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August 2020

Monday, 31 August 2020 00:00

The Consequences of Flat Feet

Flat feet refers to the absence of an arch in the middle of the sole of the foot. While some people are born with and continue to have flat feet for their entire lives, others acquire flat feet over time. As you age, your arches can slowly collapse and cause your feet to become flat. This can result in an uneven distribution of your body weight across the surface of your feet when you walk, which might then lead to pain in your feet, calves, knees, hips, and back. If your flat feet are causing you pain or discomfort, then treatment may be necessary. Common treatments for this condition include wearing orthotic devices or specialized footwear and doing foot stretches to strengthen the arch. If you are experiencing pain from flat feet, it is recommended that you seek the care of a podiatrist.

Flatfoot is a condition many people suffer from. If you have flat feet, contact Massimo Pietrantoni, DPM from Rochester Podiatry, LLP. 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 one of our offices located in Brighton and Greece of Rochester, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

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Monday, 24 August 2020 00:00

Achilles Tendonitis: An Overview

If you play a sport or follow sports news, then you have likely heard of Achilles tendon injuries. Achilles tendonitis is extremely common among athletes, although anyone can incur an Achilles tendon injury. This type of injury stems from overuse. When the calf muscles that connect the heel bone to the Achilles tendon are overloaded, the tendon can become swollen, painful, and tender to the touch. The most common symptom is pain at the back of the calf. Treatment involves at-home care, such as rest and taking anti-inflammatory drugs, under the supervision of your doctor. If you have an Achilles tendon injury, it is suggested that you consult with a podiatrist as soon as possible.

Achilles tendon injuries need immediate attention to avoid future complications. If you have any concerns, contact Massimo Pietrantoni, DPM of Rochester Podiatry, LLP. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is the Achilles Tendon?

The Achilles tendon is a tendon that connects the lower leg muscles and calf to the heel of the foot. It is the strongest tendon in the human body and is essential for making movement possible. Because this tendon is such an integral part of the body, any injuries to it can create immense difficulties and should immediately be presented to a doctor.

What Are the Symptoms of an Achilles Tendon Injury?

There are various types of injuries that can affect the Achilles tendon. The two most common injuries are Achilles tendinitis and ruptures of the tendon.

Achilles Tendinitis Symptoms

  • Inflammation
  • Dull to severe pain
  • Increased blood flow to the tendon
  • Thickening of the tendon

Rupture Symptoms

  • Extreme pain and swelling in the foot
  • Total immobility

Treatment and Prevention

Achilles tendon injuries are diagnosed by a thorough physical evaluation, which can include an MRI. Treatment involves rest, physical therapy, and in some cases, surgery. However, various preventative measures can be taken to avoid these injuries, such as:

  • Thorough stretching of the tendon before and after exercise
  • Strengthening exercises like calf raises, squats, leg curls, leg extensions, leg raises, lunges, and leg presses

If you have any questions please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Brighton and Greece of Rochester, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

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Monday, 17 August 2020 00:00

Childhood Obesity Can Alter Feet

The feet are the base of the body, supporting the body’s entire weight day after day. Because of this, it should not come as a surprise that body weight can affect the feet. Previous research has demonstrated that being overweight or obese puts more pressure and strain on the feet and can increase the risk of foot pain in adults. Now, studies are showing that these findings apply to children as well. A recent study comparing the foot characteristics of normal-weight, overweight, and obese children under the age of 12 found that the overweight and obese children had greater pressure exerted on their feet and were more likely to have flattened arches than their normal-weight counterparts. This may put the overweight and obese children at a higher risk of foot pain. If your child is experiencing foot pain, it is recommended that you see a podiatrist.

Obesity has become very problematic at this point in time and can have extremely negative effects on the feet. If you’re an obese individual and are concerned about your feet, contact Massimo Pietrantoni, DPM from Rochester Podiatry, LLP. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Obesity and Your Feet

Since your feet are what support your entire weight when standing, any additional weight can result in pain and swelling. Being overweight is one of the main contributors to foot complications.

Problems & Complications

Extra Weight – Even putting on just a few extra pounds could create serious complications for your feet. As your weight increases, your balance and body will shift, creating new stresses on your feet. This uneven weight distribution can cause pain, even while doing the simplest tasks, such as walking.

