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Littlestown, PA

 (717) 359-5300

July 2022


Tuesday, 26 July 2022 00:00

Wearing High Heels With Flat Feet

If you have flat feet and want to wear high heels periodically, there should be no problem if you do not have underlying medical conditions and if doing so does not cause you pain. Flat feet, referred to as pes planus, is when the entire surface of the foot is in contact with the ground when standing. Flat feet can be flexible or rigid. A flexible flat foot looks flat when standing. A rigid flat foot is when the arch is absent whether the foot is bearing weight or not. Flat feet are generally caused by genetics, however, injuries, muscle weakness, foot bone deformities, pregnancy, being overweight, and pre-existing health conditions can also cause flat feet. Wearing high heels is difficult especially for those with flat feet. To bolster comfort with occasional high heel wearing, make sure the heels are the proper size, opt for thicker heels, which will help with balance and strain issues, and choose shoes with platforms under three inches. Arch support shoe inserts or silicone gel pads can offer some support in cushioning and comfort. Frequently kick off the heels to take breaks and stretch legs, ankles, and feet. Try putting together a supply rescue bag of tricks, including a flat, foldable shoe, anti-blister cream for sore feet and toes, and plasters for broken or damaged toenails. If you have flat feet, want to wear heels for a special outing and you have pain in your feet before or after doing so, consult with a podiatrist who can help diagnose the problem and provide suggestions and treatment.

Flatfoot is a condition many people suffer from. If you have flat feet, contact Dr. Todd Goldberg from Complete Family Foot Care 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 Littlestown, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

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Tuesday, 19 July 2022 00:00

Tendons in the Ankle That Can Cause Pain

Tendons are tissues that connect bones to muscles. Two such tendons, the peroneal tendons and the posterior tibial tendons begin in the leg and travel down at the rear of the ankle before attaching to bones in the foot. They are instrumental in facilitating certain movements of the ankle and foot. They can also be responsible for causing ankle pain. The posterior tibial tendon connects the muscle in the back of the shin bone to the bones in the foot. This tendon can become injured due to overuse or trauma and cause pain that is felt on the inside of the ankle. The peroneal tendons connect certain calf muscles to the foot. They can become inflamed at the ankle joint behind the fibula bone due to trauma or overuse and cause swelling and tenderness, along with pain behind the ankle. Any kind of ankle pain should prompt a visit to the podiatrist for diagnosis and treatment.

Ankle pain can have many different causes and the pain may potentially be serious. If you have ankle pain, consult with Dr. Todd Goldberg from Complete Family Foot Care 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 tendinitis
  • Achilles tendon rupture
  • Stress fractures
  • 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 Littlestown, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

 

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Suffering from this type of pain? You may have the foot condition known as Morton's neuroma. Morton's neuroma may develop as a result of ill-fitting footwear and existing foot deformities. We can help.

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Tuesday, 12 July 2022 00:00

Ways Seniors Can Prevent Falls at Home

The risk of falling at home increases after reaching the age of 65. This can be caused by diminished balance, strength, and eyesight. Other causes may be dizzying effects from certain medications and neuropathy problems that affect the feet. Further, if you fall once, you are far more likely to fall again, unless changes are made around the house. The majority of home falls take place in the bathroom, experts say. Some preventative measures include installing grab bars in the bath and shower area, putting a chair in the bathing area, and adding non-slip strips or a mat on the tub floor. Other parts of the home can also be modified to decrease the likelihood of a fall. Remove throw rugs, declutter passageways, and add lighting in darker areas, especially stairs and long hallways. Keep a clear path to the bathroom to increase your safety at night. Make sure you use handrails or a walking device if dizziness or balance issues are a problem. Wear shoes with non-skid soles, and avoid going barefoot. If you need more information on preventing falls, please contact a podiatrist who can offer suggestions to help keep you upright.

Preventing falls among the elderly is very important. If you are older and have fallen or fear that you are prone to falling, consult with Dr. Todd Goldberg from Complete Family Foot Care Center. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality advice and care.

Every 11 seconds, an elderly American is being treated in an emergency room for a fall related injury. Falls are the leading cause of head and hip injuries for those 65 and older. Due to decreases in strength, balance, senses, and lack of awareness, elderly persons are very susceptible to falling. Thankfully, there are a number of things older persons can do to prevent falls.

How to Prevent Falls

Some effective methods that older persons can do to prevent falls include:

  • Enrolling in strength and balance exercise program to increase balance and strength
  • Periodically having your sight and hearing checked
  • Discuss any medications you have with a doctor to see if it increases the risk of falling
  • Clearing the house of falling hazards and installing devices like grab bars and railings
  • Utilizing a walker or cane
  • Wearing shoes that provide good support and cushioning
  • Talking to family members about falling and increasing awareness

Falling can be a traumatic and embarrassing experience for elderly persons; this can make them less willing to leave the house, and less willing to talk to someone about their fears of falling. Doing such things, however, will increase the likelihood of tripping or losing one’s balance. Knowing the causes of falling and how to prevent them is the best way to mitigate the risk of serious injury.  

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

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Running is a cherished pastime across the country and an excellent way to stay in shape. However, if you are running with ill-fitting running shoes, you could be putting the health of your feet in jeopardy. Running with shoes that do not match the shape of your foot can lead to afflictions including bunions and naked toes. To avoid these unpleasant conditions, you should be mindful of what you might look for in a potential pair of running shoes. Of course, selecting the ideal pair of shoes is a highly individual process that will be specific to each runner. Yet, there are rules that runners might follow to guide them along this process. First and foremost, runners should prioritize finding shoes that fit the shape of their feet instead of shoes that look most fashionable or visually appealing. Additionally, a good pair of running shoes will have an insole that mirrors the natural shape of the runner's arch. Ideally, the ankle collar of the running shoe will fit comfortably and securely, but not tightly enough to cause rubbing and chafing. Good running shoes will also have toe boxes that give each toe enough space to comfortably rest in the shoe. When it comes to running, selecting the right running shoe is no joke, but these guidelines and a podiatrist might help you in your search.

If you are a runner, wearing the right running shoe is essential. For more information, contact Dr. Todd Goldberg from Complete Family Foot Care Center. Our doctor 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 office located in Littlestown, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

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