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When you are unable to lift your feet off the ground as you walk, causing a shuffling gait, you may have a condition known as foot drop. It can be the result of muscle weakness or paralysis, which may be caused by a number of serious illnesses. Among them are multiple sclerosis, stroke or peripheral neuropathy. It also may be the result of injury to nerves in the legs. Because it is difficult to lift the foot high enough to clear the ground as you take a step, foot drop also can increase your risk of falling. Wearing a brace or an electric stimulation device are measures that can be taken to help reduce the symptoms. If you believe you have developed foot drop, it is suggested that you visit a podiatrist for a full diagnosis and ongoing treatment plan.
If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Brian Shwer, DPM from Southaven Foot Clinic. 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
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 Southaven, MS . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
Orthotics are shoe or heel inserts that can help with a variety of foot, leg, and back problems. They can help the foot and ankle work better, correct foot deformities, and reduce risk for further injuries. Generic orthotics can be purchased online or in stores or they can be prescribed by a podiatrist and custom-made specifically for your needs. Orthotics have been used to deal with foot pain associated with arthritis, lack of foot cushioning, high arches, bunions, diabetic neuropathy, high arches, and other foot conditions. If you are experiencing foot or heel pain that is not relieved by over-the-counter treatments, exercises or rest, a podiatrist can examine the condition of your feet, watch you walk and perform movements, and possibly recommend imaging, such as an X-ray, bone scan, or MRI to identify specific problem areas and create custom orthotics and/or other avenues of treatment.
If you are having discomfort in your feet and would like to try orthotics, contact Brian Shwer, DPM from Southaven Foot Clinic. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
What Are Orthotics?
Orthotics are inserts you can place into your shoes to help with a variety of foot problems such as flat feet or foot pain. Orthotics provide relief and comfort for minor foot and heel pain but can’t correct serious biomechanical problems in your feet.
Over-the-Counter Inserts
Orthotics come in a wide variety of over-the-counter inserts that are used to treat foot pain, heel pain, and minor problems. For example, arch supports can be inserted into your shoes to help correct overarched or flat feet, while gel insoles are often used because they provide comfort and relief from foot and heel pain by alleviating pressure.
Prescription Orthotics
If over-the-counter inserts don’t work for you or if you have a more severe foot concern, it is possible to have your podiatrist prescribe custom orthotics. These high-quality inserts are designed to treat problems such as abnormal motion, plantar fasciitis, and severe forms of heel pain. They can even be used to help patients suffering from diabetes by treating foot ulcers and painful calluses and are usually molded to your feet individually, which allows them to provide full support and comfort.
If you are experiencing minor to severe foot or heel pain, it’s recommended to speak with your podiatrist about the possibilities of using orthotics. A podiatrist can determine which type of orthotic is right for you and allow you to take the first steps towards being pain-free.
If you have any questions please contact our office located in Southaven, MS . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
Exercise keeps our bodies strong! Given that our feet are an integral part of everyday life and getting us where we need to be, it stands to reason that exercising our feet is necessary to keep them strong and healthy. After all, they are relatively small appendages to carry our weight. In addition to improving your overall health, exercising your feet on a regular basis can reduce the risk of injury. When problems arise in your feet causing pain or gait instability, various exercises can be done to improve the issue. A podiatrist can examine your feet, diagnose any current or emerging problems, and suggest exercises to help.
Exercising your feet regularly with the proper foot wear is a great way to prevent injuries and build strength. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Brian Shwer, DPM from Southaven Foot Clinic. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
Exercise for Your Feet
Exercise for your feet can help you gain strength, mobility and flexibility in your feet. They say that strengthening your feet can be just as rewarding as strengthening another part of the body. Your feet are very important, and we often forget about them in our daily tasks. But it is because of our feet that are we able to get going and do what we need to. For those of us fortunate enough to not have any foot problems, it is an important gesture to take care of them to ensure good health in the long run.
Some foot health exercises can include ankle pumps, tip-toeing, toe rises, lifting off the floor doing reps and sets, and flexing the toes. It is best to speak with Our doctor to determine an appropriate regimen for your needs. Everyone’s needs and bodies are different, and the activities required to maintain strength in the feet vary from individual to individual.
