Items filtered by date: October 2022

Tuesday, 25 October 2022 00:00

Swollen Feet Are Common During Pregnancy

A common symptom many women suffer from during pregnancy is swollen feet. This is the result of more fluids that are needed for the growing baby and it can be uncomfortable as the pregnancy progresses. There are simple methods that can be implemented that may help to reduce swollen feet. These include drinking plenty of water daily and wearing comfortable shoes that do not constrict the feet. Reducing salt intake can make a profound difference in controlling swollen feet and research has shown blood circulation may be improved when a gentle exercise routine is practiced regularly. Many women find mild relief when their feet are elevated throughout the day and this can give the body a chance to relax. Swollen feet during pregnancy are an uncomfortable but temporary condition and if you would like more information about how to control this, please consult a podiatrist.

Pregnant women with swollen feet can be treated with a variety of different methods that are readily available. For more information about other cures for swollen feet during pregnancy, consult with Troy Wilde, DPM from Practice. Our doctor will attend to all of your foot and ankle needs.

What Foot Problems Can Arise During Pregnancy?

One problem that can occur is overpronation, which occurs when the arch of the foot flattens and tends to roll inward.  This can cause pain and discomfort in your heels while you’re walking or even just standing up, trying to support your baby.  

Another problem is edema, or swelling in the extremities. This often affects the feet during pregnancy but tends to occur in the later stages. 

How Can I Keep My Feet Healthy During Pregnancy?

  • Wearing orthotics can provide extra support for the feet and help distribute weight evenly
  • Minimize the amount of time spent walking barefoot
  • Wear shoes with good arch support
  • Wear shoes that allow for good circulation to the feet
  • Elevate feet if you experience swelling
  • Massage your feet
  • Get regular, light exercise, such as walking, to promote blood circulation to the feet

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

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Tuesday, 18 October 2022 00:00

All About Foot Mechanics

The design of the many different bones, muscles, and ligaments in the feet is masterful and enables the feet to move to perform their different functions. There are 26 bones in each foot, which includes the phalanges in the toes, the metatarsals in the middle of the foot, and the calcaneus bone at the heel. There are also approximately 30 joints in the feet and 100 different ligaments. The feet contain a group of intrinsic muscles and ligaments. These are primarily located across the bottoms, or soles, of the feet. This group is contrasted with the extrinsic muscles and ligaments that are found in the lower leg and essentially curve around the ankle. This then attaches to the foot. If you want to learn more about the biomechanics of the foot and how this critical body part functions, contact a podiatrist today.

If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Troy Wilde, DPM from Practice. 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 offices located in Phoenix, Gilbert, and Chandler, AZ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

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Tuesday, 11 October 2022 00:00

How Is Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome Treated?

Repeated pressure on the posterior tibial nerve is often the reason for the foot condition known as tarsal tunnel syndrome. This nerve is located inside the tarsal tunnel that is found near the ankle. Tarsal tunnel syndrome can occur when the nerve becomes inflamed. It can happen to people who have flat feet, diabetes, or who have endured an ankle sprain. The symptoms that patients can experience can consist of a burning sensation, a feeling of pins and needles, or may feel like an electric shock. The treatment for this condition can vary from wearing braces or splints to having surgery, and this depends on the severity of the ailment. Custom-made orthotics may be worn to alleviate some of the pressure from this syndrome. If you have this foot condition, it is strongly urged that you contact a podiatrist who can determine why you have it and choose the best treatment option for you.

Tarsal tunnel syndrome can be very uncomfortable to live with. If you are experiencing tarsal tunnel syndrome, contact Troy Wilde, DPM of Practice. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome

Tarsal tunnel syndrome, which can also be called tibial nerve dysfunction, is an uncommon condition of misfiring peripheral nerves in the foot. The tibial nerve is the peripheral nerve in the leg responsible for sensation and movement of the foot and calf muscles. In tarsal tunnel syndrome, the tibial nerve is damaged, causing problems with movement and feeling in the foot of the affected leg.

Common Cause of Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome

  • Involves pressure or an injury, direct pressure on the tibial nerve for an extended period of time, sometimes caused by other body structures close by or near the knee.
  • Diseases that damage nerves, including diabetes, may cause tarsal tunnel syndrome.
  • At times, tarsal tunnel syndrome can appear without an obvious cause in some cases.

The Effects of Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome

  • Different sensations, an afflicted person may experience pain, tingling, burning or other unusual sensations in the foot of the affected leg.
  • The foot muscles, toes and ankle become weaker, and curling your toes or flexing your foot can become difficult.
  • If condition worsens, infections and ulcers may develop on the foot that is experiencing the syndrome.

A physical exam of the leg can help identify the presence of tarsal tunnel syndrome. Medical tests, such as a nerve biopsy, are also used to diagnose the condition. Patients may receive physical therapy and prescriptive medication. In extreme cases, some may require surgery.

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

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Monday, 10 October 2022 00:00

Plantar Warts Can Be Treated!

Plantar warts are small growths that develop on parts of the feet that bear weight. They're typically found on the bottom of the foot. Don't live with plantar warts, and call us today!

Tuesday, 04 October 2022 00:00

Why Do Plantar Warts Grow Inward?

Plantar warts grow inward on the sole of the foot as a result of the weight the feet endure from standing and walking throughout the day. A plantar wart is a specific strain of the human papillomavirus (HPV) and is contagious. It lives and thrives in warm and moist environments, which often include public swimming pools and locker rooms. Patients with a weakened immune system may be more susceptible to getting a plantar wart. This wart appears as a hardened area of the skin on the bottom of the foot and may have small black dots in the center. The warts can cause severe pain and discomfort, and prompt medical attention is often needed for relief. Part of the diagnosis process may consist of cutting away a small area of the wart and sending it to a lab for a biopsy. If you have developed a plantar wart, it is strongly advised that you confer with a podiatrist who can offer you the correct treatment options for relief.

Plantar warts can be very uncomfortable. If you need your feet checked, contact Troy Wilde, DPM from Practice. Our doctor will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.

About Plantar Warts

Plantar warts are the result of HPV, or human papillomavirus, getting into open wounds on the feet. They are mostly found on the heels or balls of the feet.

While plantar warts are generally harmless, those experiencing excessive pain or those suffering from diabetes or a compromised immune system require immediate medical care. Plantar warts are easily diagnosed, usually through scraping off a bit of rough skin or by getting a biopsy.

Symptoms

  • Lesions on the bottom of your feet, usually rough and grainy
  • Hard or thick callused spots
  • Wart seeds, which are small clotted blood vessels that look like little black spots
  • Pain, discomfort, or tenderness of your feet when walking or standing

Treatment

  • Freezing
  • Electric tool removal
  • Laser Treatment
  • Topical Creams (prescription only)
  • Over-the-counter medications

To help prevent developing plantar warts, avoid walking barefoot over abrasive surfaces that can cause cuts or wounds for HPV to get into. Avoiding direct contact with other warts, as well as not picking or rubbing existing warts, can help prevent the further spread of plantar warts. However, if you think you have developed plantar warts, speak to your podiatrist. He or she can diagnose the warts on your feet and recommend the appropriate treatment options.

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

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