your baby lies down in one spot for too long, it may put an excess amount of strain on the feet and legs.
It is best that you try not to force a child to start walking. Children will begin to walk when they are both physically and emotionally capable to do so. You should also avoid comparing your child’s walking progress with other children because the age range for independent walking may range. When your child’s feet begin to develop, you may need to change both their shoe and sock size every few months to allow room for their feet to grow.
Kids are sometimes prone to splinters, cuts, and severe injuries because they tend to walk around barefoot. This also makes them more susceptible to developing plantar warts which is a condition caused by a virus that invades the sole of the foot through breaks in the skin. These ailments can be avoided by making sure your child wears shoes in unsanitary environments. You should also wash any minor cuts or scrapes on your child’s feet. It is a myth that exposure to fresh air will heal injuries; fresh air will only expose your child’s cuts to germs.
As a parent, you should ensure that your child’s feet are developing properly and are being properly maintained. Consequently, it is important that you perform routine inspections on his or her feet to detect any injuries or deformities in their early stages. Early detection and treatment will help to ensure that your child does not develop any serious foot conditions.
What Does Foot Drop Mean?
Foot drop is a symptom of another condition, generally related to some form of nerve injury. It becomes apparent when a patient is unable to lift the foot enough to clear the floor or ground while walking. The foot then drags along behind, causing a type of shuffling gait. Someone with foot drop may raise the knee higher with each step, which looks like marching. Further, the foot often slaps the ground when it is lowered, as the patient is unable to control the movement. Among the many conditions that result in foot drop are a peroneal nerve injury, an ankle injury, muscular dystrophy, a stroke, or diabetes. Even something as simple as crossing the legs while sitting can constrict the peroneal nerve and cause numbness and foot drop. A podiatrist can conduct a complete examination to determine the cause of foot drop and explore the range of treatment options available to you.
If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Philip Hahn, DPM from Advanced Foot & Ankle Center. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
Biomechanics in Podiatry
Podiatric biomechanics is a particular sector of specialty podiatry with licensed practitioners who are trained to diagnose and treat conditions affecting the foot, ankle and lower leg. Biomechanics deals with the forces that act against the body, causing an interference with the biological structures. It focuses on the movement of the ankle, the foot and the forces that interact with them.
A History of Biomechanics
- Biomechanics dates back to the BC era in Egypt where evidence of professional foot care has been recorded.
- In 1974, biomechanics gained a higher profile from the studies of Merton Root, who claimed that by changing or controlling the forces between the ankle and the foot, corrections or conditions could be implemented to gain strength and coordination in the area.
Modern technological improvements are based on past theories and therapeutic processes that provide a better understanding of podiatric concepts for biomechanics. Computers can provide accurate information about the forces and patterns of the feet and lower legs.
Understanding biomechanics of the feet can help improve and eliminate pain, stopping further stress to the foot.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Texarkana, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
The Importance of Biomechanics in Podiatry
Biomechanics and its related study deal with the forces that act against the body and affect things like our movement. In podiatry, biomechanics are studied to determine the movement of the ankle, toes, and the foot, as well as the forces that impact them. Podiatrists who train in this specialty are able to effectively diagnose and treat conditions that affect people’s everyday movement.
Regardless of your lifestyle, age, or any other factors, many people experience foot problems throughout their lives. Twists and turns, improper balance, and added weight are just a few of the things that can add stress to the feet. These issues can also limit our bodies’ mobility that we often take for granted. Pain in the feet and ankles can also trickle up towards the lower legs, knees, hip, and even back area. This affects the way you move around on a daily basis.
Biomechanics and its related study deal with forces that act against the body and affect things like our movement. In podiatry, biomechanics are studied to determine the movement of the ankle, toes, and the foot, as well as the forces that impact them. Podiatrists who train in this specialty are able to effectively diagnose and treat conditions that affect people’s everyday movement.