Once you get into a routine of doing regular exercise, you may notice a difference in your feet and how strong they may become.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Southaven, MS . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
Blisters on the feet can be uncomfortable, painful, and if infected, can become a serious health issue. Blisters are a small pocket of fluid that develops over a damaged portion of skin. This is the body’s natural defense in protecting the area as new skin forms. Blisters can develop from wearing shoes that do not fit correctly, and this can cause the foot to rub against the shoe. Many patients find it helpful to keep their feet as dry as possible, and this can aid in preventing blisters. Additionally, blisters can develop from a severe sun or chemical burn, frostbite, or possibly from an allergic reaction. If you have developed blisters on your feet, it is suggested that you speak to a podiatrist who can guide you toward proper treatment and healing techniques.
Blisters are prone to making everyday activities extremely uncomfortable. If your feet are hurting, contact Brian Shwer, DPM of Southaven Foot Clinic. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
Foot Blisters
Foot blisters develop as a result of constantly wearing tight or ill-fitting footwear. This happens due to the constant rubbing from the shoe, which can often lead to pain.
What Are Foot Blisters?
A foot blister is a small fluid-filled pocket that forms on the upper-most layer of the skin. Blisters are filled with clear fluid and can lead to blood drainage or pus if the area becomes infected.
How Do Blisters Form?
Blisters on the feet are often the result of constant friction of skin and material, usually by shoe rubbing. Walking in sandals, boots, or shoes that don’t fit properly for long periods of time can result in a blister. Having consistent foot moisture and humidity can easily lead to blister formation.
Prevention & Treatment
It is important to properly care for the affected area in order to prevent infection and ease the pain. Do not lance the blister and use a Band-Aid to provide pain relief. Also, be sure to keep your feet dry and wear proper fitting shoes. If you see blood or pus in a blister, seek assistance from a podiatrist.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Southaven, MS . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
Do you suffer from heel pain when you get up in the morning? If so, you should seek the professional help of your podiatrist and have a proper diagnosis performed. Heel pain can be caused by several different foot-related conditions.
If you are a caregiver for an aging adult, helping them take care of their feet can help keep them healthy, active and improve their quality of life. Healthy feet can also help older adults avoid falls and broken bones. Here are the top nine things you can do to promote better foot health in an elderly person. 1) Inspect their feet daily for any redness, breaks in the skin or anything unusual. 2) Help them eat healthy foods, drink plenty of water, and engage in low impact exercise and stretching. 3) Trim their toenails straight across. 4) Make sure footwear fits properly, and have their feet measured for length and width every time they buy new shoes. 5) Don’t allow them to walk barefoot, even around the house. 6) Keep their feet clean, dry, and moisturized. 7) Make sure their socks are not tight to avoid cutting off circulation. 8) Never trim corns or calluses with a sharp instrument. 9) Have their feet checked regularly by a podiatrist, especially if they are diabetic.
If you need your feet checked, contact Brian Shwer, DPM of Southaven Foot Clinic. Our doctor will attend to all of your foot and ankle needs and provide you with quality treatment.
Geriatrics and Podiatry
When people age, some common issues that may occur are bone density loss, dry skin, poor circulation, and rough brittle nails. These issues may also affect your foot health if the necessary steps are not taken to alleviate the problems.
It is important to take care of your feet because feet that are injured or diseased can affect your overall health. Having painful feet hinders your ability to do daily activities or may decrease your willingness to do the things that you need to do.
Visiting Your Geriatrician
As we age, health problems become more likely, so it is essential to visit your doctor for check-ups to ensure that you are doing the best you can to take care of your health. It is recommended to check your feet frequently for any possible cuts, bruises, swelling, corns or any other irregularities.
Taking Care of Elderly Feet
Cracked or dry feet can be treated by applying moisturizer often. It is also important not to wear old socks because the older the sock is, the higher the possibility there will be that there is bacteria there. Wear fresh socks and make sure they fit properly.
Proper foot health means that you can have a more active lifestyle and you will not be bogged down by pain. Foot health also leads to good circulation, which is paramount for overall health.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Southaven, MS . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease in which the body’s immune system attacks the otherwise healthy cells that make up the linings of joints. Because each foot contains 33 joints, the feet, as well as the ankles, are often affected. RA can make other foot and ankle conditions more likely to occur. One such condition is tarsal tunnel syndrome, in which the posterior tibial nerve is compressed or damaged, causing burning pain, numbness, and tingling in the affected foot. Tarsal tunnel syndrome is frequently seen in people with RA. If you have RA, it is suggested that you be under the care of a podiatrist who can monitor the health of your feet and treat any problems as they arise.
Because RA affects more than just your joints, including the joints in your feet and ankles, it is important to seek early diagnosis from your podiatrist if you feel like the pain in your feet might be caused by RA. For more information, contact Brian Shwer, DPM of Southaven Foot Clinic. Our doctor will assist you with all of your podiatric concerns.
