Flat feet, or fallen arches, occur when the arch of the foot is low or completely flattened, causing the entire sole to make contact with the ground. Having flat feet can affect the natural alignment of the body, potentially leading to pain in the feet, ankles, knees, or lower back. While flat feet do not always cause symptoms, common signs include foot pain, fatigue, and uneven shoe wear. This condition can arise from a failure of the arches to develop properly during childhood, or it can develop later in life due to aging, injury, or certain medical conditions like arthritis or diabetes. Treatment often focuses on reducing pain and improving foot function through the use of custom orthotics or supportive shoes, which help redistribute weight and improve alignment. In more severe cases, where pain persists or mobility is affected, surgery may be considered to reconstruct the arch or correct deformities. If you have persistent foot pain as a result of flat feet, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for treatment options.
Flatfoot is a condition many people suffer from. If you have flat feet, contact Brian Shwer, DPM from Southaven Foot Clinic. 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
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 Southaven, MS . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
Ankle sprains require proper treatment to ensure a full recovery and prevent future complications. After an ankle sprain, a podiatrist may recommend various treatment options to support healing and restore function. Moving the joint gently, within your pain tolerance, helps prevent stiffness and maintains normal movement. An ankle support, such as a brace, can provide stability while allowing some mobility as the ligament heals. For more severe sprains, certain prescribed exercises can help to improve joint movement, and muscle strength. In cases of severe sprains or instability, immobilization of the ankle with a brace or cast might be necessary, and surgery could be considered if damaged ligaments are significantly torn. If pain persists or the ankle remains unstable, further evaluation, including imaging, might be required. If you have sprained your ankle, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam, diagnosis, and treatment options.
Ankle sprains are common but need immediate attention. If you need your feet checked, 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.
How Does an Ankle Sprain Occur?
Ankle sprains take place when the ligaments in your ankle are torn or stretched beyond their limits. There are multiple ways that the ankle can become injured, including twisting or rolling over onto your ankle, putting undue stress on it, or causing trauma to the ankle itself.
What Are the Symptoms?
Preventing a Sprain
Treatment of a Sprain
Treatment of a sprain depends on the severity. Many times, people are told to rest and remain off their feet completely, while others are given an air cast. If the sprain is very severe, surgery may be required.
If you have suffered an ankle sprain previously, you may want to consider additional support such as a brace and regular exercises to strengthen the ankle.
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.
Teaching children about the importance of stretching their feet is important for fostering lifelong foot health. As kids engage in various physical activities, from running to playing sports, their feet endure significant stress. Stretching not only helps to alleviate tension and prevent injuries, such as strains or sprains, but also promotes flexibility and balance, which are essential for overall athletic performance and daily activities. Introducing foot stretching to children can be fun and engaging. Simple stretches, like toe curls, ankle rotations, and calf stretches, can be incorporated into warm-up routines before sports or even as a daily habit. Emphasize the benefits of stretching, such as improved movement and reduced pain, to help them understand its value. By instilling these good foot health habits early, including regular stretching, children are more likely to maintain strong, healthy feet as they grow. If your child is experiencing foot problems, it is suggested that you visit a podiatrist.
Stretching the feet is a great way to prevent injuries. If you have any concerns with your feet consult with Brian Shwer, DPM from Southaven Foot Clinic. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.
Stretching the Feet
Stretching the muscles in the foot is an important part in any physical activity. Feet that are tight can lead to less flexibility and make you more prone to injury. One of the most common forms of foot pain, plantar fasciitis, can be stretched out to help ease the pain. Stretching can not only ease pain from plantar fasciitis but also prevent it as well. However, it is important to see a podiatrist first if stretching is right for you. Podiatrists can also recommend other ways to stretch your feet. Once you know whether stretching is right for you, here are some excellent stretches you can do.
It is best to go easy when first stretching your foot and work your way up. If your foot starts hurting, stop exercising and ice and rest the foot. It is advised to then see a podiatrist for help.
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.
Claw toe is a deformity where the toes curl into a claw-like shape due to an imbalance in the muscles and tendons responsible for straightening the toes. The condition often causes the toes to bend upward at the joint closest to the foot and then sharply downward at the middle and third joints, leading to discomfort and the formation of painful calluses. Common causes include nerve damage, foot or ankle trauma, and conditions like diabetes or arthritis. If left untreated, claw toe can worsen over time, making early intervention important. A podiatrist can help manage claw toe by recommending non-invasive treatments such as custom orthotics, toe exercises, and footwear adjustments that provide more room for the toes. In more severe cases, surgery might be necessary to correct the deformity. If you notice a deformity in your toes, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an evaluation and treatment options.
Toe pain can disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, 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.
What Causes Toe Pain?
Most severe toe pain is caused due to a sports injury, trauma from dropping something heavy on the toe, or bumping into something rigid. Other problems can develop over time for various reasons.
Toe pain can be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:
When to See a Podiatrist
Diagnosis
In many cases the cause of toe pain is obvious, but in others, a podiatrist may want to use more advanced methods to determine the problem. These 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
Treatments for toe pain and injuries vary and may include shoe inserts, padding, taping, medicines, injections, and in some cases, surgery. If you believe that you have broken a toe, please see a podiatrist as soon as possible.
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.
Have you noticed a bony protrusion on the side of your big toe? If so, you may have developed the foot condition known as a bunion. Don't let bunions interfere with your daily activities.
