Items filtered by date: May 2022

Flat feet is a foot disorder where a person’s feet have no or minimal arches.  The feet appear flat, and when standing, the soles of the feet touch the floor. It takes time for a child’s feet to develop arches, but it is possible they will not develop.  Flat feet can also occur at an older age.  This is most often a painless condition but if there is pain, it is most often felt in the feet because ligaments and muscles can be strained and underdeveloped. Back, knee, and ankle issues can become a problem from flat feet as well because they change leg alignment. If there is no pain, there is no need for treatment but if there is pain, typical treatment consists of special exercises and devices, like orthotics, that will help the foot function better. If you suspect you have flat feet and are experiencing pain, consultation with a podiatrist is suggested for proper diagnosis and suggestions for treatment.

Flatfoot is a condition many people suffer from. If you have flat feet, contact Eugene Little, DPM from Foot and Ankle Centers of Ohio. 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 Sidney, OH . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

A woman’s body goes through many changes while they are pregnant, and the feet and ankles are often negatively affected. For instance, drastic hormonal changes and weight gain, and an increased amount of bodily fluids can cause uncomfortable swelling (edema) in the feet and ankles. Edema, as well as cramping and pain in the feet and calves, can also be caused by blood irregularities during pregnancy. Fallen arches and a widening of the feet are often due to ligaments loosening as the body prepares for childbirth. Many of these conditions associated with pregnancy will subside after childbirth, however, some may linger. If you are experiencing any discomfort or irregularities in your feet or ankles during or after pregnancy, contact 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 Eugene Little, DPM from Foot and Ankle Centers of Ohio. 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 office located in Sidney, OH . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Some people who are afflicted with arthritis  have found it beneficial to start a walking program. In addition to improving foot care, walking is good for maintaining heart health and strong bones. Additionally, weight loss is a benefit of walking, and this may help to lessen pressure on the joints of the feet. Research has shown that walking may help to reduce inflammation, pain, and stiffness from certain arthritic conditions. It is important to walk frequently, gradually increasing intensity and enforcing a minimum time limit of 30 minutes. Many people choose to split their walking mileage and time between days, and this can make it easier to stick with a walking program. If you would like more information about how walking can help arthritis, please consult with a podiatrist who can answer any questions you may have.

Arthritis can be a difficult condition to live with. If you are seeking treatment, contact Eugene Little, DPM from Foot and Ankle Centers of Ohio. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Arthritic Foot Care  

Arthritis is a joint disorder that involves the inflammation of different joints in your body, such as those in your feet. Arthritis is often caused by a degenerative joint disease and causes mild to severe pain in all affected areas. In addition to this, swelling and stiffness in the affected joints can also be a common symptom of arthritis.

In many cases, wearing ill-fitting shoes can worsen the effects and pain of arthritis. Wearing shoes that have a lower heel and extra room can help your feet feel more comfortable. In cases of rheumatoid arthritis, the arch in your foot may become problematic. Buying shoes with proper arch support that contour to your feet can help immensely.

Alleviating Arthritic Pain

• Exercises that stretch the foot can prevent further pain and injury and increase mobility
• Most of the pain can be alleviated with anti-inflammatory drugs, heat, and topical medications
• Massages can help temporarily alleviate pain.

It is best to see your doctor for the treatment that is right for your needs and symptoms. Conditions vary, and a podiatrist can help you determine the right method of care for your feet.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Sidney, OH . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Babies' feet will grow and develop normally regardless of whether shoes are worn. It is beneficial to have your child walk barefoot while inside as this can help to strengthen the overall foot. The toes grip the floor to maintain balance, and this may help to accelerate the walking process. Warmer weather may encourage you to allow your child to walk outside without shoes. This may provide the opportunity of feeling the sand or grass on the feet. Many parents choose to have their children wear non-slip socks in the house when they have tile or wood floors, and this can be helpful in preventing unnecessary falling. When the weather turns chilly, it is important that the first pair of shoes have a sturdy but flexible sole, and the foot can be properly supported with traditional laces or velcro straps. If you would like additional information about what type of first shoes to buy for your baby, please confer with a podiatrist.

The health of a child’s feet is vital to their overall well-being. If you have any questions regarding foot health, contact Eugene Little, DPM of Foot and Ankle Centers of Ohio. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Tips for Keeping Children's Feet Healthy

• Make sure their shoes fit properly
• Look for any signs of in-toeing or out-toeing
• Check to see if they have Clubfoot (condition that affects your child’s foot and ankle, twisting the heel and toes inward) which is one of the most common nonmajor birth defects.
• Lightly cover your baby’s feet (Tight covers may keep your baby from moving their feet freely, and could prevent normal development)
• Allow your toddler to go shoeless (Shoes can be restricting for a young child’s foot)
• Cut toenails straight across to avoid ingrown toenails
• Keep your child’s foot clean and dry
• Cover cuts and scrapes. Wash any scratches with soap and water and cover them with a bandage until they’ve healed.

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

Athlete’s foot is a common foot condition that is known to be contagious. It is caused by a fungus and lives in environments that are warm and moist. When the feet become damp, this can be an ideal place for this type of fungus to grow and thrive. Additional areas include shower room floors, locker rooms, and public swimming pools. The symptoms consist of red skin and itchiness between the toes and on the bottom of the feet, and the skin can begin to crack. In severe cases, small blisters that are filled with pus may develop. There are over-the-counter treatments that may be helpful in treating mild cases of athlete’s foot. If there is little or no improvement, it is strongly suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who can prescribe the correct medication for you.

Athlete’s Foot

Athlete’s foot is often an uncomfortable condition to experience. Thankfully, podiatrists specialize in treating athlete’s foot and offer the best treatment options. If you have any questions about athlete’s foot, consult with Eugene Little, DPM from Foot and Ankle Centers of Ohio. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality treatment.

What Is Athlete’s Foot?

Tinea pedis, more commonly known as athlete’s foot, is a non-serious and common fungal infection of the foot. Athlete’s foot is contagious and can be contracted by touching someone who has it or infected surfaces. The most common places contaminated by it are public showers, locker rooms, and swimming pools. Once contracted, it grows on feet that are left inside moist, dark, and warm shoes and socks.

Prevention

The most effective ways to prevent athlete’s foot include:

• Thoroughly washing and drying feet
• Avoid going barefoot in locker rooms and public showers
• Using shower shoes in public showers
• Wearing socks that allow the feet to breathe
• Changing socks and shoes frequently if you sweat a lot

Symptoms

Athlete’s foot initially occurs as a rash between the toes. However, if left undiagnosed, it can spread to the sides and bottom of the feet, toenails, and if touched by hand, the hands themselves. Symptoms include:

• Redness
• Burning
• Itching
• Scaly and peeling skin

Diagnosis and Treatment

Diagnosis is quick and easy. Skin samples will be taken and either viewed under a microscope or sent to a lab for testing. Sometimes, a podiatrist can diagnose it based on simply looking at it. Once confirmed, treatment options include oral and topical antifungal medications.

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