What Is Rheumatoid Arthritis?
Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disorder in which the body’s own immune system attacks the membranes surrounding the joints. Inflammation of the lining and eventually the destruction of the joint’s cartilage and bone occur, causing severe pain and immobility.
Rheumatoid Arthritis of the Feet
Although RA usually attacks multiple bones and joints throughout the entire body, almost 90 percent of cases result in pain in the foot or ankle area.
Symptoms
Diagnosis
Quick diagnosis of RA in the feet is important so that the podiatrist can treat the area effectively. Your doctor will ask you about your medical history, occupation, and lifestyle to determine the origin of the condition. Rheumatoid Factor tests help to determine if someone is affected by the disease.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Southaven, MS . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
Joints predominantly connect bones with each other. Sesamoid bones, however, do not connect to other bones; they are small, oval shaped bones embedded within tendons. Sesamoid bones are found in the knees and hands, and two are located underneath the big toe joint of the foot. This pair of hardworking sesamoids plays a vital role in bearing weight and movement. Sesamoids help the big toe move and push off forcefully when walking and running, and they act as shock absorbers for the long metatarsal bone in the forefoot that attaches to the big toe. Physical activities such as football, basketball, running, tennis and ballet can apply excessive pressure on the ball of the foot and cause various injuries to the sesamoids and surrounding tissue and tendons. Sesamoiditis is one such injury. Sesamoiditis is a chronic inflammation of the sesamoid bones and tendons that can produce a fluctuating dull pain under the big toe joint. There are several types of treatment—both conservative and surgical (if necessary)—that your podiatrist can go over with you if you are diagnosed with sesamoiditis.
Sesamoiditis is an unpleasant foot condition characterized by pain in the balls of the feet. If you think you’re struggling with sesamoiditis, contact Brian Shwer, DPM of Southaven Foot Clinic. Our doctor will treat your condition thoroughly and effectively.
Sesamoiditis
Sesamoiditis is a condition of the foot that affects the ball of the foot. It is more common in younger people than it is in older people. It can also occur with people who have begun a new exercise program, since their bodies are adjusting to the new physical regimen. Pain may also be caused by the inflammation of tendons surrounding the bones. It is important to seek treatment in its early stages because if you ignore the pain, this condition can lead to more serious problems such as severe irritation and bone fractures.
Causes of Sesamoiditis
Treatment for sesamoiditis is non-invasive and simple. Doctors may recommend a strict rest period where the patient forgoes most physical activity. This will help give the patient time to heal their feet through limited activity. For serious cases, it is best to speak with your doctor to determine a treatment option that will help your specific needs.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Southaven, MS . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
Although the term plantar fasciitis sounds unusual, the condition it describes is the most common form of heel pain. “Plantar” has to do with the sole of the foot, while “fascia” is a fibrous band of tissue. “Itis” is a suffix used to indicate inflammation. Put those three things together and you are describing an inflammation of the fibrous tissue on the sole of the foot — otherwise known as plantar fasciitis. It can cause a stabbing pain near the heel, which is worst in the morning as you take your first steps, or after periods of rest. This pain can subside as your feet become warmed up. Although runners often develop plantar fasciitis, it can also be common in people who are obese or who wear shoes without adequate support. If you believe you have plantar fasciitis, it is a good idea to contact a podiatrist right away to receive an accurate diagnosis and begin proper treatment as soon as possible.
Plantar fasciitis is a common foot condition that is often caused by a strain injury. If you are experiencing heel pain or symptoms of plantar fasciitis, contact Brian Shwer, DPM from Southaven Foot Clinic. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
What Is Plantar Fasciitis?
Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common causes of heel pain. The plantar fascia is a ligament that connects your heel to the front of your foot. When this ligament becomes inflamed, plantar fasciitis is the result. If you have plantar fasciitis you will have a stabbing pain that usually occurs with your first steps in the morning. As the day progresses and you walk around more, this pain will start to disappear, but it will return after long periods of standing or sitting.
What Causes Plantar Fasciitis?
There are some risk factors that may make you more likely to develop plantar fasciitis compared to others. The condition most commonly affects adults between the ages of 40 and 60. It also tends to affect people who are obese because the extra pounds result in extra stress being placed on the plantar fascia.
Prevention
There are a variety of treatment options available for plantar fasciitis along with the pain that accompanies it. Additionally, physical therapy is a very important component in the treatment process. It is important that you meet with your podiatrist to determine which treatment option is best for you.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Southaven, MS . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