Regardless of your lifestyle, age, or any other factors, many people experience foot problems throughout their lives. Twists and turns, improper balance, and added weight are just a few of the things that can add stress to the feet. These issues can also limit our bodies’ mobility that we often take for granted. Pain in the feet and ankles can also trickle up towards the lower legs, knees, hip, and even back area. This affects the way you move around on a daily basis.
The history of studying biomechanics dates back to ancient Egypt at around 3000 B.C., where evidence of professional foot care has been recorded. Throughout the centuries, advances in technology, science, and an understanding of the human body led to more accurate diagnosis of conditions such as corns for example. In 1974, biomechanics garnered a large audience when Merton Root founded Root Lab to make custom orthotics. He proposed that corrections of certain conditions could be implemented to gain strength and coordination in the area. Due to his research, we still use his basic principle of foot orthotics to this day.
As technology has improved, so have the therapeutic processes that allow us to correct deficiencies in our natural biomechanics. Computers can now provide accurate readings of the forces, movements, and patterns of the foot and lower leg. Critical treatment options can be provided to patients now who suffer from problems that cause their biomechanics to not function naturally. The best results are now possible thanks to 3D modeling and computing technologies that can take readings and also map out what treatment will do to the affected areas.
These advanced corrective methods were able to come to light thanks to an increase in both the technologies surrounding biomechanics and also the knowledge of how they work naturally. For example, shoe orthotics are able to treat walking inabilities by realigning the posture deviations in patients caused by hip or back problems. Understanding foot biomechanics can help improve movement and eliminate pain, stopping further stress to the foot. Speak with your podiatrist if you have any of these problems.
When You Feel Ankle Pain After Cardio Exercise
There are several reasons why you may experience soreness in your ankles after a cardio workout. For instance, your footwear may not fit properly. When purchasing exercise footwear, it is wise to shop after a workout or at the end of the day to ensure a comfortable fit after your feet have expanded from heat or exercise. It is also important to try on shoes with the same socks you’ll wear while exercising. Check to make sure that your toes have room to move around and that your heel does not slip out while you are walking. If footwear is not the culprit, it may be Achilles tendinitis. This large tendon connects your heel with your calf muscles and can sometimes suffer from overuse injuries due to high-intensity cardio exercise. Pain from Achilles tendinitis can be felt at the back of the heel and ankle. Or, you may have a compressed posterior tibial nerve that passes through the tarsal tunnel, resulting in tarsal tunnel syndrome. This condition may develop after a sprained ankle, or if you excessively roll your feet inward when you walk or run, known as overpronation. Check with your podiatrist who can determine the cause of your ankle pain after a cardio workout and treat it accordingly.
Ankle pain can be caused by a number of problems and may be potentially serious. If you have ankle pain, consult with Philip Hahn, DPM from Advanced Foot & Ankle Center. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.
Ankle pain is any condition that causes pain in the ankle. Due to the fact that the ankle consists of tendons, muscles, bones, and ligaments, ankle pain can come from a number of different conditions.
Causes
The most common causes of ankle pain include:
- Types of arthritis (rheumatoid, osteoarthritis, and gout)
- Ankle sprains
- Broken ankles
- Achilles tendonitis
- Achilles tendon rupture
- Stress fractures
- Bursitis
- Tarsal tunnel syndrome
- Plantar fasciitis
Symptoms
Symptoms of ankle injury vary based upon the condition. Pain may include general pain and discomfort, swelling, aching, redness, bruising, burning or stabbing sensations, and/or loss of sensation.
Diagnosis
Due to the wide variety of potential causes of ankle pain, podiatrists will utilize a number of different methods to properly diagnose ankle pain. This can include asking for personal and family medical histories and of any recent injuries. Further diagnosis may include sensation tests, a physical examination, and potentially x-rays or other imaging tests.
Treatment
Just as the range of causes varies widely, so do treatments. Some more common treatments are rest, ice packs, keeping pressure off the foot, orthotics and braces, medication for inflammation and pain, and surgery.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Texarkana, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