Diabetes – People who are overweight are at serious risk of developing type-2 diabetes, which has a drastic impact on the health of your feet. As you get older, your diabetes might worsen, which could lead to loss of feeling in your feet, sores, and bruises. You could also become more prone to various infections.

Plantar fasciitis – Pressure and stress that is placed on muscles, joints, and tendons can trigger plantar fasciitis, which is an inflammation of tissue that forms along the bottom of the foot. 

If you have any questions please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Brighton and Greece of Rochester, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

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Monday, 10 August 2020 00:00

What’s Causing My Foot Pain?

The foot has 26 bones, 33 joints, and a web of 126 muscles, ligaments and nerves. This complexity of the foot allows it to support weight, absorb shock and maintain the body’s balance. Because of all that the foot does, any discomfort in the foot should be monitored. Causes of foot pain in the toes include ingrown toenails, bunions, Morton’s neuroma and hammertoe. Pain in the back of the foot can be caused by issues such as plantar fasciitis, heel spurs, and Achilles tendonitis. Issues such as a stress fracture or sesamoiditis can be felt in the forefoot. Overall, there are a variety of issues that can cause pain in the foot, and it is important to consult with a podiatrist for proper diagnosis and treatment of the issue.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with Massimo Pietrantoni, DPM from Rochester Podiatry, LLP. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Causes

Foot pain is a very broad condition that could be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

  • Bunions
  • Hammertoes
  • Plantar Fasciitis
  • Bone Spurs
  • Corns
  • Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
  • Ingrown Toenails
  • Arthritis (such as Gout, Rheumatoid, and Osteoarthritis)
  • Flat Feet
  • Injury (from stress fractures, broken toe, foot, ankle, Achilles tendon ruptures, and sprains)
  • And more

Diagnosis

To figure out the cause of foot pain, podiatrists utilize several different methods. This 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

Treatment depends upon the cause of the foot pain. Whether it is resting, staying off the foot, or having surgery; podiatrists have a number of treatment options available for foot pain.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Brighton and Greece of Rochester, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

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Monday, 03 August 2020 00:00

How to Find Shoes That Fit Right

Did you know that your shoe size can change even in adulthood? Many people may actually be wearing shoes that are too big or too small because they are unaware of changes in the size of their feet. Wearing the wrong size shoe can lead to a variety of foot problems, from heel pain to hammertoes and everything in between. For this reason, it is important to have a proper shoe fitting. This can be achieved at a brick-and-mortar shoe store, where salespeople can assist you in finding the right size, and where you can try on the shoes for yourself before you buy them. Going shoe shopping later in the day, when your feet are at their largest, can help ensure that you purchase shoes that will fit your foot properly throughout the whole day. A podiatrist can also help you find the right shoes, can prescribe custom orthotics to correct certain foot problems, and can offer treatment for various foot conditions as needed.

Finding a properly-fitting shoe is important in reducing injuries and preventing foot problems. For more information about treatment, contact Massimo Pietrantoni, DPM from Rochester Podiatry, LLP. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Proper Shoe Fitting

A common concern when it comes to foot health, having properly fitted shoes can help prevent injuries to the foot. Out feet affect our posture and gait, which in turn affects the biomechanics and overall bodily structure. With 33 joints, 26 bones, and over 100 ligaments, the potential for serious injury is much greater than one realizes. Although the feet cease growth in adulthood, they still change shape as they mature. Here are some factors to consider when it comes to investing in proper fitting shoes:

  • Be sure the shoes fit correctly right away
  • Ensure the ball of your foot fits comfortably in the widest portion of the shoes
  • Even though they may look fashionable, improper fitting shoes can either create adverse conditions or exacerbate existing ones you may already have
  • Walk along a carpeted surface to ensure the shoes comfortably fit during normal activity

Keeping in mind how shoes fit the biomechanics of your body, properly-fitting shoes are vitally important. Fortunately, it is not difficult to acquire footwear that fits correctly. Be sure to wear shoes that support the overall structure of your body. Do your feet a favor and invest in several pairs of well-fitted shoes today.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Brighton and Greece of Rochester, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

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