Items filtered by date: September 2024

As we age, our feet require special care due to their complex structure, consisting of 26 bones, 33 joints, and over 100 muscles, tendons, and ligaments. More than one-third of people over 65 years old experience foot problems, which can severely impact mobility and quality of life. Common health issues affecting the feet include osteoporosis, which weakens bones, obesity, which increases pressure on joints, and arthritis, causing stiffness and pain. Circulation problems and diabetes are particularly concerning, as they can lead to nerve damage, slow healing, and increase the risk of infection. Regular visits to a podiatrist are essential for older adults to catch foot issues early and prevent complications. If you are a senior, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist to set up a regular plan to detect foot issues early and prevent complications. These healthcare providers can help ensure feet stay healthy and functional as part of maintaining overall well-being and independence in later years.

Proper foot care is something many older adults forget to consider. If you have any concerns about your feet and ankles, contact one of our podiatrists from Ocotillo Foot and Ankle Centers. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

The Elderly and Their Feet

As we age we start to notice many changes in our body, but the elder population may not notice them right away. Medical conditions may prevent the elderly to take notice of their foot health right away. Poor vision is a lead contributor to not taking action for the elderly.

Common Conditions 

• Neuropathy – can reduce feeling in the feet and can hide many life-threatening medical conditions.
• Reduced flexibility – prevents the ability of proper toenail trimming, and foot cleaning. If left untreated, it may lead to further medical issues.
• Foot sores – amongst the older population can be serious before they are discovered. Some of the problematic conditions they may face are:
• Gouging toenails affecting nearby toe
• Shoes that don’t fit properly
• Pressure sores
• Loss of circulation in legs & feet
• Edema & swelling of feet and ankles

Susceptible Infections

Diabetes and poor circulation can cause general loss of sensitivity over the years, turning a simple cut into a serious issue.

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

Pronation and supination are essential movements of the foot during walking and running, each playing a significant role in your overall gait pattern. Pronation involves the inward roll of the foot as it makes contact with the ground. It helps absorb shock and distributes your body weight evenly. In contrast, supination refers to the outward roll of the foot, providing stability and leverage as you push off. While both of these motions are normal, excessive pronation or supination can become problematic. The result includes increased wear on your shoes, ankle instability, and pain in the knees, hips, or lower back. Abnormal pronation can strain your feet as well as affect your posture. A podiatrist can assess your gait and identify any biomechanical imbalance. Treatment may include custom orthotics or specialized exercises to help restore proper foot function. If you have foot pain related to an abnormal gait, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a gait analysis and treatment.

If you have any concerns about your feet, contact one of our podiatrists from Ocotillo Foot and Ankle Centers. Our doctors 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 offices located in Chandler, and Phoenix, AZ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Pain in the ball of the foot, known as metatarsalgia, can result from various factors. One common cause is excessive pressure from wearing ill-fitting shoes, which compress the forefoot and lead to discomfort. High-impact activities and sports can also contribute to pain by putting repetitive stress on the metatarsal bones. Additionally, conditions such as bunions or Morton’s neuroma can cause localized pain and swelling. Inflammatory conditions like arthritis and tendinitis can increase discomfort in the ball of the foot. Additionally, flat feet or high arches can alter foot mechanics, adding pressure on the metatarsals. Managing this pain involves choosing supportive footwear, adjusting activity levels, and seeking medical advice from a podiatrist to address underlying conditions. If you have pain in this part of your foot, it is suggested that you visit a podiatrist who can accurately diagnose what is going on and provide treatment.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with one of our podiatrists from Ocotillo Foot and Ankle Centers. Our doctors 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 Chandler, and Phoenix, AZ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Cuboid syndrome is a condition where the cuboid bone in the foot becomes partially dislocated, leading to pain and discomfort, typically on the outer side of the foot. It often occurs due to an injury, such as an ankle sprain, or from repetitive strain, especially in activities like running or jumping where the foot is under constant stress. Symptoms include sharp pain on the outer side of the foot, difficulty bearing weight, and sometimes swelling. The pain may worsen during activities that involve pushing off with the foot, such as walking, running, or jumping. Early diagnosis and treatment is vital. Treatment typically involves rest and immobilization to reduce inflammation, followed by targeted exercises to restore normal function. A podiatrist might also perform a cuboid manipulation to reposition the bone. Proper footwear, orthotics, and stretching exercises can help to prevent recurrence and support long-term foot health. If you have pain on the outside of your foot, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and treatment.

Cuboid syndrome, also known as cuboid subluxation, occurs when the joints and ligaments near the cuboid bone in the foot become torn. If you have cuboid syndrome, consult with one of our podiatrists from Ocotillo Foot and Ankle Centers. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Cuboid syndrome is a common cause of lateral foot pain, which is pain on the outside of the foot. The condition may happen suddenly due to an ankle sprain, or it may develop slowly overtime from repetitive tension through the bone and surrounding structures.

Causes

The most common causes of cuboid syndrome include:

• Injury – The most common cause of this ailment is an ankle sprain.
• Repetitive Strain – Tension placed through the peroneus longus muscle from repetitive activities such as jumping and running may cause excessive traction on the bone causing it to sublux.
• Altered Foot Biomechanics – Most people suffering from cuboid subluxation have flat feet.

Symptoms

A common symptom of cuboid syndrome is pain along the outside of the foot which can be felt in the ankle and toes. This pain may create walking difficulties and may cause those with the condition to walk with a limp.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of cuboid syndrome is often difficult, and it is often misdiagnosed. X-rays, MRIs and CT scans often fail to properly show the cuboid subluxation. Although there isn’t a specific test used to diagnose cuboid syndrome, your podiatrist will usually check if pain is felt while pressing firmly on the cuboid bone of your foot.

Treatment

Just as the range of causes varies widely, so do treatments. Some more common treatments are ice therapy, rest, exercise, taping, and orthotics.

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